The Sandals Foundation is partnering with CLEAR Caribbean in an effort to establish two coral nurseries aimed at restoring lost coral coverage in St. Lucia, as well as providing a habitat for marine life inside the Soufriere Marine Managed Area.

Corals and coral reefs play in protecting coastlines from the damaging effects of waves and tropical storms and as a means of shelter for marine organisms.

“We are delighted that Sandals Foundation is supporting this coral restoration project in St. Lucia,” said Dr. Owen Day, Executive Director of CLEAR Caribbean. “Coral restoration is a proven strategy to help propagate and replant corals that have greater resilience to diseases and the impacts of climate change.”

“We all depend upon the Marine environment, especially the Islands in the Caribbean like St. Lucia,” said Jonathan Hernould, Sandals Foundation’s Environmental Officer. “Coral Reefs are an essential part of the Marine ecosystem and without them we would have no fishing industry and our tourism industry would suffer greatly. With the help of CLEAR Caribbean and this coral restoration programme we are helping to restore the coral reefs in St. Lucia that so many people depend upon.”

The fishing industry is one of the major economic contributors in Caribbean countries and is heavily dependent on coral reefs.

With this motivating factor, the Foundation has undertaken a self-imposed mandate of coral conservation through partnerships across the Caribbean.

The project is a partnership between the Government of St Lucia, the Diving Association, the Soufriere Marine Management Association, the Soufriere Fisherman’s Cooperative and CLEAR Caribbean Ltd.

Sandals Foundation has assisted the establishment of five coral nurseries in the islands of Jamaica and St. Lucia, and stated its commitment to bringing public awareness to the harmful effects of environmental negligence while promoting proactive methods for individuals organizations alike.

The post A New Boost for Coral in St. Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

 

Sandals has officially launched its new resort project in St. Lucia.

The company held a launch event this weekend for the new Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia, which will be the fourth Sandals Resorts International property on the island.

The more than 330-suite resort gets its name from Sandals’ LaSource Grenada property, representing an expansion for the LaSource sub-brand, one of the company’s most innovative resorts.

It will include over-the-water bungalows, along with Sandals’ Skypool, Rondoval and swim-up suites.

Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia will be located along Pigeon Island Beach, adjacent to Sandals Grande Saint Lucian.

The resort, which will break ground later this year, will introduce new culinary concepts including the American-inspired “Tavern,” Greek restaurant “Eros” and a noodle shop, among 10 total restaurants.

Guests will have access to the three other Sandals resorts on the island.

Crucially, Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia will be the first Sandals property to have continuous winding river pools surrounding every room block, all with unobstructed access to the main pool.

“We continue to be the innovation leader and the designs we reveal are proof of that,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

The resort will also have a rooftop infinity-edge sky pool, along with two additional pools including a 9,000-square-foot, curved-glass-fronted infinity pool with a swim-up bar and an adjacent fire pit lounge area.

Other additions include an entertainment facility with a four-lane bowling alley, game room, living room and bar.

Stewart led the ceremony, joined by St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness and St. Lucia Tourism Minister Dominica Fedee.

It’s the latest in a wave of activity for the company in St. Lucia, where it recently debuted new overwater bungalows and purchased the island’s only 18-hole golf course, the Saint Lucia Golf Club.

The latter is being renamed the Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate.

That’s as the company plans another new resort, Sandals Royal Barbados, slated to open later this year.

“Saint Lucia has been and continues to be an excellent destination for Sandals offering our guests beauty, tremendous facilities and attractions and truly friendly people. We are thrilled to continue our long tradition of investment here, adding even more reasons for holidaymakers to visit Saint Lucia,” Stewart said.

— CJ

The post Sandals Launches New St. Lucia Project appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

 

Comedian Chris Tucker has signed on for two shows aboard Carnival Breeze and Carnival Liberty this fall as part of the Carnival LIVE Concert Series.

Carnival LIVE brings live music and comedy to the seas and provides guests to enjoy performances in the ships’ main theaters, which range in capacity from 900 to 1,300.

Famous for his starring role in the Rush Hour movie series, Tucker will bring laughs aboard with two shows– one on Carnival Breeze September 21 and another on Carnival Liberty September 22, while the ships are docked in Nassau, Bahamas.

After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, Tucker became a regular on the Def Comedy Jam series before breaking into movies and continuing his stand-up career.

Most recently he starred in a self-titled comedy show, Chris Tucker – Live, on Netflix.

Carnival LIVE tickets for Chris Tucker range are $30 for general admission, significantly less than land-based venues.

VIP tickets are available for $100 and include seating in the first few rows, a photo opportunity with the artist and a commemorative concert pass.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post Chris Tucker Is Coming to Carnival Cruise Line appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

 

United Airlines has launched its new, expanded service to the United States Virgin Islands for the summer.

The carrier has begun new daily service between Houston and St. Thomas, up from four weekly flights.

The new service will operate through Aug. 14.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas.United already operates flights to St. Thomas out of Newark and Chicago.

United is also operating daily flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and St. Thomas this summer, while extending its weekly Saturday service between Newark and St. Thomas beyond the summer and into September and October.

Houston flights are priced at $538 round trip, according to United’s Web site, while Washington-St. Thomas flights are around $472.

“United is reporting strong demand for the U.S. Virgin Islands and we look forward to the additional lift to the Territory, ” said United States Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty, who said the goal was to achieve year-round flights from Houston.

The USVI has been seeing strong tourism growth of late, with a 4.3 percent jump in tourist arrivals last year and a 4.5 percent jump in arrivals so far this year, according to the most recent data.

Don’t miss our list of the top U.S. Virgin Islands hotels.

The post United Expands U.S. Virgin Islands Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

 

Atlantis Paradise Island is adding a famous Harbour Island eatery to its Cove luxury resort.

Harbour Island’s Sip Sip eatery is coming to the Cove, featuring Chef Julie Lightbourn’s “Caribterranean” menu.

“My husband and I dreamed of having a place that was true to Harbour Island’s legacy of friendly hospitality, a place where locals and tourists would come for a home-grown, Bahamian-inspired meal and the perfect rum punch,” Lightbourn said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with The Cove to bring the spirit and tastes of Sip Sip Harbour Island to Paradise Island.”

Bahamian architect Mark Henderson is designing the restaurant in conjunction with Jeffrey Beers, the original designer of The Cove, adopting the look of the original Harbour Island eatery.

The menu will include favorites like Spicy Conch Chili, Curried Chicken Salad, Lobster Quesadillas and “Boil” Fish with johnny cake.

— CJ

The post Harbour Island’s Sip Sip Is Coming to Atlantis appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico