By the Caribbean Journal staff

Another hotel in St Lucia is making big changes.

The adults-only Bel Jou Hotel near Castries has undergone significant renovations, according to a release from the country’s tourism board.

It’s one of the lesser known St Lucia hotels but represents a serious value as an adults-only, all-inclusive property.

The Bel Jou has transformed its facade and added 12 new rooms to the property.

The property is also adding a new rooftop lounge among other fresh amenities.

That’s in addition to existing amenities like a swimming pool, a library, a restaurant and a lounge.

The Bel Jou slated to reopen next month.

The post St Lucia’s Bel Jou Undergoing Renovations appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Two major casino hotels in the Caribbean have been sold.

US-based Wind Creek Hospitality, an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has acquired both the Aruba Renaissance Resort and Casino and the Curacao Renaissance Resort and Casino.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Both resorts will continue to operate under Marriott’s Renaissance brand, the company said.

The private island at the Renaissance Aruba.

The resorts are located in two of the Caribbean’s bustling downtown areas: Oranjestad, Aruba and Willemstad, Curacao.

“We are thrilled to add these incredible properties to our Wind Creek portfolio,” said Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, owners of Wind Creek Hospitality. “We look forward to being part of the communities in Aruba and in Curacao.  I know our guests will love being able to travel to two of the best Caribbean destinations as part of our Wind Creek Rewards program.”

The Renaissance Curacao.

The Renaissance Aruba (one of our top Aruba hotels) has 431 rooms and two luxury shopping malls, along with a nearby 40-acre private island.

The Renaissance Curacao has 237 rooms and suites and a signature rooftop pool and bar area.

Innovation Capital, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Wind Creek for the deal; Jones Walker and HBN Law acted as legal counsel.

The post Renaissance Resorts in Aruba, Curacao Sold appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s another new addition to Haiti’s fast-expanding tourism product.

The modern-contemporary Basilic Bed and Breakfast boutique hotel is the latest new property to debut in Haiti, following an official opening announced by the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The Basilic officially opened its doors on Friday, Oct. 20 with 23 rooms in the heart of the leafy Petion-Ville suburb of Port-au-Prince.

Amenities include a pool, a sun deck and an on-site restaurant and bar.

That’s joined by offerings like Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.

The post A New Boutique Hotel in Haiti appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The island of Antigua has increasingly been on the radar of in-the-know travelers thanks to a mix of world-class beaches, impressive history and culture and a broad collection of top-level resorts. While the latter have largely been defined by all-inclusive options, there are a host of great EP-plan Antigua hotels to try that offer their own special character and take on Antiguan hospitality. Here are five of our favorite Antigua hotels to try on your next Caribbean getaway.

Blue Waters It’s hard to think of a lovelier resort anywhere on the island than Blue Waters, the beautifully-designed resort with 116 rooms and suites that feels so much more intimate. The rooms are charming and well-appointed, the pool and beach sublime and the food superb. But the best part is the feel, with an ambience that takes you back to a Caribbean that’s very hard to find nowadays.

The post 5 Antigua Hotels to Visit Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

The legendary Curtain Bluff luxury all-inclusive in Antigua is reopening Oct. 28 after a $13 million renovation project.

The beach resort had been closed for six months to complete the final phase of what it called an “extensive refresh and transformation.”

The transformation included a complete overhaul of the resort entrance, dining spaces, bar, lounge and reception area, with the project led by International Design Concepts and architect Andrew Goodenough. (Goodenough had previously executed an expansion project at Curtain Bluff in 1983).

Curtain Bluff also redefined its signature Tamarind Restaurant, while refreshing its meeting space.

All of the resort’s rooms and suites have been refurnished with “bright new fabrics, furnishings and furniture that echo the colors of nature that fill the windows of every room,” the resort said in a statement.

One of Curtain Bluff’s signature Huilford Collection suites.

On the service side, Curtain Bluff has also added a new “Beach Concierge” to cater to “guests’ every sand-perched need.”

“Our renovation underscores Curtain Bluff’s commitment to providing a signature luxury experience paired with the utmost level of service that keeps our guests coming back year after year,” said Rob Sherman, Managing Director of Curtain Bluff. “We are thrilled to unveil the changes though we promise our guests that one element that will never change is the family welcome they feel the moment they step foot on property. The resort may have a new updated, elegant look but its charm will always remain the same.”

The post Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Reopening After Major Transformation appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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