Monthly Archives: January 2018

Riu Unveils New “Brand Image”

 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Spanish hotel giant Riu Hotels has unveiled the company’s new brand image.

The company is calling the image one with a “warmer, fresher and more modern air.”

“This brand image will accompany the new style that we’re introducing in our hotels through our major renovations and new openings,” the company said in a statement on its Web site.

The new logo.

According to a statement, the change in image was a “natural step in the modernization process that we’re carrying out to give our new and renovated hotels updated amenities and more modern facilities.”

The company’s former logo.

The next step is to change the brand image of its entire offer, the company said.

Riu has been on a major expansion push in the Caribbean, with both renovations and new-builds, most recently the transformation of the Riu Palace on Paradise Island.

The post Riu Unveils New “Brand Image” appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Why You Need to Visit The Palms, Turks and Caicos

 

By Alexander Britell

 

“We need to come back. Soon.”

Grace Bay Beach has that kind of effect on people- the blindingly white sand, the calm lap of the surf.

And the good thing is, it’s time to come back.

Yes, the storms hit Turks and Caicos and Providenciales in particular, but in the TCI’s true resilient spirit, the islands have recovered extremely quickly.

This is the Turks and Caicos you know and love, and if you don’t know it, it’s the hour of discovery.

palms turks and caicos

Of course, it all begins with the resorts here, none more perfect than this.

I recently took my family here and it was, as always, an inimitable experience.

Equal parts luxury resort and private club, The Palms offers luxury without pretentiousness, exclusivity without being snooty.

The 72 suites are, in a word, spectacular, as large as any you’ll find in the Caribbean, with Nespresso machines and all the little details you want.

palms turks and caicos

And then there’s the spa, a 25,000-square-foot stunner that’s its own little world within the resort.

Because here, relaxation is an art form.

And this place will lull you into an indulgent, delightful routine: breakfasts in the beautiful palm-lined courtyard, late mornings at the pool and early afternoons on the sands of Grace Bay. Dinners at the edge of the sand – or at the enchanting Parallel 23. But not always in that order.

It’s a pool that can actually draw you away from the beach, thanks to a winding design and an irresistible swim up bar.

And it’s the perfect family resort — attentive service, enough space for everyone, a kids’ club and even on demand babysitting and nanny services.

Because let’s be honest — some luxury hotels may say they’re family friendly, but they don’t always make you feel that way. There’s a price, sometimes, for the air of exclusivity.

Not here. The Palms is for everyone.

And on a beach filled with top resorts, The Palms is the pinnacle.

For more information visit The Palms.

The post Why You Need to Visit The Palms, Turks and Caicos appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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PADI Launches Dive Travel Platform

 

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, has launched PADI Travel, a travel resource for divers and adventurers.

The new global travel platform connects travel and diving resources, inspiring users to venture to the world’s most popular dive regions, become more active in the sport and more energized to take care of the oceans.

“For more than half a century, PADI has been committed to education, exploration, community and conservation. With the new PADI Travel, we are building on this dedication to offer a complete ecosystem for divers to discover more of the world,” said Drew Richardson, president and CEO, PADI Worldwide. “We are thrilled to expand our travel offering to provide top-notch services to divers in every corner of the globe. We anticipate the platform will only continue to grow and flourish as a key resource for divers and travelers alike.”

PADI Travel hosts a large online selection of liveaboards and dive destinations in the market, also offering eco-travel options for travelers to engage in vacations that can affect ocean conservation.

Users can tap into recommendations on top dive sites, activities and best times to travel to dive destinations.

They can also find planning information for more than 300 dive locations around the world, including sites in the Caribbean reaching from the Bahamas to Panama.

For travelers seeking inspiration on where to plan their next trip, PADI Travel provides scuba diving vacation ideas and a dive destination “wizard” – considering everything from desired animal sightings to travel dates and preferred weather conditions, travelers can find the ideal trip to meet their needs and wish list

The post PADI Launches Dive Travel Platform appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The 18 Best Islands to Visit in the Caribbean in 2018

 

The Caribbean is back and better than ever. That means it’s time to rediscover the region, returning to your favorite spots and exploring uncharted destinations. We’ve hand crafted an enticing mix of famous and off-the-radar destinations, giving you our favorite places in the Caribbean to check out in 2018. Where will you be going in 2018? Tell us below in the comments section. But what are you waiting for? Start planning your next Caribbean getaway.

best islands

#1 Antigua Yes, this beach-heavy paradise is back and ready for you, with a truly wonderful, diverse hotel product, led by the Caribbean’s greatest concentration of unique, authentic all-inclusives, from the famous Galley Bay to the adults-only Pineapple Beach Club. It’s good a beach destination as there is in the Caribbean right now. And it’s just begging to be discovered.

The post The 18 Best Islands to Visit in the Caribbean in 2018 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Grenada Planning Airport Expansion

 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada is planning a major expansion of its Maurice Bishop International Airport.

The project is being backed by a $66 million concessional loan from China, according to a government release.

The project will include a parallel taxiway, loading bridges, a bypass road, passenger terminals, a second apron for cargo and an emergency center, according to Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell.

According to Wendy Williams, general manager of the Maurice Bishop International Airport, the expansion project will be “carefully planned to ensure [our] ability to adequately manage debt servicing.”

“We are going to have a parallel taxiway; two taxiway bridges and we also, of course, have about three loading bridges, among other projects like airport administration and emergency centre; cargo facilities; a second apron for cargo and general aviation operations, among others.” she said.

It’s a major potential boost for an island whose tourism industry has been rapidly rising.

The post Grenada Planning Airport Expansion appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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