By the Caribbean Journal staff

Lovers of the best rums in the Caribbean can unite on the French Caribbean island of Martinique next month for the region’s newest, hottest rum festival.

It’s called the Martinique Rhum Awards, and it’s a high-level celebration of both the rhum agricole of the French Caribbean and molasses-based rums from the wider region and the world.

The Martinique Rhum Awards will bring together a panel of rum-expert judges with consumers and rum lovers for a series of events across the island from July 4-7.

It’s the brainchild of rum aficionado and proprietor of the world renowned Le Petibonum in the beach town of Le Carbet, Guy Ferdinand, who is putting together the festival with Jerry Gitany and Benoit Bail of France’s The Rum Embassy.

It will kick off July 4 with a special rum tasting evening at the La Case Thai restaurant in Trois Ilets open to the public (with reservations).

That will begin a rum-soaked agenda that includes a bartender competition at Ti Sable in Anses d’Arlet; distillery tours and a gala dinner at Trois Ilets’ La Suite Villa.

The event will conclude with an all-day “Rum Village” at Le Petibonum, a large-scale expo and rum tasting festival right on the beach.

Naturally, the centerpiece of the festival will be the awards themselves, voted on by a panel of international rum judges tasting rums across 13 categories, from high-proof white rhums to cask-strength aged expressions.

Martinique is the rum capital of the world — and the new festival is a natural fit for what is one of the region’s most fascinating destinations.

For more, contact martinique.rhum.awards@gmail.com.

— CJ

The post The Caribbean’s Best New Rum Festival Is In Martinique appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s a new place to stay in Los Cabos, and it’s instantly one of the most spectacular accommodations in Mexico.

Palace Resorts has unveiled the opening of the new Royal Residence at its Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos.

The massive 18,428-square-foot residence is set across two levels right on the beach, with room for up to 12 adults.

The residence, which was designed by architect Roberto Elias, has everything from a private fitness center to a movie theater, with interiors by Francois Frossard Design.

At every turn are views of the Sea of Cortez, with a full kitchen, a wine cellar and even a large dining room.

Step outside and you’ll find a 1,400-square-foot infinity pool, a sun deck and a dining area.

It’s a show-stopping new place to stay in Los Cabos.

— CJ

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By Alexander Britell

Royal Caribbean opened eyes earlier this year when it purchased The Bahamas’ Grand Lucayan resort, the first move of its kind for the company.

Now, the company is shedding some light on the decision, which is part of what will be a major new push across the region to go beyond cruise ports into full-fledged “destinations.”

Royal Caribbean has announced plans to team with ITM Group to form a new “destination” company called Holistica.

The company will create an “inclusive model for destination development that works holistically to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers,” according to a statement.

What that means, particularly the nod to “land” travelers, is a look beyond mere cruise ports and into something with a bigger local economic impact and a broader customer base.

“The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry’s best interest,” said Michael Bayley of RCL. “We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn’t, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities.”

And the centerpiece of the first “destination” will be a $275 million project to transform the aforementioned Grand Lucayan and Freeport in The Bahamas.

“We’re not just re-opening a resort in Freeport,” Bayley said. “We’re looking at everything from transportation to utilities to local culture to responsible sourcing to entertainment to… well, to everything. It’s an ecosystem, not a property.” 

That will be the first of a wider global push that will include “destinations” in Caribbean locations including Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras, according to the company.

The plan is to create destinations that are “accessible to all travelers, including land and air vacationers,” the company said.

“The timing is right for a venture of this type,” said Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group. “A collaborative development approach, paired with meaningful private financial resources, gives local destinations the opportunity to grow the right way.”

The new venture will be a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group, headquartered in Miami.

ITM is one of the world’s leading cruise port operators, with Caribbean ports in its portfolio including Havana, Costa Maya and Antigua and a high-profile project to transform the Port of Nassau.

“A well-designed destination brings economic benefits to communities and cultural enrichment to travelers, while creating the least possible disruption to the human and natural environment,” Hamui said. “There is a way to do these projects inclusively, collaboratively, and sustainably – and those are the characteristics this new partnership is meant to embody.”

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Airbnb is looking to expand its footprint in the luxury travel sector.

While the company already owned Luxury Retreats, the new Airbnb Luxe looks to create another level of bespoke travel experience that include “access to trip designers” for upper-echelon homes and estates.

The Airbnb Luxe program provides end-to-end trip planning, concierge services and 24/7 VIP support for “homes that are destinations in themselves.”

This new tier launches with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across 300+ criteria to meet standards in both design and function. This includes elevated design standards on a variety of elements, from premium materials & finishes and rare & unique features, to spaces that accommodate groups, highly functional design, chef-grade appliances and the proper amount of bathrooms corresponding to each bedroom.”

The news comes just a few weeks after Marriott announced its own foray into the ultra-luxury villa space.

And that’s due to a surge in luxury demand, with Airbnb pointing to a 60 percent increase in bookings at Airbnb properties with list prices of more than $1,000 per night.

So what will an Airbnb Luxe property be like?

The company offered the example of a stay at the Fleming Villa at Jamaica’s Goldeneye resort, where “literary fans can seek inspiration and beachfront luxury.”

The company also used the Hawksbill Estate in Turks and Caicos as another example of an Airbnb Luxe property.

“Today’s luxury traveler is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination.” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder,

— CEO and Head of Community.  “With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel.”

— CJ

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