Expedia: Montego Bay Seeing Big Growth

 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Jamaican destination of Montego Bay saw big growth in the first half of 2017, according to the latest data from travel giant Expedia.

Montego Bay saw nearly 20 percent growth in the first half, compared to the first six months of 2016, on Expedia’s travel platforms.

The growth was announced in the context of Jamaica’s JAPEX tourism conference, held in Montego Bay this week.

The destination of Negril also saw 15 percent growth in the same period, according to the company.

The United States remained the largest feeder market for Jamaica, along with Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Brazil, too, saw major growth, with an increase in demand of almost 240 percent.

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The Best Cigar Shop in Montego Bay

 

By Alexander Britell

It isn’t always easy finding a great Cuban cigar in the Caribbean.

That’s why you’re always best off heading for an official Habanos Point or Casa del Habano, those officially licensed by Habanos.

But in Montego Bay, Jamaica, there’s one major cigar destination: the Rose Hall Cigar Club, set in the heart of the terrific Shoppes at Rose Hall luxury mall.

It’s got a terrific selection of both popular and rare cigars, all kept in exquisite condition, from favored Cohibas to special aged editions.

But like any cigar shop, it’s all about the people, and here manager Manu Mansharamani gives clients thorough, expert advice on choosing the proper smoke.

It doesn’t hurt that the Rose Hall Cigar Club also just might be Montego Bay’s best destination for rum, with a simply remarkable collection of rums, from Blackwell to hard-to-find Havana Club expressions.

Plainly, the Rose Hall Cigar Club is the best place to buy cigars in Montego Bay, and among the best in the Caribbean.

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Grand Cayman’s New Green Real Estate

 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Caribbean’s newest real estate development is also its greenest.

The SOLARA residential community has launched construction in Grand Cayman as one of the most innovative sustainable developments in the region.

NCB Group’s SOLARA is a mix of 26 three-story, three-bedroom luxury townhomes set in Grand Cayman’s Crystal Harbour area.

Each residence generates electricity with solar panels, with geothermal cooling. And that’s just the beginning: they’ll be built using energy-efficient, insulated concrete forms, double glazed windows, LED lighting and energy-efficient apliances.

“As developers, NCB Group is committed to building with Cayman’s Future in Mind,” says Matthew Wight, NCB’s Managing Director. “More and more homeowners are looking to integrate renewable energy sources into the construction of their homes and we’re happy to  provide these sustainable homes within our innovative communities.”

Each home will also be provisioned for electric car chargers.

Residents will have access to a clubhouse with a pool, a gym and a canalfront promenade, along with a park.

SOLARA was designed by Italian architect Stefano Napolitani of Waves Project, in conjunction with local architects, Michael Meghoo of MJM Designs .

The Cayman Islands project will complete its first phase in the summer of 2018, with the entire project slated for completion in the summer of 2019.

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This St Martin Beach Bar Was Destroyed By Irma. Here’s How to Help Rebuild It.

 

By the Caribbean Journal staff

It was one of St Martin’s legendary beach bars: Calmos Cafe, the always-happening nightlife and culture hub in the heart of the French Caribbean town of Grand Case.

But as it did for much of the island, Hurricane Irma destroyed Calmos, leaving the bar and its staff looking for new hope.

But you can help.

A new fund has been set up to help rebuild Calmos Cafe.

“With this fundraising we hope to rebuild what once was, and again will be, the fabulous Calmos Cafe.”

For more information, visit the Calmos Fund.

The post This St Martin Beach Bar Was Destroyed By Irma. Here’s How to Help Rebuild It. appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Jewel Grande, a Major New All Inclusive Resort in Jamaica

 

By Alexander Britell

A game-changing resort has opened its doors in Jamaica.

Set on a private cove in the heart of Montego Bay, the beautiful Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa officially debuted this week as a new kind of all inclusive resort in the Caribbean.

Indeed, Jewel Grande is the first all-suite, all-inclusive in Jamaica, with large, well-equipped rooms that are unique in the Caribbean — in other words, they’re the Caribbean’s first all-inclusive residences.

Even better? Every suite has butler service.

It all adds up to a property that immediately raises the bar for hotel design and all inclusive expectations in Jamaica, with a truly impressive design and the kind of luxurious feel that’s hard to find at many all inclusives in the Caribbean, right on a classic white sand beach.

A collection of three beachfront towers (along with 11 large villas), Jewel Grande has a total of 217 accommodation options, with a culinary offering that will include eight restaurants, meeting space totaling 25,000 square feet and one of the Caribbean’s most innovative spas.

The project is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, which operates a portfolio of five hotels in Jamaica owned by X Fund Properties, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagicor Real Estate X Fund Limited.

“This is the crown jewel of all of them,” said Rich Cortese, senior vice president of Caribbean operations at Aimbridge Hospitality.

And that’s clear from the moment you walk in — the build quality is exceptional, the design is modern but authentically Caribbean and the overarching feel is one of true luxury.

That’s in part due to the project’s roots as a condominium hotel, until it was transformed by Sagicor and Aimbridge, mostly in the last year.

And then there are the little touches: the lobby piano, the bluetooth charging stations in the bedrooms and, perhaps most welcome, guest bracelets that you can actually take on and off (and also function as the room key).

The impressive pool area.

“It is an honor to launch one of the most exciting luxury all-inclusive resort openings in the Caribbean,” said Aimbridge President and CEO Dave Johnson. “This bespoke beachfront location provides the ideal backdrop for our distinctive and curated experiences that are personalized for all of our guests. Unparalleled hospitality is our inspiration with the new Jewel Grande.”

The food and beverage options will soon total 12, from white-tablecloth venues to casual poolside bars to a French brasserie.

“Driven by Jamaica’s deeply rooted tradition of hospitality and cultural vibrancy, we wanted to deliver a sophisticated travel experience that’s uniquely our own,” said Rohan Miller, CEO of Sagicor Real Estate X Fund Limited. “That said, we’ve tailored all touchpoints throughout our all-inclusive journey to provide elevated relaxation infused with local charm.”

The spa, which boasts 30,000 square feet, is helmed by Jamaican yoga instructor (and founder of “Reggaelates”) Sienna Creasy, offering everything from traditional spa treatments to Jamaica’s only Himalayan Salt Halotherapy Lounge.

“This is one of the great resorts I’ve been able to be associated with,” Cortese said.

Of course, the story is really the massive rooms, from junior suites to three-bedroom units that are effectively villas, the sort of accommodations you simply don’t find at an all inclusive resort.

Until now.

It’s a new level of all inclusive in the Caribbean, and a new level of resort for Jamaica.

For more information, visit Jewel Grande.

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