Yes, luxury is in the details. But luxury is also in the big things — it’s about making sure that guests never want for anything — that they always have what they need — and that no request goes unanswered, no problem unsolved. When we look at luxury resorts, we examine primary factors: design, room quality, amenities (from wellness to sports), food and beverage and, most importantly above all, service quality.

Sure, many hotels have great pools, beaches, tennis, golf, clubs and restaurants — but the greatest resorts take those and by some magnificent alchemy turn them into something more. That’s ultimately the difference between a hotel and a resort, and between a resort and a luxury resort.

These are the Caribbean’s luxury resorts right now.

#1: Four Seasons Resort Nevis A regular among the top luxury resorts in the Caribbean, this Nevis standout is just about the most complete resort in the Caribbean, from its beautiful rooms to its top golf course to its immaculate service. And in the tradition of the best luxury resorts, it does it all without a hint of pretentiousness.

The post The Best Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Celebrity Cruises is planning to launch its new Celebrity Edge next year, with a major new offering: Eden, a three-deck venue that’s not like anything else at sea.

Eden, which includes almost 7,000 square feet of glass, stands at 368,640 cubic feet, bigger than the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, with a total of 12,650 square feet of space.

The project is the product of a partnership including designers Patricia Urquiola and Scott Butler of Wilson Butler Architects, along with Queen of the Night creators Variety Worldwide.

“Eden, like so many aspects of Celebrity Edge, represents a unique advance in cruise ship design,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “It’s an experience that’s multi-faceted and innovative. Connectivity to the ocean is one of the most exciting hallmarks of Edge Class, and with more glass than any other room at sea, Eden embodies that outward-facing concept beautifully.”

By day, Eden is a “chilldful” escape for yoga or coffee, the company said, while in the afternoon it hosts enrichment seminars and tasting events. By night, the space becomes Eve at Eden, a fusion of performance art, culinary exploration and nightlife, led by the Eden Restaurant.

After dinner, guests are prompted to visit the Tree of Life, along with the Eden Bar.

“Our search for partners who are as passionate about world-class design as Celebrity led us to the incredibly talented Scott Butler and designer extraordinaire Patricia Urquiola, who offered a fresh perspective and keen eye,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “The entire space is magical throughout morning, afternoon, and evening when our guests will experience Eve at Eden, an experience produced by the visionary Variety Worldwide and our very own Cornelius Gallagher. They have all created something magical and magnificent.”

The post Celebrity Cruises’ New Garden of Eden appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers found 116 pounds (52.55 kilos) of cocaine concealed inside a private vessel inspected on Sunday. The estimated wholesale value is $1.6 million. On June 24, a private vessel named “Sweet Bite” was randomly selected…

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Hard Rock International has named current EVP for hotel and operations Jon Lucas as its new Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s international operations as well as key company departments.

Lucas will report directly to Hard Rock International Chairman and CEO Jim Allen.

The company has also appointed Dale Hipsh to senior vice president, overseeing the entire hotel portfolio for Hard Rock International, while Sean Caffery has joined the team as a senior vice president of casino development.

“As we continue to grow the Hard Rock brand beyond our existing footprint, we look to Lucas, Hipsh and Caffery to lead the expansion process with exciting, new projects in the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos pipeline,” Allen said.

Hard Rock has been expanding in the Caribbean, most notably with a major planned project in Santo Domingo.

— Caribbean Journal staff

The post Hard Rock’s Newest Appointments appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The luxury enclave of Cap Cana is one of the region’s secret foodie hotspots, in large part due to its world-class flagship hotel.

And now there’s a new way to experience the best of the destination.

The Eden Roc at Cap Cana hotel, the Dominican Republic’s only Relais & Chateaux property, is offering a new package that offers a free three-course dinner every night along with a free fourth night.

The Culinary Discovery package includes meals at the Mediterranean-focused Mediterraneo, the Robatayaki eatery BLUE Grill + Bar and a dinner at the La Palapa seafood restaurant.

The package also includes half-board meal plan with all breakfast plan rate items.

— CJ

The post How to Take a Foodie Retreat to Cap Cana appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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