Many of the best beaches in Jamaica are either totally hidden or private, tucked away for a special few. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some of the island’s best beaches for yourself,  too.

Because while Jamaica is known as the land of rum, reggae and rastas but it’s also home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches.

From Portland’s eastern shores to Negril famous western strip and several spots in between, there are plenty of places to spread your towel and soak up the sun.

So CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon brings you some of our favorites: in other words, your best beaches in Jamaica.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril This (almost) seven-mile-long strip on Jamaica’s northwest coast is as famous for its laidback bohemian vibe, beachfront hotels and colorful parade of local characters as it is for its white sands and warm, clear water.

The post The 7 Best Beaches in Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Turks and Caicos’ The Sands at Grace Bay resort has completed a $4.5 million upgrade project.

The extensive resort refresh includes the updating of guest rooms and enhancements to the resort’s common areas as well as updates to the property’s terrific on-site restaurant, Hemingway’s.

“We are thrilled to unveil our newly-renovated resort as the busy winter season gets underway,” said Mona Beeson, The Sands at Grace Bay General Manager. “Our prime location on the World’s #1 Beach along with our spacious guest suites and studios – most with complete kitchens – affordable luxury rates, and value-added extras truly set us apart from other beachfront resorts.

“Guests are raving about these contemporary updates that provide them with a fresh new resort look to enjoy and plush comforts, while maintaining the property’s beloved sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance,” she said.

The major focus of the transformation is showcased throughout the resort’s 114 studio and suite guest rooms in varying sizes from 1,000 – 1,600 square feet, featuring full kitchens and granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, and private screened-in patios.

Led by interior designer Rose Kelly of Inter Décor, updates include new furnishings evoking an airy-modern style and abstract artwork showcasing coastal Caribbean colors.

Further upgrades feature custom-made teak patio furniture by Asmayda Furniture Group of Miami and a new luxury bedding collection designed by Atlantic Hospitality.

The refresh enriches the resort with new furniture, drapes and sheers, sofa sleepers and arm chairs, bar stools, and new lighting in living room, dining room and kitchen areas of all suits and studios.

Additionally, furniture hand-crafters have updated the property’s desks, tables, and dining room furnishings to complete the overall new look of the resort’s accommodations.

Hemingway’s restaurant has completed enhancements to the restaurant’s facilities, including new flooring and walls, and a kitchen expansions to support the ever-increasing popularity of Hemingway’s.

The post The Sands at Grace Bay Completes Major Renovation Project appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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WASHINGTON, USA — On Monday, creditors and insurers representing approximately $12 billion of bonds issued by Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities sent a joint letter to members of the Federal Oversight Board created by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act…

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It’s one thing for a Caribbean hotel to have a great spa — and the region is blessed with a striking number of world-class spas. But it’s quite another to have such a good spa so as to make the hotel a spa destination in itself. That’s the case with these 10 resorts, which have spas that, by some combination of spa quality, ambience and a commitment to wellness, that they become “spa resorts. Here they are.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

This St. Lucia standout’s Rainforest Spa is one of the most stunning spas, not just in the Caribbean, but in the world. Set in a handful of treehouse treatment rooms at the foot of the Pitons, you can get a remarkably diverse set of treatments from locally-sourced fruits and herbs to bamboo massages.

The post The 10 Best Caribbean Spa Resorts appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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It’s a seafood-loving foodie’s dream. And it’s right in the heart of the Caribbean.

This year will be the 10th edition of the annual Festival Del Mar seafood festival in Anguilla, highlighting a range of local delicacies from crayfish to octopus.

Celebrated on Easter weekend, the festival celebrates Anguilla’s seafaring heritage, set in the charming fishing village of Island Harbour on Anguilla’s eastern end.

The festival includes everything from swimming races to volleyball exhibitions to crab races and deep-sea fishing competitions.

It all takes place on an action-packed weekend on March 26-27, making it a perfect weekend getaway or the heart of a longer Anguilla vacation.

Book your Anguilla hotel here.

— CJ

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