VIDEO: The View at Exuma’s Peace and Plenty

 

It’s one of the most charming small hotels in the Bahamas: the historic Peace and Plenty inn, set in the heart of George Town.

A favorite of many a celebrity over the years, it’s now a throwback to another era of Bahamian travel.

It’s a place where the time is measured in rum punches and the color of the water, where bartender Lermon Rolle will be your afternoon spiritual guide.

This is what the view is like from the main pool deck.

To book a stay at Peace and Plenty click here.

— CJ

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A New Pop-Up Brasserie on Holland America

 

Holland America Line is adding a new pop-up to its cruise ships.

The company has announced plans to launch the Sel de Mer brasserie as a pop-up on six ships in its fleet, including ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam.

Sel de Mer is the brainchild of Holland America culinary consultant and master chef Rudi Sodamin; it’s currently a permanent fixture on the ms Koningsdam ship.

The brasserie offers a menu of classic French dishes including seafood; the pop-up will also include a cocktail and wine menu.

“Sel de Mer onboard Koningsdam is extremely popular among our guests and one of the most talked about dining experiences in the industry,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The restaurant showcases our commitment to providing our guests with unrivaled dining options, and launching it as Rudi’s Sel de Mer on six more ships as a pop-up will allow more of our guests to see what the buzz is all about and indulge in its phenomenal cuisine.”

The pop-up will debut on ms Nieuw Amsterdam on March 31.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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The Top 10 Barbados Hotels

 

Barbados is famous not only for its flavorful local cuisine (fish cutter, anyone?), east-coast surf culture, and as the birthplace of rum; it also boasts some of the finest hotels in the region with an emphasis on elegance, grace and luxury.

So if you’re planning a trip to the easternmost Caribbean isle, consider our expert rankings of the best Barbados hotels. From luxury beachfront hideaways to modern, chic retreats, there’s at least one with your name on it.

Barbados Hotels

Sandy Lane The grand dame of Barbados resorts, this palatial (and famously pink) 112-room beachfront is as famous for its wealthy and well-known clientele as it is for its perks (a Rolls Royce, superb spa, and golf on the Green Monkey golf course, among them).

Barbados Hotels

Colony Club

In many ways, it’s the quintessential Barbados resort. With a privileged perch on the Platinum Coast, the 96 rooms and suites have a laid-back but luxe feel, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and several terrific bars. The rooms are exquisitely furnished, with amenities like Nespresso machines and spacious bathrooms (we rather like the swim-up suites). The food is superb, too, with a wonderful weekly lobster and jazz night.

Barbados Hotels

The House Even though there’s no sign to identify it, somehow the sophisticated set finds it way to this luxurious retreat near Holetown, where 34 chic and spacious suites (some with private plunge pools), a white-sand sweep, and a relaxed, adults-only ambience deservedly win raves. It also doesn’t hurt that the hotel’s house restaurant is Daphne’s, among the Caribbean’s best.

Barbados Hotels

Cobblers Cove

Relais & Chateaux’s 40-suite boutique is an in-the-know spot for both foodies and beach lovers alike. The rooms are bathed in classic Barbados elegance, while the food lives up to the R&C standard. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth the trip for one lovely oceanside dinner. Either way, you’re spending time at what is one of the greatest Barbados hotels.

Barbados Hotels

Atlantis Hotel

This charming historic inn is set on the outskirts of raw and gorgeous Bathsheba, with a striking Atlantic coast and proximity to some of the Atlantic’s top surfing. Atlantis has charming rooms, a great pool and right at the top of the list of the island’s best restaurants, too. It’s one of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, period.

Barbados Hotels

Coral Reef Club

Among the signature Barbados hotels, this classic family-run resort is all about good old-fashioned West Indian luxury. There are 88 rooms at the beachfront Barbados hotel, with a lush, 12-acre tropical garden setting, a terrific spa and a nice beach, too.

Barbados Hotels

Fairmont Royal Pavilion With just 72 rooms on 11 beachfront acres there’s plenty of space to spread out at this esteemed (and expensive!) adults-only resort, where timeless traditions such as afternoon tea meet modern conveniences like complimentary WI-FI.

Barbados Hotels

Tamarind by Elegant Hotels

One of Barbados’ best resorts for families, this Elegant Hotels property has 104 colorful (and artful) modern rooms and a beautiful beach. It’s also got a party piece: water taxi access to all of the company’s six Barbados hotels in its dine-around program.

Barbados Hotels

The Crane Large (252 rooms on 40 acres) and legendary (its been operating since 1887), this southeast coast spread has it all, including antique-filled rooms in the original hotel building; a splendid beach; a stunning pool complex; and even its own “village.” That’s without mentioning the stunning pink-sand beach. It’s no surprise that this isn’t just one of the most legendary Barbados hotels, but one of the most legendary Caribbean hotels, too.

Barbados Hotels

The Sandpiper

Sister hotel to the Coral Reef Club, this boutique Barbados hotel has a range of rooms from garden view to beach house suites (go for the latter if you’re splurging), a great restaurant led by Chef Christophe Poupardin and an even better watering hole called Harold’s Bar. You also get access to the spa at CRC.

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VIDEO: Palm Cay Is the Bahamas’ Hottest Real Estate

 

Taking your boat to a weekend getaway in the Exumas. An afternoon at the fish fry. Or just lounging on the beach.

They’re all great ways for ocean lovers to spend their time in the Bahamas — and they’re even bigger reasons to make the move or buy a second home here.

And they’re reasons why the Palm Cay community has become some of the hottest real estate in the Caribbean.

The development, which boasts one of the most popular marinas in the Caribbean, is set on the western coast of Nassau and about 15 minutes from downtown Nassau.

It’s got a total of 300 townhomes, condos and marina cottages, with 1,200 feet of white sand beach.

And the aforementioned marina is a reason to buy here in itself, with 180 slips, a restaurant, a dockside cafe, concierge service and capacity for vessels up to 110 feet.

A rendering of the Marina One project.

And Palm Cay is getting started, with a major new project called One Marina that will add modern luxury units directly on the water’s edge.

They’re highlighted by penthouses with multiple levels sweeping ocean views.

For more information, visit Palm Cay.

See more in the latest CJ video above.

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5 Luxe Resorts in the Caribbean to Visit Now

 

Luxury in the Caribbean can mean many things, but the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean always offer an experience focused on comfort and indulgence. But some reach an even higher level of luxury.

So why not make your next trip to the Caribbean to a five-star, opulent, grand resort?

Yes, it’s time to pamper yourself. Time to find a hotel in the Caribbean where the luxury overflows, where the service overwhelms.

It’s time to find the perfect luxe Caribbean resort for the getaway you deserve. Here are five options to think about right now.

Luxe

Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

When it debuted in 2013, Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve wasn’t just a new kind of Ritz-Carlton — it took Puerto Rico to another level. The jaw-dropping resort on the north coast has wonderful beachside rooms, a lovely flagship restaurant by celebrity chef Jose Andres and an ambience that lives up to its heritage as a former Laurance Rockefeller estate. Click to book a stay at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

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