Marriott Is Opening a New All-Inclusive in Cancun 

Marriott’s growing Caribbean all-inclusive portfolio will add another new resort later this year, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The company has announced the signing of the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun to its all-inclusive portfolio, with plans to open at the end of this year. 

The property is owned and managed by Blue Diamond Resorts; it will join the fast-expanding All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, which now includes almost 30 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

It’s yet another addition to Marriott’s major push in to what is easily the hottest concept in the travel industry, particularly in the Caribbean: all-inclusive. 

“We are thrilled to continue working with Blue Diamond Resorts to add another exciting all-inclusive resort to the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “The Autograph Collection Hotels brand champions individuality with each hotel being a product of passion, making this brand an exceptional fit for this significant project and the other 20 Blue Diamond Resorts that have joined the collection.”

The 1,049-room hotel, which also includes a waterpark, will have amenities like a theater, a bowling alley, 12 different dining concepts and nine bars. 

It’s the latest step in the two companies’ growing alliance; last year, Marriott announced a long-term agreement with Blue Diamond that added 20 hotels in the region to the Marriott all-inclusive portfolio. 

Marriott’s current all-inclusive resorts are located in Antigua, Barbados, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Mexico, and Saint Lucia. 

“We are excited for Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun to join Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group, Blue Diamond’s parent company. “Today’s announcement reinforces Blue Diamond’s position as one of the fastest growing hotel chains in the Caribbean.”

For more, visit All-Inclusive by Marriott.

The post Marriott Is Opening a New All-Inclusive in Cancun  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Caribijornal, Island Life

How to Take a Caribbean Sailing Vacation Right Now

Sailing through the British Virgin Islands on a chartered catamaran is every bit the fantasy journey it sounds like, but here’s one surprise I got during my time cruising around Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke on a Moorings charter yacht: the trip can actually be pretty affordable as well as remarkably customizable.

Design your own vacation — in advance, or on the fly

During my most recent BVI trip with Moorings in February 2022, I had a fairly rigid plan to make stops at all the major islands, along with two resorts, Saba Rock and the Bitter End Yacht Club — both beautifully restored and reopened after being heavily damaged by hurricanes in 2017.

On past trips, however, we were more or less able to plot each day’s itinerary the night before based on weather, distance, and mood. A stop for snorkeling at The Indians, perhaps, or drinks aboard the legendary party boat Willy T? A nice meal at Pirates Bight, or sampling from the rum bar at Cooper Island? And when do we make the obligatory stop for our Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke?

Every day can be an adventure of choices — (almost) all of them fun.

“The beauty of a yacht charter vacation, and especially a charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands, is the flexibility,” says Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager at the Moorings. “The number of islands in the region and the wide variety of picturesque stops to explore allow visitors to craft their own unique schedule and itinerary, and being aboard your very own yacht means you can go anywhere you like, whenever you like.”

If you’re a first-timer, the range of options can be intimidating. That’s why Moorings provides sample itineraries on its website, and employs a staff of vacation planners who can help you iron out the finer details.

Your captain also can be an invaluable planning resource if you’re not certain about what to do — and a literal lifesaver when things go a bit sideways.

st thomas regatta
A Moorings yacht in St Thomas, where the company also has a base in the VI.

On my 2022 trip, for example, my itinerary called for a dinner stop at Guana Island, one of the top private island resorts in the Caribbean and famous for its natural beauty. On this evening, however, nature wasn’t in an accommodating mood.

My captain, Ben Moreton, an affable Brit who came to the BVI after years spent sailing off the coast of Australia, made a valiant effort to get us to Guana against heavy wind and seas, but wisely made the choice to turn back to a safe port. The meal we had together at a beach bar back on Tortola that night might not have been quite as glamorous as a resort dinner, but it made a whole lot more sense. And Guana Island will still be there the next time I go back to the BVI.

“You should always be prepared for conditions to change during your trip and be open to options that are recommended by the captain,” advises Moreton. “They will always be looking for the most suitable locations around the conditions that are given. Remember that a boating holiday is unique for many reasons, and one of them being that your environment is always changing. The opportunity to sail on a boat is always a very fortunate position to be in, and you can always look back on the good and difficult times as an experience like no other.”

The key to affordability: bring friends

Anyone familiar with traveling by RV can understand the basic premise of your means of transportation also serving as your hotel for the night. And it’s every bit as true on the waters of the Caribbean as on a roadtrip on land.

You won’t really be spending much time in your cabin other than for sleeping. But the berths are comfortable, and Moorings captains are expert at finding the harbors and moorings with the calmest waters to ensure a good night’s sleep. While you’re sailing, you’re likely going to spend most of your time on deck, but in poor weather the catamarans have spacious cabins to take shelter from the rain.

My February 2022 charter with the Moorings entailed a week on a four-cabin catamaran, called the Moorings 4800. It’s a 48-foot sailing catamaran that also can operate under power, available both as a bareback charter (meaning you’re the captain) or crewed with a captain provided by Moorings.

A Moorings 4800.

In January 2023, a four-cabin sailing catamaran like the one I chartered in the BVI for 6 nights in starts at $16,000.

However, in low season, like October 2022, the same boat can be had for as little as $9,000 for the week.

An all-inclusive crewed yacht, including the captain, starts at around $17,000 for the week. Monohull boats, also available from Moorings, are slightly more affordable and also available as bareback or crewed charters.

Don’t forget, however, that the costs of a one-week yacht charter include the price of the boat, fuel, and, if you choose, a captain, chef, and food. The latter two are optional if you know how to captain the boat yourself, and provision the boat yourself.

(If you do hire a captain and/or chef, keep in mind when you’re calculating costs that a tip is customary for good service — typically 20 percent of the cost of the charter. Trust me, once you see how much work a good captain does during your week at sea, you’ll realize the gratuity is well-earned.)

If you aren’t a sailor, you can also travel with a friend who is an experienced skipper, as I did on my previous trip to the BVI with Moorings. Sailing with friends who know how to sail also frees up one more cabin to help defray the cost of the charter — you’ll be splitting four ways instead of three.

“Because a yacht charter is so flexible and has so many different options available … from bareboat, sail-it-yourself trips to luxury all-inclusive charters with captain and chef, the pricing can vary widely,” notes Pedersen. “The industry standard, however, is that the yacht is priced per-day, not per-person. So on a four-cabin sailing yacht costing $15,000 for a 7-day charter, for example, if four couples join together then the cost is roughly $535 per-couple, per-day, roughly the cost of what one might expect at an all-inclusive resort.”

The Moorings has a broad network of bases across the Caribbean, meaning you can take this kind of sailing vacation from bases in Antigua, Belize, the BVI, The Bahamas, Grenada, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St Thomas and St Martin.

“The difference, of course, is that aboard a yacht charter you essentially take your hotel room with you anywhere you wish, so the yacht acts as your hotel room, rental car, and daily excursions in one nice, neat package,” he says.

Provisioning the boat with food and drink, and making meals for yourself, is another way to keep costs down. Some market items are pricier than stateside, but Moorings is quite reasonable with their markups: a piece of salmon for dinner was $11, but I also paid just $2.50 for a dozen eggs and $13 for a bottle of Mount Gay Eclipse rum.

Either way, you’re still paying less for onboard meals and drinks than you would at a restaurant or bar. Well-equipped galleys ensure that you’ll eat well whether you just want to boil some water for coffee in the morning or make a full-blown evening meal with friends.

Of course, dining on delicacies like Anegada lobster and other delicious Caribbean food is part of the destination you’ll want to experience, but even making your own breakfast, or mixing your own drinks when you’re safely tied up at a mooring at the end of the day, can save you quite a bit of money.

And that’s just a small part of what you’ll have to raise a glass to on a Moorings yacht charter.

For more, visit The Moorings.

The post How to Take a Caribbean Sailing Vacation Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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20 Best Neighborhoods To Live in Atlanta

Planning on moving to Atlanta? You’ll want to read this first.

We know that finding the right neighborhood to live in is a notable task—it can make or break your experience in a new city and even decide if you stay.

Atlanta is a huge city with plenty of neighborhoods to choose from, and it can be hard to decide which area is best for you and your family. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best neighborhoods around Atlanta.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburb or an energetic Downtown area with plenty of nightlife, we’ve got a spot for you. Keep reading to learn more about each popular neighborhood and find the perfect place to call home!

Buckhead

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most elegant and well-known neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a town filled with class, Buckhead is outstanding.

Located just north of Midtown, Buckhead is known for its high-end architecture, beautiful landscapes, and gourmet eats.

The area is also home to some of Atlanta’s most mesmerizing sites, like The Swan House and the Atlanta History Center.

This area is a great place to live if you’re looking for a luxurious and convenient lifestyle that’s close to the city center. If you want an upscale neighborhood with plenty to do, Buckhead is the perfect place for you.

Midtown Atlanta

Midtown Atlanta delivers the big city life wrapped in a neighborhood feel. It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in Atlanta, with over 20,000 residents and counting.

It’s centrally located, just a few minutes north of Downtown, and is home to some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, bars, and over 300 acres of parks.

Home choices are plentiful and include traditional homes, high rises, and apartments. You can find whatever type of home you’re looking for in Midtown.

If you’re looking for an exciting and vibrant area to call home, Midtown is the perfect neighborhood to live a well-balanced life of adventure.

Old Fourth Ward

The Old Fourth Ward is a historic neighborhood located just east of Downtown.This area is known for its bustling activity.

It’s also home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Despite its small size, the Old Fourth Ward has an overflow of things to do. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the area, and it’s just a short walk or drive to Midtown and Downtown.

If you’re looking for a charming and historical neighborhood with plenty of character, the Old Fourth Ward is the ideal place for you.

Virginia Highland

Virginia Highland is a popular neighborhood located northeast of Downtown.

This area is known for its tree-lined streets and bungalow-style homes. It’s also home to some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, bars, and shops.

Virginia Highland is also one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Atlanta. It’s close to parks and schools, and there are plenty of activities for kids and families to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with charming homes, great restaurants, and plenty of things to do, Virginia Highland is an excellent place to live.

Inman Park

Inman Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest residential suburbs. It is an in-town neighborhood located two miles east of Downtown.

The neighborhood has a classic Victorian feel, and it’s built upon the remains of the battlefield of the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta.

There are also many parks and lush spaces to enjoy in Inman Park, with plenty of residential lots, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.

Inman Park is a great place to live for those who want to be close to the action of Downtown Atlanta but still have the feel of living in a small, historically-rich town.

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown is a cozy, artsy neighborhood in Atlanta. It is an inner-city neighborhood that is located on the east side of Atlanta.

The neighborhood gets its name from a variety of tales. Today, Cabbagetown is a trendy and gentrified area with a strong sense of community.

Its 1800s mill cottages and intriguing street art make it one of Atlanta’s most unique and interesting neighborhoods. Many hip bars, restaurants, and shops in the area provide a rich southern feel for its residents.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with character and community, Cabbagetown is your place to check out.

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is the heart of the city. It’s home to some of the most well-known Atlanta attractions, such as Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium.

While the city boasts tall skyscrapers and urban scenery, Downtown Atlanta also has a distinct, southern feel.

Plus, you can find plenty of restaurants serving up southern cuisine, as well as bars and shops with a distinctly southern flair.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with plenty of things to do, Downtown Atlanta is a great place for adventurous urbanites.

Candler Park

Candler Park is a community located east of Downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood is named after Asa Griggs Candler, who contributed the land for Candler Park to the city in 1922.

Candler Park is a great place to live for those who want to be close to the action of Downtown Atlanta but still have the feel of living in a small town with a tight-knit community. There are also many parks and green spaces to enjoy in the area.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with character and community, Candler Park is a wonderful place for raising a family or starting fresh.

Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. It’s bordered by Cabbagetown and is home to the city’s zoo and best parks.

Grant Park is a great place to live for those who want to be close to the action of Downtown Atlanta but still have the feel of living in a small town.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with character, community, and beautiful scenery, Grant Park is the place for a family-friendly atmosphere.

East Atlanta

East Atlanta is a neighborhood located in Atlanta, Georgia, just east of Downtown. The area is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars.

East Atlanta is a great place to live for those who love to go out, as the area has an A rating for its bustling nightlife and diversity.

Most residents own their homes instead of renting, and it’s a popular place to live because of its rich suburban atmosphere.

East Atlanta is one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta if you’re looking for a fun neighborhood with rich nightlife and variety.

Morningside Lenox Park

Morningside Lenox Park is a neighborhood located near the Downtown area. It’s often referred to as a hidden gem and is known for its safe, friendly atmosphere.

Morningside Lenox is a great place to live for those who want to be a part of a quiet, close-knit community. The area is also convenient to many of Atlanta’s best dining areas that are often just within walking range.

If you’re looking for a well-kept neighborhood with a laid-back atmosphere, Morningside Lenox is the place for you and your family.

Ansley Park

Ansley Park is a leafy, diverse Atlanta town located just east of Midtown and west of Piedmont Park.

The homes in the area are some of the city’s most beautiful, and the area is also home to great shopping and dining. It’s the first suburban Atlanta town designed for automobiles and features lovely, walkable roads.

Plus, Ansley Park is just minutes from Midtown, so you’ll have easy access to all the excitement that the urban areas of Atlanta have to offer.

Ansley Park is a great choice if you’re looking for an upscale neighborhood with beautiful architecture and a cozy, suburban atmosphere.

Poncey-Highland

Poncey-Highland is another prominent neighborhood in Atlanta. It’s located just northeast of Midtown, and it’s known for its beautiful, vibrant setting.

Poncey-Highland is known for its charming walking trails and art installations. The area is a great choice if you have kids. It’s also just a short drive from Downtown, and it’s one of the most walkable towns in Atlanta.

Poncey-Highland is a great choice if you’re looking for an eclectic neighborhood with a lot of charm. It has a lot to offer for families and individuals.

Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station is one of the most upscale commercial Atlanta neighborhoods in Georgia. It’s a mixed-use community located just west of Midtown Atlanta.

Atlantic Station is home to some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The neighborhood is also close to several major employers and colleges, making it a great place to live for young, enthusiastic individuals.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that has it all, Atlantic Station is one of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods. Whether you’re a young professional or looking for a lively place to live, Atlantic Station is definitely worth considering.

Kirkwood

Kirkwood is an upscale, eclectic neighborhood with all the works. The craftsman-style homes and tree-lined streets make it a picturesque area to live.

There are also many parks and historical places to visit in Kirkwood, making it a great place to live for families, nature lovers, and individuals with refined palates.

Kirkwood is for people who appreciate well-maintained communities and like to be surrounded by trees, nature, and elegance.

Underwood Hills

Underwood Hills is another upscale, urban neighborhood in Atlanta. It’s relatively new, and it’s still growing and developing. However, it already has a lot to offer its residents, and it’s rated as one of the top ten places to live in Atlanta.

There are plenty of home options, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes. The area is also convenient to many shopping and dining areas.

Underwood Hills is a remarkable community for those who appreciate class and a family-friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Adair Park

Adair Park is a lush neighborhood located southwest of Downtown Atlanta. The town is named after George Adair, who developed the area in the late 1800s.

The neighborhood is home to many historic, Victorian-style homes, some of which are over 100 years old and date back to the Civil War. There are also several parks for enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Adair Park is a great choice for those who want to live in a historic neighborhood with lots of character and charm.

Summerhill

Summerhill is a neighborhood located south of Downtown Atlanta. The area is one of two settlements established just after the Civil War. It was originally farmland, but it was developed into a residential neighborhood in the early 1900s.

The neighborhood is home to many historic homes and buildings and several parks. It is also within walking distance of the Georgia State Capitol and the Georgia Aquarium. It’s an eclectic, convenient area that’s never shy of activities.

If you’re looking for a historic neighborhood with character, Summerhill is a great option. It’s also a suitable location if you want to be close to Downtown Atlanta.

Lake Claire

Lake Claire is a neighborhood located on the east side of Atlanta. The area is not named after a lake but rather the intersection of Lakeshore and Claire Drives.

The neighborhood is within walking distance of Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the BeltLine. It is also home to many restaurants and shops.

Lake Claire is a great option if you’re looking for a neighborhood with an emphasis on convenience, diversity, and friendly neighbors.

Sweet Auburn

Sweet Auburn is a neighborhood located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward. The area was once home to many of the city’s African American businesses and institutions, making it a rich, cultural area for African residents and visitors.

The neighborhood is still home to many businesses and organizations, as well as parks, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to the Ebenezer Baptist Church and Morehouse College.

Sweet Auburn is a great option if you’re interested in Atlanta’s African American history and culture. You’ll find many historic sites and landmarks in the area.

The Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta Await: Sell Your House Fast

If you’re looking to move to Atlanta, these are some of the best neighborhoods to consider around the area.

Remember to research and take your time. This way, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place for living in Atlanta. Good luck!

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