A record-breaking number of tourists visited Anguilla in 2016.

The island welcomed 79,239 tourist arrivals, an increase of 8.2 percent over 2015 —among the highest growth rates of any destination in the Caribbean.

Arrivals from the island’s largest source market — the United States., which accounts for 64 percent of tourist arrivals to Anguilla — were up 6.9 percent to 50,508 visitors.

The Canadian market showed solid growth as well, as the 3,501 tourist arrivals in 2016 represented a 3.1 percent increase over 2015.

The U.K. market recorded 2,968 tourist arrivals, a 7.8 increase over 2015; Italy’s 1,106 tourist arrivals were down 12.3 percent; while Germany’s tourist arrivals of 626 were up by 50 percent.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post Anguilla Tourism Is Growing Fast appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

If you’ve ever stopped at Cozumel (Mexico’s largest Caribbean island) during a cruise, you probably wished you had more time to explore the ins and outs of the “island of swallows.”

After all, there’s only so much snorkeling, scuba and ceviche you can cram into an hours-long port call.

So why not plan a stopover trip? Cozumel is less than an hour’s ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen, and once you arrive, there’s no shortage of places to stay. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon brings you our favorite Cozumel all-inclusive resorts.

Secrets Aura Cozumel Ditch the kids and escape with your sweetie to this sleek adults-only oasis, where some suites have private rooftop pools and all 238 come with complimentary WI-FI, a stocked mini-bar and 24-hour room service.

The post The Top 5 Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Crystal Cove, the beachfront all-inclusive located on Barbados’ west coast, has opened a new culinary offering.

At Vista Coffee & Wine Bar, guests will enjoy sea views while sipping on signature lattes with a variety of wines and sweet and savory treats.

The new addition complements Crystal Cove’s two open-air bars and restaurants and a host of all-inclusive and a la carte dining options.

Crystal Cove is part of the Elegant Hotels portfolio.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post A New Cafe at Crystal Cove appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Developer Pearl Development has purchased 11 units at the Coral Beach Club in Sint Maarten, Caribbean Journal has learned.

Pearl, which is the developer of the island’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort, acquired 11 of the 24 units at the property, which is a luxury resort consisting of villas and townhomes.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“While enjoying the resort feel, Coral Beach Club provides the highest in quality residences — right on Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond,” said Pearl Development Executive VP and General Counsel Mike Dolente, who led the transaction. “The affiliation of the upscale resort will enhance the opportunities for our OBBR owners to trade-up to even more luxurious and more private vacation homes.”

The Coral Beach Club will continue to be operated with “little change in personnel or other operational considerations,” the company said in a statement.

Coral Beach Club will “complement the services and facilities at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort but will maintain a separate and distinct community and identity for its owners and guests.”

Of the 11 units, six are beachfront, while four face the marina and one is an apartment. The company also acquired the property’s office and reception center.

The six oceanfront residences feature panoramic views of Dawn Beach and the Oyster Pond Marina.

Pearl will be remodeling the reception building, with a new landscape and improved entryway, the company said.

“The townhouses on the marina offer an endless parade of beautiful sailing vessels and power boats, as well as breathtaking views of nighttime lights on Oyster Pond and the surrounding hillside communities, while the ocean-front units have a spectacular view of the lovely Dawn Beach and crashing ocean beyond,” Dolente said.

Pearl also intends to establish a vacation ownership program at the property “to sell ownership interests to those families who want to enjoy the most luxurious and comfortable vacation experience.”

— Caribbean Journal Staff

The post Pearl Development Buys Block of Units at Coral Beach Club appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Royal Decameron has opened a new property in Jamaica.

The company has debuted the Royal Decameron Cornwall in the “strip” area of Montego Bay.

Just five minutes from the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, the new hotel’s location offers guests the opportunity to explore the nearby Dunn River Waterfalls and Blue Mountains National Park, go river rafting on the Martha Brae River, swim with dolphins or visit the Bob Marley House and Museum.

The 146-room resort is divided between 142 standard-category rooms and four junior suites.

All rooms feature sea views and are decorated with Caribbean accents.

Each room has a terrace or balcony, can accommodate up to four people in king or twins bed, and comes equipped air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, minibar and more.

Royal Decameron Cornwall also offers an all-inclusive program which includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, a la carte dinners at international cuisine restaurants, snacks, unlimited alcoholic beverages and more.

The program also includes a host of activities, including non-motorized water sports, mini scuba diving course at the pool, live Jamaican band at the lobby lounge, nightly entertainment, daily activities for children, and access to the gym and tennis courts.

To book a stay at the Royal Decameron Cornwall, click here.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor

The post Royal Decameron Cornwall Opens in Montego Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico