Zemi Beach House’s spectacular new spa

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

“Could I be part Taino?”

That’s what I’m wondering as I exhale and recline, my body slathered in a warm mud mask that encourages every muscle to relax as I sink further into a sensuously curved chaise.

This is just the beginning of the Taino Bathing Ritual at the Zemi Thai House Spa at Anguilla’s Zemi Beach Club, a swanky resort on the island’s Shoal Bay East. But I’m already convinced that if this is how the indigenous Caribbean people relaxed, I must have some connection to the tribe, because this process feels so natural, so instinctual … so me.

Arriving at the spa – which uniquely comprises five treatment rooms in a trio of 300-year-old Thai houses that were dismantled, shipped and reassembled on island – I’d first stripped off and slipped into the marble-clad hammam (the only one on island), where clouds of steam enveloped me and the scent of eucalyptus instantly relaxed my frazzled brain. After a few minutes I was guided by a spa attendant to a breezy and palm-shaded outdoor mud deck and presented with a pair of bowls, one containing a salt scrub scented with lavender and rosemary, the other an unctuous mud body mask.

After applying the scrub I’d felt fresh and new, my skin like velvet under my palms as I rinsed below the outdoor rain shower. And now the mud was working its magic, warming on contact with my limbs as I lay there with my eyes closed, feeling as relaxed and gelatinous as a wet noodle. Truthfully I would have been perfectly happy to remain in that spot, but there was even more bliss to come.

It arrived in the form of my massage therapist, who suddenly appeared by my chaise to accompany me to an upper floor treatment room. And there, in the climate-controlled confines of the Indigo Suite, as Severin’s strong hands kneaded my muscles with a fragrant oil, I had a realization: If, centuries after their unfortunate demise, you can still relax and unwind according to Taino traditions, whether or not you share the Indians’ proud heritage is simply beside the point. Because when it comes to spa treatments, Zemi’s unique therapy is, fortunately, an equal-opportunity indulgence.

The post A New Spa Destination in Anguilla appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Last year, we made history with the first-ever ranking of the 50 best beaches in the Caribbean. Now, after talking to our readers, we’ve decided to give you the choice, with a Vote for the number one best beach in all of the Caribbean. We’ve nominated 24 beaches to choose from (along with a write-in option if you don’t see your favorite beach listed) and now the choice is in your hands. What’s the best beach in the Caribbean? Tell us!

Create your own user feedback survey

Voting ends. Dec. 7.

The post Vote for the Caribbean’s Best Beach appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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There’s a major new addition to Jamaica’s tourism capital: Royalton Blue Waters.

The resort, which opened this week, is the newest all-inclusive to hit the beach in greater Montego Bay, adjacent to Royalton’s existing White Sands property.

The 228-room luxury all-inclusive has 11 restaurants (including seven a la carte), along with a broad portfolio of rooms from ocean-view balconies to units with exclusive swim-out pools.

Each of the rooms has high thread count sheets, in-suite double-headed rain showers and the company’s signature DreamBeds, along with complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited long-distance calls to North America and parts of Europe.

“It’s exciting to open another resort that promises the modern features Royalton Luxury Resort guests have come to enjoy,” said Enrico Pezzoli, General Manager of Royalton Luxury Resorts in Jamaica.

A swim-up room at the new Royalton Blue Waters.

New amenities at Royalton Blue Waters will include a relaxing lazy river, private poolside cabanas and the  C/X Culinary Experience chef’s table, among others.

Those who choose to upgrade to the resort’s Diamond Club gain access to an exclusive lounge, a la carte restaurants, a private beach area with waiters service and butler-service rooms that even come with pillow menus.

A room at Royalton Blue Waters.

“We’re thrilled with the warm reception and accolades we’ve received to date and are pleased to expand the Royalton Luxury Resorts offering in Jamaica to address the demand,” said Jordi Pelfort, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Resorts. “We’re confident that the new Royalton Blue Waters resort will exceed guest expectations with the quality and variety of services, facilities and amenities.”

The post Royalton Blue Waters Opens in Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport has unveiled a newly renovated runway.

The small regional airport has received funding from St. Kitts and Nevis’ SIDF fund that also supported the addition of a new telecommunications system at the airport’s air traffic control tower.

Nevis received flights from a number of hubs around the Caribbean region, including San Juan and Antigua.

Carriers that service Nevis include Air Sunshine, LIAT, Tradewind Aviation, Trans Anguilla Airways and Winair year round.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Mention the Dominican Republic and the first thing that usually comes to mind is mega-resorts in places like the tourism hub of Punta Cana. But think again, because there’s much more to the Dominican Republic than its most famous resort town, and you don’t have to stay at a large resort to have big fun. So check out our pick of the best small hotels in the Dominican Republic, then pack a bag and ándale! CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon has the full scoop. (For more info on the destination, here’s our complete list of the Best Dominican Republic Hotels).

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa What’s not to love about this elegant and understated 50-suite hotel in Puerto Plata, secreted in plain sight within a compound of all-inclusive resorts? With chic bedrooms (some with balcony bathtubs); a rooftop infinity pool; and spa services delivered in gazebos that front the resort’s slice of sand, we can’t think of a single thing.

The post Six Great Small Hotels in the Dominican Republic appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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