In the Dominican Republic, a Different Kind of All-Inclusive

When TRS Cap Cana Hotel first opened in 2018, the resort was expected to be among the Palladium Group’s most successful all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic.

And it was before the pandemic.

The hotel, like most in the world, closed its doors in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. Now reopened, the hotel is looking to make up for the lost business.

Today, it’s a different kind of Dominican Republic all-inclusive — it’s not a megaresort; it’s not sprawling; it’s a luxury all-inclusive with a decidedly boutique feel.

Caribbean Journal recently checked in to the luxury resort to see how the property’s comeback is coming along.

Here’s what you need to know.

TRS Cap Cana Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the most exclusive part of Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic and just 10 minutes from the international airport.

The rooms and facilities at TRS Cap Cana Hotel are designed to offer the full adults-only experience from a simple, classy decor to an abundance of romantic spots near the beach.

Speaking of the beach, it is rather small. It is not the type of beach where you will see volleyball or crowds in general. It has more of a lagoon feel to it and offers the opportunity to be only one of a handful of people to enjoy the water.

There are just 115 rooms here. CJ stayed in room 4201, a Suite Jacuzzi Terrace Ocean View. There are about 20 of these rooms. It comes with an outdoor Jacuzzi and cabana, overlooking the pool with ocean views. Also, guests of this category gain access to a butler.

All stays at TRS Cap Cana Hotel include the hotel’s exclusive “Infinite Indulgence” service and access to massages and treatments at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Centre.

The spa features two hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, a modern gym, and private rooms for exclusive treatments and massages.

TRS Cap Cana Hotel offers its guests four restaurants. During your stay at TRS Cap Cana Hotel, you can eat at one of two a la carte restaurants, Izakaya and El Gaucho, taste a selection of international dishes at Capricho, sample seafood dishes at the Ibizan-style restaurant, Helios, or catch up with the latest scores at the hotel’s 24-hour sports bar, Xtra Time.

CJ thought Xtra Time was especially unique not just for the Dominican Republic, but for the Caribbean in general since the region usually plays home to bars that shut down around 1 a.m. or earlier. This bar not only served alcohol all night, but also offered small bites like fries and chips.

Guests staying at TRS Hotels can enjoy, without additional charges, lobster dishes offered in Helios a la carte restaurant, which is exclusive for TRS Hotels guests.

In fact, Helios was CJ’s favorite restaurant at the hotel for both lunch and dinner. We highly recommend the lobster ceviche. Helios also offers live music, an extensive menu and a buffet. Also, be sure to ask if the avocado soup is in season. The portions here were rather small, but no one will think twice if you order another serving.

Every night at the hotel, there is a different form of entertainment. The first night we arrived, the hotel hosted a Michael Jackson dance party, featuring a Michael Jackson impersonator who dances and lip sinks to the King of Pop’s top hits as guests watch from either the seated area or from their rooms. Other entertainment includes local Dominican singers, circus-like performances and more.

It all adds up to a different kind of experience in the Dominican Republic — even for Cap Cana, a destination that continues to see new all-inclusive development.

This is unique — it’s small, it’s intimate and it’s luxurious.

What about testing?

Guests are tested the day before they leave. The COVID tests costs $25 per guest. The rapid tests are conducted by using cotton swabs. Results are confirmed in about 20 minutes, in order to comply with the CDC re-entry rules.

For more, visit the TRS Cap Cana.

The post In the Dominican Republic, a Different Kind of All-Inclusive appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Caribijornal, Island Life

The 6 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Curaçao

Just a few years ago, Curaçao was barely on the radar of travelers looking to pay one price for accommodations, dining, drinks, and activities, but now there are multiple all-inclusive resorts to choose from on this windswept Dutch Caribbean island. Just since the pandemic, new brands have entered the Dutch Caribbean destination, including Hilton and Sandals, among others.

Here’s how to stay all-inclusive in Curacao.

Zoëtry Curacao Resort and Spa

The newest and greatest addition to Curaçao’s all-inclusive resort portfolio came this month, with the the first-ever Zoëtry-branded resort in the Dutch Caribbean. The new Zoëtry, which held its sneak-peak soft opening this month before a December grand opening, is a new level of resort for the island, bringing the signature Zoëtry wellness focus to the former Floris hotel.

The post The 6 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Curaçao appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Caribijornal, Island Life

Safest Places to Live in Florida From Hurricanes

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida ranks number eight on the list of the fastest-growing states in the country. With a 2020 population of more than 21.5 million and a population growth of 14.5% in the last decade, the rate of Florida’s growth surpasses that of both Arizona and South Carolina.

There are a lot of compelling reasons that one might move to the Sunshine State. Whether you’re drawn by the lack of state income tax, the gorgeous sunny weather, or the white sand beaches, Florida has proven to be one of the most popular destinations for Americans on the move.

However, living in Florida isn’t all sunshine and roses. Positioned on the southeastern tip of the United States and bounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is also the U.S. state that is most impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms.

If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, you might be wondering where the safest places to live in Florida from hurricanes are. For that reason, we’ve put together this list to help you understand which cities pose the smallest risk.

Leesburg

Leesburg, Florida is considered one of the safest places in the state when it comes to the risk of hurricanes. It has a hurricane and tropical storm score of zero and it also has a low flood score. It is located in central Florida’s Lake County and has a population of more than 21,000 people.

The population of this town has increased in recent years because of retirees moving to Florida as well as Orlando residents seeking a quieter and less populated region. Located about 45 miles northwest of Orlando, Leesburg is a part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan statistical area.

Every year, this town hosts the Leesburg Bikefest in the spring. The motorcycle festival draws more than 250,000 visitors each year.

Orlando

If you’re looking for hurricane-safe Florida cities, you’ll want to check out O-Town.

The largest city on our list is Orlando, which is home to more than 255,000 people. With the second-lowest combined hurricane, flood, and tropical storm score, Orlando is the city for you if you’re looking for an urban experience with a low risk of hurricanes.

Sanford

Out of our list of the safest cities in Florida from hurricanes, Sanford is another example of a central Florida city that presents a low risk. Located in Seminole County and home to more than 56,000 residents, Sanford is a quaint town with old Victorian homes and brick-lined streets.

Community is one of the main focuses in this town. There are monthly street parties hosted here, jazz concerts held in Magnolia Square, and musicals and plays put on at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center.

Kissimmee

Kissimmee is one of the 10 safest cities in Florida when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms. Located in Osceola County, this town is home to more than 65,000 residents. Not far from Orlando, this is a great place to live if you want to be close to the amenities of a city while also having access to the native wildlife and ecosystem of central Florida.

Palatka

On our list of the safest place to live in Florida from hurricanes, Palatka is the smallest town. Home to about 10,500 residents, Palatka still manages to have a thriving culture. There are two popular annual festivals held at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, which are the Florida Azalea Festival and the Blue Crab Festival.

Lake City

Lake City receives a hurricane score of zero and therefore is one of the safest cities in Florida from hurricanes. It also has low scores when you look at flooding and tropical storms.

Located in north-central Florida, this city is home to more than 12,000 residents. There are several festivals held here each year, including the Alligator Warrior Festival and the Olustee Battle Festival. The former is an opportunity to see how residents lived in the area during the 19th century, while the former is a re-enactment of the Battle of Olustee.

Naples

Located in Collier County, Naples is the first coastal Florida city on our list of hurricane-safe Florida cities. With about 19,500 residents, Naples is a thriving and vibrant city that draws tourists from across Florida, the United States, and the world.

This is one of the wealthiest cities in the country and is also a popular place to retire. Both locals and residents enjoy the tropical and pleasant weather here as well as the beaches, land reserves, vineyards, art galleries, golf courses, and shopping opportunities.

You might expect that a coastal city like Naples wouldn’t be on the list of the least hurricane-prone Florida cities. However, there are atmospheric factors that combine with the shape of Florida’s landmass that make it much less likely for hurricanes to land here. Hurricanes are much more likely to make landfall to the south of this area and travel east across the state or to curve towards the north and strike on the northern portion of the Gulf Coast.

Ocala

Ocala receives a hurricane score of zero and has low flood and tropical storm scores. With a little more than 53,000 people, this Marion County city is the eighth safest city in Florida from hurricanes.

If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, one of the primary draws might be that it is considered to be a more affordable state to live in. Check out our list of the most affordable places to live in Florida to learn more.

Gainesville

Gainesville is home to more than 127,000 residents and is located in Alachua County. With a hurricane score of zero, this city is considered the ninth safest place to live in Florida when it comes to hurricanes.

Like most college towns, Gainesville is a cultural center due to the presence of the University of Florida here. You can find the Harn Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Hippodrome State Theater, and the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts here. On top of that, there are musical, dance, and art shows put on by the University of Florida College of Fine Arts.

Fernandina Beach

This Nassau County city has low scores when it comes to floods, hurricanes, and tropical storms. The northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast, this city is located on Amelia Island. A part of Greater Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach is known as the “Isle of 8 Flags” because the flags of eight different nations have flown over it.

The population of this city was over 11,000 people according to the 2010 census.

Florida Hurricanes: What You Should Know

There are more tropical and subtropical cyclones that impact the state of Florida than any other state in the nation. There have only been eighteen hurricane seasons since 1851 when a hurricane or tropical storm didn’t impact Florida. There have been more than 10,000 deaths due to hurricanes during this time period in the state, however, most of them occurred before 1943 when hurricane hunter flights began.

So why is it that Florida is so frequently impacted by hurricanes?

There are a number of reasons that Florida deals with storms from hurricanes more often than other coastal states. One main reason is that hurricanes in the northern hemisphere typically begin in subtropical areas or tropical areas and then travel west-northwest, leaving Florida frequently in its path. Another primary reason is that the water temperatures on the east coast are more favorable to hurricane conditions, usually over 80 degrees, while the water temperature on the west coast rarely exceeds the low 70s

When hurricanes form in the Pacific tropical or subtropical waters, they tend to move west-northwest. This means that the landmasses that deal with the brunt of the impact are the Southeast Asian islands or china. If you’re interested in living on the coast but think you might prefer the Pacific coast of the U.S., check out the cheapest places to live in California.

What Happens During a Hurricane?

There are a number of serious hazards that come along with hurricanes striking a coastal area. These include high winds, heavy rains, a storm surge, and tornadoes.

High winds can cause a tremendous amount of damage during a hurricane. Hurricane-force winds can destroy mobile homes and buildings. It can make normal objects like roofing material, signs, and siding into flying missiles. The winds from a hurricane can maintain hurricane strength far inland from the coast.

Heavy rains can result in destructive and deadly floods during a tropical storm or hurricane. Flash flooding occurs when water levels rise rapidly, and long-term flooding can occur due to rivers and streams swelling from the rain.

Storm surges are phenomena that occur when the storm’s winds cause an abnormal rise in water level. These can span hundreds of miles of coastline and reach heights well over 20 feet.

A combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide can create what is known as storm tide. This is the water level rise that occurs during a storm.

Lastly, tornadoes can also be produced by tropical storms and hurricanes. These typically happen in thunderstorms that are embedded in rain bands quite some distance from the hurricane’s center. However, tornadoes can also form near the eyewall.

These tornadoes are typically short-lived and on the weaker side, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pose a serious threat.

What Are the Most Hurricane Prone Florida Cities?

When you look at the list of the worst places in the country for hurricanes, you’ll notice that regions of Florida dominate the list. Southeast Florida is considered the most likely place in the US to be hit by a major hurricane, while Key West, the Florida Keys, and Southwest Florida follow. Also on this list include West Florida, the central Florida Atlantic coast, and the Florida panhandle.

Florida isn’t the only US state that has to deal with hurricanes. Other places that are at high risk for hurricanes in the near future include

  • The Outer Banks islands in North Carolina
  • The Central Texas Gulf coast, the central Gulf coast
  • The south Texas Gulf coast

According to a list of the places that have most frequently been impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes, Miami experiences storms more often than any other area in Florida. According to this data, Miami is hit or brushed by tropical storms and hurricanes every 1.96 years. That being said, there are plenty of lovely places to live in South Florida.

Cape Canaveral has a similar frequency with which it experiences these storms.

The Safest Places to Live in Florida from Hurricanes: Is One of These Locations Going to Be Your New Home?

If you’re looking for the safest places to live in Florida from hurricanes, this list can help guide your research into safe Florida communities. The rankings on our list are based on a number of different factors. These include the number of storm events in each city, storm-related property damage, storm-related deaths, and storm-related injuries between the years of 1965 and 2014.

It’s important to understand that the cities on this list are not in any way guaranteed to be safe from tropical storms. Florida is a coastal state, and its location makes it the most impacted state in the country by hurricanes and tropical storms. That being said, some cities tend to receive fewer pummelings than others.

Millions of people live happily in Florida, and the risk of hurricanes likely shouldn’t spoil your plans for tropical living entirely. However, it’s important to understand the risks of hurricanes and tropical storms so you can be prepared and plan accordingly.

Is it time for you to sell your home and make your move to a tropical state? If so, learn how much your home is worth with our free home valuation tool and get a no-obligation offer.

The post Safest Places to Live in Florida From Hurricanes appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

Powered by WPeMatico

Ibuyer Feed

Al menos 8 muertos luego de que un bote que pretendía “viajar ilegalmente” a Puerto Rico zozobrara frente a costas de República Dominicana, según la Armada

… hacia la vecina isla de Puerto Rico”. No se dieron detalles de …

Powered by WPeMatico

EIN PR news

The 2021 Caribbean Journal Holiday Gift Guide

No matter what holiday you celebrate, there’s no better gift than the gift of the Caribbean.

And we have you covered with the latest edition of the Caribbean Journal Holiday Gift Guide.

We’ve curated our favorites for the 2021 season, from the perfect stuff to bring with you to the Caribbean to the best ways to enjoy the Caribbean from the comfort of your home.

That means journeys of rum discovery; the best Caribbean coffee, our editor-tested suitcases and even the perfect book for your kids.

Of course, there’s no better gift than an actual trip to the Caribbean — but that’s what all our other articles are about.

In the meantime, get shopping!

Island Blue 100 Percent Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

It’s the best of the best, even for a part of the world teeming with spectacular coffee: Jamaican Blue Mountain, the champagne of coffees. One bag yields about 50 to 60 cups of out-of-this-world Jamaican coffee.

Ligne St Barth

It’s the essence of St Barth in a bottle. Ligne St Barth has been the glamorous island’s signature beauty product for more than three decades, from papaya shower creams to the Caribbean’s most luxurious sun lotion. 

Floafers

There’s been a boom in the waterproof boat shoe category in recent years, from the now hard-to-find Tucket to the not all that waterproof Swims. Our favorites right now? Floafers, which combine actual waterproof material and effective draining with a decidedly snazzy look.

St Croix Hook Bracelets

They’re arguably the most famous jewelry from the Caribbean, the signature hook bracelets that call St Croix home. And now you can get them right from the source, Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry in Christiansted.

Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview Full-Face Snorkel

Full-face snorkel masks have revolutionized snorkeling in recent years, dramatically changing both the ease of breathing and your undersea view. Right now, Wildhorn’s masks are as good as any on the market.

The Right Way to Taste Rum

We always say the best rum in the world is the one in your glass. But when it comes to glasses, some are better than others. For the perfect rum tasting experience, we like the classic Glencairn tasting glass.

Little John Crow by Ziggy Marley

The new book by reggae legend Ziggy Marley and his wife Orly is a heartwarming tale of a young vulture in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains learning to embrace his future.

Matouk’s Hot Sauce

It’s impossible to pick a favorite hot sauce in the Caribbean. But if you travel around the Caribbean, chances are you’ve often seen this one on a table. A product of Trinidad and Tobago, Matouk’s is a superb hot sauce that’s on the spicy side but not so hot you can’t use it all the time.

Caribelle Batik

One of the Caribbean’s signature fashion houses, this St Kitts artisanal clothing producer has long set the regional standard for fine batik and beachwear, all created on site on Romney Manor.

Rockland Melbourne Luggage

Caribbean Journal editors just love these suitcases, which are affordable, durable and, well, you won’t have a hard time finding them on the baggage claim. They come in an assortment of bright, fun colors.

A Piece of the Soggy Dollar

It’s the most famous beach bar in the Caribbean, and it’s also got some of the best swag of any beach bar on the islands. Whether you want a signature Soggy hat, a flag or a shirt, it’s a way to remember those perfect painkiller-filled afternoons on Jost Van Dyke. They even have their own rum now, too.

Rhum Agricole from Martinique

For many rum lovers, the Rhum Agricole of the French Caribbean represents the pinnacle of rum-making, the world’s leading artisinal rum. If you’re in the US, however, it’s not all that easy to find. But we’re here to help. Two major rum brands from Martinique, Rhum JM and Rhum Clement, both have broad distribution in America, and that means you can give now someone a taste of this sought-after rum (and maybe get one for yourself, too). Either way, JM and Clement are wonderful introductions to the world of this sought-after spirit.

More Than Just a Watch

It’s one of the most sought-after watches in the world: Accutron, the watch that changed the face of the industry when it first debuted in 1960. Now, Accutron and its history are more than just a timepiece — they’re a conversation piece. Even better? It has a strong bond with the Caribbean! Accutron has long been a big part of the Caribbean Rum Awards in St Barth, the region’s leading celebration of fine rum. Caribbean Journal readers save 10 percent on Acccutron and Bulova watches using the code QTNFERQ69QV0.

The Sound of Guadeloupe

Gwo Ka is the signature music of this spectacular French Caribbean island, and this album is the perfect way to begin your education.

A Custom Rum Barrel Head

Papa’s Pilar, the rum brand named for Ernest Hemingway’s fishing boat (and owned in part by the Hemingway Family), has quickly become a big part of the rum landscape — and while the brand’s rum is outstanding (and much-awarded, including a gold at last year’s Caribbean Rum Awards), its gear is even cooler, like this barrel head, which can be personalized for the rum lover in your life.

Graycliff Cigars From The Bahamas

They’ve been around for nearly three decades, initially created by Avelino Lara, the onetime personal roller for Castro. Today, aficionados adore these Cuban-rolled smokes made in-house at Graycliff’s factory in Nassau, and the company can ship across the US from Florida. For more, contact cigars@graycliff.com.

How to Get Your Golf Clubs to the Caribbean

Whether you’re trying the new Royal Blue at the Baha Mar or spending a golfing week at Casa de Campo, the Caribbean is one of the world’s great golfing destinations. But if you’re bringing your clubs with you, you need to do it right. This bag still sets the standard for golf travel bags, period.

The post The 2021 Caribbean Journal Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Caribijornal, Island Life