Sandals Resorts International is reopening two more resorts in January, Caribbean Journal has learned.
That will include the reopening of the Sandals Halcyon Beach resort in Saint Lucia on Jan. 15 and the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort in Nassau, The Bahamas on Jan. 28.
This month, Sandals will complete the reopening of all its properties in Jamaica with the Dec. 17 relaunch of Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios.
The company has already reopened 11 resorts in the Caribbean in destinations including Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
When it comes to making lifestyle decisions, the pandemic has only strengthened the appeal of the Caribbean, as more people flock to the region for sanctuary, seclusion and stability amid an uncertain global situation.
But it’s also leading to renewed interest from another demographic: retirees. One of their top choices? Grand Cayman.
But it’s also leading to renewed interest from another demographic: retirees. One of their top choices? Grand Cayman.
“We are experiencing growing interest from people looking to make plans for their retirement,” Sue Nickason, VP Marketing and Sales at leading Cayman Islands real estate brokerage Provenance Properties, the official Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in Cayman tells Caribbean Journal Invest.
“One aspect of that planning process includes acquiring a property in Cayman for either part-time or full-time residency. Retirees appreciate Cayman’s excellent healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure, tropical year-round weather and nonstop flights from major cities in North America,” Nickason says.
Indeed, Cayman has long been popular with affluent retirees, thanks to its strong healthcare sector, abundant recreational opportunities on land and sea, and an enduring record of safety, among other factors.
Healthcare is a particularly strong factor, she said, pointing to the four major hospitals in the Cayman Islands and the more than 1,000 healthcare and wellness professionals providing a range of services across the destination — with a ratio of around 4.5 doctors per 1,000 residents.
A rendering of the new OLEA real estate community, the first for-sale development at Camana Bay in Grand Cayman.
In recent years, the opening of the renowned Health City complex has only reinforced that standing.
But it’s far more than that, Nickason tells Caribbean Journal Invest.
Cayman has a low crime rate; a long history of sound governance; one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world and a standard of living that’s largely unmatched in the wider region.
And Cayman’s tax neutrality means it’s easier to budget for retirement expenses, with an absence of personal, recurring property, capital gains, inheritance and sales taxes.
“The Cayman Islands is an ideal address for living an active lifestyle as a retiree,” Nickason says. “An additional draw is the absence of any restrictions on foreign ownership of property and the absence of recurring property, income, capital gains, sales and inheritance taxes.”
The Kimpton Seafire and Residences at Seafire in Grand Cayman.
For aspiring centarians, that can be renewed for another 25 years.
Once obtained, the holder must maintain a minimum 30-day residency period each year in Cayman and demonstrate an annual income of $145,000 not derived by working in the local economy.
The first-ever SLS hotel in Cancun is planning an “early 2021” debut, according to sbe Hotels.
The boutique SLS Cancun will launch in Mexico’s Puerto Cancun development, with a total of 45 suites, a private beach club, a signature SLS pools cape and access to Puerto Cancun’s amenities including a private marina and an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course.
Other amenities will include the Ciel Spa, a lobby bar designed by Piero Lissoni, and an Argentinian eatery called LENIA by Chef Jose Icardi.
It will be the second SLS-branded hotel in the wider Caribbean, joining the existing SLS Baha Mar in Nassau, The Bahamas (that property is slated to relaunch operations in mid-December).
The newly named Duobrachium sparksae was discovered two and a half miles below sea level by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries research team. It was found during an underwater expedition using a remotely operated vehicle in 2015 …
St. Croix stands out with its well-preserved historic buildings — notably Fort Christiansvaern, a Danish fortress dating from 1749 — two distinctive cities (Christiansted and Frederiksted), excellent culinary scene, and natural wonders that include Buck Island National Monument for desert-island swimming and snorkeling and a lush interior rainforest filled with old plantation ruins.
And now you can plan your St. Croix visit now with a stay at one of the hotels that have reopened with new COVID-19 protocols in place.
Options range from the intimacy of the Sugar Apple Bed & Breakfast in downtown Christiansted to the resort accommodations at the famous Buccaneer.
Here’s a guide to where you can stay in St Croix right now.
The Buccaneer.
Arawak Bay Inn: 14-room bed & breakfast near the Salt River Bay, Salt River Marina, and Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.
The Buccaneer: Iconic, pink-clad beach resort that has defined luxury vacations on St. Croix since 1947.
Carambola Beach Resort: Full-service Marriott resort is still undergoing renovations but has reopened for business on Estate Davis Bay, along with its signature golf course.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino: Perfectly situated on the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted, the Caravelle has a cheery, bright yellow facade, a guest pool, a small casino, and is home to Rum Runner’s Restaurant and Bar.
