We can happily report that the Caribbean is, in fact, getting greener. Whether it’s the regular debut of a new solar park, the frequent launch of a new wind farm or a renewed regional focus on sustainability.

While more work of course has to be done, one way to forward that is to celebrate those who are already working to protect and strengthen this beautiful corner of the world.

And when it comes to the Caribbean travel industry, there are so many who are now doing their part to make the region cleaner, greener, stronger, more resilient and more sustainable for their people.

Because the word green means so many things today: it means energy that is renewable, it means tourism philosophies that focus on the local and the sustainable; it means production and consumption that consider the environment; it means strategies that consider the climate; it means thinking about how what we do impacts the ecosystem and the community; and for the Caribbean, it means an ethos that remembers that the natural world of this region is one of the earth’s most treasured resources.

And that’s precisely the point of the inaugural Green Caribbean Awards, a celebration of those making a difference right now.

Green Destination of the Year: Bonaire

Lots of islands talk regularly about their plans to go fully green, or carbon neutral, or energy independent. But as you look around the region, one island is closer to those dreams than any other: the Dutch Caribbean paradise of Bonaire, where wind power alone generates almost 90 percent of the island’s peak energy needs, with a growing solar component as well. But it’s not just the energy that’s the story.

Bonaire has long been at the forefront of Caribbean conservation efforts, with perhaps the region’s most aggressively protected — and well managed — marine park – and a new push to make itself “blue” by using ocean resources for growth, wellbeing and ocean health. But we happen to think that’s pretty green, too.

The post The Green Caribbean Awards 2019 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Los Cabos’ Solmar hotel collection has debuted a spectacular new beachfront spa to its Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort in Mexico.

The new Spa by the Ocean is set 100 meters from the shore of the ocean, with five outdoor treatment bungalows set to the soundtrack of the sea.

Treatments range from an 80-minute couple’s massage to a 140-minute signature treatment combining a facial and a massage.

Even better? Every signature treatment includes a three-course meal crafted by the resort’s resident chef, Hector Lucas, which guests can enjoy after receiving their treatment.

The spa’s amenities also include seaside cabanas, outdoor spa beds and a pool.

“We are delighted to welcome Spa by the Ocean to Rancho San Lucas and the Solmar Spa Collection, as it truly showcases our local Baja heritage.” said Ricardo Orozco, Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ vice-president of operations. “Pairing traditional native inspired treatments and an engaging gourmet menu selection are next-level experiences that showcase our continuous dedication to elevating our guests’ stays.”

— CJ

The post There’s a New Beachfront Spa in Los Cabos appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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You may have heard of the legendary private islands, the places like Antigua’s Jumby Bay and Turks and Caicos’ Parrot Cay.

But if you dig further, you’ll discover that the Caribbean is filled with all kinds of private-island destinations with many different personalities, from the ultra-luxe to the castaway chic and everywhere in between.

Because it’s one thing to find a private island; it’s another to find a secret one.

Here are six under-the-radar private islands worth journeying to right now in the Caribbean.

Kamalame Cay, Bahamas Tucked off the northeastern coast of the mysterious, wonderful island of Andros in The Bahamas, this private island has been a haven for in-the-know travelers for years. Set on 96 acres, this beachy paradise has a mix of 27 rooms and suites, along with a collection of charming two-to-four bedroom cottages.

The post From The Bahamas to St Vincent, 5 Private-Island Destinations to Try appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Belize’s surging growth in 2018 has continued into the new year.

After one of the fastest growth rates in tourist arrivals of any Caribbean destination last year, Belize has seen a 6.3 percent increase in the first quarter, according to new data from the Belize Tourism Board.

That represents a total of 158,290 stayover arrivals in the first three months of 2019.

A rendering of Alaia in Belize.

The tourism surge has come as Belize has welcomed a host of new flight routes from North America, while its hotel sector continues to see a boom.

The latter includes a sizzling development pipeline including brands like Four Seasons and Marriott, which actually has two properties in the pipeline: the Autograph Collection-branded Alaia and a Marriott-branded hotel.

— CJ

The post Belize Keeps Up Strong Tourism Growth in 2019 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… 2019 Investing in Puerto Rico Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will provide important … Rodrick Miller, CEO of Invest Puerto Rico. Other speakers include knowledgeable … Investing in Puerto Rico Conference __title__ ] in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will provide …

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