From the first development on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands in nearly a decade to AMResorts' new stylish Breathless properties, Travel Agent breaks down the hottest hotel openings, in no particular order, in the Caribbean from January 2016 to June 2017.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
When it opened in November, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa became the first new hotel on the Caribbean’s famed Seven Mile Beach in nearly a decade. Its three freestanding beachside bungalows offer loft-like one- and two-bedroom layouts, enhanced amenities and exclusive views of the beach and ocean. All of Seafire’s restaurants, including the Mediterranean-inspired Ave, are helmed by James Beard-honored Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca. The Coccoloba bar, only a few feet from the ocean, provides great views of the sunset. Millennials should note that this is where they will get the best Instagram-worthy picture of their stay.
Visit www.seafireresortandspa.com
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas
Simply put, clients who love boats and harbor vistas will get maximum enjoyment at this all-inclusive resort. While it has a manmade beach by the boardwalk (not on the ocean), Warwick Paradise Island is best suited for those clients who are equally pleased with a cool pool scene with harbor views. The best accommodations here are the Harbour Premium Balcony rooms as well as those that are harbor side corner rooms overlooking the pool, harbor, boardwalk and terrace. Groups and guests who simply want more room can spread out in comfort in suites on the 11th and 12th floors.
Visit www.warwickhotels.com/paradise-island-bahamas
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Jamaica
AMResorts’ Breathless brand has been trending high with Millennials ever since the brand was introduced about four years ago, which is why the first Breathless brand resort in Jamaica has been creating a buzz since it opened in March.
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, surrounded by Montego Bay Marine Park, is an adults-only resort with a chic design and modern technology ranging from free Wi-Fi to in-room tablets.
Singles looking for exclusive service should book the Junior Suite Ocean View category or higher to receive the complimentary service of a butler. Other notable amenities include a swanky rooftop pool and bar, a beach club, fire pits, cabanas and five bars and lounges. The resort also hosts occasional theme parties, such as the 1920's-style “Gatsby Party.”
Visit www.breathlessresorts.com/Montego-Bay
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar –Nassau, Bahamas
This hotel is garnering a lot of buzz mainly due to the fact that it simply opened (in April) after the long-awaited Baha Mar Resort project in the Bahamas had been delayed for years. The distinct East and West Towers of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar consist of 1,800 contemporary rooms, including 230 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Guest have easy access to the Royal Blue Golf Club, Baha Mar Casino, and Baha Mar Convention, Art and Entertainment Center. Twenty bars and restaurants will open in the Grand Hyatt under the leadership of Executive Chef Brent Martin.
Visit bahamar.grand.hyatt.com
Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter, and author, Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman is already gaining favor with both girls’ and guys’ getaways. It occupies a stretch of Seven Mile Beach, with accommodations that incorporate casual-luxe furnishings, including crisp white bedding, accented glass and teak finishings. In addition, sleek, tropical-inspired designs are accompanied by subtle maritime accents, natural rock and wood materials, and colorful accessories. Dining options include Yara: The Global Steakhouse and Banana Wid Café, named after Buffett’s 20th studio album. The License to Chill Bar serves handcrafted cocktails including, of course, the resort’s signature margarita.
Visit www.margaritavilleresortgrandcayman.com
Riu Reggae, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Riu Reggae’s adults-only hotel is one of the newest all-inclusives in Jamaica and among the hottest Jamaican retreats for girls’ or guys’ getaways. Two of its three infinity pools come with an adjacent swim-up bar. For a vacation with a group of friends, there are some family rooms that can accommodate up to five people. They are comprised of two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and sofa bed and a second room with two single beds and two bathrooms. A lively program of day and night activities includes evening shows with live music. For a quieter way to relax, there’s the Renova Spa.
Royalton Negril/Hideaway at Royalton Negril – Negril, Jamaica
Already a favorite with small families and groups, the new Royalton Negril has waterfront rooms throughout three distinct sections, including the main resort, an exclusive Diamond Club wing and, for guests 18 and older, the Hideaway at Royalton Negril. Diamond Club Chairman’s Suites, which have a private balcony with private outdoor Jacuzzi and dining table, are a good fit for Millennials traveling with other couples or for small families. Royalton Negril has eight bars and eight restaurants offering a wide selection of local and international venues. After dinner, entertainment comes in the form of sunset champagne cheers at the 18+ Hideaway, boogying at XS Disco Bar and live nightly performances.
Visit www.royaltonresorts.com/Negril/Jamaica
Royalton Saint Lucia/Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia
This luxurious, yet laid-back resort is hot with Millennial families, with splash pads and waterslides, supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs and dining menus designed for children. For a quieter getaway, adults (ages 18 and older) can stay at the Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, which has private infinity pools and an exclusive seafood grill. Offerings at Hideaway include yoga on the beach, mixology classes beside the pool and champagne toasts at sunset. Suites at Hideaway use aromatherapy to greet clients each time they enter. Inside guests will find a Jacuzzi for two and a selection of premium spirits. Hideaway guests also have access to butler service.
Visit www.royaltonresorts.com/St_Lucia and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Caribbean travel news and be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @Travelpike and Instagram @pike5260.
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