Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts recently announced it is targeting Antigua for the location of its first new-build resort in the Caribbean while Blue Diamond Resorts announces yet another Hideaway at Royalton property.
Get these stories and more as Travel Agent breaks down the hottest Caribbean luxury resort news.
Waldorf Astoria Antigua Slated to Open in 2020
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's luxury brand of landmark hotels, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Callaloo Cay Antigua for the brand’s first new-build resort in the Caribbean, Waldorf Astoria Antigua.
Scheduled to open in 2020, the hotel will be located in a cove along the southeastern coast of Antigua at Morris Bay Beach, roughly 20 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport.
The resort’s 95 guest rooms and 25 branded villas, including beachfront suites and hilltop accommodations, will offer views of the bay and its surroundings. Waldorf Astoria Antigua will offer 30 acres of beachfront as well as a bluff overlooking the Cades Bay.
Waldorf Astoria Antigua will have a specialty restaurant, signature bar and waterside dining concepts. For relaxation, guests can indulge in the resort’s spa, disconnect in the fitness center or enjoy the beach.
A five-acre natural park will be developed as part of the project, available for guests to enjoy an outdoor experience. Also, indoor and outdoor event space will provide the backdrop for group and meeting activities.
Visit www3.hilton.com
The Spa at The Palms Offers New Treatments
The Palms Turks and Caicos, a longtime Turks and Caicos luxury hotel, recently unveiled some additions to its wellness menu. Among the newest treatments now available at the 25,000-square-foot The Spa at the Palms is the “Moonlight Serenade,” which takes place during sunset and involves deep meditation.
Also new is the “Beyond Beauty” treatment, which was exclusively created by Natura Bisse and HydraFacial for The Spa at The Palms. This facial includes an advanced resurfacing treatment designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as plump and firm the skin.
The new “Marine Anti-aging Facial” uses organic ingredients combined with antioxidant algae complexes and a restorative blend of aromatherapy oils. It’s this mix of seaweed and botanical ingredients that promises to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Palms consists of 72 oceanfront suites on Grace Bay Beach, as well as high-end retail shops, an infinity pool and swim-up bar, the spa and Parallel 23 restaurant (one of Travel Agent’s favorite Caribbean eateries).
Visit www.thepalmstc.com
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort Launches Organic Farm Experience for Foodies
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, a private island resort located just off the coast of Antigua, has launched a new organic farm and kitchen garden.
Accessible by a foot path, the "Jumby Farm and Kitchen Garden” encompasses a vegetable garden, herb garden and orchard. The farm also houses the island’s flock of Persian sheep, as well 24 chickens that will provide fresh eggs daily.
The farm’s produce will be used to supplement the menu at The Estate House, the resort’s signature restaurant and bar that reopened this past winter following a $6 million restoration, as part of the daily “Jumby Grown” specials.
The farm will also offer a number of unique programs and activities for the resort’s younger guests, including farm tours and gardening classes.
Grown using only natural fertilizer, the Jumby Farm and Kitchen Garden features a variety of vegetables, including arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, avocado, sweet peppers, as well as green and purple kale.
The farm also offers a number of local and tropical fruits, including watermelon, tangerines, raspberries, starfruit, cherries, breadfruit, and guavas.
The farm’s separate herb garden offers dill, chives, cilantro, parsley, tarragon, peppermint, lemon grass, rosemary, thyme, and mint, as well as several varieties of basil, including lemon, sweet, and spicy. Orchard trees bearing lemons and limes, mangos and papaya and bananas provide an idyllic shaded area.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort has 40 rooms and villas spread across a an island two miles off the coast of Antigua. Each suite offers views of the Caribbean Sea.
Visit www.rosewoodhotels.com
Blue Diamond Resorts to Open Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana
Blue Diamond Resorts recently announced the development of a 168-suite Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana resort, a modern and luxurious adults-only oasis adjacent to the Royalton Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Hideaway at Royalton Luxury Resorts are currently offered in such beachfront destinations as Cancun, Jamaica and St. Lucia.
This news follows the announcement earlier this spring that the resort chain has broken ground on the development of a new Royalton Bavaro Resort.
"There is a lot of demand for the Royalton collection of resorts in Punta Cana,” said Jordi Pelfort, managing director of Blue Diamond Resorts, in a written release.
The exclusive Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana will be a redesigned resort that offers guests over the age of 18 elegant accommodations, complimentary extras such as afternoon hors d'oeuvres in exclusive pool and beach areas, waiter service, cold towels poolside, lens cleaning, and in-room amenities like aromatherapy, a custom beach bag and upgraded room service.
For Diamond Club guests, premium services include preferred room locations, in-suite liquor, a pillow menu and spa discounts.
Visit www.bluediamondresorts.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Caribbean travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.