The island has officially introduced a new artificial reef created from a decommissioned plane, marking a significant addition to its expanding dive portfolio. The aircraft has been carefully prepared and submerged, creating a new underwater site designed to attract divers while supporting marine life.

The project reflects a coordinated effort between government agencies and private partners, with the aircraft donated by local business owner Sylvester Williams of Island Auto Supplies, whose contribution made the initiative possible.

What Divers Will Find Underwater

The submerged aircraft is expected to become a focal point for dive excursions in St. Kitts, offering a structure that will evolve over time as marine life settles in and begins to grow across its surfaces.

Divers can expect a site that combines exploration with gradual ecological development. Over time, coral and other organisms will attach to the aircraft, turning it into a functioning artificial reef that supports fish and other marine species.

Sites like this typically become more dynamic with each passing year, as visibility, marine activity, and growth patterns change.

The addition gives dive operators on the island a new product to offer, particularly for repeat visitors looking for something different from traditional reef dives.

A Focus On Environmental Responsibility

The preparation of the aircraft followed a detailed process designed to ensure that it could be placed in the water without impacting the surrounding marine environment.

The plane underwent a multi-phase inspection led in part by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, with oversight focused on environmental safety and compliance.

One of the most critical steps involved the removal of all fuel and oil systems. These were fully drained and flushed to eliminate any risk of contamination once the aircraft was submerged.

That process is standard for reef creation projects but requires careful execution to meet environmental guidelines and protect nearby ecosystems.

Independent Testing And Final Approval

Before the aircraft was cleared for submersion, it was subject to an independent assessment by the St. Kitts Bureau of Standards.

The review included a full hazard inspection, along with radiation screening and other safety checks. Only after completing all required evaluations did the Bureau grant approval for the aircraft to be placed underwater.

That level of oversight ensures the site meets both environmental and public safety requirements, particularly as it becomes part of the island’s tourism offering.

Why Artificial Reefs Matter For Destinations Like St. Kitts

Artificial reefs serve a dual purpose. They create new points of interest for divers while also supporting marine ecosystems by providing additional surfaces for coral growth and habitat for fish.

In destinations like St. Kitts, where marine tourism plays an increasing role, projects like this help expand the range of experiences available to visitors.

They also reduce pressure on natural reefs by distributing diver activity across more sites.

Over time, the aircraft will transition from a recognizable structure into a fully integrated reef environment, with marine life shaping how the site looks and functions.

A Growing Focus On Dive Tourism

St. Kitts has been steadily building its reputation as a dive destination, with clear water, varied underwater terrain, and a mix of reef and wreck sites already in place.

The addition of this aircraft strengthens that positioning, giving the island another distinctive feature that can be marketed to both experienced divers and newcomers.

Dive tourism continues to be a high-value segment, often tied to longer stays and repeat visitation. New sites play a key role in keeping destinations competitive, particularly in a region where many islands offer similar core experiences.

What This Means For Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to St. Kitts, this new site adds another option to your itinerary.

You’ll find dive operators incorporating the aircraft into their offerings as conditions stabilize and the site becomes fully established. Early visits will focus on the structure itself, while later dives will highlight marine growth and increased fish activity.

It’s the kind of experience that changes over time, giving you a reason to return and see how it evolves.

A New Chapter Underwater

The successful submersion of the aircraft marks a milestone for St. Kitts’ marine tourism strategy.

It combines infrastructure, environmental planning, and private support into a single project that expands what the island can offer below the surface.

For divers, it introduces a new site to explore. For the island, it adds another layer to a tourism product that continues to grow.

And for the marine environment, it creates a new foundation—one that will continue to develop long after the aircraft settled into place.

The post St. Kitts Just Sank an Aircraft to Create a New Dive Site – Adding an Artificial Reef, A Tourism Draw, And a New Way to Explore the Island Underwater appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Saint Lucia is one of the easier Caribbean islands to sell on paper and one of the hardest to match correctly. The Pitons do most of the marketing — every brochure leans on the same image — but the island’s hotels diverge sharply once you get past the postcard. A client who books Sugar Beach expecting “the Pitons experience” and ends up at Cap Maison instead has had a very different vacation, even if both stays were excellent.

This guide is built around how advisors actually use the island: matching client briefs to property, with the regional, vibe, and price tier distinctions that don’t surface in the trade collateral. And it leads with the case for the property group most advisors should be selling more of — and likely aren’t.

The post The Travel Advisor’s Guide to Saint Lucia appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Rental Escapes is marking Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with a limited-time incentive that puts real earning potential on the table. Advisors can earn up to $5,000 in bonus commission along with double REward points on all bookings made between April 27 and May 31, 2026. The offer applies to stays through December 31, 2027, giving advisors a long booking window to convert current demand into future revenue.

The structure is simple: book during the promotional period, earn elevated commission, and accelerate reward accumulation that can be used for personal villa stays.

The post Rental Escapes Launches New Incentive With Double Points for Travel Advisor Month appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Ewald Biemans, the founder and owner of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, has been named a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a royal honor conferred by King Willem-Alexander during the Kingdom’s annual King’s Day celebrations.

It’s another feather in the cap for a property that recently became the only hotel on earth with two perfect Green Globe scores.

The recognition places Biemans among a select group acknowledged for contributions that extend beyond business into public service, long-term leadership, and measurable impact. In his case, that impact has played out over decades, shaping how hospitality operates in Aruba and influencing how sustainability is implemented across the global travel industry.

Building A Resort During Uncertainty

Biemans’ work in Aruba began at a moment when the island’s economic outlook had sharply changed.

In 1987, the closure of the island’s oil refinery left thousands without jobs and forced a rethinking of Aruba’s future. That same year, Biemans opened what would become Bucuti Beach Resort, launching the property during a period of global market instability.

The early years required discipline and patience. Tourism infrastructure on the island was still developing, and international demand was far less predictable than it is today. The resort grew gradually, establishing a reputation for consistency and service at a time when Aruba was still defining its identity as a tourism destination.

That foundation would carry forward into the next phase of the property’s evolution.

Expanding The Bucuti & Tara Concept

In 2004, the addition of Tara Suites expanded the property into what is now known as Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, a adults-only hotel that has become one of the most recognized properties in the Caribbean.

The focus remained consistent: direct beachfront rooms, a quiet environment, and service that emphasizes privacy and attention to detail. Over time, the resort built a following among travelers seeking a more controlled, low-density stay, particularly couples.

Rooms open toward the shoreline, and public areas maintain a consistent flow between indoor and outdoor use. Dining, wellness, and beach service operate within a compact footprint, allowing guests to move easily between different parts of the property throughout the day.

This approach has helped define the resort’s identity, but it is only part of Biemans’ broader influence.

Driving Sustainability In Caribbean Hospitality

Biemans is widely known for advancing sustainability in a way that moves beyond messaging and into operations.

At Bucuti & Tara, environmental initiatives were introduced gradually and expanded over time, covering energy use, waste management, water conservation, and supply sourcing. The goal was not to introduce isolated programs, but to align daily operations with long-term environmental goals.

That work led to a milestone in 2018, when the resort became the Caribbean’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel. The designation reflected a comprehensive approach that combined emissions reduction with offset programs.

The achievement set a new benchmark for the region, demonstrating that a full-service resort could operate with reduced environmental impact while maintaining service standards expected by international travelers.

From One Resort To Island-Wide Influence

Biemans’ work has extended beyond his own property into Aruba’s broader tourism ecosystem.

In the early 2000s, he founded Tara Eco Supplies, a company designed to provide sustainable products to hotels, restaurants, and businesses across the island. At the time, many of these products were difficult to source locally.

The initiative addressed a practical barrier. By making recyclable, biodegradable, and energy-efficient products more widely available, it allowed other businesses to adopt similar practices without facing the same logistical challenges.

Over time, that availability contributed to a wider shift in how tourism businesses on the island approached environmental responsibility. What began as a single-resort effort expanded into a broader operational standard across multiple sectors.

Global Recognition For Measurable Impact

The work at Bucuti & Tara has drawn recognition from international organizations, particularly in the area of climate action.

In 2020, the resort received the United Nations Global Climate Action Award, marking the first time a hotel had been recognized with that distinction. The award focused on programs that demonstrate measurable results and can be applied across different markets.

The recognition placed Bucuti & Tara into a global conversation around climate solutions, with the resort’s operational model presented as an example for other properties to follow.

Biemans has since participated in major climate forums, including global conferences where government leaders, industry figures, and environmental organizations share policy and operational strategies.

His role in these settings has focused on practical application—how sustainability programs function day to day within a working hotel environment.

A Model Based On Daily Operations

What separates Biemans’ approach is its focus on execution.

Rather than positioning sustainability as a separate initiative, the model integrates environmental practices into standard operations. Energy use, supply chains, and guest services are all aligned within the same system.

That consistency has made the approach replicable. Other properties can adopt elements of the model without needing to redesign their entire operation at once.

This incremental approach has influenced how sustainability is discussed across the industry, shifting the focus from concept to application.

A Workplace Built On Long-Term Retention

Biemans’ influence also extends into workforce practices.

At Bucuti & Tara, employee programs include health initiatives, training opportunities, and financial support options designed to improve long-term retention. These programs are positioned as part of the overall operation rather than separate benefits.

Staff development is treated as an ongoing process, with opportunities for advancement and skill-building built into the workplace.

This approach has contributed to stability within the team, with many employees remaining at the property for extended periods. That continuity carries through to the guest experience, where service reflects familiarity and consistency.

Shaping Aruba’s Position In Global Travel

Over time, Biemans’ work has contributed to how Aruba is positioned in the global travel market.

The island is now widely associated with sustainability initiatives, wellness-focused travel, and high service standards. While multiple factors contribute to that reputation, Bucuti & Tara has played a visible role in establishing those expectations.

The property’s performance has also demonstrated that sustainability and profitability can operate together, providing a model for other developments on the island.

That influence continues as new projects emerge, with developers and operators referencing similar approaches in planning and execution.

What The Royal Recognition Represents

The Order of Orange-Nassau recognizes individuals whose work creates lasting contributions across society.

In this case, the honor reflects a combination of business leadership, environmental action, and community impact. Biemans’ work has influenced not only how a single resort operates, but how an entire destination approaches tourism.

The post This Aruba Resort Founder Was Just Knighted by the Dutch King appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Tourist arrivals rose by about 2.5 percent, according to recent Caribbean Tourism Organization data. 

And hotel occupancy, for example, was down for just about all of last year, according to data from STR.  Indeed, hotel occupancy declined for nine consecutive months beginning in March of 2025. 

And even many regional observers seemed to suggest that this year would be, well, not that sizzling. 

And then something happened in December, under the radar.

I remember that Barbados’s Grantley Adams International Airport in particular had an exceptionally busy day in mid-December, even before the festive season.

Then I noticed that hotel occupancy in the Caribbean had bucked the trend in December, rising by 0.9 percent — in other words, positive territory. 

And then things started heating up. 

What We’re Seeing 

Hotel occupancy in January was 71.4 percent — up by 1.5 percent over January 2025. The next month? 76.5 percent, a 2.6 percent climb. And last month, March 2026, saw hotel occupancy at 79 percent — a 6.5 percent jump over the same period last year — and high than in any single month in 2025. And higher than in any month in 2024. Or in 2023. Or even in 2022. 

That is to say – March was a really, really good month for Caribbean hotels — and the some 2,000 hotels that are covered in STR’s data survey. 

And it’s been borne out in some of the numbers from Caribbean destinations that have been reporting their first quarter data. 

The Cayman Islands, for example, is off to a huge start this year, with a more than 10 percent increase in visitors in February alone. Jamaica welcomed more than 1 million visitors in the first quarter (although the island rarely shares the breakdown of cruise versus stay over, unfortunately). 

Barbados, for its part, is also seeing very strong numbers.

What it all means is that something has changed, tangibly, in Caribbean travel, and the overall data is pointing towards a very good start to this year. 

What’s Changing 

So what is it that has actually changed? I think it’s a few factors. Clearly, even starting in December, traveler demand was starting to rise — mirroring the kind of Caribbean love affair we saw in the early days of the post-Covid boom. 

The Cuba Effect 

Another huge shift? The Canadian market, and Cuba. Canada has, for years, been the number one source market for tourism to Cuba. If you’ve been following things south of Florida, you know that in early February, Canadian airlines stopped flying to Cuba, in large part because there was little to no jet fuel in Cuba to return to home. 

But Canadian travel demand obviously didn’t disappear — and Canadians have accordingly shifted their travel to other destinations across the Caribbean. To return to the Cayman example, the Cayman Islands has seen double-digit increases in Canadian travel for each of the last four months — and this is a trend that has clearly been showing up in other Caribbean destinations. 

Mexico, Too

What happened in Puerto Vallarta in February certainly scared off a number of travelers who had been considering visiting Mexico, and that reluctance to visit Mexico has continued since, with travelers still scared off by perceptions of crime. For years, the Mexican Caribbean remains the top international favorite of American travelers (just look at all the new flights that keep getting added to Cancun) — and are travelers who are now looking for an alternative — one that is equally tropical and equally easy to get to.

What Else Is Happening

The Iran War has also pushed travel closer to home — both for security and pricing reasons. Flights are more expensive overall, and shorter flights are obviously less expensive than longer flights. That means

It all adds up to a favorable cocktail for the Caribbean — one that should give the region confidence as the second quarter continues. The hotels and destinations that aren’t seeing that kind of growth simply need to go out there and get out there — it’ s not because travel is down. It’s a question of effort, storytelling and, well, good old fashioned marketing.

The travelers are out there, they’re looking for their next vacation, and it’s time for the Caribbean to take advantage. 

The post The Caribbean Is Doing Far Better in 2026 Than Everybody Expected – And Travelers Are Actually Flocking appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Meet NYKOS Rooftop, the Caribbean’s coolest new sky-high hangout, which just opened its doors a few weeks ago in St. Kitts.

It’s the kind of spot the island has been waiting for: a true rooftop destination built around the things that make a Caribbean evening unforgettable — sunsets, cocktails, music, and that particular feeling of being somewhere that matters.

A New Kind of Night Out in St. Kitts

St. Kitts has long been one of the Caribbean’s most quietly compelling islands, with its lush green hills, its deep history, and a hotel scene that’s been steadily transforming — from the Park Hyatt at Christophe Harbour to the Koi Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton.

But what the island hasn’t really had, until now, is a dedicated rooftop scene — the kind of elevated, design-forward space that’s become a signature of cities like Miami, San Juan, and Bridgetown.

NYKOS changes that.

What to Expect

The concept is simple, and beautifully so: take the best parts of a Caribbean evening and put them all on one roof.

Crafted Cocktails anchor the experience, with a bar program built around fresh, island-driven flavors and serious technique. Expect rum done right, plus a deep list of signature drinks made for golden-hour sipping.

Gourmet Tapas make up the food program — small plates designed for sharing, the kind of menu that pairs effortlessly with a second (or third) round of drinks as the sky turns pink.

A Shisha Lounge brings a touch of Mediterranean cool to the mix, giving the space a layered, after-dark energy that feels genuinely different from anything else on the island.

And then there’s the Live DJ and Music programming, which transforms the rooftop from a sunset spot into a full-on nightlife destination as the evening rolls on.

Why It Matters

NYKOS arrives at a pivotal moment for St. Kitts.

The island has been undergoing a major rebranding, leaning into the local, the authentic, and the experiential. It’s been adding boutique hotels, new culinary concepts, and a growing roster of tours and immersive experiences designed to keep visitors lingering longer.

A rooftop like NYKOS fits perfectly into that story. It’s the kind of place that gives travelers — and Kittitians — a new reason to gather, to stay out late, to make a night of it.

It’s also, frankly, a vibe the Caribbean does exceptionally well when it’s done right: open air, ocean breeze, great music, and a crowd that’s there for all of it.

The Bottom Line

If you’re heading to St. Kitts this season, NYKOS Rooftop belongs on your list — somewhere near the top.

Get there before sunset. Order something cold. Stay for the music.

This is the new St. Kitts, and it’s looking up.

The post The Caribbean’s Coolest New Rooftop Just Opened in St Kitts appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

You step into the mill directly from the surrounding terrain. No gates, no formal entrance. The ground shifts between packed earth and scattered stone as you pass through open archways that once defined working areas.

Changes in elevation separate different sections. Thick walls mark where heavy equipment likely stood. Open corridors trace the movement of material through the site.

Beyond the structure, the coastline runs wide and exposed. Waves strike the rock with force, sending spray toward the base of the ruins. There is no calm shoreline here. Everything about the environment aligns with durability and function.

This is one of the most direct connections to Aruba’s gold past, and it remains exactly where it was built.

The Discovery That Defined The Era

Gold was discovered in Aruba in 1824, setting off a period of exploration that spread across the island. Prospectors moved through rocky terrain, working hills and exposed formations in search of deposits that could sustain production.

The industry eventually produced more than 3 million pounds of gold, a number that reshaped the island’s economy during the nineteenth century.

Extraction alone was not enough. The process required facilities capable of refining ore into usable gold. That need led to the construction of mills positioned strategically across the island.

Two of those mills remain today, each tied to a different part of Aruba’s geography.

Bushiribana And The North Coast Operation

Bushiribana Gold Mill processed ore brought from nearby mining areas inland. Its placement along the north coast allowed for proximity to those sites while supporting the movement of materials beyond the island.

The structure reflects its purpose. Elevated platforms suggest where machinery once operated. Open channels indicate how ore likely moved through different stages of processing. The thickness of the stone walls shows the need for stability under constant use.

You walk through multiple sections of the mill, stepping over uneven stone and moving between spaces that once held equipment and workers. The building stands fully exposed now, with no separation between interior and exterior.

The coastline reinforces that exposure. Jagged rock formations line the edge of the island, with water striking against them continuously. There are no sheltered areas nearby, no soft entry into the sea.

Everything at Bushiribana points to production under demanding conditions.

Balashi And The Lagoon Corridor

On the southeastern side of the island, Balashi Gold Mill presents a different environment shaped by its position near the Spanish Lagoon.

The remains appear in sections of stone that outline the original processing site. Compared to Bushiribana, the layout requires closer attention to understand. Foundations, partial walls, and elevation changes define the space.

The surrounding terrain includes tighter rock formations and pockets of greenery near the water. The presence of the lagoon introduces still water into the scene, a contrast to the constant motion along the north coast.

Nearby, Frenchman’s Pass cuts through a narrow corridor of rock. This natural feature has long influenced movement across the island, and the mill’s placement aligns with that geography.

You move through Balashi on foot, tracing the outlines of the site and observing how it fits into the surrounding landscape.

Arikok And The Miralamar Mines

The origin of Aruba’s gold industry lies inland within Arikok National Park, where the Miralamar gold mines remain.

The terrain here shifts immediately. Dry ground stretches across the park, covered with cactus, loose stone, and exposed rock surfaces. Trails lead through areas where mining activity once took place.

Instead of large structures, the evidence appears in smaller forms. Openings in rock indicate where digging occurred. Surfaces show signs of being worked and altered. Subtle variations in the terrain reveal where material was removed.

You follow these details across the landscape, identifying the points where prospectors extracted ore.

Miralamar represents the beginning of the process. Material from these sites traveled to mills like Bushiribana and Balashi for processing.

Together, the mines and mills form a connected system across the island.

How To Experience Aruba’s Gold Trail

Visiting these sites creates a clear path through Aruba’s gold history.

You begin at Bushiribana, where the structure provides an immediate sense of scale and function. From there, you head toward Balashi, where the terrain shifts and the mill integrates into a different environment.

Arikok National Park adds the mining component, requiring time on foot and attention to the landscape.

Each site stands independently, but together they create a complete picture of extraction and processing during Aruba’s gold rush.

There are no large visitor installations guiding the experience. The sites rely on what remains in place — stone, ground, and layout.

You move through them, observe the details, and connect the sequence yourself.

Getting To Aruba

Reaching Aruba is straightforward, with direct flights from major cities across the United States, including Miami, New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Most routes arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, the island’s main gateway.

From Miami, flight time is just over 2.5 hours, making Aruba one of the more accessible southern Caribbean destinations from the East Coast.

Once on the island, driving provides the most flexibility for reaching the gold sites. Rental cars are widely available at the airport, and road access to Bushiribana, Balashi, and Arikok National Park is clearly marked.

The drive to Bushiribana from the airport takes roughly 25 minutes, heading north and then east along the coast. Balashi sits about 15 minutes southeast of Oranjestad, while Arikok National Park spans a larger inland area and can be entered from multiple points.

A full day allows time to visit all three.

Where To Stay Near The Gold Sites

The closest major resort base to Bushiribana and the north coast sites is The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, located in the Palm Beach area.

The property places you within a short drive of the island’s northeastern coastline, making it one of the most convenient high-end options for exploring the gold mill at Bushiribana.

Rooms feature private balconies facing the Caribbean, with views extending across the resort’s pools and beachfront. On-site dining includes BLT Steak, a modern steakhouse with ocean-facing tables, and Casa Nonna New York, serving Italian dishes in a refined indoor-outdoor space. The resort also includes a full-service spa, a large beachfront pool area, and direct beach frontage along one of Aruba’s most well-known stretches of sand.

From the hotel, you reach Bushiribana in under 20 minutes by car, making it easy to combine a morning visit to the ruins with an afternoon back on the beach.

For access to Balashi and Arikok, Palm Beach remains a central base, with drives ranging from 20 to 35 minutes depending on your route.

Why This Side Of Aruba Stays With You

Aruba’s beaches and resorts define its reputation, but the gold sites reveal a different layer of the island’s identity.

They show a period shaped by extraction, labor, and the development of systems to process natural resources. They show how geography influenced industry, from inland mines to coastal mills.

The remains are still present across the island. Stone walls, altered terrain, and defined pathways provide direct evidence of that era.

You walk through these places in their original locations, tracing the path from mine to mill.

By the time you return to the coast, Aruba holds a different context — one grounded in what still stands across its landscape

The post Aruba Has A Side Most Travelers Miss, With Abandoned Gold Ruins, Remote Landscapes, And A Real Piece Of Caribbean History appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

The new facility will be constructed on an existing man-made island within the harbor, adding a major new piece of infrastructure to one of the country’s key cruise ports.

What The New Terminal Will Include

The planned development will feature multiple cruise ship berths, enabling Freeport to accommodate a higher volume of vessels at once and increasing overall passenger throughput.

Design plans also include food and entertainment areas for arriving passengers, along with a transportation logistics center intended to streamline connections to shore excursions and independent travel across Grand Bahama.

The project is designed to improve both the on-port experience and the efficiency of moving visitors throughout the island.

Grand Bahama’s Growing Cruise Position

The investment comes as Grand Bahama continues to expand its role as a major cruise destination in the Caribbean, driven by a series of large-scale projects reshaping the island’s tourism profile.

Among the most significant recent developments is the opening of Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s private destination on Grand Bahama, which debuted last year and has added a major new draw for cruise itineraries calling on the island.

That project has increased passenger volumes while introducing new purpose-built experiences tied directly to cruise visitors.

What It Means For Freeport

With the addition of MSC’s new terminal, Freeport is positioning for a larger share of regional cruise traffic, with the ability to handle more ships, more passengers, and a broader mix of cruise lines.

The expansion is also expected to support local tour operators and businesses connected to shore excursions, as more visitors move through the port and into destinations across Grand Bahama.

The project adds to a growing pipeline of cruise investments in The Bahamas, as the country continues to strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise markets.

The post MSC Cruises Is Planning a $450 Million Cruise Terminal appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

The conference will take place at the American University of Antigua conference venue, marking the second consecutive year the destination has hosted the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association’s flagship gathering.

“The return of Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda reflects the confidence that CHTA has in our ability to deliver at the highest level,” said Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Charles Fernandez. “It further strengthens our position as a leading destination for conferences and major tourism events.”

Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association’s primary forum for connecting tourism suppliers with international buyers, including tour operators and travel advisors, with the goal of generating new business and increasing travel to the region.

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace places Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of regional tourism business at a pivotal time for global travel,” said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “With the industry’s key players in our destination, we are well positioned to showcase the strength of our product, deepen key partnerships, and nurture opportunities that will drive growth in visitor arrivals.”

The event is being coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association.

“It is an honour to once again bring Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda, a destination that truly embodies the spirit of regional collaboration,” said Sanovnik Destang, president of the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association. “Marketplace is ultimately about results, creating real opportunities for participants to grow business, forge lasting partnerships, and build the foundation for sustained travel across the Caribbean.”

The 2026 program will include Responsible Tourism Day on May 14, highlighting sustainability and environmental initiatives across the destination.

The Direct Booking Summit will return on May 15, bringing together industry leaders to discuss trends and innovation in the tourism sector.

Organizers said the event is also expected to attract strong international media coverage from key source markets, increasing visibility for Antigua and Barbuda.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace will coincide with the destination’s annual Culinary Month, offering delegates the opportunity to experience local food programming during the event.

The post The Caribbean’s Top Travel Industry Event Is Returning To Antigua And Barbuda, Bringing 500 Delegates, Industry Growth, and a Global Spotlight appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

For decades, Cancun has carried a familiar reputation. Spring break. Mega-resorts. Wristbands. Crowds. It’s a reputation that has lived in a kind of tension with the actual destination — with the softness of the sand, the clarity of the water, the long curve of beach that runs unbroken from Punta Nizuc up through Costa Mujeres.

In 2026, things are changing, following a 2025 that saw a similar wave of new resorts.

This is the year Cancun goes seriously upscale. A new St. Regis. A new Park Hyatt — the brand’s first in the Mexican Caribbean. A new Grand Hyatt. A new JW Marriott all-inclusive. A new Tribute Portfolio boutique. A gut-renovated Hyatt Zilara coming back as something close to a brand-new resort. And a major all-inclusive conversion of one of the destination’s most architecturally significant properties.

This isn’t an accident. Cancun is by most accounts the No. 1 international destination for U.S. travelers in the world. The airport handles more than 30 million passengers a year. Demand for high-end, low-density properties continues to outpace supply across the Mexican Caribbean. Brands are reading the same data. The 2026 calendar reflects it.

Here is what’s coming, when it opens, and what each property is actually built for.

Hyatt Zilara Cancun — Reopening in May

The most anticipated return of the year isn’t technically a new hotel. The Hyatt Zilara Cancun is currently slated to reopen on May 1, 2026, after a top-to-bottom transformation that has touched the suites, the dining venues, the spa, the fitness facilities — almost every part of the resort.

What stays the same is the location. The beach in front of Zilara is one of the widest, whitest stretches in the Hotel Zone. What changes is everything else. Modernized ocean-view suites with terraces. A refreshed restaurant lineup. Updated wellness and gym spaces. The “old” Zilara was known for service and sand. The new one keeps both, and upgrades the rest. For loyalists who have been waiting on a return date, this is the most consequential reopening of the year, and rooms for the first summer back are already moving.

St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort — Summer

The single most important debut in Cancun this year. The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to open in mid-2026, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands to the Mexican Caribbean for the first time in resort form, along with its signature Butler Service.

The property will be deliberately small. Just 163 rooms, suites and Signature Villas. Infinity pools. Beachfront cabanas. Multiple dining venues. The kind of personalized service the brand is built around. For travelers who find Cancun’s mega-resorts overwhelming, this is the antidote — low density, high service, a quieter beach 20 minutes north of the Hotel Zone, with views across the water to Isla Mujeres.

It’s also the property that effectively cements Costa Mujeres as the destination’s new luxury row, alongside neighboring brands like Atelier and Excellence Coral. Reservations are open for arrivals starting around July 1, 2026.

Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort — September

Cancun’s other major Hyatt debut anchors Puerto Cancun — the marina-and-golf district between the Hotel Zone and downtown that, until now, has not had a true grand-scale beachfront resort. The 500-room Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort is already accepting reservations for stays beginning Sept. 8, 2026.

The amenity list is built for the brand’s biggest properties. Fourteen dining venues. Nine swimming pools. An indoor-outdoor spa. A fitness center. More than 30,000 square feet of event space. The vibe is urban-luxury beach. You can spend the day at the pool and the evening at marina restaurants without a long taxi ride. For travelers who want the energy of a city resort with the amenities of a beach resort, this is the sweet-spot opening of the year — and the property that will reshape how visitors think about Puerto Cancun as a base.

Park Hyatt Riviera Maya — Late 2026

‘The most refined Hyatt opening of the year, and the one that best illustrates the dynamism underway. Park Hyatt is Hyatt’s top-tier brand. Its Cancun-area debut, slated for late 2026, is the brand’s first arrival in the Mexican Caribbean. (To be fair, it’s sort of a hybrid Cancun-Riviera Maya resort).

The property is being designed as a quiet, art-forward beachfront sanctuary, with a focus on personalized service, elevated culinary concepts and a deliberately understated aesthetic. There are no foam parties planned. No MCs with microphones. The focus, as it is at Park Hyatts in Tokyo, Vienna and New York, is on quiet luxury, refined dining and the kind of detail-level service that justifies the rate.

For travelers who associate Cancun with crowds, this is the property meant to change that perception. In a year full of major openings, it’s the most thesis-defining one. Proof that the world’s most prestigious hotel brands now see Cancun as a market that can sustain genuine luxury.

JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Mujeres — Sometime in 2026

Marriott’s other major Costa Mujeres debut is a 283-room JW Marriott designed entirely as an all-inclusive — a relatively new direction for the brand, and a meaningful signal that traditional luxury operators are taking the format seriously.

What you can expect: mindful pool layouts, multiple specialty restaurants, and a food-and-beverage program built to compete with stand-alone fine-dining venues rather than feed a buffet line. The property will sit side-by-side with another major Marriott opening in Costa Mujeres, significantly expanding the region’s high-end all-inclusive inventory and giving travelers a meaningful upscale alternative to the typical Hotel Zone format.

For Marriott Bonvoy members, it’s also one of the most consequential openings of the year. A JW-level all-inclusive where points can be earned and burned is the kind of property that fundamentally changes the loyalty calculation.

Casa Nizuc, Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa — Summer 2026

Tucked into Aldea Nizuc on the southern end of the Hotel Zone, Casa Nizuc opens this summer as a Tribute Portfolio property — Marriott’s collection of independent-feeling boutique hotels that prioritize design and a sense of place over standardized brand cues.

Multiple dining venues. Meeting space. A pool. A mix of room categories with private terraces and either sunrise or sunset views. It’s a smaller, more design-driven counterpoint to the destination’s mega-resort openings, and a useful indicator that the Cancun market is now deep enough to support boutique-scale properties alongside the bigger debuts.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun — Conversion Underway

Not a new build. But a major repositioning that will reshape one of Cancun’s most architecturally significant properties.

In January, Black Creek Mexico’s Alojica platform and Royalton Hotels & Resorts completed the acquisition of The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun from Marriott Vacations Worldwide. The plan: a transformational capital improvement program to convert the Ricardo Legorreta-designed Punta Nizuc landmark into an All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy resort under the Westin brand.

The property includes 372 guestrooms and suites. The Heavenly Spa by Westin. Five restaurants and bars. Twenty thousand square feet of meeting space. A reopening timeline has not been disclosed. But the conversion underscores the broader trend — legacy properties in prime locations being repositioned to capture the same upscale all-inclusive demand driving the new builds.

The Bigger Picture

Together with the late-2025 wave — Secrets Mirabel Cancun, Riu Ventura, Majestic Mirage Costa Mujeres, Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres, Hyatt Place Cancun Airport — these 2026 debuts will give Cancun and Costa Mujeres several thousand new rooms across nearly every category. Adults-only. Family all-inclusive. Ultra-luxury. Design-led boutique. All-inclusive with loyalty points.

It is also happening alongside two infrastructure changes that quietly matter just as much. The long-awaited Nichupté Vehicular Bridge is opening to the public this year, cutting transfer times and easing the chronic Hotel Zone traffic that has frustrated travelers for years. Cancun International Airport is adding more than a dozen new gates at its newest terminal, with construction tentatively wrapping before the end of 2026.

Add it all up, and the destination is heading into the second half of the year with more capacity, faster transfers and a deeper bench of brands than at any point in its history.

For travelers, the practical takeaway is straightforward. The best dates at the new properties — the St. Regis Costa Mujeres, the Grand Hyatt, the reopened Hyatt Zilara — are already moving fast. The Park Hyatt is likely to sell out its first months on the calendar before it even opens.

Cancun’s luxury moment is here. The only question is whether the rooms are still available when you decide to act on it.

The post Cancun Is Getting 7 New Resorts This Year, From All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts to Its First-Ever St. Regis appeared first on Caribbean Journal.