The company is pushing back the reopening of several major all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay and Rose Hall to the first quarter of 2027, following continued recovery work after Hurricane Melissa.

It’s the latest adjustment in a timeline that has already been extended, and it affects one of the most important clusters of resort inventory on the island.

For travelers, it means a longer wait for some of Jamaica’s best-known all-inclusive resorts to return.

Another Timeline Change for Key Resorts

The new update comes after additional assessments and ongoing renovation work across Hyatt’s Jamaica portfolio.

It was announced in a message to travel trade partners obtained by Caribbean Journal.

As restoration efforts have progressed, the company says it now has greater certainty on the full scope of work required. That deeper understanding has led to a decision to move reopening dates further into 2027, with more specific timelines expected to be shared later.

For now, early 2027 is the working target.

This kind of delay is not unusual after major storm damage, particularly when the approach goes beyond repairs and into full-scale upgrades. In this case, Hyatt is taking the longer route, focusing on complete restoration rather than partial reopening.

That decision is extending the timeline — but it also signals that the properties are not coming back in their previous form.

Which Resorts Are Affected

The delay impacts a significant portion of Hyatt’s all-inclusive presence in Jamaica, particularly along the Montego Bayand Rose Hall corridor, one of the busiest tourism zones in the Caribbean.

The affected properties include Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Secrets St. James Montego Bay, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa.

Taken together, these resorts represent a major share of the island’s all-inclusive room inventory, particularly in the upscale and upper-upscale segments.

This stretch of coastline has long been one of Jamaica’s strongest tourism anchors, combining large-scale resorts, proximity to Sangster International Airport, and easy access to excursions, beaches and dining.

The continued closure of these properties leaves a noticeable gap in that part of the market.

What Hyatt Is Planning for the Reopenings

Hyatt has framed the extended timeline around restoration and enhancement.

The company says the additional time will allow the resorts to be fully rebuilt and improved, with upgrades incorporated alongside structural repairs. That suggests a more comprehensive repositioning rather than a simple reopening.

In practical terms, that often means refreshed guest rooms, updated public spaces, improved dining concepts and infrastructure upgrades across the properties.

While specific details have not yet been released for each resort, the language points to a portfolio that will return with changes that go beyond what guests experienced before the storm.

That approach aligns with a broader trend across the Caribbean, where storm recovery periods often lead to higher-end repositioning and investment.

What It Means for Travelers Right Now

For now, Hyatt’s all-inclusive footprint in Jamaica remains largely offline in this part of the island.

Travelers who had been planning trips to these properties will need to look at alternatives, either within Jamaica or across the wider Caribbean.

Hyatt is offering options through its Hyatt Inclusive Collection, with guests able to move bookings to other destinations including the Mexican Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaçao, Costa Rica and Saint Lucia.

There is also flexibility for those who prefer not to rebook. You can cancel reservations without penalty, giving the option to wait until the Jamaica properties return or pivot to a different destination entirely.

For many repeat visitors to Jamaica, particularly those loyal to specific resorts like Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall or Secrets Wild Orchid, the delay means adjusting travel plans for another year.

The Impact on Montego Bay and Rose Hall

The continued closure of these resorts has a broader effect beyond individual bookings.

The Montego Bay and Rose Hall corridor is one of the most active tourism zones in the Caribbean, with a high concentration of all-inclusive resorts, tour operators and supporting businesses.

Removing a large portion of that room inventory affects overall visitor capacity, particularly in peak travel periods when demand for Jamaica tends to be strongest.

With Hyatt properties offline, travelers are redistributing across other brands and resorts on the island, including properties in Negril, Ocho Rios and other parts of Montego Bay that were less affected.

That redistribution helps maintain overall tourism flow, but it changes where and how visitors experience the island.

At the same time, it puts additional pressure on the remaining inventory, particularly during high-demand seasons when room availability tightens.

Why the Timeline Keeps Moving

Post-storm recovery in the Caribbean often comes in stages, and timelines tend to evolve as work progresses.

Initial assessments provide a baseline, but deeper structural evaluations frequently uncover additional work. Supply chain delays, labor constraints and design upgrades can all extend timelines further.

In this case, Hyatt’s decision to delay again reflects that evolving process.

Rather than reopening properties in phases or with partial availability, the company is holding the line until the resorts are ready to return fully.

That approach carries short-term impact, but it often results in a stronger long-term product.

What to Expect When They Reopen

When these resorts do return, they are likely to come back into a competitive market.

The Caribbean continues to see strong demand, with many destinations operating at high occupancy levels and travelers prioritizing all-inclusive options for convenience and value.

A refreshed Hyatt portfolio in Jamaica will re-enter that landscape with updated properties and renewed attention from travelers who have been waiting for their return.

The combination of brand recognition, location and upgraded facilities is likely to position these resorts strongly once they reopen.

For now, the focus remains on the work itself — rebuilding, upgrading and preparing for a relaunch that reflects both recovery and repositioning.

The Bottom Line

Hyatt’s Jamaica comeback is taking longer than expected.

With reopening now pushed into the first quarter of 2027, a major portion of the island’s all-inclusive inventory in Montego Bay and Rose Hall will remain offline for another year.

The extended timeline reflects the scale of the work underway and a decision to fully restore and upgrade the properties before reopening.

For travelers, it means waiting a bit longer.

For Jamaica, it means one of its most important resort clusters is still in transition — with a relaunch that is now firmly set for 2027.

Where to Go Instead Right Now

Travelers still set on Jamaica don’t have to wait.

One of the strongest alternatives right now is the newer Princess Hotels & Resorts portfolio, particularly Princess Grand Jamaica and Princess Senses The Mangrove, both already open and operating at a high level. The two properties are set on a large stretch of coastline between Montego Bay and Negril, with modern rooms, multiple pools and a wide lineup of restaurants that go beyond the standard all-inclusive formula.

Princess Grand Jamaica leans family-friendly, with a broad beach, large pool complexes and enough dining variety to carry a full week without repeating the same experience. Next door, Princess Senses The Mangrove is adults-only, with overwater villas, swim-out suites and a quieter, more contained feel that works well for couples.

Both resorts have been drawing strong early reviews for service, design and overall value, particularly compared to legacy all-inclusive properties on the island.

For travelers who were considering the Hyatt portfolio, they’re among the closest matches right now in terms of scale, quality and new-build condition — and they’re fully open.

Another Strong Option: Sandals’ Open Resorts Right Now

Another reliable alternative right now is Sandals Resorts, but not every property is back yet — and that distinction matters.

Several Sandals resorts in Jamaica are already fully open, including Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Negril, along with Beaches Negril. These properties are operating across both the north coast and the west coast, giving travelers multiple entry points into the destination.

For travelers, that shifts the focus to what’s open now. Sandals Dunn’s River delivers one of the newest and most updated resort experiences on the island, while Sandals Negril remains one of the strongest beachfront options, set directly on Seven Mile Beach. In Ocho Rios, Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation offer two very different stays, one larger and more active, the other smaller and more traditional.

The post Hyatt Pushes Back Reopening of Seven Jamaica All-Inclusive Resorts as Delays Continue Into 2027 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

It doesn’t look like what most travelers expect from the region. That’s exactly the point.

A Bay Defined by Its Shape

Pain de Sucre is built around a single formation: a rounded volcanic hill that rises sharply from the shoreline. The name comes from its resemblance to a loaf of sugar, and it anchors the entire bay. Yes – it’s the Caribbean version of Rio’s Sugarloaf.

The beach itself is compact. White sand mixes with pebbles and darker fragments of volcanic rock, and the shoreline curves tightly around the base of the hill. You don’t get a long walking stretch here; you get a contained cove where everything stays within view.

That shape changes how the water behaves. The bay remains sheltered, with minimal wave action. You can see the seafloor clearly from the edge, and the color holds steady in shades of blue and green without the churn you find on more exposed coasts.

Water That Holds Its Clarity

This is one of the reasons Pain de Sucre stands out. The water stays consistently, brilliantly gin-clear, even close to shore, and visibility holds throughout the day.

You wade in and the bottom remains visible as you move further out. Fish appear quickly, moving through the shallows and along the rocky edges that define the bay. Snorkeling happens naturally here—you don’t need a boat or a guide, just a mask and a short swim along the rock line.

The volcanic structure creates small pockets and ledges beneath the surface, which attract marine life. It’s an accessible version of what you’d usually need a dedicated reef trip to find.

No Built Environment on the Beach

There are no hotels directly on the sand at Pain de Sucre. No beach bars, no organized chair setups, no infrastructure beyond the path that leads you in.

You arrive on foot from Terre-de-Haut, following a coastal route that opens onto the bay. The lack of development defines the experience as much as the landscape itself.

You bring what you need, you stay as long as you want, and you leave the same way you came in. There’s no transaction attached to the beach. That absence changes the pace immediately.

Part of What Makes Les Saintes Different

Les Saintes has always operated on a different rhythm than the larger islands in Guadeloupe. The main town, Terre-de-Haut, keeps a low profile, with small hotels, guesthouses, and local restaurants rather than large-scale resorts. It’s big on charm, not attitude.

Pain de Sucre reflects that identity. It’s not positioned as an attraction with services layered on top. It remains a place you seek out, not one that’s presented to you.

That distinction is becoming rarer across the Caribbean, where even smaller beaches often come with some level of built-in offering.

Why It Ranks Among the Region’s Most Beautiful Bays

The appeal here is visual, but it’s also structural. The combination of the volcanic hill, the tight curvature of the shoreline, and the clarity of the water creates a setting that feels complete from every angle.

You don’t need to move around to find a better view. The entire bay reads at once—the rock, the water, the slope of green behind it, and the open horizon beyond.

There are beaches with longer stretches of sand. There are beaches with more amenities. But there are very few that deliver this specific combination of form and clarity in such a contained space.

That’s what places Pain de Sucre in the conversation with the Caribbean’s most memorable coastal settings.

Getting There

You reach Les Saintes by ferry from mainland Guadeloupe, typically from Trois-Rivières. From Terre-de-Haut, Pain de Sucre is accessible by foot, scooter, or a short drive followed by a walk.

The final approach stays simple. A path leads down to the beach, and the bay appears fully as you arrive—no buildup, no staging.

It’s all there at once, exactly as it is.

The post One of the Caribbean’s Most Beautiful Bays Looks Like an Island Version of Sugarloaf, With Brilliant Turquoise, Volcanic Rock, and No Crowds appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

A New Beachfront Address in the Golden Zone

The newly opened Sunvivia Mazatlán by Fiesta Americana Resort & Spa is now welcoming guests in the Golden Zone, the part of the city where most travelers spend their time. Step outside and you’re within easy reach of the beach, along with a steady lineup of restaurants, bars, and shops that keep this corridor active throughout the day and into the night.

The location is a central part of the appeal. You don’t need to plan transportation to reach the waterfront or the main dining areas — it’s all within walking distance. That convenience continues to drive demand in Mazatlán, particularly as more travelers look for destinations where you can combine a resort stay with access to a real city.

The property joins the Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, a portfolio that has been expanding its footprint with resorts aimed at delivering recognizable comfort at more accessible price points.

Flexible Rooms, From Couples to Large Groups

The resort offers 12 room categories, covering a wide range of travel styles. Standard deluxe rooms accommodate two guests, while larger configurations extend all the way to three-bedroom penthouses designed for up to 10 people.

That range gives you options depending on how you’re traveling. Couples can keep things simple with a more compact room, while families and groups can book multi-bedroom units that keep everyone together. The larger layouts are particularly useful in a destination like Mazatlán, where group travel is common and shared space can make a longer stay more practical.

Rooms follow a clean, modern design approach, with layouts that prioritize usable space and straightforward comfort over unnecessary extras.

Pools That Separate Energy Levels

The pool setup is designed to divide activity across the property. There are two heated pools, including a main pool that serves as the social center, along with an adults-only pool outfitted with loungers and Bali beds.

That separation gives you the choice to stay in a more active environment or step into a quieter area without leaving the resort. A dedicated kids’ pool adds another layer, giving younger travelers their own space while keeping the main areas more balanced.

It’s a simple layout, but one that makes a noticeable difference depending on how you want to spend your time on property.

Four Dining Spots Cover the Essentials

Dining at Sunvivia Mazatlán focuses on variety without overcomplicating the experience. The resort has four on-site venues, each serving a specific role throughout the day.

Papagayo handles breakfast with both buffet and à la carte options, giving you flexibility depending on how quickly you want to get out to the beach or into the city. Ola Café covers coffee and desserts, working as an easy stop between activities.

For drinks, Tercer Tiempo Bar provides a casual setting for social time, while Soléa Pizzería serves wood-fired pizzas — a familiar, reliable option that works especially well for families or late dinners after a day out.

The approach stays consistent with the resort’s positioning: accessible, easy to navigate, and built around convenience.

A Full-Service Spa and On-Site Fitness

The resort’s wellness offering centers on Spa Paradise, a full-service spa with treatments that include massages, facials, and specialized therapies such as chocolate and wine-based treatments. Hair styling services are also available, expanding the spa’s role beyond standard treatments.

The design leans into a calmer atmosphere, offering a contrast to the more active pool and beach areas. It’s the kind of space you can step into for a slower pace without leaving the property.

A modern fitness center is also part of the setup, giving you a straightforward place to maintain routines during your stay.

Event Space Adds Another Layer of Use

Sunvivia Mazatlán also includes two indoor event venues and an outdoor terrace, with capacity for up to 220 guests. The spaces are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and can be configured for conferences, private events, or smaller destination gatherings.

That flexibility opens the door for group bookings beyond leisure travel, including corporate retreats and social events that benefit from a beachfront setting in a more accessible price range.

What You Can Do Beyond the Resort

Mazatlán’s appeal goes beyond the beach, and the resort’s location makes it easy to explore.

You can take a short trip to El Quelite, where restaurants serve traditional Sinaloan dishes in a village setting that feels distinct from the coastline. Back in the city, the Gran Acuario Mazatlán offers a family-friendly stop with marine exhibits focused on regional ecosystems.

For a different vantage point, the climb up to El Faro Natural Lighthouse delivers wide views across the coastline and the Pacific. And if you’re interested in local flavors, Viñata Los Osuna offers tastings of regional spirits, adding a cultural layer to your trip.

All of these experiences sit within reach, reinforcing Mazatlán’s appeal as a destination where you can combine beach time with a broader set of activities.

A Timely Addition for a Growing Destination

As Mazatlán continues to attract more attention, new openings like Sunvivia Mazatlán reflect how the destination is evolving. Travelers are looking for places that balance location, comfort, and price — and that’s where this resort is aiming to fit.

You get a beachfront setting in the Golden Zone, a range of room types that accommodate different travel styles, and the core amenities most travelers expect from a resort stay.

In a destination that’s gaining momentum, that combination is likely to resonate with travelers planning their next trip to Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Prices at Sunvivia 

This might be the biggest story — the price. I found rates as low as $95 right now at the Sunvivia on Google Hotels.

The post Mazatlán Has Quietly Become One of Mexico’s Fastest-Growing Destinations — and This New Beachfront Resort Is Right in the Middle of It appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Barbados recorded 727,310 stayover visitors from January to December 2025, a 3.3 percent increase over 2024, according to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. It’s one of the stronger growth performances in the region, particularly for a destination that’s already operating at a high volume.

What’s Driving the Growth

Barbados has built consistency across its core markets.

The United States continues to deliver steady arrivals, supported by strong lift out of gateways like New York, Miami, and Charlotte. The United Kingdom remains a major pillar, with multiple daily flights feeding into the island, particularly during peak travel periods. Canada has also held firm, adding another layer of stability across the year.

That mix matters. Barbados isn’t reliant on a single source market, and that balance is showing up in the numbers.

Airlines have responded accordingly. Capacity has remained strong, with carriers maintaining or expanding service into Grantley Adams International Airport, keeping the island easy to reach year-round.

What Travelers Are Doing Once They Land

Demand is spread across the island, but certain areas continue to anchor the experience.

On the west coast, places like Holetown and Speightstown continue to draw travelers looking for calmer water and a concentration of restaurants and beachfront hotels. 

Along the south coast, St. Lawrence Gap keeps its role as one of the busiest stretches, with bars, casual dining and late-night options packed into a short walkable strip. 

The east coast tells a different story. Areas like Bathsheba bring a more rugged setting, with strong surf and fewer crowds. Stops like Round House and the charming Atlantis Historic Inn give travelers a reason to spend a full day on that side of the island.

That range — from elegant west coast resorts to more open, wind-swept coastline — is part of what keeps Barbados competitive.

Hotels Are Seeing It Too

The growth is showing up in occupancy and rate strength across multiple categories.

Luxury properties like Sandy Lane and Fairmont Royal Pavilion continue to operate at high demand levels, particularly in peak season. At the same time, all-inclusive resorts like Sandals Barbados and Sugar Bay Barbados are seeing consistent bookings, driven by travelers looking for a more packaged experience.

Boutique hotels and villa rentals are also benefiting, especially on the west and south coasts, where repeat visitors tend to return to the same properties year after year.

Why Barbados Stands Out Right Now

A 3.3 percent increase might not look dramatic at first glance, but at this volume, it’s significant.

Barbados is already one of the Caribbean’s most established destinations, with a large base of repeat visitors. Growth at this level signals continued interest from new travelers while maintaining that returning audience.

It also reflects something simpler: the island remains easy to plan.

Flights are frequent, infrastructure is strong, and the range of experiences — beaches, dining, culture — is consistent across seasons.

What It Means Going Forward

Barbados is entering 2026 with momentum.

Airlift remains strong, hotel demand is holding, and the island continues to show up as a reliable choice for travelers looking for a straightforward Caribbean trip with depth once they arrive.

The challenge now is maintaining that balance — keeping service levels high while continuing to grow arrivals.

The post Barbados Tourism Is Climbing Again With 727,000 Stayover Visitors, Strong Growth, and High Demand Across the Island appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Virgin Voyages is building a cruise around that.

The brand is partnering with iHeartMedia to launch “On Air at Sea,” a new series of themed sailings that bring major podcasts onboard — with live recordings, fan events and direct access to the hosts behind the shows.

The first voyage is already set.

The First Sailing: New York to Bermuda

The debut trip, “Stuff at Sea,” departs October 2, 2026, aboard Valiant Lady. It’s a five-night sailing from New York City to Bermuda, built around three major podcast franchises: Stuff You Should Know, Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know, and Stuff Mom Never Told You.

Each show draws its own audience, and that mix shapes the experience across the ship.

What You Actually Get on This Cruise

The programming centers on the shows themselves.

You’ll see live podcast recordings, with episodes taped in front of a crowd. There are also behind-the-scenes sessionswhere hosts walk through how episodes come together, along with meet-and-greets and smaller fan gatherings throughout the sailing.

In Bermuda, the experience continues with host-led excursions, connecting the destination to the programming onboard.

All of this runs alongside Virgin Voyages’ core setup — multiple restaurants, modern cabins and its adults-only environment — so the structure of the trip stays intact while the programming adds a clear focus.

Why This Format Is Expanding

Podcast audiences already follow shows closely. Live events tied to those shows tend to draw strong turnout, with fans showing up for a chance to hear hosts in person.

A five-night sailing builds on that, giving travelers repeated access across several days instead of a single event.

Virgin Voyages tested the concept with an earlier themed sailing, and the response led directly to this expanded rollout.

What It Means for Caribbean Cruises

Bermuda is the starting point, with a format that can extend into Caribbean itineraries.

Shorter sailings with defined themes are becoming more common, and this approach builds around a specific audience rather than a general mix of onboard activities.

Travelers are choosing trips based on what they already follow — food, music, sports — and now podcasts fit into that same pattern.

What’s Next

“On Air at Sea” is structured as a series.

Future sailings are expected to include comedy, music and wellness, each built around different shows and audiences.

Virgin Voyages is also continuing to expand its themed cruise lineup, including alumni-focused trips and other niche sailings tied to specific communities.

The Bottom Line

This is a cruise built around shows people already follow.

You get multiple chances to see live recordings, spend time with hosts and connect with other listeners across the sailing, with the destination and onboard experience supporting that focus.

The post Virgin Voyages Is Launching Podcast Cruises With Live Shows, Host Meet-Ups, and Bermuda Sailings appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

It’s one of the island’s easiest inland experiences — and one of the most memorable. While Grenada has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the island is filled with wonders inland.

What You Actually See at Grand Etang

At the center is Grand Etang Lake, a still, freshwater crater lake formed inside an extinct volcano. It sits high in the island’s interior, surrounded by green ridgelines and dense forest.

You park, walk a short distance, and the view opens up immediately — wide water, quiet surroundings, and a noticeable drop in temperature compared to the coast.

Some people stay for a quick stop. Others linger, walking the trails or sitting near the water longer than planned.

You’ll likely notice the monkeys before anything else. Mona monkeys tend to gather near the main viewing area, moving through the trees or along the edges of the road, especially when visitors arrive.

The Trails That Make It Worth It

The lake is just the starting point.

Grand Etang is built around a network of trails that range from short, easy walks to longer hikes that push deeper into the forest.

The Shoreline Trail loops around the lake and is the most accessible option. It’s shaded, relatively flat, and gives you intermittent views of the water through the trees. It’s the one most visitors end up doing.

If you want something more involved, the Mount Qua Qua Trail runs along a ridge through cloud forest. It’s longer and more demanding, but it’s one of the most talked-about hikes on the island, with elevated views and a completely different feel from the lake area.

Shorter trails like Morne LaBaye and Beausejour give you quick access to viewpoints without committing to a full hike, and they’re easy to combine in a single visit.

What People Notice Right Away

The temperature change is immediate.

It’s cooler, damp, and shaded — a contrast to the heat you left on the coast less than half an hour earlier. That’s one of the most common takeaways people mention after visiting.

The second is how easy it is to get here. From St. George’s, it’s about a 20 to 30-minute drive, and the transition feels much bigger than the distance.

Wildlife You’ll Actually See

You don’t need to go looking for it.

Birdlife is constant — hummingbirds, hawks and other species moving through the canopy. Frogs and lizards show up along the trails, especially near water.

The Mona monkeys are the most visible, often appearing near the visitor area and along the road. They’re used to people, and they tend to show up quickly.

How to Plan It

This is an easy half-day.

Most people pair Grand Etang with other nearby stops like Annandale Falls on the way up from the coast, or include it as part of a loop across the island.

If you’re hiking, go earlier in the day. Rain is common in the interior, and trails can get muddy quickly.

Wear proper shoes, even for the shorter walks, and bring water. The cooler air helps, but the humidity builds once you’re moving.

What It Costs

Access is simple. There’s a small entrance fee, parking is easy, and basic facilities are on site, including restrooms and a visitor center.

You can explore on your own, or arrange a guide if you’re planning a longer hike or want more context on the forest and trails.

Why It’s Always Recommended

Grand Etang shows a side of Grenada most beach-focused trips don’t cover.

You can go from the coast to dense rainforest in under half an hour, walk a trail, see a crater lake, and be back at the beach the same afternoon.

It doesn’t require much planning, and it fits easily into almost any itinerary.

The post This Is the Rainforest in Grenada Everyone Talks About — And It’s Got a Crater Lake, Jungle Trails, and Mona Monkeys appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

It’s nonstop, about 2.5 hours in the air, and one of the simplest ways to get to Belize without adding any extra flights or transfers.

Why This Fare Works

That $377 price is strong for a nonstop on this route, especially for a long weekend.

Mid-May sits just outside peak season, so you’ll find better availability at hotels and tours without anything slowing down on the ground. You can land Friday before midday and be on the road shortly after.

What Kind of Trip This Sets Up: Cayo

Skip the cayes and head straight west.

The Cayo District, anchored by San Ignacio, is about a 2-hour drive from Belize City, and it’s where Belize turns into dense jungle, rivers and Mayan history.

You can spend a full day at Xunantunich, where you cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry before climbing the main temple for wide views over the surrounding countryside. It’s one of the most accessible major sites in the country, and you don’t need to rush it.

Another day is ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), one of the most talked-about experiences in Belize. You’re hiking, swimming and climbing through a cave system with visible Mayan artifacts and skeletal remains still in place. It’s guided only, and it’s worth booking in advance.

If you want something less intense, Caves Branch River tubing is an easy half-day — floating through shaded jungle and limestone formations with minimal effort.

Where You’ll Eat

San Ignacio keeps things simple and reliable.

Guava Limb Café is one of the most consistent dinner spots, with an open-air setup and a menu that leans into local ingredients — grilled fish, curries and fresh juices.

Ko-Ox Han Nah is where most mornings start. Fry jacks, eggs, beans and strong coffee before heading out for the day.

For something more casual, The Cozy Restaurant & Bar in town serves Belizean staples like stewed chicken and rice and beans, and it’s the kind of place people end up returning to more than once during a short stay.

Where to Stay

For a full-service base, Ka’ana Resort is one of the top choices in Cayo. It’s just outside San Ignacio, with a pool, restaurant and easy access to tours.

If you want something closer to town, Falling Leaves Lodge is a smaller, well-located option near Xunantunich routes, with practical rooms and a solid on-site restaurant.

The Bottom Line

At $377 roundtrip, this is a straightforward way to do Belize without adding extra flights or complicated logistics.

You land, get in a car, and within a couple of hours you’re in the jungle — ruins, rivers and caves all within easy reach for a long weekend.

The post This Spirit Airlines Belize Flight Gives You More Time in San Ignacio, Mayan Ruins, and Jungle Exploration appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

That’s Maho. And starting July 9, it’s getting a lot easier to plan a trip around it.

JetBlue is adding three more weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to St Maarten, bringing its schedule up to daily service. You’ll now have a nonstop option every day of the week, which changes how you can build a trip — whether you’re going for a few days or stretching it out longer.

It’s also part of a big lift in flights for St Maarten, one that includes the just-launched Southwest Airlines flights out of both Orlando and Baltimore.

What This Changes When You’re Booking

This is the kind of update you notice right away when you open a flight search.

Before, you might have had to shape your trip around a couple of departure days. Now you can pick dates that actually work for you. Midweek departures tend to come with better fares and less crowded airports, and now they’re fully in play.

It also fixes a common issue travelers run into here: leaving earlier than they wanted because of limited return options. With daily flights, you can stay that extra night, take one more swim, book one more dinner — and still have a flight home that fits.

Short Trips Just Got Much Easier

This is a big shift for anyone thinking about a quick Caribbean break.

You can fly down on a Thursday, land in time for a late lunch, spend a few full days on the island, and head back Sunday or Monday without forcing the timing. That kind of trip tends to turn into a repeat habit — it’s easy, it’s direct, and it doesn’t require a full week off.

At the same time, longer stays feel less rigid. You’re not locked into a 7-night pattern anymore. Five nights, six nights, even a longer stay all become easier to plan without compromising your flights.

Where You’ll Actually Spend Your Time

Most people end up dividing their time between the Dutch and French sides, and that’s where St Maarten really starts to stand out.

You might start your day at Maho Beach, watching a couple of landings, then walk over to Sunset Bar & Grill for a cold Carib and something simple off the grill. It’s busy, loud, and exactly what people come for — you’ll hear conversations about which flight just came in and which one is next.

From there, it’s a short drive to Simpson Bay, where you can spend an afternoon beach-hopping or settle into a long lunch at Karakter Beach Lounge, where tables stretch out toward the sand and the pace slows down quickly. Later, places like Buccaneer Beach Bar and Roxxy Beach start to fill in, especially toward sunset.

Cross over to the French side and the tone changes.

In Grand Case, the island’s dining capital, you’ll find restaurants lined up along the water. Le Pressoir is one of the go-to spots for a longer dinner (and, in our view, the best in the whole region) with seafood and French technique right at the edge of the beach. Rainbow Café leans more casual during the day, then shifts into a more polished dinner scene, with a DJ and a steady flow of rosé and cocktails.

You’ll also hear people talk about the lolos — places like Sky’s the Limit and Talk of the Town, where you order ribs, grilled lobster or snapper straight off the barbecue and sit down at a picnic table. It’s simple, direct and one of the meals people remember most.

Beach Days That Stretch Out

Beach time here tends to take up more of your day than you expect.

Orient Bay is where a lot of people settle in for hours. The water is calm, the sand is wide, and beach clubs like Kakao Beach Club, Kontiki Beach, and Bikini Beach line the shore with chairs, umbrellas and full menus. You can start with coffee, move into lunch, and stay right where you are into the afternoon.

If you want something quieter, Friar’s Bay and Happy Bay are easy to reach and feel more removed. At Friar’s, Friar’s Bay Beach Café and the legendary Kali’s Beach Bar keep things simple — grilled fish, cold drinks, no rush to leave.

Daily flights mean you don’t feel like you have to rush through any of this. If you find a beach you like, you can come back the next day instead of trying to check everything off at once.

Dinner Becomes Part of the Trip

St Maarten is one of those places where dinner plans actually shape your days.

You might reserve a table at La Villa Restaurant in Grand Case for French classics in a courtyard setting, or go for something more modern at Emilio’s in Philipsburg, where the menu leans into Caribbean ingredients with a more contemporary approach.

On the Dutch side, JAX Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar in Maho brings a more high-energy dinner scene, while Sale & Pepe in Simpson Bay is a steady choice for Italian with a waterfront view.

People tend to plan at least one longer dinner here — the kind where you’re sitting for a couple of hours, ordering multiple courses and not thinking about the time.

Having daily flights makes it easier to do that without cutting into your schedule.

Easy Add-Ons: Anguilla and St Barths

One of the advantages of St Maarten is how close it is to other islands.

You can take a quick ferry or charter over to Anguilla for the day, spend time at Shoal Bay East or have lunch at Blanchards Beach Shack, then head back in the afternoon. St Barths is also within reach by ferry or short flight.

Before, tighter flight schedules sometimes made those day trips feel rushed. Now you’ve got more breathing room to plan them without watching the clock.

Where to Stay

Where you stay shapes the entire trip here, and the island gives you very different experiences depending on the area.

In Maho, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort puts you directly next to the runway and steps from Maho Beach. You can walk to Sunset Bar & Grill, watch the landings from your room, and stay fully in that high-energy pocket. It’s adults-only and all-inclusive, which makes it an easy short-stay option.

Next door, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa brings a larger, more active all-inclusive with direct beach access and one of the busiest stretches on the island.

For something more private and refined, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel remains one of the island’s top stays, with a wide stretch of white sand, villa-style accommodations, and a quieter setting away from the busier areas.

If you want a newer luxury option, JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa on Dawn Beach brings updated rooms, a strong pool and beachfront setup, and a more polished full-service feel.

A Better Summer Window

The July timing lands right in the middle of summer travel season.

That’s when St Maarten tends to feel more open. Reservations are easier to get. Beaches have more space. You can walk into places like Rainbow Café or JAX without planning days in advance.

Daily flights let you take advantage of that.

The Takeaway

You’ll still find people lined up at that fence at Maho, watching the sky instead of the water, waiting for the next plane to come in low over the beach.

Now you have more ways to be there when it happens.

With JetBlue adding three more weekly flights and moving to daily service starting July 9, St Maarten becomes one of the easiest Caribbean trips to plan — whether you’re going for a quick few days or staying long enough to settle into the island’s beaches, restaurants and rhythm at your own pace.

Prices on JetBlue St Maarten

I was able to find roundtrip fares from Fort Lauderdale to St Maarten on JetBlue for about $411 nonstop on Google Flights. It’s the only daily flight from Fort Lauderdale to St Maarten.

The post JetBlue Is Adding Daily St Maarten Flights From Fort Lauderdale, Meaning More Sunset Bar Stops, Beach Afternoons, and Grand Case Dinners appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

The Anguilla Culinary Experience returns for its fifth year from May 13 to May 17, bringing a mix of visiting chefs and local culinary talent into kitchens across the island. The five-day program blends high-end dinners, casual gatherings and hands-on experiences, with a clear purpose behind it: supporting culinary and hospitality training for young Anguillans while giving them direct access to experienced chefs.

How Anguilla Became a Culinary Hotspot

Anguilla’s food culture didn’t begin as a destination play; it grew out of a small island with a deep connection to the sea and a habit of cooking well with what was close at hand. Fishermen brought in snapper, crayfish and lobster. Beachfront grills turned those catches into simple, direct meals. Over time, that foundation started to evolve — and one place played an outsized role in pushing it forward: the Malliouhana resort.

Whenthe Malliouhana opened in the 1980s, it introduced a different level of dining to Anguilla. The hotel brought in trained chefs, formal service and a restaurant that treated Caribbean ingredients with the same attention you’d find in European kitchens. Guests weren’t just coming for the beaches anymore; they were sitting down to multi-course dinners built around local seafood, seasonal produce and refined technique. It set a new expectation for what dining on the island could be.

That influence spread. Chefs who trained or worked at Malliouhana went on to open their own restaurants. Hotels began investing more seriously in their culinary programs. Independent spots along the coast raised their standards while still holding onto the direct, ingredient-driven cooking that defined Anguilla in the first place.

Today, you see both sides of that history everywhere you eat. You can order grilled lobster at a beach shack with your feet in the sand, or sit down to a tasting menu at a resort dining room where the same ingredients are handled with precision and detail.

Now, it has a major culinary event to celebrate this food identity.

A Festival Spread Across the Island

This is not a single-site event. The Anguilla Culinary Experience plays out across villas, resorts and restaurants, with chefs working in real kitchens and building menus around local seafood, produce and Caribbean ingredients.

That format defines the week. You’re not walking through rows of booths; you’re heading into places people already know — beachfront restaurants, private villas, hotel dining rooms — with chefs collaborating in the moment.

This year’s lineup includes Chicago chef Oliver Poilevey of Obélix and Le Bouchon, Chef Timothy Dean, a “Top Chef” alum and restaurateur, and wine expert Cyril Meuley. Returning hosts Janine Edwards and Trudy Nixon anchor the week’s programming.

Opening Night at Karaya

The festival begins May 13 at Karaya, the new Shoal Bay West restaurant from the team behind Veya and Sandbar. The format is loose and social: a walk-around evening with multiple grill stations and substantial passed dishes.

Chefs Poilevey and Dean cook alongside local chefs including Joel Reyes, with menus leaning into Mediterranean influences layered with Caribbean ingredients. Cocktails feature Anguillita Rum and Clifton Estate spirits, with wines from Grands Vins de France Anguilla. Live performances from Jenique Javois and Dennis Warrington run throughout the night.

Rum Crawls and Island Exploration

Thursday, May 14 centers on getting out across the island. The returning Moke Tour and Rum Crawl puts guests in open-air vehicles for a guided route between some of Anguilla’s best-known stops for rum punch, including Funzone, Anguilla Sands and Salt, and Tasty’s POV.

This year adds a boat stop at Scilly Cay, bringing a change of setting mid-journey. The experience mixes transportation, tasting and sightseeing, with a steady rhythm of stops along the way.

Dinner that evening splits into different tracks. At Villa Alegria, Poilevey and Chef Carrie Bogar present a collaborative dinner that brings French technique together with Veya’s Caribbean approach. At Karaya, Timothy Dean and Joel Reyes focus on seafood and freshly harvested ingredients in a multi-course format.

At Zemi Beach House, rum takes center stage with guided tastings in the Rhum Room, led by the property’s in-house expert and built around ultra-premium pours.

A Multi-Sensory Dinner at Malliouhana

Friday’s headline event takes place at Malliouhana. Chef Kerth Gumbs leads a dinner at Celeste that unfolds course by course through different sensory elements, with the full menu revealed only at the end.

Gumbs is joined by Executive Chef Wilson Macedo and Leon’s head chef Jomal Mc Bean, combining local knowledge with broader culinary techniques. The resort is also offering a dedicated package tied to the event, including accommodations and access to cooking classes with its culinary team.

Earlier in the evening, Calypso Charters runs a sunset catamaran sail with Champagne and small bites, adding another option before dinner.

French Pairings and a Chef’s Table at Four Seasons

Friday night continues across multiple venues. At Jacala Beach Restaurant, Chef Alain Laurent presents a French menu with Caribbean influences, paired course by course with wines from Boisset La Famille des Grand Vins, with tableside explanations throughout the meal.

At Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, a 10-course Chef’s Table at Salt traces Anguillian cuisine from one end of the island to the other. Executive Chef Manu Calderon and Sous Chef Aaron Gumbs build the menu as a progression tied to place, with each course reflecting a different part of the island.

Beach Barbecue and Culinary Battles

Saturday shifts to a more casual setting. The annual beach barbecue at Anguilla Great House and Beach Resort brings together local chefs, the Anguilla National Culinary Team and festival guests for an afternoon on the sand.

The format includes grill stations, cooking and bartending competitions, live music, raffles and activities for families. Entry is free, with food and drink available for purchase.

A Final Night Across the Island

Saturday night splits again into multiple experiences. At Zemi Beach House, a rum tasting led by Bars Manager Alfonso Di Lorito transitions into a multi-course dinner at Stone, where Executive Chef Emanuele Sabatini draws on Roman culinary traditions.

At Savi Beach Club on Meads Bay, dinner becomes interactive, with a five-course menu paired with a live murder mystery performance led by Executive Chef Dario Schiavo.

Closing With Sunday Funday

The weekend wraps May 17 with a “Sunday Funday” gathering at Leon’s at Meads Bay at Malliouhana, bringing together music, food and a final round of celebration.

In between events, there’s time to explore Anguilla itself: 33 public beaches, a network of independent restaurants and a culinary identity that continues to draw travelers back year after year.

The Anguilla Culinary Experience continues to grow, but its focus remains the same — bringing people into real kitchens, connecting visiting chefs with local talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of Anguillian hospitality professionals.

The post The Anguilla Culinary Experience Is Back With Star Chefs, Beach Barbecues, and Rum Crawls appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

The agreement follows Global Ports Holding’s selection as the preferred bidder by Mexico’s port authority, ASIPONA Acapulco, and sets the stage for a multi-phase redevelopment of one of the country’s most historic cruise gateways.

It could mean big changes for Acapulco and, hopefully, a renaissance.

What’s Changing at the Port

Global Ports Holding, whose regional portfolio also includes Saint Lucia, Nassau, San Juan and Antigua, will take over operations across a 17,199-square-meter concession area, with plans to roll out upgrades in stages. The focus is on improving how the port actually functions for passengers—smoother arrivals, better flow through the terminal, and a more organized experience from ship to shore.

That includes reworking the cruise terminal itself, along with adding new commercial and leisure elements designed specifically for cruise visitors. Expect more structured arrival zones, clearer navigation, and an expanded mix of retail and on-the-ground experiences tied to the destination.

The company is also planning to work directly with cruise lines and local operators to introduce new shore excursions and port-side concepts that connect more directly to Acapulco.

A New Pier for Bigger Ships

At the same time, Mexico’s port authority is moving forward with a major infrastructure addition: a new 350-meter cruise pier designed to handle larger, modern ships.

That pier is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and will become part of the overall concession once finished. It’s a critical piece of the plan, giving Acapulco the ability to attract newer vessels that require longer berths and updated docking capabilities.

In practical terms, that means more ships—and potentially larger ones—can include Acapulco on their itineraries.

Why It Matters for Cruise Itineraries

Acapulco has long been part of Mexican Riviera and Pacific coast cruise routes, but it hasn’t kept pace with newer port infrastructure elsewhere in the region. This investment signals a push to bring it back into stronger rotation.

Major players like Carnival, have largely ignored the port — that is, until a milestone return last year.

Global Ports Holding operates a wide network of cruise ports worldwide, and its model centers on aligning port operations with cruise line needs—everything from turnaround efficiency to passenger experience on shore.

With a long-term agreement in place, the expectation is a more consistent presence on west coast itineraries, particularly as cruise lines continue to refine routes along the Pacific side of the Americas.

A Return to Form for a Historic Port

Acapulco holds a unique place in Mexico’s maritime history as the country’s first port, and for decades it was a key stop for cruise ships and international travelers.

This new phase is about updating that legacy for today’s cruise market. The combination of private investment from Global Ports Holding and public infrastructure from ASIPONA points to a coordinated effort to reposition the destination.

Operations under the new agreement are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with development and upgrades continuing in phases after that.

For cruise passengers, the changes won’t happen overnight—but over the next few years, arriving in Acapulco is likely to feel more streamlined, more structured, and more connected to the destination beyond the port gates.

The post The World’s Largest Cruise Port Operator Is Taking Over in Acapulco appeared first on Caribbean Journal.