Out & About in the Out Islands: Melanie Reffes

Harbour Island, The Bahamas

As the song goes, Nassau may be funky but the Out Islands are the real gems in The Bahamas. Strung like a necklace archipelago, the tiny specks of serenity are wooing the romance market and targeting your clients who may prefer a quieter wedding vibe nowhere near  busy cruise ship ports, glitzy casinos or high-rise mega-resorts. 

(credit: Mark Da Cunha)

Bright blooms  ( credit: Abaca Tourism ) 

 Appealing to true connoisseurs of Caribbean island life, the Out Islands are for magical weddings, happy honeymoons or discreet trysts under the starry skies. 

(credit: M. Reffes )  

“We highly value the destination wedding market in all our Out Islands, “said Raymond Francis, executive director, Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board as he suggests dessert and coffee at the oh-so-trendy Blu Bungalow restaurant at the corner of King and Murray Streets in Harbour Island, “romance is a natural on all our islands and encouraging that market from the US is a win-win for us all.”

Blu Bungalow ( credit: Trip Adviser) 

Blu Bungalow ( credit: Firestonesisters.com) 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

Quite the Pair

Two of the most exquisite, Harbour Island and Eleuthera are sold as one destination by agents and marketed as one by the Out Islands Promotion Board. A 45-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale and  25 minutes in the air from Nassau , Harbour Island , off the northern tip of Eleuthera, is quaint and cute with 2,000 residents, 1500 golf carts, umpteen chickens crossing the road and delectable delicacies like conch fritters and hummingbird cake .  




Dubbed “Briland” by the locals, the island is coveted for its pink sandy beaches, friendly locals and charming hotels reminiscent of New England architecture.

Pink Beach perfection Harbour Island ( credit : M. Reffes ) 

With a name like Valentine's Resort , you know this is one resort ripe for romance.  Seaside in Harbour Island, romance is big business at the 41-suite resort with stellar service, fabulous food and an enthusiastic staff who loves to organize weddings.  On the edge of Dunmore Town  with its array of little stores and delightful restaurants , the resort is pretty with thirty-eight suites in four low-rise buildings each named for one of the Out Islands.  En suite dining with specialties delivered from the Boathouse restaurant or cooking in the mini-kitchen is the big draw for couples. “ The best part of my job is working with folks looking forward to their wedding,” said Alexis Ross, front desk manager, “After talking with them and knowing what they may want, I then set them up with a golf game, big bottle of champagne, transportation to the resort from the airport or just letting them enjoy the privacy of the resort. “    

Valentine's Resort ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Tempting couples who like to explore, the resort also has its own marina and offers a slew of activities on the water.   “We encourage couples to try their hand at deep-sea fishing, “adds Alexi Ross, “and if they’re lucky enough to land a tuna, our Chef will prepare it in the privacy of their own suite or at the Bathhouse restaurant. “  www.valentinesresort.com

Fishing for tuna at Valentine's ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Loving Lutra

From the Greek word for freedom, Eleuthera or Lutra in the local slang   caters to those who prefer frolicking in the sea to putting down another bet at a poker table in Nassau.  Fifty miles east of Nassau and a quick water taxi from Harbour Island, the island is without a single traffic light, high-rise building or casino. 

Serenity Rules ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

 With just eight thousand full-time residents,  Eleuthera is all about lobsters, pineapples, taking a dip in the crystalline waters so shallow you can wade in more than a hundred yards without getting your shoulders wet , taking five on a sun lounger and for legions of travelers from around the world, it’s about  saying I Do on the beach .

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

  For the adventurous in the crowd or those looking for unbridled tropical privacy, Surfer’s Beach, about two miles from Gregory Town, is a hot wave-riding beach and one of the island’s best kept secrets.  “This is a very happy island, “smiles Jackie Gibson, senior manager, Eleuthera Tourist Office,” the reason we’re so popular for weddings is because we’re always in a good mood and that rubs off on our guests.”

Leading the pack of wedding-friendly resorts, Sky Beach Club is the only hotel facing the sea and very popular with couples from all over the world who come for a no-frills barefoot ceremony on the beach.    “ We've had wedding parties book the entire property from our four bedroom villas to our one bedroom bungalows with the trendy glass-enclosed rain shower , “  said  Stephen Kappler, general manager ,” weddings are our biggest niche market and we make sure each and  every one of them is unique and memorable . “   Picture-perfect, the beach is carpeted in pink sand, the Bistro grills the tastiest Hog Fish Snapper this side of anywhere and on-site concierges cater to every whim from stocking the villas with fine wine to arranging an island tour to the legendary Glass Window Bridge. www.skybeachclub.com

Sky Beach Club  wedding ( credit all photos : Sky Beach Club ) 

Make a Date

www.bahamas.com/

For the $300.00 airline credit to Nassau/Paradise Island and the Out Islands

Promo Code   BAH300WSAUS for travel through to March 6

Promo Code   BAH300WSBUS for travel through June 19

Selling the Sun: Caribbean Marketplace 2013

Melanie Reffes - Nassau, Bahamas 

Hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the much-anticipated and always well-attended Caribbean Marketplace 2013 was a spirited affair at Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. 

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Held for the second consecutive year in the Bahamas, a first for any country that has hosted the show, the 31^st annual Marketplace got off to a rousing start with performances by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and the National Choir and speeches by Obie Wilchcombe , minister of tourism, Richard Doumeng, president, CHTA and the Hon. Perry Christie, prime minister of the Bahamas who noted “2012 will be seen as the year in which travel to our beautiful and distinct region turned around, due in large measure to the impact and success of Marketplace 2012.” 

(credit: M. Reffes   )

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

With buyers from twenty countries, the region’s largest tourism trade show is a magnet for buyers, sellers, suppliers and government officials who sealed deals during 12,476 appointments in two days.

Raymond Francis, Exec. Director Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board
Shavonne Darville, co-owner Gems of Paradise, President of the Board ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Jamaica Tourist Board (credit: JTB )

Bahamas Buzz

 Sunwing Travel Group will reopen the previous Reef Hotel in Grand Bahama as a 500-room all-inclusive Memories Resort.  “   A very important part of this deal is that Sunwing will join with the Ministry of Tourism to initiate airlift out of the USA in markets where they operate under their brand Vacation Express into Grand Bahama, “said David Johnson, director general, ministry of tourism. The Memories brand has five resorts in Cuba and will be expanding to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

At the Atlantis, industry veteran Cristian Sariego has been appointed general manager of The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis in Paradise Island. Upcoming at the 3970-room resort includes an expanded casino, interactive encounters with the manatees and the opening of Olives, a favorite eatery at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. “We are a multi-dimensional property with a product for every demographic, ‘said George Markantonis, president Kerzner International Bahamas, “we operate one large resort with varying price points and amenities which is why we lay claim to a twenty-three percent visitor return rate .”

Cristian Sariego ( credit: Atlantis) 

 Slated to open at the end of next year, the $3.5 billion Baha Mar Resort in Nassau’s Cable Beach will include 2,2000  new rooms  in four hotel brands including the Mondrian, Grand Hyatt , Rosewood  and the Baha Mar Hotel which will house the largest casino in the Caribbean. When complete, the largest complex in the Caribbean will also offer two spas, water-park, nightclub, Jack Nicklaus golf course and wedding chapel.  “We are targeting Baha Mar as the Bahamas Riviera which will redefine the vacation experience, “said Robert Sands, vice president, Baha Mar. Also in the Baha Mar development are the already-operating 550-room Wyndham and 700-room Sheraton.

Rendering Baha Mar Hotel ( credit: Baha Mar ) 

 For foodies, Graycliff Hotel has launched The Art of Chocolate Making at its new chocolate factory in Nassau. From roasting beans to creating artisan truffles,  the one-hour tour is a must-do for the entire family and be booked either on-line or at many of the resorts in Nassau and Paradise Island.  www.graycliff.com

Graycliff Sweet Treats ( credit: Graycliff) 

Trade Floor Talk

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures launched ‘Live Funner ‘tours that takes visitors   beyond the resort and into the heart of the islands. “We bring our commitment to creating opportunity and sharing the joy and excitement of our Caribbean home,” said David Shields, general manager,” by the end of the adventure, our guests feel like one of the locals.” “We will launch this spring in Grenada with River Tubing and the Epicurean Delight that will take foodies to see how chocolate is made and to the many spice gardens that dot the island, “adds David Shields.  www.islandroutes.com

Zip Lining Tour ( credit: Island Routes ) 

Aimbridge Hospitality will open the Best Western Premier Petion-Ville on March 15.  A four-star property near the capital, the hotel is the first US chain hotel to open in Haiti.  The seven story 106-room hotel will have a whisky bar, spa, 24-hour security and a restaurant. “We are extremely proud of this hotel, “said Tom Osborn, regional director, North American development,” it incorporates Haitian design and art work and offers a unique experience for the business traveler, individuals and families. “

According to research released by Smith Travel Research, the Dominican Republic added 224 new rooms in 2012, the biggest number of any country in the Caribbean with Puerto Rico ranking second with 130 new rooms built last year.  In the D.R., construction has started on the Westin Puntacana Resort in the Playa Blanca area near the airport.  The 204 room hotel will have convention space, cigar bar, outdoor pool and a Westin Workout gym. “We are excited to be financing the construction of The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club,” Frank Rainieri, president, Grupo Puntacana , “our investment reflects our confidence in continued international demand for exceptional travel experiences in the Dominican Republic.”        The five-star hotel will offer guests access to amenities within the Puntacana Resort & Club including a 45-hole golf course, Six Senses Spa, restaurants, freshwater springs, equestrian center and petting zoo as well as an array of water sports.

Punta Cana Resort & Club and Golf Course ( below)
(Credit: Punta Cana Resort ) 

 

In St. Maarten, The Princess Juliana Airport will undergo major improvements including runway rehabilitation, new taxiways and a new website - www.sxmairport.com – with accurate arrival and departure information as well as tips for travelers visiting the island.  For the shoppers in the crowd, the Blue Mall in Cupecoy is open with a plethora of upscale shops and boutiques.  "St. Maarten is already a shopper's paradise,” said Edward Dest, interim director of tourism, “the Mall is a welcome addition to what we offer our visitors from around the world.”  The regional trade show, SMART, will be held May 15 – 18 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

(credit: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau ) 

Blue Mall ( credit: St. Maarten Island Guide  ) 

Across the pond, the ferry from the airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla now departs in the evening for travelers who prefer not to overnight in St. Maarten.  On the hotel landscape, two openings for next year include Zemi Beach, a 112-room high-end hotel on Shoal Bay and the 32-room Manoah built on the site of the former Ku Hotel. Slated to open in December, the upscale Malliouhana Hotel is now under new ownership. The iconic resort opened in 1984 and closed in 2011 pending a sale. “We are very excited about these island developments, “said Haydn Hughes, parliamentary secretary of tourism, “we are confident they will offer our visitors even more options when visiting the island.  “

Haydn Huges, parliamentary secretary , tourism  Anguilla ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Save the Date

Jamaica will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2014 at the Montego Bay Convention Center.   www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

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The Angler's Boutique Resort : Selling South Beach

Melanie Reffes - South Beach

A vacay in the Caribbean is supposed to relax and refresh, however, if you’re flying to the islands from the northeast where the weather can change on a dime or from the west or south where the connection times at the airport in Miami require sprinting to the gate like an Olympic athlete, consider staying for a day or two before your flight to the Caribbean. Spending a few days and nights not only warms the heart but reduces the stress of missing the connection to your much-deserved vacation and as many flights to the Caribbean depart from Miami, it’s the perfect spot to kick start your holiday .

Swaying palms on the beach ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

 The day starts with a delectable stack of Torrejas   or Latin-inspired French toast crowned in guava butter and sweet blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. Add a cup of oh-so-fabulous espresso and breakfast at the Angler’s Boutique Resort is in Miami’s South Beach is vacation paradise. Between Biscayne  Bay and the gin-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach or SoBe as the locals call it , is international playground par excellence.

The Angler's shines at night (credit: Angler's) 

Home Suite Home

Family-owned and hip without pretension , The Angler’s is a  45-suite resort with a host of vacay must-haves like a heated pool with cozy cabanas, white marble floors ,rooftop terraces , beds as soft as talc with 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linens and the uber-luxe Spa Therapy line of Gilchist & Soames soaps and lotions liberally stocked in every room.

(credit: M. Reffes & Angler's Resort ) 

Close to the Port of Miami for those booked on a Caribbean cruise and the Miami International Airport for those en route to the Caribbean , the resort is the top rated TripAdvisor hotel in Miami Beach applauded for its unrivaled service and attention to guests. A concierge checks guests into the room rather than waiting at the front desk,  a  hot stone massage can be enjoyed en suite and Carlos the bartender shakes and stirs magnificent Jalapeno Margaritas with Tanteo Jalapeno tequila, cucumbers, cane sugar and a splash of citrus sour.

The Pool House Villa is swanky on three floors with a rooftop sundeck, living room; gigantic bedroom and bamboo wooden floors that are heaven for tired tootsies. The two-story Manor Villa has a spiral staircase that connects both floors and an outdoor Jacuzzi that is sublime for late-night dips. “We’re an escape from the South Beach party experience, “ says James Ayres, general manager and industry veteran who honed his skills at the fabled Ritz-Carlton in nearby Naples, Florida, “I monitor our  TripAdvisor comments and I reply to all them personally if concerns need to be addressed, although that rarely happens. “

 Delighted to work with travel agents, the resort offers up to a fifteen percent commission on confirmed bookings as well as opportunities for agents to experience the property.  “We encourage FAM trips and often coordinate with the Miami CVB who may be bringing agents to Miami,” adds James Ayres, general manager, “Of course, we also welcome agents to call the resort directly and we can assist with the arrangements. “  www.theanglersresort.com

(photo credit: Angler's ) 

Latin Fusion

From Bogota, Colombia to New York City’s acclaimed Lucy Latin Kitchen, Chef Carlos Torres brings his culinary wizardry to Restaurant 660, the Angler’s funky fusion restaurant.  Inspiring with French Moroccan decor  dining is suburb outside by candlelight or in the intimate lounge.

Chef Torres ( credit: Angler's Resort )

 A guaranteed crowd-pleaser , specialties  reflect the Chef’s Latin roots like short rib empanadas and El Viejo Burger, a Latin version of the American favorite  with caramelized onions and manchego cheese.   His signature ceviche is a gastronomic standout prepared in a variety of ways from salmon blended with apple citrus, paprika oil and basil to the wildly popular Verde Mixto, the perfect marriage of fresh seafood to Peruvian corn, red onions and cilantro.

Weekend Brunches with bottomless pitchers of Bacardi Smoothies and Mimosas kick start the day while a guitarist serenades happy diners digging into Morning Burritos stuffed with chorizo and salsa.  “I am indeed confident and proud that the abilities I bring to the table are expressed in my creation, “the Chef says humbly.

Out & About

 A parade of pretty party people speaking a melange of languages shop for labels from Vuitton, Armani and Diesel to Madden, Miller and Ritchie Swimwear featured in Sports Illustrated spreads. A long-time fence-sitter between the place to party and the place to retire, Miami has emerged as the design capital of the US with its distinctive art deco neighborhoods and retro hotels that are now luxury Inns. 

For history buffs, the Art Deco Visitor Center - www.mdpl.org - offers walking tours , Miami Culinary Tours introduces foodies to a delectable array of restaurants www.miamiculinarytours.com/    and for fans of the avant-garde, a tour of the graffiti art in the Wynwood neighborhood is an uber-fun way to while away a Miami afternoon. www.giltcity.com/miami/roamrides.

Wynwood  ( credit: M. Reffes )

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CTO Sizzles in St. Kitts

State of the Industry

Selling the Caribbean

Melanie Reffes

St. Kitts 

With the theme, “Developing a Winning Tourism Strategy”, State of the Industry 2012 was organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)   in collaboration with the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.  Focusing on the region’s tourism business, the conference was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in October and attracted the industry’s creative thinkers for three days of stimulating discussions and spirited debates.  “We in this cluster of small populations are bold enough to come together as One Caribbean, enlist some of this industry’s sharpest minds, elect leaders, thrash out ideas and mold them into actions that allow us to win in this environment, “said Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO.

St. Kitts Marriott Resort  ( credit: Marriott ) 

Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO  ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony, outgoing CTO Chairman, Senator Ricky Skerritt noted “with the increase in airfares to the Caribbean, consumers who are paying more to get to our region expect more from our destination when they arrive.  This heightened demand by travel consumers for value dictates that we must provide them with the best possible return on expenditure.   “

Taking aim at crucial issues that drive the Caribbean`s tourism industry, conference sessions included the changing face of world travel, emerging markets  ,  intra-regional transportation and  airlift from the feeder markets in North America. “We must assemble all the creativity, discipline and collective resources we have, and use them wisely for the good of this region, ´“added Hugh Riley, secretary general, CTO,  “ it is a commitment to the vision that together as one region, we will be the most desirable, year-round warm weather destination by 2017.” 

The Front Page

The USVI is now chair of the CTO with Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty’s election as chairperson for the next two years. "We must continue to plan strategically and act collectively across the public and private sectors to ensure the continued dynamism and strengthened resilience of our Caribbean tourism product,” she said. She added that 'without participation of the CTO member governments and members of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), prospects for sustainability are not looking good, we have to keep our region competitive or face dire consequences, including loss of market share and diminishing returns."

Outgoing CTO chairman Senator Ricky Skerritt and newly-elected Chairman  USVI  Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly  Nicholson-Doty  ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Flying to the region for more than thirty years, American Airlines is a major player in the Caribbean although these days fraught with economic challenges which include the cancellation of flights from San Juan effective March 2013. “The imminent pull-out of American Eagle from the region should not be viewed as a weakening of the commitment of American Airlines to the Caribbean, “said Art Torno, vice president, Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. “We are in discussions at present with several other carriers to fill the void that will be left by Eagle’s departure from the Caribbean.”  The ‘other carriers ‘were not named.

Island Buzz

Jamaican student O’Brian Lewis was the jubilant winner at the Tourism Youth Congress. A student of Oberlin High School in Kingston, the aspiring tourism minister recommended a museum in Jamaica be built to honour the country’s sporting heroes. “Imagine entering a black green building, where, at the entrance, you are greeted by cool reggae music,  to the right, you see Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce,  to your left, you find cricketers Courtney Walsh or Chris Gayle, “ he smiled.

O'Brian Lewis accepting his award from Jacqueline Johnson  ( credit:  B. Cancellare/CTO) 

Junior Ministers ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO)

As of November 1, travelers to Antigua will no longer  pay a departure tax as they leave the island.  Increased airport taxes will be rolled into the price of an airline ticket. According to Colin James, CEO , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the additional taxes will be put toward construction of the new airport expected to open in 2014, “V.C. Bird Airport is thirty years old and has long outgrown its ability to handle large numbers of passengers , " he said, " the new airport will feature additional ticket counters, jet bridges and a first-class lounge.”  Also new, 200-room beachfront Nonsuch Bay is already attracting water sports fans that come for kite boarding and kite surfing. An upscale collection of seaside cottages, villas and apartments, the resort also has a Sailing Academy.  

Antigua Beach ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

In Grenada,  Dr. George Vincent, tourism minister,  noted ‘we are trying to put tourism back on stream during these difficult times’ adding that Sandals may be opening a resort in December where LaSource is now. Due to financial difficulties, 100-room LaSource Grenada has issued a stop-sell on all bookings and will close on October 15. The property on Pink Gin Beach was managed by Elite Island Resorts.  “We are very excited about a possible sale to Sandals, “he said, “it will be our flagship brand and the largest resort on the island.”  The first Nutmeg Festival will take place November 1 with culinary exhibits and tastings. 
 On November 2 – 3, Grenada Rum & Beer Festival is an island-wide treat for foodies. 
American Airlines will add a 4^th flight from Miami on November 16 and  Delta will start direct nonstop from New York’s JFK in December.

Dr. George Vincent, minister tourism, Grenada and our  Caribbean editor , Melanie Reffes
  ( credit: Cathy Preece ) 

In Turks and Caicos, an application has been made for a Hilton Convention Center although it has been met with ‘mixed reaction’ by islanders.  “The size and scope of the complex is of concern to locals despite it would be the first convention center on the island, “said Brian Been, senior product development office, tourism board, Turks and Caicos.

Tarmac Ready

American Airlines will add two non-stop flights from Miami to St. Kitts beginning on November 16 just ahead of the peak winter travel season.  The flights will depart on Fridays and Sundays, for connections from the North American  feeder markets. The southbound  will depart Miami (MIA) at 4:45 p.m. and arrive into St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) at 8:35 p.m.   The northbound  will depart St. Kitts at 8:40 a.m. arriving in Miami at 11:05 a.m. on  Saturday and Monday.  “These flights will meet the growth in demand that we anticipate in 2013 and are ideally timed for moving honeymoon and romance travelers as well as meeting and incentive groups, presenting us with more opportunity to build upon these key niche North American market, “ said Senator Ricky Skerritt, minister tourism.

Caribbean coast along the southeastern peninsula ( credit|: SKB Tourism ) 

Royal St. Kitts Golf Course ( credit: SKB Tourism) 

Beginning October 29, Winair will fly daily between St. Kitts and Nevis. Under a new arrangement, Winair is code-sharing connecting flights with US Airways and has interline agreements with Delta and British Airways. 

Timothy Hill with the Atlantic Ocean on the left and the Caribbean Sea on the right
(credit: M. Reffes ) 

From Canada, West Jet begins high season flights to Antigua on October 28 with twice weekly service from Toronto continuing through April. “These WestJet flights will add  7,000 additional seats from Canada for  the upcoming season which is a 15% growth in seats, “ said Colin James, CEO , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, “Arrivals from Canada are up 26 percent for the first quarter of this year  compared to the same time period the year before . “

St. Kitts: Host with the Most

For travel through December 18, "Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis" is an added-value bonanza offering major bang for the vacation buck. Hotel packages include seven nights for the price of four or five nights for the price of three,  breakfast daily ,discounts at shops, restaurants and attractions and a "Kids 'R' VIPS" add-on.  Packages are sold via American Airlines AA Vacations, Delta Vacations and US Airways Vacations.   www.stkittstourism.kn/

Targeting the family market, 393 -room St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino invites with the ‘Super Escape! Inclusive’   package which includes a round of golf, massage in the Spa and coupons for casino play. The only American chain on the island, the resort is one-stop-vacation shopping with eight restaurants , nine bars including the popular Cigar & Rum Bar, three pools, Emerald Mist spa, Pirates of St. Kitts Kids Club program and the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean.  Fronting North Frigate Bay Beach, the resort is a seashell away from the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club course making it the perennial choice for corporate travelers, couples, singles sand families.  www.stkittsmarriott.com

St. Kitts Marriott ( credit: Marriott resorts ) 

St. Kitts Marriott ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Fresh from the kitchen at the Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, Executive Chef William Stringfellow brings a wealth of expertise to his new post at the resort.  With more than two decades of experience, the UK-born culinary whiz has worked in Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Middle East, Europe and Canada.  “The great thing about my profession is that one never stops learning, seeing, tasting or trying new products,” noted Chef Stringfellow, “ I am looking forward to discovering all the beauty and flavors the island of St. Kitts has to offer.”  www.stkittsmarriott.com

Slated to open in the first quarter of 2013, Kittitian Hill is hailed as the island’s first upscale hotel with uber-fancy cottages and villas and a championship golf course. Managed by Sedona Resorts in Arizona , costing $400 million ( USD) and yet to be named, 84 hilltop cottages are stunning with gigantic television drop-down screens, outdoor bathtubs and spectacular terraces for sublime viewing of the island.  Construction is also underway for a Terrace Complex which will include a restaurant, bar,  unique golf course that will be dotted with fruit trees and vegetable gardens, pool , state-of-the-art fitness centre, gourmet dining including a staff cafeteria also open to guests and electric cars for those staying in the hotel. 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

A 200-room  and 50 condominium Park Hyatt will  open in  Christophe Harbour for the  2014-2015 season marking the second US brand , after the St. Kitts Marriott, to set up shop on the island. When complete, the property will offer a fitness center, two restaurants and meeting space.   On the southeast tip of the peninsula, Christophe Harbour will also house a mega- yacht marina, Tom Fazio championship golf course, boutiques and restaurants. "Four villas and four bungalows are already open, "said Bill Lee, COO, Christophe Harbour, " we have heard a lot of polite moaning and groaning about the economy over the past five years , however, we are looking forward to a brighter 2013." 

Christophe Harbour Pavilion ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Looking Ahead

April 15 – 18, 2013:  Sustainable Tourism Conference ( STC 14) will be held in Trinidad & Tobago.     
                   www. CaribbeanSTC.com

October 13, 2013 (week of ) State of the Industry 2013 - Martinique
 “ Showing our support and commitment to the region and to the CTO, “  said Karine Roy-Camille , commissioner tourism authority, Martinique, “ we are pleased to host the 2013 State of the Industry conference of on our beautiful island. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Isle of Flowers next year and giving you a taste of our special brand of French-Creole warmth and hospitality. “

Martinique sunset ( credit: Luc Olivier ) 

For more information - www.onecaribbean.org for more information. 

           Snapshots from 2013 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY  

Melanie hard at work atop Timothy Hill with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
(credit: T. Grey  ) 

Students from the Charlestown Primary School in Nevis en route home from St .Kitts on the ferry
(credit: M. Reffes ) 

Guide Thenford Grey - www.thenfordgrey.com ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Dancer at the Opening Ceremony ( credit: G. Myers )

Singer at the Opening Ceremony ( credit: B. Cancellare/CTO )