Caribbean destinations earn top honors for upcoming vacations
The next trip…isn’t if fun to dream about it?
According to Alexander Britell, the Editor-in-Chief of CARIBBEAN JOURNAL, planning our next vacation has become one of the greatest “antidotes to the creeping monotony in our lives today.”
Then, to that “creeping monotony” line he added, “Travel makes our lives interesting, it sustains us; it expands our horizons; it teaches; it creates lifelong memories. Unfortunately, for a good portion of a year, all that was taken away, leaving us with the constant reminder of just how important traveling is for all of us.”
Hold on a minute! While we have been sitting at home bemoaning the loss of travel, Mr. Britell reminds us the islands of the Caribbean got busy. They quit dreaming and did something about it. After all, travel is the backbone of most island economies. It is not indispensable, and that explains why–since early June– the islands have been open for business.
Most certainly, their decision had risks and restrictions, but, considering their choices were few, they became extremely adept at handling this pandemic. Maybe it is because they have had to suffer and weather some serious storms before, but, instead of refusing to face the reality of Covid 19 and the eventuality of it spinning out of control like it has done here in the States, the Caribbean became a global example of how to reopen in a careful, focused,and safe manner.
In a year of impossibilities, mixed with unusual and difficult challenges, their resilient spirit paid off. Tourism has survived, and, just recently, the CARIBBEAN JOURNAL recognized the excellent job done by so many to make a difference during this crisis. Because so many of you are actually starting to think about that “next trip,” I thought you might like to note the Caribbean playgrounds which have received top honors during this pandemic.
CHOSEN DESTINATION OF THE YEAR: US VIRGIN ISLANDS
The US Virgin Islands were the first Caribbean destination to reopen for tourism back on June 1st, and that was possible because of the TRAVEL PORTAL. Remember how I am always preaching about how the rules of travel have changed? Well, the USVI saved tourism among the islands by introducing a simple travel screening protocol which has since been adapted by almost every island.
In addition to a passport with 6 months validity remaining on it, everyone age 5 and above who wishes to travel to the Caribbean must now go online to an island’s website, complete a questionnaire, and upload a digital copy of a negative covid test result taken within a few days of their arrival.
The only tricky part to the process is that each island may have different requirements to complete the portal. For example, for travel to the US Virgin Islands, the covid test must be done within 5 days of departure; for Aruba, it is 72 hours. Check with our staff at Monroe Travel Service to make sure you comply, because, folks, if you do not receive a clearance notification from the portal to present to the airline, you will not be heading off to the sunny beaches of the Caribbean.
This pre-clearance travel portal is not only a prerequisite, it is crucial for the safety of the islanders. In addition to the TRAVEL PORTAL registration, travelers returning home to the USA must now present a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of your flight. ( FYI: because the USVI and Puerto Rico are United States territories, they are the only exception to this new CDC ruling.) Also, since a passport is not required, why not consider the islands voted as the destination of the year for your next trip?.
HOTEL OF THE YEAR: RITZ CARLTON ST. THOMAS
Want to see what a $100 million transformation looks like? I actually thought the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas was pretty nice before its makeover, so I am betting the recently re-opened Ritz Carlton will deliver the “wow” even better now. Despite all the new health and safety standards of a pandemic, there is no doubt the high-level luxury experience remains or why ever would it win the top Caribbean hotel only award?
SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR: EDEN ROCK–ST. BARTHS
The resort that began it all in St Barth, the Eden Rock has entered 2021 with a major new look — and, honestly, it is possibly the hottest little hotel we sell at Monroe Travel Service for this island. While the property is almost completely new, what has not changed is the magic — the breezy, glamorous spirit that defines what makes this hotel and the island of St. Barth so very cool. Let me know if you want to check it out!
NEW HOTEL OF THE YEAR: The ECLIPSE AT HALF MOON–JAMAICA
They say it is hard to improve upon a legend and there is no doubt my clients who love to frequent the Half Moon would agree, but the word in the travel industry is that the Eclipse at Half Moon will blow you away! Set on the compound of the iconic Half Moon in Montego Bay, this property looks amazing! Please call me if you are interested in this new addition to the luxury sector market that just received the coveted new hotel of the year honor.
CARIBBEAN ALL-INCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR: CURTAIN BLUFF–ANTIGUA
Because the definition of all-inclusive is constantly changing and so many properties are deserving of their 5 star rating, I was extremely impressed to see Curtain Bluff Resort walked away with the Caribbean’s top honor. This resort, which has always represented the elegant, the glamorous, and all the charming characteristics of the Caribbean, was recently renovated so it must look stellar! Adding some extra luster to this lovely old property must have worked because the honor of being the Caribbean’s best when it comes to luxury all-inclusives is definitely impressive.
NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR: DREAMS MACAO BEACH PUNTA CANA–DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
There is no doubt the DREAMS MACAO would have earned a sympathy vote from me if I had been a judge in this contest. You see, this resort had the misfortune of having its grand opening in March, 2020–and, thanks to Covid 19, the world as well as the resort was shut down immediately! Yet, because I have stayed in their sister resorts in Mexico and Costa Rica and know their reputation, I am sure their 2nd re-opening has made the Dreams Macao worthy of this honor. Considering the extremely competitive all-inclusive market in the DR, I imagine this property has taken family vacationing to a new level, so anyone want to try it for a family spring break getaway?
SMALL ALL-INCLUSIVE OF THE YEAR: HAMMOCK COVE–ANTIGUA
When Hammock Cove opened last year in Antigua, it was an instant hit! The resort did everything right for the all-inclusive travelers who wanted private plunge pools, stand-alone-accommodations, and, of course, butler service. In a world where social distancing is the norm, Hammock Cove is a stand-out. It is a terrific all-inclusive resort that could be just what the doctor ordered!
Special recognition awards were given as follows:
LUXURY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR: GRENADA
Check out the Kimpton Kawana Bay, Six Senses Resort, Calabash , or the Silversands and you will see why Grenada deserves to win this top luxury award!
YACHTING DESTINATION OF THE YEAR: ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
In a year of the unusual and for those travelers looking for the ultimate in isolation and safety, maybe it is time to consider a yachting vacation? Thanks to the fabulous Christophe Harbour, the new guys on the block–the twin islands of St. Kitts and Nevis–walked away with the top port sport for the yachting crowd.
CARIBBEAN CULINARY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR: ST. BARTH
When St. Barth opened last summer, with completely new safetry protocols, its fabulous dining scene did not skip a beat. On an island known for its luxury and exclusivity , dining has always been an intimately delightful experience–and, obviously, by winning this honor, little has changed in the culinary world! If you want to cook up a good time, think about St. Barth!
There is no doubt the pandemic came as a shock to tourism around the world, but the Caribbean countries have hunkered down, refused to be overwhelmed, and got creative: they learned how to open their borders in a smart and safe way . Not only have they saved tourism and their economy, but their hard work and sacrifices gave us some great places to go and play…for the “next trip!”
Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service. Our staff is working remotely, so, if you are interested in a Caribbean getaway, please call 318 323 3465 or email Dianne@monroetravel.com. When you are ready, we would love to send you away!
Leave a Reply