What’s New in the Caribbean This Summer?
Summer visitors to the Caribbean will discover a handful of new hotel and resort offerings, flight options and attractions in 2023.
This coveted region, renowned for its unparalleled climate, nature and culture, is experiencing significant growth after the pandemic, prompting increased connectivity from major airlines, new property openings and special packages and experiences for eager travelers.
Hotel and Resort Offerings
Atlantis Paradise Island will offer two new dining options in the Bahamas, including the very first Shake Shack in the Caribbean. The other is Paranza from Michelin Star-rated Chef Michael White, which will serve coastal Italian cuisine in a high-design environment.
Meanwhile, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is also taking the guest experience to a new level, with new programming such as the Wildlife Ambassadors program inviting guests every day at 1 p.m. to watch as the onsite wildlife is fed. New highlights will also include live music, dance workshops, a trio of happy hours, the opening of a family-owned jewelry store Little Europe Jewels & Time, new unique treatments at ZoiA Spa including a Reiki Massage and extended hours at the Palms Beachside Grill.
The newly opened 330-all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort located across the street from the white sands of Eagle Beach is celebrating the season with a pair of fantastic packages.
Starting at $1,249 for three nights, the Family Summer Package includes family sunset pictures on Eagle Beach, a family excursion to Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory Tour and a welcome drink at arrival for parents. Also available for a minimum of three nights, the Couples Retreat Package features a welcome gift upon arrival, a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy in the room, a romantic sunset picnic and 30 percent off a catamaran experience.
Expanded Flight Service
Like much of the Caribbean, travelers will have an easier time reaching the island nation of Dominica this summer as the country recently touted enhanced connectivity with expanded airline and ferry service.
Plus, British Airways has launched new twice-weekly flights between Antigua and Barbuda’s V.C. Bird International Airport and Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Puerto Rico is also experiencing a tourism boom with seat capacity up 23 percent year-over-year, providing travelers with more flight options from the mainland U.S.
More for Foodies
The Lovango Resort & Beach Club in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands is launching its inaugural food festival, Taste of Lovango, this May. Guests can look forward to an impressive spread of culinary pop-up experiences hosted by world-renowned guest chefs in addition to live music and culinary events like a signature Prix Fixe Dinner and Friends of Virgin Islands National Park dinner under the stars.
Beginning May 8, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas will implement a bi-weekly Archipelago Journey encompassing dishes, beverages and entertainment from the region. Highlighting as many as 30 territories of the Caribbean, the event will feature personalized buffet stations, a live coconut carving station, rotating rum-tasting flights, tiki cocktail menus featuring local spirits and live entertainment options including moko jumbie, steel pan drums and Caribbean fire dancers.
Elsewhere, the waterfront Harbor Club located along Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is offering an All-inclusive Deluxe Island Escape package featuring three meals per day and house-brand drinks. Rates start from just $190 per night.