What's New

Over the past few years, the Caribbean has weathered two kinds of storms: natural (hurricanes) and manmade (the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative). Despite this, tourism continues to grow. The islands are boasting expansive hotel growth, much of it in the luxury sector, with mega-resort construction mapped out for the coming decade.

Much of that growth is in the Spanish Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is reporting a 16 percent increase in foreign arrivals. Cancun, devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma, has bounced back with renovated and improved resorts as well as a $24 million beach renewal project. The destination is repositioning itself, moving away from its spring break image to one of luxury resorts with spas, golf, fine dining, and shopping.

Cancun is meeting the anticipated growth with construction of a third terminal at its international airport, one of several airport projects in the Caribbean. Sint Maarten and Curaçao have completed new terminals, while Montego Bay, Jamaica; Aruba; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, are expanding theirs.

Several island parks are also under way. Aruba, undergoing more than $200 million in enhancements to its tourism product, is creating a $16 million park that will be the Caribbean's largest. San Juan dedicated Paseo de las Fuentes, an urban park dotted with fountains and reflecting pools across from the Caribbean's largest convention center, in September. The park is part of the $1.3 billion, 113-acre Puerto Rico Convention Center District, which will include hotels, retail space, restaurants, and residences; completion is planned for 2012.

Facilities Update

Aruba

• The Wyndham Aruba was reflagged as THE WESTIN ARUBA RESORT after a $16 million renovation. The 481-room resort offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, eight dining options, a 12,000-square-foot casino, Aruba's largest swimming pool, and a spa.

• HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT & CASINO debuted its open-air lobby, part of $20 million in improvements. Renovation of the resort's 336 guest rooms is expected to be complete this month. The resort has nine meeting rooms and more than 25,000 square feet of interior and exterior meeting and pre-function space.

Bahamas

• The WESTIN AND SHERATON GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND OUR LUCAYA RESORT now offers an additional 5,000 square feet of event space. The resort consists of the 740-room Westin and the 478-room Sheraton, and has more than 45,000 square feet of indoor function space.

• Cable Beach is undergoing a $2 billion redevelopment called BAHA MAR; the site will become a 3,000-plus room resort, making it the Caribbean's largest single-phase destination resort. Construction will be completed in 2011 and will include a 1,000-room Caesars Resort Hotel and 100,000-square-foot casino; a 300-room W at Baha Mar; a 300-room St. Regis at Baha Mar, including 100 condo units; a 700-room Westin at Baha Mar; and a 700-room Sheraton at Baha Mar (set to open this year). The project includes renovation of the 550-room Wyndham Nassau Resort. Baha Mar will include 200,000 square feet of meeting space; a spa; an eco-waterpark; a shopping, dining, and entertainment village; and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

• Scheduled to open in 2008 on the small island of Bimini, the CONRAD BIMINI RESORT & CASINO will include 250 guest rooms, a marina, a spa, and a casino.

• Four miles from Nassau and accessible by ferry or helicopter, the 157-room RITZ-CARLTON, ROSE ISLAND, BAHAMAS is scheduled for a 2009 opening. The resort plans a spa and meeting space featuring a 4,200-square-foot ballroom, two meeting rooms, and a boardroom.

• ROCKRESORTS will manage the $700 million, 870-acre multi-use development on Rum Cay Island. The facility is being built in three phases. Phase one includes an 80-slip marina; phase two will include the RockResort hotel and spa; phase three will add additional amenities. The hotel, planned for 100 units plus 80 multiroom villas, will feature meeting space, restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a golf training facility, and a tennis center. Opening is planned for 2010.

Barbados

• ACCRA BEACH HOTEL AND RESORT has completed a new wing with 80 rooms, including four two-bedroom oceanfront suites and 24 oceanview suites, all featuring Jacuzzis, bringing the resort's room count to 222. The hotel offers 6,500 square feet of meeting space.

Cayman Islands

• MANDARIN ORIENTAL, GRAND CAYMAN is scheduled to open in 2009 on Barefoot Beach. The resort will offer 114 rooms and suites with terraces and balconies and an 18,000-square-foot spa.

Curaçao

• November is the planned opening of the 237-room RENAISSANCE CURAçAO RESORT & CASINO in Willemstad. Adjacent to the cruise port, the complex will include 8,600 square feet of indoor meeting space, a six-screen movie theater, a casino, and restaurants.

• The 350-room Hyatt Regency Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is scheduled for completion in late 2008. The resort will include an 18-hole Pete Dye-designed championship golf course and 28,000 square feet of meeting space.

Dominican Republic

• The WESTIN ROCO KI BEACH & GOLF RESORT is scheduled to open in May 2008 in Punta Cana. The 315-room resort will include an 18,000-square-foot spa and 20,000 square feet of meeting space, plus 24-hour room service, a Troon-managed Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course, and more.

• Punta Cana will be home to the new $250 million MOON PALACE CASINO, GOLF, AND SPA RESORT. Phase one will open in August; phase two debuts in December. The resort will offer 1,743 rooms and a convention center for 2,560 attendees.

Jamaica

• Plans are under way in Trelawny, east of Montego Bay, for the 1,400-acre HARMONY COVE. The proposed resort will include a convention hotel with 1,750 guest rooms and a 75,000-square-foot convention center. Plans call for three more hotels ranging from 100 to 660 rooms, a 45,000-square-foot spa, a marina, a golf course, and a golf academy.

• The 266-room BREEZES RUNAWAY BAY completed a $20 million renovation, including 30 new rooms and suites. The resort features a golf school and meeting space for up to 400 attendees.

• In Ocho Rios, the 730-room SUNSET JAMAICA GRANDE RESORT AND SPA underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2005. It has Jamaica's largest meeting space among it 32,000 square feet of space, including an exhibit hall for receptions of up to 2,500 attendees.

• HALF MOON RESORT added the 68,000-square-foot Fern Tree Spa and six beachfront spa suites. The project follows renovation of the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, two restaurants, and more, all part of a five-year plan.

• The 427-room RITZ-CARLTON GOLF & SPA RESORT ROSE HALL, JAMAICA, completed the first phase of a $15 million renovation. The resort offers more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The second phase of renovations, upgrading guest rooms, begins this summer.

Mexico

• JW MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORT AND SPA reopened in September after renovations needed because of Hurricane Wilma. The 448-room resort offers 20,300 square feet of space for group use and includes a 35,000-square-foot spa. Next door, the 452-room CASAMAGNA MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORT has also reopened after renovations and offers 10,980 square feet of space for group functions.

• The 220-room PRESIDENTE INTERCONTINENTAL COZUMEL RESORT & SPA reopened in November after an extensive renovation. The resort offers a 6,500-square-foot spa, a new golf putting green, and nearly 4,300 square feet of meeting space.

• ÉLAN RESORT & SPA-CANCUN opened in March; the all-inclusive is designed to resemble a 17th-century Mexican village and offers 95 rooms and 51 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, six restaurants, a spa, a Temazcal authentic Mayan sauna, and 23,680 square feet of meeting space.

• The MANDARIN ORIENTAL RIVIERA MAYA is scheduled to open this fall. The 128-villa property, set on 36 acres, will include a 2,021-square-foot ballroom and a 25,000-square-foot spa.

• The 601-room CANCUN PALACE reopened in February after renovations. The resort's new 17,000-square-foot convention center can accommodate up to 780 guests, and offers 10 meeting rooms and a business center.

• Palace Resorts plans to open the new BEACH PALACE this summer, replacing the old property razed after Hurricane Wilma. The new resort offers 287 guest rooms, including 24 two-bedroom suites and 9,100 square feet of meeting space.

Puerto Rico

• In May, the 600-room Westin Rio Mar will be rebranded WYNDHAM RIO MAR-A WYNDHAM GRAND RESORT. A multimillion-dollar redevelopment will overhaul the casino and upgrade the golf courses, hotel lobby, and guest rooms. The resort now features 48,000 square feet of function space, a casino, two 18-hole golf courses, a spa and fitness center, and more.

• The SAN JUAN MARRIOTT RESORT & STELLARIS CASINO was on schedule to complete phase one of a $35 million renovation in April. The 402 guest rooms of the main tower now include ergonomically designed desks and desk chairs, wireless Internet access, and 36-inch, flat-screen LCD televisions. The 123 cabana-wing rooms will be renovated throughout the year. Meeting space, which was renovated in 2006, spans 10,900 square feet.

• CONDADO PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO is renovating its 570 guest rooms and its meeting space. The hotel is also adding a restaurant that will offer three private dining rooms, including a banquet room for 90 guests.

• The Paradisus Puerto Rico, which was the island's first all-inclusive, will be reflagged the GRAN MELIA PUERTO RICO in May. The 588-suite resort will operate as a European Plan property. Additions include a new 11,000-square foot spa. The resort has more than 29,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

• Work is under way on a 500-room hotel to serve the PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER. The first of two planned hotels, the $209 million facility, scheduled to open in 2009, will be a Sheraton. It will include 60,000 square feet of meeting space and a 15,000-square-foot ballroom.

• The 300-room CONDADO VANDERBILT HOTEL is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008. The property will feature 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

Sint Maarten

• The 537-room SONESTA MAHO BEACH & CASINO has undergone a $2.5 million renovation. The resort features a casino, three restaurants, a shopping promenade, a spa, and more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space.

Trinidad

• A 428-room HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD will open in late 2007 with 43,000 square feet of meeting space, a 16,000- square-foot ballroom, and a 10,000-square-foot multipurpose facility.

• Scheduled for completion in late 2007, the HILTON TRINIDAD & CONFERENCE CENTRE is undergoing a renovation including guest rooms, which will increase from 380 to 419. The hotel will enclose a terrace as a pillarless meeting and function space and create a Hilton Meetings area with four meeting rooms.

U.S.V.I.

• The RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS, is undergoing a $40 million renovation to be completed this spring. Plans include the addition of a Club Lounge, serving 55 guest rooms, 16 executive suites, four presidential suites, and two villas. Renovations include the meeting facilities, which span more than 10,000 square feet.

• On St. Croix, the CARAMBOLA BEACH RESORT will join Renaissance Hotels & Resorts this summer. The 151-room resort will undergo a $20 million renovation and expansion of its accommodations, meeting spaces, and public spaces.

Call the Tourist Board

Antigua and Barbuda

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURIST OFFICE
(888) 268-4227; (212) 541-4117
www.antigua-barbuda.org
Departure Tax: $20
Hotel Tax: 8.5% room tax plus 10% service charge

Aruba

ARUBA CONVENTION BUREAU
(800) TO-ARUBA; (954) 767-3395
www.aruba.com
Departure Tax: $37 (included in ticket)
Hotel Tax: 6% plus 12% service charge

Bahamas

BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM
(800) BAHAMAS; (242) 302-2000
www.bahamas.com
Departure Tax: $20
Hotel Tax: 6% room tax

Barbados

BARBADOS TOURISM AUTHORITY
(800) 221-9831; (212) 986-6516
www.barbados.org
Departure Tax: $13
Hotel Tax: 7.5% room tax; some hotels may add 10% to 15% service charge

Bermuda

BERMUDA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
(800) 223-6106, ext. 213;(212) 818-9800
www.bermudatourism.com
Departure Tax: $25 (included in ticket)
Hotel Tax: 7.25% room tax, 15% service charge

Cancun

CANCUN CONVENTION BUREAU
(52) 998-8812-745; www.cancun.info
Departure Tax: up to $28 (usually included in ticket; fluctuates with exchange rate)
Hotel Tax: 12%; 15% service charge

Cayman Islands

CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
(345) 949-0623; (212) 889-9009
www.caymanislands.ky
Departure Tax: $25
Hotel Tax: 10% room tax, 5% to 10% room service charge

Dominican Republic

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TOURIST BOARD
(888) 374-6361; (212) 588-1012
www.dominicanrepublic.com
Departure Tax: $20 plus $10 tourist card upon entry
Hotel Tax: 12% plus 10% service charge

Jamaica

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
(800) 233-4JTB; (305) 665-0557
www.visitjamaica.com
Departure Tax: $37; may be included in cost of ticket
General Consumption Tax (in lieu of room tax): 15%

Puerto Rico

PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY
(800) 223-6530

PUERTO RICO CONVENTION BUREAU
(800) 875-4765; (202) 457-9262
www.meetpuertorico.com
Departure Tax: none
Hotel Tax: 7% (country inns), 9% (hotels without casinos), 11% (hotels with casinos) plus 8% to 15% service charge for some hotels

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
(800) 729-1726; www.svgtourism.com
Departure Tax: $14.80
Hotel Tax: 7% plus 10% service charge

Trinidad & Tobago

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TOURISM
(800) 748-4224; www.visitTNT.com
Departure Tax: $100TT (about US$17)
Hotel Tax: 10% room tax plus 15% VAT plus 10% service charge

US Virgin Islands

USVI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
(800) 372-USVI; www.usvitourism.vi
Departure Tax: $3
Hotel Tax: 8% plus 10% to 15% service chargen

Phantom Planner

• Puerto Rico is home to the Caribbean's toughest no-smoking regulations. Smoking is now prohibited in most indoor public areas including all convention centers, restaurants, casinos, museums, theaters, pubs, nightclubs, shopping centers, and more.

• The most common group transport in the U.S. Virgin Islands are open-air jitneys, locally called safari buses. Topped by a canvas cover, the larger safari buses can hold 15 to 25 attendees.

• At the present time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers of a risk of malaria in Haiti; the Dominican Republic near the Haitian border; as well as the La Altagracia Province, which includes Punta Cana and Bavaro Beach; and Kingston, Jamaica.

• Although resort areas have not been affected by gang violence, it has been a recent problem in Kingston and areas of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to avoid the following areas: Mountain View, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, and Flankers in Montego Bay.

Special Venues

• Thirty minutes from Ocho Rios, JAMAICA, the lush WHITE RIVER VALLEY serves as a backdrop for group functions. Activities range from tubing to river kayaking to horseback riding, with all-inclusive meal plans available. (876) 972-2506, www.chukkacaribbean.com.

• In PUERTO RICO, groups can explore El Yunque, the Caribbean National Forest, from EL PORTAL RAINFOREST CENTER. The facility offers meeting and reception space for up to 500 attendees. (787) 888-5613; www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean.

• ARUBA'S DE PALM ISLAND, located seven minutes offshore, offers an all-inclusive getaway for groups. Options include SNUBA (a scuba experience for nondivers); SeaTrek, which gives participants the chance to walk on the sea floor; a day spa; a new waterpark; and a food and beverage program. (781) 821-1012, (800) 766-6016, www.depalm.com.

• The BERMUDA UNDERWATER EXPLORATION INSTITUTE IN HAMILTON offers groups the chance to take a peek at the area's shipwrecks, reefs, and undersea life without getting wet. The facility includes a 148-seat auditorium, a boardroom, and a 60-person pre-function room. The round Caribbean Room, with a capacity of 25 attendees, is shaped like a ship's bridge and is decorated with ship models. The lobby, with its terrazzo floor representing a map of Bermuda, is available for groups of 250 people. (441) 292-7219, www.buei.bm.