Royal Caribbean International has marked a major milestone with its newest cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, which touched water for the first time on August 29, 2025, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The float-out signals that the vessel is moving from assembly to the outfitting and testing phase before welcoming its first passengers. As the third Icon Class ship, following Icon of the Seas and...
Some resorts focus on rooms and restaurants. Sea Breeze Beach House in Barbados focuses on experiences. With just 122 rooms, it blends the intimacy of a boutique stay with a lively, immersive connection to the island. The resort’s “How To” program brings Barbados into every day — from guided walks to Oistins and rum punch mixology classes, to wine tastings, yoga by the sea, and aqua aerobics in...
Barbados’ micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are set to benefit from a major financial boost as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) extends a $100 million loan to the Central Bank of Barbados. The funding will strengthen the Central Bank’s Enhanced Credit Guarantee Fund (ECGF), designed to ease access to credit for local businesses. Since its launch in 2015, the ECGF has...
Punta Cana, one of the Caribbean’s most coveted destinations, has welcomed an exciting new addition to its luxury landscape: Reserva Real by HARPER, a condo-hotel developed by Archipelago International in partnership with Noval Properties. Nestled within the prestigious Cocotal Golf & Country Club, this exclusive retreat blends Mediterranean elegance with Caribbean vibrance, offering travelers a...
An icon of Puerto Rican glamour since the late 1950s, La Concha Resort has entered a new era by joining Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The move positions the Condado Beach landmark on a global stage, combining its legendary mid-century architecture with refreshed luxury and modern lifestyle experiences. A Puerto Rican Classic, Reimagined La Concha’s signature shell-shaped architecture remains...
Bridgetown, Barbados – August 2025 – From London to Toronto to Dubai, global investors are setting their sights on Barbados, where lifestyle and returns converge. With resilient tourism growth, expanded international airlift, and a reputation for political and economic stability, the island has emerged as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling hospitality markets. NVEST Estates is now presenting a...
SITE Classic 2025 is set to be one of the most significant gatherings for senior incentive travel professionals, combining immersive education, purposeful networking, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From August 25–28, 2025, the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will host over 270 global leaders — including 85 hosted buyers and 170 suppliers — for four transformative days of innovation,...
Panama is preparing to roll out more than US$20 billion in new investments over the next year, with projects centered on the Panama Canal and other major development initiatives — and Barbados is being encouraged to get on board. During a recent visit to Barbados, Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, delivered the keynote address at the Barbados International...
Barbados’ Rockley Hotel has quickly become the south coast’s standout boutique stay — a 49-room hideaway of junior suites and one-bedrooms, offering style, energy, and the unbeatable perk of being just steps from the beach. The first impression is all about color and character — bold, bright, and full of island spirit. Step outside and you’re surrounded by the hum of the south coast: surf...
Barbados is doubling down on value-driven travel experiences to remain competitive amid rising global inflation and increased competition from other destinations. At the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) quarterly media briefing, Chairman Javon Griffith stressed that the island’s hospitality providers must focus on enhancing offerings instead of resorting to price cuts ahead of the...