Caribbean Travel Awards 2022
The Caribbean Travel Awards is here again and St. Kitts & Nevis, amongst others, did not fail to represent!
Despite the global pandemic that started in 2019, a great number of the Caribbean countries roared back to life in 2021 which was showcased by a summer that recorded the highest number of visitors, higher hotel rates and higher revenue for most destinations. It was a bold statement to the rest of the world that the Caribbean isn’t just a place of warmth, but is also a place of resilience and strength that will overcome any challenge!
Many questions have been posed with the pandemic that struck the world in 2020 as regards to its effect on tourism and travels. In as much as 2020 was an uncertain year in this regard, 2021 came with a much better response and success in the tourism and travel industry. The effect of the pandemic on economies of Caribbean nations dependent on tourism was significant and this challenge however pushed many into proactive and innovative moves to combat this challenge.
The Caribbean cannot be subdued because it takes every challenge from the storms, pandemics and rising waves and channels their energy to power a new future.
St. Kitts & Nevis, Lindsay Fitz-Patrick Grant: Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year.
It must take a combination of doggedness, resilience and tenacity to function as a minister of tourism in this pandemic era. Nevertheless, these are the qualities that the St. Kitts and Nevis minister of tourism, Lindsay FP Grant, has displayed. Lindsay FP Grant was selected as the Caribbean tourism minister of the year, 2022. The results are clear to see as St. Kitts and Nevis has taken the pandemic head-on and maintained the beauty and tourist inflow the twin island is always known for. This award is well deserved according to the Caribbean travel awards.
Caribbean Destination of the Year: The Bahamas
Every little island in the Bahamas is a piece of paradise. The Bahamian isles attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. In 2018 alone, it welcomed about 6.6 million visitors. Although this number dropped drastically in 2019 due to a global pandemic, the numbers have climbed back up and the island is gaining its popularity again from 2021 till date. The Bahamas is predominantly an import service economy which is almost entirely dependent on financial services and tourism which generates foreign exchange.
Caribbean Hotel of the Year: Eclipse at Half Moon, Jamaica.
Sitting on a vast 400-acre Jamaican paradise, you will find the Eclipse. This resort is an exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel at the iconic Half Moon whose history dates as far back as 1954. Fitted between Montego Bay’s hill and the Caribbean Sea, Half Moon has long been an old Caribbean escape for the rich and famous, including the likes of John F. Kennedy Jr., Princess Caroline of Monaco and Queen Elizabeth. This is a well deserved win according to the Caribbean travel awards.
When Eclipse opened, it presented an even more luxurious getaway with all the modern amenities, like a beachfront infinity-edge pool and a Salamander Spa. Despite the luxury, they somehow still managed to infuse the Jamaican experience. Eclipse showcases locally made art and you can also have a glimpse of the sea from each of the hotel’s 57 accommodations. A class on its own.
Small Hotel of the Year: Anegada Beach Club, British Virgin Islands
This hotel gives you a close connection to nature. It’s warm and organic hospitality is legendary. Anegada Beach Club is Anegada’s most recent and best in accommodations, seated just by the beachfront with great activities and dining! Experience thrill in our Beachfront Palapa Retreats for one night or ten. It’s small but mighty.
New Hotel of the Year: The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, is where beauty and luxury resort amenities showcase one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations. Grace Bay which gives The Ritz-Carlton it’s inspiration, offers fully furnished and modern guest rooms and suites with sophisticated dining and an event space, without forgetting its island-motivated spa treatments. A well-deserved award according to the Caribbean travel awards
Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year: Pamela Ewing, Director, Turks and Caicos Tourism
The Turks and Caicos Director of Tourism, Pamela Ewing, was at the forefront, bringing along her expertise in assisting the destination to ground-breaking heights of performance, sublimely captaining the Turks and Caicos and solidifying its place as one of the Caribbean’s most desired destinations. All this was done in a perilous and trying time. No wonder she got noticed.
Caribbean Hotelier of the Year: Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts, Saint Lucia.
Caribbean Journal Magazine stated, “Destang is at the forefront of Caribbean tourism, continuing to grow Bay Gardens, incessantly innovating (including the development of a game-changing all-inclusive dine-around program) and demonstrating the power of hospitality to impact every level of a destination”. This is a well deserved win according to the Caribbean travel awards.
“Being chosen as the 2022 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year is such an honor. Caribbean Journal puts a lot of thought into selecting a winner, and I am so grateful to have been considered for this award,” remarked the Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Sanovnik Destang.
Caribbean All-Inclusive of the Year: Hammock Cove, Antigua
Located on Antigua’s northeast coast, close to Devil’s Bridge National Park, you will find this All-Inclusive, Adults-Only resort that stands out in all areas. Hammock Cove Antigua sets the bar of luxury and leisure to new thrilling levels. There nothing you can’t find on this exotic resort.
New All-Inclusive of the Year: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
As a traveller looking for a tropical vacation destination, Cap Cana in Dominican Republic is the best there is. This wonderful destination is seated on the stretch of coastline, the Juanillo Beach. There’s an unforgettable experience awaiting anyone who dares to venture.
Whether you decide to experience thrill on land or at sea, Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana, is your pathway to it. This 228-room five-star, all-inclusive resort is the definition of laidback luxury, offering world-class restaurants and bars, spacious accommodations, and daily live entertainment that keeps the atmosphere on the high.
Small All-inclusive of the Year: Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotel, Barbados
Located at Payne’s Bay in the parish of St. James, Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels is known for its intimate adults-only policy. It is an all-inclusive getaway spot just on the beachfront. The environment and architecture give an ambiance that is perfect for couples.
Adventure Hotel of the Year: Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros, The Bahamas
Small Hope Bay Lodge is an intimate, eco-friendly and historic resort that has been in business and receiving guests to Andros Island for over 60 years. Small Hope Bay has a beautiful and stunning beach perched directly on the tip of the world’s third largest fringing barrier reef. The beach gives a combination of clear blues ocean and the sun, both of which work together to give a peaceful and calm ambiance. All rooms are beachfront cabins, which offers fresh local and international cuisine, diving, snorkelling, fishing, nature walks, and much more.
Wellness Hotel of the Year: Zemi Beach House, Anguilla
When planning a trip to Anguilla, and looking for a hotel for indulgence and rejuvenation, look no further than Zemi Thai House Spa in Zemi Beach House hotel. Treatments here, by the natives, are inspired by ancient healing tradition. Interiors are brightly illuminated and are decorated with organic materials, from white stone to dark woods. Outdoor spaces are nature-inspired and is the perfect place to relax. This is a well deserved win according to the Caribbean travel awards.
Dive Resort of the Year: Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire
For over 4 decades, Buddy Dive has been the essence of the great Caribbean dive resort, which offers an on-site dive shop and 2 outdoor pools. The resort is located directly in front of a diving spot in Kralendijk, which is quite popular.
Innovative Destination of the Year: United States Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands sets the pace with its Travel Screening Portal. It does not just stop at that, but continued to pave innovative ways to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, from safe Carnival events which always focused on promoting vaccination benefits to a beautiful makeover of downtown Charlotte Amalie. This is a well deserved win according to the Caribbean travel awards
Luxury Destination of the Year: Turks and Caicos Islands
The introduction of the Ritz-Carlton to the already existing fleets of hotels further solidified the luxury power of Turks and Caicos, which is the well known for its collection of luxury properties both large and small. The Island gives a luxurious vibe that sweeps through all aspects. A touch of excellence which gives an Air of class.
Yachting Destination of the Year: United States Virgin Islands
The pandemic help turn the gaze of waterways prowess to St Thomas’ Yacht Haven Grande, which has succeeded in turning the marina into a sought-after yachting destination, reassuring travelers just how straightforward and convenient it is to set sail from the US Virgin Islands.
Caribbean Restaurant of the Year: Le Pressoir, St Martin
At Le Pressoir you can look forward to both contemporary and creative dishes and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of a 19th Century home at the same time. Le Pressoir is a classic dining restaurant with primary focus on natural, sustainable food products gotten from Frances’ most dedicated food producers.
Culinary Destination of the Year: Grenada
With whatever feeding experience you engage in, you’ll find that Grenada has become a dining destination, known to be diverse in its ways. There’s an awareness throughout the island that food matters, that sourcing matters and most importantly, that sustainability is essential to the Grenada culinary experience.
Caribbean Airport of the Year: VC Bird International Airport, Antigua
Over the years, the VC Bird international airport has time without number proven to be world class among other Caribbean airports. The constant route growth from big cities has succeeded in placing the island on the spotlight. Experience the world class modern VIP lounge which gives a sense of comfort with style. It’s no surprise this masterpiece bagged the award for this year.
Caribbean Airline of the Year: Tradewind Aviation
Tradewind Aviation, over the years, has proven to be at the pinnacle of affairs in Caribbean luxury aviation, with a growing network of the choice destinations and broad charter service across the Caribbean. To put it mildly, you can’t plan a trip to the Caribbean without an experience with Tradewind Aviation. They are interwoven into the Caribbean experience.
Caribbean Bar of the Year: The Rhum Room, St Barth
The Rhum Room is home to the largest collection of fine rums of any bar in the hemisphere, located in the heart of downtown Gustavia, as a Rum lover, this is the place to find the best them all.
Thinking about traveling to experience St. Kitts & Nevis in 2022? Be sure to check our Caribbean Travel Requirements COVID-19 updates for the latest requirements for travel to St. Kitts & Nevis as well as other Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
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