BERMUDA: Ritz-Carlton To Open In Caroline Bay

Caroline Bay Ltd., developer of Caroline Bay, Bermuda (Caroline Bay), recently announced that construction is advancing at the 182-acre ultra-luxury waterfront destination located in the west end of the island on the peninsula formerly known as Morgan’s Point.

Both the Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences at The Cove are in full construction mode.

The extraordinary new Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer 77 guest rooms and two presidential villas.

Construction is moving along with the first two guest villas comprised of 11 waterfront rooms and suites in each, with construction of the third guest villa to start this month.

First-phase construction – the building of 35 of the 149 Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences is also swiftly progressing, and the first residential building comprised of seven homes will be complete and ready for delivery in the first quarter of 2018.

The entire phase one, called The Cove with five buildings representing 35 residences, will be complete by summer 2018.

We are thrilled to announce that Caroline Bay’s construction progress is well on its way, and not only is the first phase of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences at The Cove projected to be delivered on time, but the development of the resort community has brought great prosperity to our island, creating an uptick in jobs and activity, said Craig Christensen, Director and Owner of Caroline Bay Ltd.

We have high hopes that this will add to the success we are already seeing for our development and look forward to what this destination will offer.

This one-of-a-kind destination for the island is already home to Caroline Bay Marina, which offers space for up to 33 transient superyachts.

80 berths exclusively for Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence owners, the Caroline Bay Marina Yacht Club, state-of-the-art power, water, concierge services, MarineTech docking system and environmentally secure sewage waste systems.

Once complete, Caroline Bay will be the largest development the island has seen in more than four decades. Owners of the Ritz-Carlton Residences will enjoy:

- Two restaurants and a bar

- Two pools and beaches with water sports and activities

- A world class spa

- Conference space

With its enviable location and design, Caroline Bay is anticipated to be Bermuda’s most exclusive community as an oasis for adventure and escape.

Bermudians will be encouraged to enjoy the development’s public spaces, such as its world-class spa, conference center and restaurants.


Tourism Observer

Ritz-Carlton's Latest European Venture Revealed

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has opened a new hotel in Europe, with the launch a 200-room hotel in Budapest.

The hotel in the Hungarian capital is owned by UAE-based Al Habtoor Group and was previously a Le Meridien-managed hotel but will now operate under the Ritz-Carlton flag following a significant refurbishment.

The hotel is in a protected historic building, constructed in 1914 as the headquarters for an Italian insurance company, and many of the period features have been retained such as elegant statues on the exterior walls and the stunning stained-glass cupola at the heart of the building. Beneath this, The Kupola Lounge restaurant has been created, offering farmer’s market breakfast or lunch.

The hotel also has a street-side casual restaurant, Deak Street Kitchen, by British firm B3 Designers, complete with ice-cream cart and an outside terrace on Fashion Street.

Located on Elizabeth Square, with views over St Stephens Basilica, the hotel also has a bar with street entrance to attract the local market.

“Budapest is an extraordinary city and perfectly placed to welcome the newest property in our portfolio,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “We are excited to become an integral part of the thriving, vibrant city.”

Of the 200 rooms, 30 are suites and the hotel also has a Ritz-Carlton Club Level offering on the top levels - 8th and 9th floors – and a spa and fitness centre with indoor pool and three treatment rooms, will follow soon.

Ritz-Carlton Budapest joins sister European properties such as Abama in Tenerife, Hotel Arts in Barcelona and Ritz-Carlton Vienna, as well as the group’s concept hotel in Wolfsburg within the famed Autostadt and home to a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

The group is also working on a property in Geneva, Hotel De la Paix, likely to be completed next year.

Also coming soon are hotels in Langkawi, Los Cabos, Koh Samui, Bermuda and Turks & Caicos.

ANTIGUA: Britain Sends £5m Foreign Aid To Caribbean To Improve Fishing, Tourism

British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a £5.6 million cash injection to help improve fishing, tourism and shipping in the Caribbean and other countries.

The 25 “small island” Commonwealth recipients include Bermuda, Jamaica, the Maldives, the Seychelles, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago/

Cameron who is attending the Commonweath Heads of Government meeting here, said he wants the countries to be able to make the most of their natural maritime resources.

He made the announcement while unveiling a £26million aid package to help tackle global warming ahead of a meeting of world leaders in Paris on Monday.

The cash will be used to manage fisheries, protect coastlines and tackle pollution, as well as extending disaster risk.
“We have a real opportunity to get the small island states that are so vulnerable to climate change on board for an ambitious global climate change deal in Paris,” Cameron said. “Britain is firmly committed to helping these countries deal with the effects of climate change.

“That’s why we’re announcing new supporttoday to help protect them from the risks of climate change and to make the most of their natural maritime advantages, which are so vital to their economies,” Cameron added.

Britain will be spending £16.3billion on its foreign aid program by 2020, more than the amount spent on border controls, immigration, police and prisons.

BAHAMAS: 4,000-Passenger Ship Makes First Nassau Visit

NEW York’s largest cruise ship the Norwegian Breakaway made its inaugural visit to Nassau.

The 4,000-passenger capacity ship was greeted by a delegation that included Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe.

From her berth at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal in Manhattan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest vessel will make seven-night cruises to Bermuda, May through September, and seven-night cruises to the Bahamas and Florida, October through April.

Describing it as Norwegian’s “newest and most spectacular ship,” chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan said: “The incredible attractions and adventurous tours offered in the Greater Orlando area rival the world-class dining and high-calibre entertainment we offer on board.”

Norwegian Breakaway features 29 dining options, including restaurants from Food Network Star and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss”; three Broadway shows; an ice bar; a weekly fireworks show at sea; and the largest Aqua Park and ropes course at sea, including five water slides. Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, brings the energy of the Big Apple to the ship wherever she sails.