Great Caribbean hotels in Jamaica, Bahamas, Saint Lucia and more. A look at new Hilton hotels in Greece, London, California and more. And a look at new cruise ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Explora and Royal Caribbean.
SIX GREAT CARIBBEAN HOTELS AND RESORTS
I’ve been lucky enough to visit a couple of dozen islands in the Caribbean. Here are some of my fave hotels in the region.
THE CRANE, BARBADOS
Established in 1887, this is considered the oldest, continuously run hotel in the entire Caribbean. It’s a posh but not over the top property on the quiet, southeast coast of the island with gorgeous landscaping and several historic buildings. the swimming pool is sparkling and spectacular, and the food is excellent. Many of the rooms have deep, rich wood cabinets and a lovely, old-time feel. There’s also a small village for shopping, ice cream and various necessities. The beach is terrific, and you’re only a few steps from Cutters, a casual restaurant that serves what may be the best rum punch in the Caribbean and excellent flying fish sandwiches.
The Crane Resort sits on a beautiful bluff in southeast Barbados. Photo courtesy The Crane Resort.
JUNGLE BAY, DOMINICA
This is a quiet, eco-friendly spot tucked into the Southwest corner of an island that doesn’t get a lot of attention but should. Look for hillside units surrounded by scads of thick greenery. There are two beautiful infinity pools, a nice restaurant and a lovely spa in a garden setting, where I had a wonderful massage with the windows wide open. They have tons of activities for guests, including hiking trips in the lush jungle of an island known for tremendous walking trails and tumbling waterfalls. Sunsets here are Byeong spectacular. It’s a short drive from the resort to Scotts Head, one of the prettiest points of land in the Caribbean.
Jungle Bay Resort, Dominica. JIM BYERS PHOTO
JADE MOUNTAIN, SAINT LUCIA
Some hotels you simply have to see to believe. Jade Mountain is one of those. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean, with the grand Pitons perfectly framed to the southwest, Jade Mountain offers up a level of luxury you simply cant’ find in many other hotels. Each room has a plunge pool and is open to the elements (but you do get mosquito netting). The setting is uber-dramatic and super-romantic. Each room also has a private butler, not that I really need someone to pour my champagne. The food at Jade Mountain is utterly fantastic, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and locally grown produce. The Anse Chastanet resort beach (terrific) is just a short walk away.
Jade Mountain resort Saint Lucia.
ATLANTIS, BAHAMAS
This place in Nassau isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. It’s busy and quite large. But the little kid n me loved the waterslides and the powerful lazy river, and there’s a very good beach as well. You’re just a short walk from the Marina Village shopping complex, where you’ll find, brightly coloured shops and restaurants and some of the most amazing yachts you’ll ever set eyes on.
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
JAMAICA INN, OCHO RIOS
This is a throwback, low-rise place that speaks to a more elegant, simpler era. Staff is super friendly and helpful, and there’s a terrific beach. I had a massive suite overlooking the water on my visit, and also enjoyed a fine treatment in the spa, which feels like a Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. The food and cocktails are quite good, and there’s a wide-open grassy area for croquet and other sports. Need more? Past guests include Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill.
The beach at the Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios. Photo courtesy The Jamaica Inn.
KIMPTON SEAFIRE, GRAND CAYMAN
This is a gorgeous, sparkling property on Seven Mile Beach. It’s large-ish, but feels like a boutique hotel in terms of amenities, decor and the personalized service. All 266 rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies; almost all of them with superb views of the beach and fine sunsets. Ave Restaurant puts on a tremendous Sunday brunch, while Avecita is a bright modern spot with Spanish tapas. I loved Coccoloba, a casual beachfront bar (is there anything better?) with very good tacos.
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman. JIM BYERS PHOTO
NEW AND RENOVATED HILTON HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD
NEW PROPERTIES
Hilton will open four hotels in Greece this year; Conrad Athens The Ilisian, Conrad Corfu, Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa. Three new lifestyle hotels are set to open in Thailand this June – Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, Nivata Koh Samui, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit, which marks the brand’s debut in Thailand.
Other new hotels and renovations:
The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida is expected to be rebranded as Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort in 2026, following a transformation.
Rising above the vibrant City Centre 4 building in Surrey, British Columbia, the new Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey redefines upscale and comfort with 189 spacious suites across the top nine floors from levels 17 to 25.
The Conrad Athens Ilisia hotel.
Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton debuted in February as a newly reimagined retreat in the heart of California wine country. Set between rolling vineyards and downtown Napa, the resort blends modern elegance with thoughtful local touches, offering an immersive experience that reflects the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
Spark by Hilton London Chiswick will open in Spring 2026, bringing the brand’s premium economy style to West London.
RENOVATIONS
Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii Big Island has completed the full renovation of its iconic Palace Tower, welcoming guests to a refreshed stay that blends modern comfort with the spirit of Hawaii.
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has been the place to see and be seen ever since its opening in 1955 – a legendary destination that’s welcomed royalty, celebrities, and global icons. A true Istanbul landmark, home to the country’s first happy hour, and a front-row witness to 70 years of cultural transformation, the property will unveil a stunning renovation in 2026.
CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS
NORWEGIAN LUNA CHRISTENED
The Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Cruise Line this week celebrated the christening of Norwegian Luna™ in Miami. As the latest ship in the company’s fleet, Norwegian Luna will offer a wide range of onboard experiences for every type of traveler and be the newest ship to call to the Caribbean. Norwegian Luna represents the evolution of NCL — a brand built on freedom, flexibility and delivering experiences that resonate with every type of traveler,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Curated to deliver attractions for families with the NCL-exclusive Aqua Slidecoaster, and the all-new Moon Climber and Luna Midway activities; as well as adult-only experiences like the late-night production of ‘LunaTique,’ Norwegian Luna is the perfect ship for multigenerational travelers looking for a warm vacation in the tropics. From April 2026 through April 2027, Norwegian Luna will offer a variety of sun-soaked itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean with visits to the Company’s resort-style destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.
NEW CRUISE SHIPS
Speaking of the Luna, The Independent (UK) has a nice look at new cruise ships coming on the market this year, including a new Icon class ship from Royal Caribbean, as well as more megaships from Norwegian and MSC Cruises. River cruise launches from Viking, Tui and Celebrity Cruises are also in the pipeline. Legend of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s third Icon class ship and the first to launch in Europe. Alongside its sisters Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, it will be the world’s largest cruise ship. It will have the largest waterpark and slides at sea, plus a high ropes course and 40 bars and restaurants – catering for 5,610 passengers. Explora III, the latest ship in the Explora Journeys fleet is set to launch this summer. Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of MSC Cruises. Explora III will carry around 900 guests and, similar to its sisters, there will be five heated pools, six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges with a guest per staff ratio of 1.25:1. Explora III’s maiden seven-night voyage is scheduled for August 3, 2026 from Barcelona to Lisbon.
