News Americas,  ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, Dec. 12, 2024: Blue Diamond Resorts is revolutionizing the all-inclusive industry with its latest innovation: Online Pre Check-In: Fast Track Your Vacation. Now available at Royalton Luxury Resorts and Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, this feature slashes check-in times by up to 50%, meaning guests can dive into relaxation faster than ever before. Designed to deliver a seamless, stress-free arrival, this tool ensures every guest’s journey begins with ease, setting the tone for an unforgettable getaway from the moment they step foot on the property.

“Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking simpler, more efficient processes, and this is especially true in the all-inclusive sector, where the demand for seamless experiences continues to rise. The launch of this new feature addresses this need by streamlining the check-in process and cutting wait times by half,” said Daniel Lozano, Senior VP of Operations for Blue Diamond Resorts. “As we continue to evolve with the changing expectations of our guests, this innovation is part of our commitment to providing elevated service and ensuring every moment of the vacation is enjoyable.”

With the Online Pre Check-In, guests can start the registration process in advance, ensuring a smooth and expedited check-in experience upon arrival. By visiting either www.royaltonresorts.com or www.planethollywoodhotels.com and following a few simple steps—entering their details, uploading required documents, and submitting the information—guests are all set before they even leave home. Upon arrival, those who have completed the process will have access to an exclusive fast-track lane, where their documents are swiftly validated, allowing them to check-in faster and jump straight into vacation mode.

Powered by secure, advanced hospitality technology, this new tool significantly improves efficiency, ensuring a smoother start to every stay. It not only enhances the guest experience but also allows travelers to begin enjoying the resort’s world-class amenities—from pristine beaches and pools to gourmet dining, luxurious spas, and unique entertainment offerings—without unnecessary delays.

Blue Diamond Resorts continues to elevate the all-inclusive experience, and the introduction of the Online Pre Check-In reflects their commitment to making every moment of the vacation count. For more information, visit royaltonresorts.com and planethollywoodhotels.com.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

News Americas, New York, NY, December 11, 2024: American Airlines has announced it will not resume flights to Haiti in February, citing escalating gang violence and instability in the Caribbean nation. The decision underscores ongoing safety concerns that have also led other airlines, including Spirit and JetBlue, to suspend operations in the region.

People walk past a car set on fire by armed gangs in the Poste Marchand area, The Poste Marchand neighborhood is one of the hardest hit areas. Long prey to gang attacks. Following this tragic event, many families fled the area, joining thousands of displaced people seeking refuge in other parts of the capital.

Over the end of the year, more than 20,000 people were forced to flee gang violence in the metropolitan area of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gang violence has plunged Port-au-Prince into chaos, with residents trapped in bloody clashes. This Tuesday, December 10, 2024 marks a few weeks since the uninterrupted violence, exacerbated since the announcement of the dismissal of Garry Conille as Prime Minister and the appointment of Alix Didier Fils-Aim to replace him. The security situation is deteriorating rapidly, with many neighborhoods under constant threat of gunfire from armed groups. Port-au-prince, Haiti, Tuesday December 10, 2024. (Photo by Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“American has made the difficult decision to suspend daily service between Miami (MIA) and Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP),” a spokesperson for the airline told FOX Business. “We are proud of our more than 50-year commitment to Haiti and will continue to monitor the situation, assessing safety, security, and customer demand, in evaluating a return of service.” Impacted customers will be contacted and offered full refunds.

Safety Concerns Spark Flight Suspensions

The airline’s decision comes in the wake of increased gang violence, which has affected both civilian safety and commercial operations. Last month, Spirit and JetBlue planes were struck by gunfire amid rising unrest, prompting those airlines to also temporarily cease flights to Haiti.

The U.S. government continues to warn against travel to the country. “The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince stated. “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti.”

Crisis Deepens Amid Political and Social Unrest

Haiti has faced worsening violence this year, with the United Nations reporting at least 4,500 deaths and over 2,000 injuries in 2024 alone. Since November 11, an estimated 42,000 people have been displaced due to gang-related violence, according to UNICEF.

In one particularly harrowing incident, the National Human Rights Defense Network reported that gang members killed at least 110 elderly individuals in the Cite Soleil slum, alleging witchcraft as the motive. The violence involved machetes and knives, reflecting the brutal nature of the unrest.

Adding to the turmoil, Haiti’s political leadership remains in flux. Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé recently replaced Prime Minister Garry Conille, who was ousted last month.

Hope for Stability

While American Airlines reiterates its long-standing connection to Haiti, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety before resuming operations. The carrier will continue evaluating conditions to determine when flights may safely restart.

News Americas, New York, NY, November 29, 2024: Get ready for a Caribbean travel deal this Black Friday.

The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, a boutique-chic gem in the heart of New Kingston, Jamaica, is offering an exclusive Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale for 2024. Guests can enjoy up to 25% off published rates for bookings made through December 3, 2024, with stays available anytime through December 31, 2025.

“This is the perfect opportunity to plan your getaway and experience Kingston’s finest all-suite hotel,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, Group Director of Marketing and Sales. “With this deal, travelers can enjoy a year’s worth of savings just in time for the holidays.”

The promotion requires a minimum two-night stay, and blackout dates apply from December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, and April 25–28, 2025. Rates are subject to a 10% government tax, a 10% service charge, and a $4.00 per-room, per-night occupancy tax.

The Courtleigh Hotel, known for its elegant ambiance, personalized service, and modern amenities, offers guests a prime location close to Kingston’s top attractions like Devon House, The Bob Marley Museum, and Emancipation Park.

For more details and reservations, visit Courtleigh Hotel Specials.

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Tues. November 19, 2024: Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences, a luxurious 280-room resort and residences that promises to redefine island living on the shores of Indigo Bay, St. Maarten, today announced its sponsorship of a Dutch team at the 15th edition of the St. Barth Cata-Cup Regatta, taking place from November 20th to 24th, 2024.  Set against the idyllic backdrop of Saint Barthélemy from November 20th to 24th, 2024, this high-profile catamaran regatta draws 55 elite teams from around the globe and stands as a testament to the Caribbean’s vibrant sailing culture.

The St. Barth Cata-Cup has grown into one of the region’s most iconic regattas, attracting sailors and enthusiasts alike for its blend of world-class competition and island camaraderie. Vie L’Ven is proud to sponsor a team that embodies these same values, underscoring the resort’s commitment to preserving and celebrating St. Maarten’s maritime heritage. Celebrating the island’s rich Dutch and French heritage, the vibrant resort and residence name is rooted in the essence of ‘life’ and ‘living’ through this unique fusion. As a property situated on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, Vie L’Ven draws upon this deep cultural connection by supporting a Dutch team that resonates with both island tradition and the international sailing community.

Through this sponsorship, Vie L’Ven aims to create an authentic experience for Cata-Cup attendees and prospective residents alike, highlighting the resort as a gateway to the island’s natural beauty and sailing spirit. Vie L’Ven’s upcoming on-property yacht dock, will make it easier than ever for residents and guests to explore the surrounding waters and islands, like St. Barthélemy and Anguilla—ideal for those drawn to the lifestyle of the sea.

The resort and residences is honored to support Team HorseRiding, composed of the father & son duo and Dutch natives, Ad Noordzij and Maarten Noordzij, who have been sailing together in the F18 class for over a decade. Their passion for sailing and dedication to the sport embody the spirit of community and excellence that Vie L’Ven champions as a proud member of Sint Maarten’s Dutch heritage. Their partnership was born out of a shared love for catamaran sailing that began with family adventures and grew into a serious pursuit. Ad, who rekindled his passion for catamaran sailing after years in South America, introduced Maarten to competitive sailing at age 15. Since then, their bond has deepened, evolving from father-son dynamics to a true team connection on the water.

Known within the F18 class for their hands-on approach, Ad and Maarten’s catamaran has been modified with custom innovations that improve their performance. From a Bluetooth-enabled communication system to lightweight line setups, their boat has become a reflection of their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to their craft. This spirit of ingenuity and resilience, paired with Maarten’s emerging tactical skills and Ad’s wealth of experience, embodies the essence of Vie L’Ven’s approach to luxury and personalized design.

“Vie L’Ven is proud to champion the Dutch Team HorseRiding at the St. Barth Cata-Cup, embracing the spirit of Caribbean maritime heritage alongside our Dutch roots,” shared Zev Mandelbaumm, CEO of  Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences. “This partnership reflects our dedication to excellence, creativity, and community as we look forward to our grand opening in the high season of 2027/2028.”

With the completion of the project on track for High-Season 2027/2028, Vie L’Ven is the vision of  Altree Developments, a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Committed to redefining Caribbean luxury, the concept for Vie L’Ven has been brought to life by renowned partners Studio Munge, HKS Architects and Leading Hotels of The World, all of whom have been recognized globally for their dedication to creating world-class properties.

With luxurious amenities, including a dedicated Les Clefs d’Or concierge team, three distinct pools, the largest destination spa in the Caribbean, pickleball and tennis courts, on-beach water sports, children’s playroom and childcare services, a nature reserve and dining concepts led by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse, the resort is poised to become the Caribbean’s premier address.

Vie L’Ven’s residences, with sales being led by St. Maarten Sotheby’s International Realty, celebrates the natural beauty of the island with expansive layouts, oceanfront views, and private plunge pools, ready to welcome residents. Residences start from the $900,000s (USD).

Visitors to the St. Barth Cata-Cup are invited to stop by the Vie L’Ven booth, where the resort team will be on-site to share exclusive insights about the luxury experiences awaiting at Indigo Bay.

For sales inquiries contact +1-721-544-1545 | info@vielven.com or visit vielven.com or the presentation gallery on Indigo Bay Boulevard in Indigo Bay, St. Maarten.

About Vie L’Ven

Inspired by the Dutch-French heritage of St. Maarten, Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences is a vibrant hideaway embodying the essence of ‘life’ and ‘living’. Nestled on the secluded shores of Indigo Bay, the 280-residence destination is an idyllic retreat where memories are made and each moment invites your return. Offering a curated lifestyle, amenities include a Beach Club, three outdoor pools, a private yacht dock, tennis and pickleball courts, and a destination spa with breathtaking bay views. Guests embark on a culinary journey with Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse, whose menu celebrates the island’s rich natural bounty. Crafted by Studio Munge and HKS Architects, Vie L’Ven is more than a destination; it’s a living, breathing utopia where the island’s essence is savored in its most exquisite form.

About Altree Developments

Altree Developments is a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Under the visionary leadership of Zev Mandelbaum, Altree is redefining urban living by transforming strategic residential and commercial sites into leading destinations. With an admirable portfolio that includes ultra-luxury condominiums and expansive master-planned communities, Altree’s influence stretches across some of the most coveted addresses in Canada, America, and now, St. Maarten. Driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, Altree’s projects are designed to stand the test of time, offering unparalleled value, and shaping the future of urban living. For more information, visit altreedevelopments.com.