The hotel industry in the Caribbean has been booming, with new hotels coming on the scene every week. Not only are new hotels being built in tourist hot spots like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but developers are also building in smaller islands like Dominican and St. Martin. 

Here are 15 Caribbean hotels that are either newly opened or will be opened in 2020.

Eclipse at Half Moon – Jamaica

The opening of Eclipse at Half Moon is the most exciting hotel opening in recent years and will be located in Montego Bay. There will be 57 rooms and located on the coast. 

The hotel will be opened on March 1st, 2020. 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla – Mexico 

Mexico has been seeing an abundance of new hotels popping up but Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla will bring something different to the table. The hotel will have a co-working space, rooftop pool and will be in close proximity to prime shopping in Cancun. 

The Morgan – St. Maarten

This luxury hotel will have 124 rooms and suites, a rooftop deck, an infinity pool and access to Maho and Simpson Bay beaches. 

The Morgan will start taking reservations in February. 

Planet Hollywood Cancun – Mexico 

Another opening in Cancun, Planet Hollywood will be making its debut this spring. There will be 648 rooms and the decor is inspired by movies. 

Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda – Dominican Republic

This location is the first-ever Exclusive Collection hotel by Club Med to open in the Caribbean. 

Located in the serene area of Miches, the hotel has 335 rooms and opened last month. 

Radisson Aruba – Aruba

Radisson left Aruba four years ago but is now making a comeback this year. The hotel will have 208 suites, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. 

Noni Beach, a St Thomas Resort – St. Thomas

This hotel will be opening in late 2020 but is the most anticipated opening on the island in years. Noni Beach will be a boutique hotel will 94 rooms. 

Paradisus Playa Mujeres – Mexico 

Opening this summer in Cancun is this mega hotel with 498 rooms, 10 dining areas, a fitness center, and a spa. 

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana – Dominican Republic 

This Punta Cana resort will have 500 suites and a water park located in the Macao area of the city. The hotel will have an emphasis on being family-friendly and all-inclusive. 

Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau – The Bahamas

The Margaritaville Beach Resort is set to be a major addition to Nassau and will be opening this year. 

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski – Dominica

Dominica’s brand new luxury hotel opened at the end of 2019, drawing more interest to this under-the-radar island. The hotel has 151 rooms and is located near Cabrits National Park. 

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf – St. Barth

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is the highly anticipated luxurious Hotel Barriere. The hotel will have 23 rooms in the heart of St Barth. 

Hammock Cove – Antigua

The recently opened Hammock Cove is a boutique all-inclusive, with all the rooms having their own private plunge pools. 

Secrets – St. Martin

Opening in the first quarter of 2020 is this all-inclusive hotel with 258 rooms and located on Anse Marcel. It is the first brand-new resort to open in Saint Martin and is anticipated to increase tourism to the island. 

Alaia Belize – Belize

Alaia will be opening towards the latter part of 2020 and will have a spa, art gallery, rooftop pool, and dive shop. 

Schools out, your girls are coming home from college for the summer, and you’re finally taking a much-needed vacation from work. Now is the perfect time to relax with your girl friends because, let’s face it, we all need a girls trip from time to time.

I take a girls trip at least once a year to bond with old friends and make new ones. It’s quite empowering being around a diverse group of women from various work fields and backgrounds, with varying personalities. We laugh, share experiences, and create lasting moments to look back on. Whether you’re looking for close destinations, exclusive beaches, somewhere with a plethora of food options, or just looking to unwind, here are the best locations for a girls trip.

Atlanta 

This historic city is home to a variety of fun-filled, culturally conscious people and events. On any given day, you’ll find an art show, live musicals or concerts at Fox Theatre and outside concerts at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Atlanta.

Austin, TX 

Austin has the 3 B’s: BBQ, brunch, and boat rides along the Colorado River. The city is home to trendy shopping spots, chic restaurants, and exciting nightlife. You can also check out their art scene on 5th Street and surrounding areas.

Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for those wanting an adventurous getaway with their girls. You can chill with monkeys, zip line over waterfalls and learn how to surf with Witch’s Rock Surf Camp.

Paris

Paris used to be a place for lovers and it’s still somewhat of a romantic city, however, with your girls, it doesn’t have to be. Go on a shopping spree, grab some pastries and get dolled up and head to the Eiffel Tower for an Instagram-worthy pic of you and your friends.

Miami

Miami is probably my second favorite city in the country. There are endless parties and events. Miami is known for its popping nightlife and beautifully curated art murals all over the city. Any group larger than five will definitely get noticed on South Beach. It’s also the perfect place to catch a celebrity sighting. Reality star Safaree caused roadblocks last time he was on South Beach signing autographs and taking photos.

Montego Bay, Jamaica 

Grand Palladium Hotel is your one-stop shop, all-inclusive resort with great food and onsight clubs for the ladies who don’t want to leave the hotel to find fun things to get into. There’s also easy access to water excursions like the Dunn’s River Falls waterfall and Blue Lagoon beach.

Here’s a tip: the food is still great late night, made in any style.

Napa Valley, California 

There’s nothing like sipping great wine with your girlies. Napa Valley is the perfect place for a girls trip. Explore wineries in Carneros and Calistoga, go on a Getaway Adventures bike tour, or fly in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking view of San Francisco.

Nashville, TN

Don’t be fooled by the country music and cowboy boots. Nashville knows how to have fun! Nashville Shores is a popular water park that gets pretty packed, especially during the summer. I still go once a year, since it’s the closest thing to an amusement park with rides, funnel cake and other amusement park favorites.

New Orleans

It’s NOLA, baby! Now I can’t promise your experience will be like the movie Girls Trip but imagine 13+ ladies performing Beyoncé’s #beforeiletgochallenge at a day party in denim and white. It got pretty lit, especially with the DJ cheering us on and others joining in. We messed up but we also had fun living in the moment. 

New York

In the Big Apple, the fun is endless, especially for a girls trip. Turn heads walking around Times Square, go on a shopping spree, or dine at the cutest restaurant in Astoria, Blend Astoria, right off the water.

Savannah, GA

Savannah is for romantics, but also spa lovers. The Savannah Day Spa offers regular deals and specials on facials, massages and other relaxing services. Selective about your salt scrubs? Create your own at the Salacia Salts workshop.

Toronto

Oprah Magazine listed Toronto as a popular city for a girls trip. It’s a short flight from the east coast and a few hours drive from New York. Stop by one of Drake’s favorite restaurants or hit di road during Caribana.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo is a city dedicated to authenticity: authentic food, authentic music, and authentic Dominican culture. The night tour encompasses all 3; a local gastronomy party, a contemporary/merengue dance show, and food from one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.

Montego Bay, Jamaica encompasses everything that dream vacations are made of.

From the sunny skies and white sandy beaches, Montego Bay is the ideal destination for rest and relaxation.

Related Post: 7 Caribbean Islands To Visit For A Luxury Experience

During your stay, there are a few low-key options that involves shopping with the locals, a bamboo boat ride down the river, lodging at an all-inclusive resort, and indulging in amazing local cuisine.

If you’re looking for red snapper, fried johnny cakes and red snapper, then head to The Pelican Restaurant for a laid back feel.

Another great place that is popular among locals and visitors alike is Scotchies Jerk. This restaurant is perfect for anyone looking for jerk options.

Next, head to the town of Falmouth for “Rafters Village.” This unique experience allows you to raft down approximately 3 miles of the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft. 

The village encompasses six acres of beautifully manicured lawns situated on a natural horseshoe island. It offers a fully appointed recreational facility which includes picnic grounds, a full service bar, souvenir shops, and a swimming pool.

Related Post: The Cultural Significance Of Buju Banton In Jamaica And Beyond

Ready for your rafting experience? Here’s how to fly to Montego Bay for as low as $267 this April:

From Miami

Miami offers the cheapest option on American Airlines for just $267 round-trip. Find this nonstop flight option on Google Flights and use May 7 through May 14 as your travel dates.

From New York

Spirit Airlines is offering a round-trip flight from April 2 through April 9 for just $285 round-trip, according to Google Flights.

From Atlanta

The cheapest option leaves Atlanta on April 4 and returns April 11 for $293 round-trip, according to Google Flights.

It’s no secret that luxury travel offers the best of the best with experiences catered specifically to you.

No matter if you are looking for rest and relaxation, a fierce itinerary full of activities, or both, here are some of the best resorts for a luxurious experience in the Caribbean: 

Jumby Bay Island is located in a secluded area in Antigua, Jumby Bay Island is a discreet luxurious resort that has been listed as one of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts.

Guests can participate in activities including water sports, hiking, and full-service spa treatments that embrace indigenous healing treatments.

Instagram | @Jumbybay_island

Parrot Cay by COMO is an award-winning luxury resort situated on a private island in Turks and Caicos that’s perfect for those of you looking to relax in luxury.

There are more than 1,000 unspoiled acres of land and a mile-long beach.

Rooms, suites, and villas are equipped with soothing interiors and activities include holistic therapies and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Como Hotels

Hermitage Bay is a natural paradise in Antigua that incorporates the natural beauty that surrounds the resort into its luxury. There are approximately 30 individual suites on this all-inclusive, five-star boutique that is situated between beautiful tropical gardens on the beach and on the hillside of a bay.

In addition to its beauty, guests will find that the resort offers a variety of things to do. You will have the chance to choose between taking a cooking course, farm tours, a helicopter tour, sailing, and more.

Photo courtesy of Hermitage Bay

The Ladera resort in Saint Lucia offers stunning panoramic views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.

One of the highlights when booking a stay on this resort is what they have to offer. It’s one of few destinations in the Caribbean where you can enjoy a rainforest tour, horseback riding, a bartending class, and market tours to get a taste of the island’s culture.

Photo courtesy of Ladera Resorts

Baoase Luxury Resort in Curaçao is known as the “Ruby of the Caribbean.”

The elegant resort is situated on the south side of the island between the capital Willemstad and the popular Curaçao Sea Aquarium/Mambo Beach.

If you’re looking for a mix of variety during your next vacation stay, guests can pick from a wide range of activities at Baoase, including ultimate Spa and Wellness treatments, romantic dinners, diving and ATV tours.

Photo courtesy of Baoase Luxury Resort

Related Post: How Curaçao Became The Latest Caribbean’s Hot Spot 

Round Hill in Montego Bay, Jamaica is spread across 110 acres, and guests will find the ultimate experience for relaxation and wellness. The resort has an award-winning spa where treatments focus on restoring your mind and skin from the inside and the out.

Even better? The resort lies on a lush tropical hillside along a private bay of turquoise waters.

Photo courtesy of Round Hill

The Zemi Beach House in Anguilla is adjacent to Anguilla’s Fountain Cavern National Park. The resort “redefines luxury island living for a new generation,” according to its website.

Zemi Thai House Spa is a sanctuary of private spa suites and a yoga deck. The resort also has an authentic 300-year-old Thai house and the island’s only hammam (Turkish bath).

Photo courtesy of Zemi Beach

Related Post: Why The Summer Is A Great Time For Caribbean Travel  

As the colder temperatures begin to set in, now is a good time to plan your next vacation on the beach. With a vibrant nightlife, duty-free shopping, and beautiful beaches, Montego Bay, Jamaica is a great place to enjoy sandy beaches and beautiful water for rest and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a variety of things to do on the water, there are numerous beach resorts and activities perfect for every traveler.

Popular beaches include Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, home to an amusement park. There’s also snorkeling and diving at coral reefs in the protected waters of Montego Bay Marine Park.

After your trip to the beach, consider a tropical forest adventure tour to the 700-foot mystic mountain peak. Located in the heart of Ocho Rios, only 5 minutes away from the cruise ship pier or Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain offers various adventures for visitors all ages.

From Miami: 

Miami has the cheapest flight option with a round-trip option for $229 round-trip on American Airlines.  Travel dates for prices this low begin in November.

From New York: 

A 5-day trip to Montego Bay from New York will cost $353 round-trip from Jan. 8 to Jan. 13 on Spirit Airlines.

From Washington D.C. 

According to Google Flights, prices to Montego Bay are approximately $150 less in December for a round-trip flight.   Here’s one for a little more than $250 on Spirit Airlines.

From Chicago: 

Escape the cold in Chicago with a flight to Montego Bay for travel as early as November for $322 roundtrip on Spirit Airlines.

From Los Angeles: 

Spirit Airlines has a few options available for people flying from Los Angeles for travel in early December.  Round-trip tickets vary from $300 to $354, depending on how long you stay.