The Latest Hotel Upgrades and Expansions in The Caribbean

September has seen a host of popular Caribbean resorts adding to its offering from the new The Deck restaurant at Seven Stars Resort in Turks and Caicos to a $12 million renovation project at Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic

And Travel Agent is here to give you the skinny on those projects and more.

Paradisus Palma Real in Punta CanaDominican Republic recently announced a $12 million renovation, with completion scheduled for December.

paradisus palma real

This transformation will introduce a brand new Family Concierge concept and area of the resort, including 42 new luxury suites; a new Private Family Concierge Lounge; a new Family Concierge exclusive Trattoria-style restaurant and bar; and a new private beach complete with a Kid’s Zone. Available at all Paradisus properties, Family Concierge service provides luxurious suite accommodations designed specifically for parents looking to have a hassle free vacation. These suites include a dedicated concierge and children-friendly amenities.

The 42 new ocean front VIP luxury suites will be offered exclusively for Family Concierge. These upscale accommodations include eight 700 square-foot Family Concierge Ocean Front Suites; twelve 930 square-foot Ocean Front Junior Suites; and twenty-two 540 square-foot Family Concierge Ocean View Junior Suites. 

All of the suites, located on the second and third floors above the resort’s new Gabi Beach club, will be well appointed with chic, neutral color palettes as well as brand new amenities including: a King size bed; pull-out couch; bathrooms boasting a water closet, tub and double shower; outside seating area including two lounge chairs and a table with chairs; with several of the suites featuring outside Jacuzzis. Rates will start at $570 per night, per person.

Family Concierge guests at Paradisus Palma Real will have exclusive access to the new Trattoria-style restaurant featuring a modern wood oven, ideal for cooking a variety of pizzas and Italian fare. The menu will boast a range of flavorful Italian dishes, with options of ordering family-style. Visit www.paradisus.com.

sanctuary cap cana by alsolAlsol Hotels & Resorts will close Sanctuary Cap Cana by Alsol resort in the Dominican Republic this month for renovations. The property, located on the shores of the Dominican Republic’s exclusive resort community, Cap Cana, will reopen on December 15.

The renovation will consist of new common areas, room upgrades, as well as updates to the interior decorations, furniture and more. Once Sanctuary Cap Cana by Alsol reopens, it will debut new room features, amenities and various gastronomic additions.

During this brief period of renovations, sister properties Alsol Luxury Village and Alsol del Mar in Cap Cana act as luxurious vacation alternatives as both will be available for bookings and will have undisturbed, luxury service located just a stone’s throw from Sanctuary Cap Cana by Alsol. As is the case with all Alsol properties, guests of Alsol Luxury Village and Alsol del Mar have access to the Punta Espada Golf Club and other exclusive Cap Cana’s amenities. Visit www.alsolresorts.com.

Clients heading to Seven Stars Resort in Turks and Caicos can now enjoy Tiki torches and fire pits at The Deck, Seven Stars Resort’s recently-expanded outdoor restaurant and lounge.

The Deck offers al fresco dining for guests to indulge in light fare, sundowners, mojitos and local brews all while overlooking Grace Bay. The newly-enhanced space serves up an array of island-inspired dishes ranging from Jerk Spiced Caicos Lobster Tail to Pan Roasted Red Snapper accompanied by freshly prepared Mango Salsa. 

Recently, the beachside dining venue underwent a 3,300-square-foot expansion and has evolved into one of the resort’s signature venues, as well as emerging a popular local hotspot. With the expansion, The Deck is now outfitted with private ‘dining pods’ enclosed by lush landscaping. The new dining pods offer a secluded, relaxed outdoor dining experience for groups and guests and offer an opportune spot to enjoy a Caribbean sunset.

In addition to the new private ‘dining pods’, the newly expanded Deck can now serve as an alternative venue for beachfront weddings and events for up to 200 people, and featuring sweeping views of Grace Bay as a scenic backdrop without brides, grooms and guests getting sand between their toes.

Additionally, The Deck is now spacious enough to offer yoga classes at sunrise-just one of the recent wellness activities introduced by Seven Stars. Clients can take part in complimentary “Yin/Yang” yoga classes overlooking Grace Bay- providing an invigorating way to start the morning. 

The Deck at Seven Stars is also the setting for the resort’s weekly beach barbecue. Hosted every Sunday evening, guests can enjoy classic barbecue fare featured with a signature island twist. The assortment of options – from ribs to lobster, to salads and grilled corn on the cob - makes for a jaw-dropping culinary experience just steps away from the beach as the sun sets over Grace Bay Beach. 

Special Deal

To enjoy all of what Seven Stars Resort has to offer, including the newly-expanded Deck, the resort is offering a Winter Early Bird Booking Bonus. Those who book by September 30 for travel from January 3 to April 12 can enjoy 25 percent off all room categories. Enter promo code Winter EBB at booking. Visit www.SevenStarsGraceBay.com.