We know it's hard to keep track of new properties popping up on the Caribbean map, so Travel Agent took the liberty of highlighting some of the year’s most notable openings and others that are in store for later this year and early 2009.

seven stars hotle turks caicos

A guest room at the Seven Stars Hotel in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos



Open For Business

Name: Seven Stars Resort
Where: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
When it Opened: July 1
Overview: The 81 residential units break out to 165 luxury beachfront, ocean view and garden view studios and suites of one- to four-bedrooms. They are located in three buildings on 22 acres at the famed Grace Bay Beach. There are two restaurants, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a spa/fitness facility.
Best Room(s): Rooms in the Beachfront category have large windows looking out to the sea. With a terrace or balcony, the beachfront studios offer large bathrooms, galley kitchens and king beds. Besides the studios, there are Beachfront suites of one-, two-, three- and four-bedrooms, which are perfect for families. All offer great views, a living area and full kitchen.
Who to Sell it to: We suggest couples, but the property can be pitched to families, friends traveling together, scuba and golf enthusiasts, as well as for weddings.
Contact: Agents should call Jeffrey Boland, general manager, at 649-941-7777 or [email protected].
Website: www.sevenstarsresort.com

nikki beach resort turks and caicos

A waterview at Nikki Beach Resort Turks and Caicos

Name: Nikki Beach Resort Turks & Caicos
Where: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
When it Opened: April 5
Overview: Phase One has 48 units available with studios, one-, two - and three-bedroom suites as well as two Penthouse Suites. There is a hot tub on the property and the noted Nikki Beach Club with music, DJs, signature Nikki Beach entertainment, an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a Nikki Ultra Lounge and a fine-dining restaurant with bottle service. Phase Two will host 110 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites plus Penthouse Suites and will be open in March of 2010.  
Best Room(s): All 48 rooms are oceanfront, but the two penthouse Nikki Suites are the most impressive.
Who to Sell it to: We recommend first pitching this property to singles. The resort caters to upscale, savvy international travelers, ages 25 to 55 with a high net worth. Also, pitch Nikki to couples seeking a romantic vacation, but mainly target out-going singles.
Contact: Agents should contact Jonathan Steers, resort manager, at 649-941-3747 or  [email protected].
Website: www.nikkibeach.com/turks

Name: Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Where: Trinidad
When it Opened: January 29
Overview: The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is the first hotel in the Caribbean created primarily for business clientele. The 428-room Hyatt is situated in the Port of Spain International Waterfront Development. Facilities include a fitness center and the 9,000-square-foot Spa Esencia.
Best Room(s): The Presidential Suite is the best room at this property. It has a large lounge area for sitting, working or entertaining.
Who to Sell it to: The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is mainly suited for business travelers. But it is also a great pitch for spa enthusiasts, eco-tourists and leisure travelers visiting for Trinidad’s annual Carnival.
Contact: Agents should call Neemah Persad-Celestine, the onsite marketing and communications manager, at 868-623-222, ext. 6467 or [email protected].
Website: www.trinidad.hyatt.com

Name: Iberostar Rose Hall Suites
Where: Rose Hall, Jamaica
When it Opened: October 1
Overview: The $82 million, all-inclusive Iberostar Rose Hall Suites Hotel is located just 20 minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. It offers an array of activities from dance lessons to beach volleyball to kayaking. Clients also have a lake pool with a swim-up bar, the activity pool or the lazy river.
Best Room(s): This hotel offers Junior Suites with a balcony or terrace. Each one of the 273 Suites, 44 Superior Suites and the two Presidential Suites has two double beds or one king-size bed. Every bathroom has a whirlpool. Obviously, we’ll recommend the Presidential Suites.
Who to Sell it to: Pitch this to both couples and families, younger or older.
Contact: Agents should contact Miriam Ramirez, resort sales manager, at 876-680-0000 or [email protected]
Website: www.iberostarrosehall.com

cap maison st. lucia

The rooftop terrace of an Oceanview Villa Suite at Cap Maison in St. Lucia

Name: Cap Maison
Where: St. Lucia
When it Opened: October 26
Overview: Just minutes north of the popular Rodney Bay, Cap Maison has 50 suites and guest rooms and has been accepted as a member of the Preferred Boutique Hotels group. Other stand-out features include Cliff at Cap, the resort's signature restaurant; a 2,000-square-foot spa; as well as a private, 46-foot luxury yacht available for evening voyages, wedding parties and day or overnight excursions to any of the nearby Windward Islands.
Best Room(s): The best room is the Oceanview Villa Suite, which comes with a  pool and a roof terrace. This is the signature room type at Cap Maison. It is more than 3,000 square feet and offers the most spacious accommodation on property.
Who to Sell it to: Sell this property mainly to couples and honeymooners, but families are an option as well.
Contact: Agents should contact Robert Gregg, reservations manager, at [email protected]
Website: www.capmaison.com

Name: Aquamare
Where: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
When it Opened: March 8
Overview: Located on the western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay, Aquamare has three, 8,000-square-foot Villas, an onsite concierge,  a spa treatment, rental of Aquamare’s Azimut yacht or a helicopter tour of the British Virgin Islands.
Best Room(s): All three of Aquamare's villas have the same amenities and services, but Villa I is typically considered the best villa, as it is closest to the beach. The Aquamare Villas were designed to accommodate spa treatments in the privacy and comfort of the guests' rooms, which serve a double function as spa suite retreats.
Who to Sell it to: The property is ideal for families and multi-generational gatherings.
Contact: Agents should call Lizzie Paz, guest coordinator, hospitality and reservation services, at 787-531-0232 or [email protected].
Website: www.villaaquamare.com

Name: Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
When it Opened: December 1
Overview: Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana has 500 rooms and suites. An 18-hole golf course is just 15 minutes away. Explorer’s Club for children features weekly campout adventures, sand castle competitions and many more activities.
Best Room(s): The best room available at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana is the Presidential Suite, which is a two-bedroom suite, one with a king bed and the second with two doubles. It has a Private Preferred Lounge and a private pool area.
Who to Sell it to: Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana accommodates everyone, including couples and families.  
Contact: Agents should contact Christian Maiel, regional director of sales, at 809-552-6000 or [email protected].
Website: www.dreamsresorts.com.

Name: ROOMS Negril
Where: Negril, Jamaica
When it Opened: July 31
Overview: ROOMS Negril is the newest SuperClubs affiliated hotel in Jamaica. This 57-room hotel features oceanview, beachfront and family rooms that sleep up to five, plus a swimming pool, onsite restaurant and bar, fitness center and Internet café.
Best Room(s): The oceanfront rooms are the best rooms at the resort. They feature full views of the ocean, are significantly bigger than the other rooms and include one king-size bed.
Who to Sell it to: ROOMS Negril is ideal for singles, couples and families.
Contact: Agents should call Hotel Manager Seinna-Ann Grant at 876-957-3500 or [email protected].

Name: Cofresi Bungalow Beach (formerly Maxim Bungalows, Cofresi Beach)
Where:  Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
When it Opened: April
Overview: Cofresi Bungalow Beach has 108 bungalows, a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, among other features.
Best Room(s): We recommend the Cofresi Bungalow King, where we stayed earlier this year. The room is actually two rooms joined together by a connecting door. The room is enormous. It comes with a Jacuzzi, a king-size bed, two 42-inch plasma TVs and a terrace equipped with lounge chairs and sofas
Who to Sell it to: Like Nikki, this is an ideal place for singles. But agents shouldn’t rule out families either since many of the rooms have enough space for larger groups.
Contact: Since the property recently changed hands, we recommend visiting www.thebungalows.com.

calabash cove resort and spa

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa's Watersedge Suite with a private pool

On the Horizon

Name: Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
Where: St. Lucia
When Will it Open: November 30
Overview: The resort overlooks the Caribbean Sea and offers views of the lights of Castries, St. Lucia’s robust nightlife area. It has a small spa and a freshwater pool, featuring a 40-foot infinity edge. It also has swim-up suites.
Best Room(s): The best rooms are its nine Balinese Watersedge Cottages with private pools. They feature Jacuzzis, outdoor rain showers, patios with beds and hammocks among other features.
Who to Sell it to: Pitch this property to honeymooners or as a wedding destination.
Contact: Agents should contact Konrad Wagner, managing director, at 847-841-7860.
Website: www.calabashcove.com

Name: Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall
Where: Rose Hall, Jamaica
When Will it Open: November 15
Overview: The resort features one lake pool with swim-up bar and one activity pool. The PADI Dive Center located at the complex offers catamarans, kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving lessons in the pool. Guest will also enjoy a spa that specializes in couples' treatments, a variety of outdoor activities and nightly entertainment from the Star Friends team. Guests are granted full access to the neighboring hotels within the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort complex.
Best Room(s): The resort offers 293 Suites and two Presidential Suites. Each room has a plasma TV. Patio-level suites feature a dive-in pool. For that reason, go with any of the patio-level suites.
Who to Sell it to: Pitch this to both couples and families, younger or older.
Contact: Again, agents should contact Miriam Ramirez, resort sales manager at 876-680-0000 or [email protected].
Website: www.iberostarrosehall.com

Name: Indigo Bay
Where: Tobago
When it Will it Open: April
Overview: Indigo Bay is an apartment complex on Little Rockly Bay and contains 79 fully furnished apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms. The resort will include a swimming pool, bar, gymnasium and restaurant facilities.
Best Room(s): The best room is the two-bedroom room with a wrap-around balcony on the attic floor.
Who to Sell it to: Sell this property primarily to families, but couples are an option as well.
Contact: Agents should call owner Anderson McPhee at 868-788-0668.
Website: www.indigobaytobago.com

Name: Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro
Where:  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
When Will it Open: December 22
Overview: Located in the southeastern Dominican Republic, 35 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, the $82 million, five-star Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro has a two-story oceanfront spa, offering couples-oriented treatments and the Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course
Best Room(s): The resort offers 260 suites, 13 oceanfront Grand Suites and one Presidential Suite. All suites feature a whirlpool overlooking the balcony. Again, we’re going to go out on a limb here and say book the Presidential Suite because it has the most space. But any of the 13 oceanfront Grand Suites are also recommended.
Who to Sell it to: Like all Iberostar properties, pitch this to both couples and families, younger or older.
Contact: Agents should call Catalina Montoya, sales and marketing executive, at 809-227-9494 or [email protected]

sandals italian village

A Parents' Room at Sandals Italian Village

Name: Sandals Italian Village
Where: Turks & Caicos
When Will It Open: January
Overview: It should be noted that this is not a standalone hotel but rather a brand new extension of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. The Italian Village is a $125 million expansion. The Italian Village features 162 family suites, bringing the total rooms at the resort to 615. The resort will also debut a series of teen programming including a new aqua-themed nightclub, called Liquid; DJ-training sessions at Scratch DJ Academy; a teen-only resort lounge called Trench Town; as well as tailored spa treatments at Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Red LaneSpa.
Best Room(s): The top two suites at the Italian Village are the Turin Water’s Edge Walkout Two Bedroom Imperial Family Suite and the Portofino Penthouse Water’s Edge Two Bedroom Imperial Family Suite. These two-bedroom suites also feature separate living room and dining room areas, with additional sleeping options to accommodate larger groups and family gatherings. Both top category suites feature ocean views, close distance to the beach and Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Butler Service.     
Who to Sell it to: This property is great for groups, gatherings, reunions, multi-generational travel, parents traveling with toddlers and teens.
Contact: Agents should contact Adrian Whitehead, hotel manager, at 649-946-8000.
Website: www.beaches.com

Name: Rosalie Bay Resort
Where: Dominica
When Will it Open: January
Overview: The Rosalie Bay Resort also has business and conference facilities and a spa and wellness center. In addition, the property has strong community ties and will continue its important work with the ROSTI turtle conservation initiative among others.
Best Room(s): We recommend booking the Rosalie Suites. These suites are located at the front of the property with views of the Atlantic Ocean and large terraces at the front and back. The other room we would suggest is the Honeymoon Suite. This is one of the closest rooms to the ocean on the property. The suite comes with a Jacuzzi tub and a beachfront view from the four-poster, king-size bed.
Who to Sell it to: The property is ideal for couples, singles, nature adventure lovers, spa and yoga lovers and is great for girls getaways. Although the resort is family-friendly, only children 12 and older are allowed.
Contact: Agents should call Celia A. Roberts, general manager, at 767-440-4439 or [email protected]
Website: Not up and running

Name: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa
Where: Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
When Will It Open: March
Overview: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa will have 299 guest rooms plus one-, two- three- and four-bedroom suites, penthouses and private villas that feature between 645 to 2,600 square feet of living space with large private terraces. It will have a 30,000-square-foot ESPA spa, an oceanview fitness center, nearby championship golf at three of the Caribbean’s known courses, including White Witch, Cinnamon Hill and Half Moon.
Best Room(s): The 11 three-story Villas at Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa represent the resort’s highest level of accommodations. They have a private concierge, butler, maid and chef services with 2,600 square feet living area and 1,700 square feet of terrace space throughout.
Who to Sell it to: Solís The Palmyra Resort & Spa is specifically designed for the upscale traveler, whether it’s couples and families, a younger or older demographic.
Contact: Agents should contact [email protected].
Website:
www.solisthepalmyra.com