The Caribbean hotel launches and renovations you need to know

Jamaica

Following the opening of Sensatori Jamaica in Negril last year, Karisma Hotels & Resorts has plans to expand its presence on the island. Construction is under way for a neighbouring hotel, Azul Seven, which will add 149 rooms. New family-orientated resort Sunscape Splash Montego Bay will launch on December 23, with a kids’ check-in experience, 24-hour access to dining and beverage options, 308 rooms, an Explorer’s Club for children aged three to 12 and the Core Zone for tweens and teens.

Mexico

Renovation work at Hotel Escensia was completed in October following the property reopening under new management in July 2014. The hotel, located in Xpu-Ha on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, has also gained two new villas. New owner Kevin Wendle, an American entrepreneur, has added a collection of art and antiques, including artwork by celebrated Spanish and Latin American artists such as Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero and Eduardo Santiere. The new villas Villa Bel-Ha and Villa Xpu-Ha sleep eight to 10 and 16-21 respectively and Villa Xpu-Ha has a 24-hour private butler. In addition, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya opened on November 1 and Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is due to open in March 2016. The 434-suite Secrets resort, set close to Mayan ruins Tulum and Coba, is an adults-only property offering the brand’s Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive board basis. It features an infinity pool plus 11 smaller pools, six a la carte restaurants, an international buffet, a cafe and grill, six bars and lounges, and nightly entertainment. Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, also adults-only and on the Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive board basis, has 526 suites, three pools, a spa, nine eateries, seven bars and lounges, xhale club and a party pool.

Tobago

The island will welcome two new hotels courtesy of EFM Hospitality next year with Manta Lodge, which has undergone a full refurbishment and is due to open in the early part of 2016, and The Tobago Great House Resort & Spa, slated to open in the autumn. Manta Lodge in Speyside will feature 22 rooms, the Green Moray Bar & Restaurant and a freshwater swimming pool. The property is well located for exploring Tobago’s top diving areas. The Tobago Great House Resort & Spa is set in the Grafton Caledonian Wildlife Sanctuary with views of the Caribbean Sea and the Buccoo Reef. The four-star resort will have a total of 56 rooms including 20 sea view suites. It will feature a large lagoon-style pool, a quiet pool and a water park area as well as a spa.

St Barths

Hotel Eden Rock will unveil a new suite this winter. The Christopher Columbus Suite is located on the famous rocks that split St Jean Bay. The cliff-edge position offers views over the stretch of ocean that Columbus sailed when he first discovered the island. For larger groups, the Columbus Suite can connect with the Howard Hughes Loft, Greta Garbo Suite and De Haenen Suite to offer a three double-bedroomed suite, which together offer the largest hotel suite accommodation on the island.