Cayo Santa María is located to the north of Cuba, in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. A small island renowned for its luminous beaches and peaceful atmosphere, it attracts visitors in search of calm seas, fine sand and a holiday designed for relaxation. Connected to the mainland by a long dike road, it offers a unique experience: that of a modern island territory, yet still very close to nature.
An island linked to the mainland by a spectacular road
Access to Cayo Santa María is via the Pedraplénan almost 48 km linking the town of Caibarién to all the cayos in the region.
The crossing passes over lagoons, shallow waters and mangrove swamps.
From this point on, the journey becomes a parenthesis: wide horizons, sea breezes and the impression of moving towards an unspoilt island world.
The island is part of the province of Villa Clara alongside Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos.
This area has been developed to accommodate structured seaside tourism, while maintaining a clear separation between natural areas and hotel zones.
Beaches and calm seas, at the heart of the experience
The north coast of Cayo Santa María is home to some of the archipelago’s most sought-after beaches. The sand is particularly clear, the water fresh and regular, and the seabed remains shallow for several dozen meters.
Areas such as Playa Perla Blanca, Playa Las Gaviotas or the main beach of Santa María are often cited as some of the most pleasant on the island.
Conditions are ideal for leisurely swims, long walks along the water’s edge and relaxing moments with family or couple.
The wilder southern coastline features mangroves, salt marshes and protected wetlands.
This balance between developed beaches and discreet nature contributes greatly to the island’s charm.
A destination designed for travelers' comfort
Since 2000, Cayo Santa María has developed into one of the leading seaside resorts in northern Cuba. There are many all-inclusive hotels here, each offering services tailored to families, couples or groups, with direct access to the beach, swimming pools, varied catering and entertainment.
However, the atmosphere remains measured: the island has no cities, only hotel zones. Staff come daily from the nearby towns of Caibarién, Remedios and Camajuaní.
Between nature and tranquillity
Even if it is landscaped, Cayo Santa María retains a strong natural presence. Mangroves are home to seabirds, dunes protect the coastline, and some areas are included in regional environmental programs.
The landscape is a reminder that the sea and coastal ecosystems are the true masters of the place, and that developments have been designed to respect the island’s fragile morphology.
Access and useful information for travellers
The main point of entry is the Abel Santamaría International Airport of Santa Clara (SNU). Transfers from the airport to the island take about 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions and stops.
For international travellers, Cuba requests :
- – a valid passport ;
- – a tourist card (visa) ;
- – recognized medical insurance.
These formalities are easy to obtain via an agency, the airline or consular services.
An island to rest and breathe
Cayo Santa María is perfect for visitors looking for a gentle atmosphere, safe beaches and the possibility of staying for several days without pressure or schedules. The calm sea, the light of the Cuban coastline and the simplicity of the setting make it an ideal destination for family trips, beach breaks or slow-paced vacations.
FAQ
Cayo Santa María is located in northern Cuba, in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, and is part of the Villa Clara province.
The island can be reached via Santa Clara airport, then the Pedrapléna 48 km road-dike linking the mainland to the archipelago.
No. Cayo Santa María has no permanent population: only hotels and tourist services are located here.
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, aboard the MSC Virtuosa docked in Fort-de-France, MSC Cruises officially launched its 2025-2026 season in the West Indies. The event, which brought together the company’s strategic partners, clarified the group’s ambitions for the region, with a major announcement: the arrival of a second ship for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Beyond the numbers and the ships, MSC Crociere and the French West Indies are writing a story of ties, trust and territory.
Focus on the MSC Virtuosa "floating palace" of the seas
The MSC Virtuosa, due to enter service in 2021, is one of the flagships of the MSC Cruises fleet. 331 mm longmetres, 43 metres widemetres and 181541 metric tons, she can accommodate up to 6334 passengers in 2421 cabins: a size that gives her the status of a “megapaceliner“status worldwide.
On board, the ship blends luxury, comfort and entertainment to offer a complete experience:
- – A spectacular interior promenade (the Galleria Virtuosa) covered by an LED dome – the lively heart of the ship, with stores, bars, restaurants and night-time entertainment.
- – A range of equipment for every profileA wide range of facilities: swimming pools, spa & wellness, theater, wellness area, relaxation areas, cabins in several categories (interior, sea view, balcony, suites, families…), suitable for couples, families or groups.
- – Modern comfort designed for long-distance travelAccommodation, catering, entertainment, on-board service… the Virtuosa functions like a small “floating village.
But beyond luxury, the Virtuosa appears to be a player of opportunity for stopover regions.With its large number of passengers, regular port calls and wide range of accommodation, the cruise ship is a potentially important vector of economic, tourist and cultural spin-offs for destinations like Martinique. Each port of call becomes a key moment, and her welcome to Martinique confirms the island’s growing status on the world cruise map.
MSC Cruises: strategic focus on the West Indies
For Benoit Chareyre, Sales Director France for MSC Croisières, the Caribbean market is key to the group’s strategy: “Fort-de-France is the second largest French embarkation port after Marseille. It’s a fundamental anchorage for us”.
With cruise penetration reaching 10% in Martinique and Guadeloupe, compared with 4% in mainland France, the region is confirming its potential. To meet this growing demand, in 2026 MSC will deploy a second ship operating year-round between Fort-de-France and La Romana (Dominican Republic).
“MSC loves Martinique, loves the West Indies. […] Why not hope that 90% of Martinicans will embark at least once in Fort-de-France to discover the cruise”, he adds.
MSC also intends to strengthen connections with mainland France, by facilitating access to the West Indies via airline partnerships. But the stakes are also local: excursions, transfers, craftsmen, guides…
“Every port of call is an economic opportunity for local professionals. We want cruises to be an opportunity to discover the destination,” emphasizes Benoît Chareyre.
Tangible benefits for the region
Every stopover is more than just a tourist visit: it activates an entire value chain. Between transport, guides, excursions, catering, crafts and port logistics, a whole economic fabric is consolidated. Professionals can approach port agents to propose activities, tours and even local products as part of the cruise experience.
It’s also a lever for employment: each landing generates operational needs in terms of security, entertainment, maintenance and reception.
“Excursions are often booked in advance, which guarantees business visibility for service providers,” explains Benoit Chareyre.
A local dynamic rooted in trust
Bruno Mencé, Director of the Grand Port de la Martinique, delivered an emotional speech full of gratitude:
“This morning, as I passed my office, I saw the boat in the harbor… it gave me extraordinary joy. I told myself that life is starting all over again.”
He recalled the long-standing and solid partnership between MSC and the port, the fruit of long-standing technical and human efforts:
“MSC and the port have a great history. A story based on trust and mutual enrichment.
Highlighting the gradual build-up of infrastructures and ports of call, he praised the mobilization of all local players around the cruise industry:
“You have all the players in front of you who are on the ball. We’re a team dedicated to providing you and your customers with the best possible service.”
He adds with ambition and humour: “Our goal is to overtake Marseille.
An island to promote, an impact to make better known
Bénédicte Di Geronimo, President of the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme, underlined the strength of the link between Martinique and MSC Cruises:
“It’s a real pleasure for us, every time, to see these big ships here. […] The history between Martinique and MSC is an old one. A story, I think, of the heart.”
She emphasized the destination’s assets:
“A technicality, a certain level of welcome that makes the arrival of these big boats safe, but also an extraordinary island, thanks to which excursions can intensify a voyage in such a beautiful boat.”
But beyond the emotion, she invited a broader reading of the fallout:
“The impact of cruising isn’t just the purchases you make on a stroll through Fort-de-France. It’s much more far-reaching, involving far more activities than that.”
Finally, she called for collective ownership of this dynamic:
“We need to have this discourse with our population, so that this cruise development takes place in an atmosphere of calm, understanding and support, I hope.”
An assertive regional positioning
MSC Cruises’ strategy is not limited to adding new rotations. By positioning Fort-de-France as its annual home port, the company is sending out a clear signal: the French Caribbean is no longer just an exotic stopover, but a first-rate logistical and commercial base. This ambition also implies a strengthening of local infrastructures and skills.
Fort-de-France is consolidating its role as a benchmark port in the Caribbean, within a fast-developing regional network. The prospect of overtaking Marseille in the next few years, often repeated in the tone of a challenge, embodies this turning point.
Towards more integrated, sustainable cruising?
Behind the growth prospects, the MSC team is emphasizing a responsible development strategy, with recent ships, mostly built in France, and long-term planning up to 2032. Local roots, both economic and cultural, are at the heart of the roadmap. West Indian craftsmen and professionals are invited to get in touch with port agents to propose offers adapted to excursions: “There are real opportunities for local players to seize,” insists Benoit Chareyre.
A shared ambition for the Caribbean
Thanks to the growing number of departures and calls, Fort-de-France is consolidating its central role in the cruise appeal of the West Indies. The arrival of a second ship in 2026 testifies to MSC’s determination to anchor its business in the region over the long term. The challenge is to offer an experience that benefits both passengers and the region. This ambition is shared by all the players on board the Virtuosa – port authorities, institutions, tourism operators and logistics partners such as Antilles Shipping – who know that cruising in the Caribbean can become an engine for sustainable transformation.
FAQ
MSC Cruises sees the French West Indies as a strategic market, with a cruise penetration rate well above that of mainland France. Fort-de-France has become France’s second-largest port of embarkation after Marseille, prompting the company to deploy more capacity there. The arrival of a second ship in the 2026-2027 season meets growing demand and confirms the importance of the region to the company’s development.
Each port of call activates a complete value chain: transport, excursions, catering, crafts, guides, security, port services, logistics… As excursions are often booked in advance, they offer valuable visibility to local service providers. In addition to purchases in the city center, the impact extends to numerous professions linked to hospitality, mobility and tourism activities.
The big news is the arrival of a second ship in 2026, operating year-round between Fort-de-France and La Romana. MSC also wants to facilitate access from mainland France through air partnerships, strengthen local excursions and integrate more local products into the cruise experience. The company is thus betting on a sustainable presence, more connected to the economic and cultural players in the West Indies.
When approaching Guanaja from the sea, the island’s first impression is of its silhouette: pine-covered hills, encircled by a ring of reefs and small cays. Nothing flashy, just a landscape that immediately makes one thing clear: here, the sea, the mountains and the villages still live on a human scale.
A mountainous island facing the sea
Guanaja is one of the three large Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. It lies some 70 km from the mainland, and offers a surprising relief for an island of its size. Often nicknamed “the Green IslandGuanaja is largely covered by Caribbean pine forests and tropical vegetation. From the ridges, a string of coves, discreet beaches and reefs form a natural boundary between the island and the open sea.
The forests were severely damaged by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, but some of the vegetation cover is gradually recovering. The island’s interior remains largely undeveloped, with trails used by locals and fishermen.
Bonacca, a town set on the sea
The contrast is striking when you arrive at Bonacca – often referred to as The Cay. Most of Guanaja’s inhabitants live on this tiny islet built on the water. The tightly-packed wooden houses rest on stilts, linked by footbridges and narrow lanes. Together, they form a singular urban network, where you walk above the sea and boats circulate as if in a labyrinth.
Bonacca is sometimes compared to a small Caribbean Venice, not for its aesthetics, but for the way it organizes a town around the sea. Several thousand inhabitants live on less than 40 hectares, with shops, schools, churches and docks in constant motion. The place is not a tourist attraction: it’s a concrete response to the constraints of a limited island territory.
A major reef in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Around the island, the sea is a structuring element. The island is bordered by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. The surrounding clear waters, seagrass beds, coral reefs and wetlands are part of the Bay Islands National Marine Park.
This park, created to preserve an essential marine heritage, covers hundreds of thousands of hectares and includes Roatán, Utila and Guanaja. On site, associations such as BICA work with local residents to protect the reefs, regulate fishing and involve local communities. These efforts enable the island to maintain a balanced relationship between human activity and the preservation of its marine environment.
A Caribbean history that links cocoa, pine trees and sea routes
The history of Guanaja far exceeds its size. In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed here on his fourth voyage and named it Isla de los Pinos, in reference to the forests that already covered it. Accounts of the time tell us that it was here that he first encountered cocoa, transported by merchants in large pirogues.
Later, the island became a transit point for privateers, merchants and families from the Cayman Islands, which explains the coexistence of English and Spanish in daily life today. Guanaja went through several names – Caguamara, Isla de Pinos, Bonacca – before being officially renamed as it is today.
Living on Guanaja: fishing, resilience and community ties
The island’s economy is still based on fishing and limited tourism, focused on nature and the sea. Hurricane Mitch left a lasting impression on the island’s inhabitants, destroying many homes, particularly in Bonacca. But the island proved resilient. The inhabitants rebuilt, slowly and with their own means, taking into account the sea and the constraints of the territory.
The local culture blends Honduran traditions, Anglo-Caribbean influences and specific festive practices such as the Junkanoo, where locals parade in costumes made from recycled fabrics and materials. These celebrations, often modest and very communal, are a reminder of the strength of the social bond that characterizes the island.
A discreet and essential Caribbean
To showcase Guanaja is to tell the story of a different Caribbean: an island that refuses the race to outdo itself, that relies on sobriety, the sea and the forest rather than on large-scale development. An island where we still build on the water because land is scarce, where we protect the reefs because they are the first line of defence, where we live as close as nature will allow.
Guanaja is a discreet island, but essential to understanding Caribbean diversity. An island where the sea structures life, where history can be read in the reefs and stilts, and where community remains the primary force.
📷©Guanaja, Islas de la Bahia / Facebook
FAQ
Guanaja is part of the Bay Islands archipelago off the north coast of Honduras. The island can be reached by boat or plane from Roatán and La Ceiba.
Bonacca, the inhabited heart of Guanaja, was built on a very small islet to avoid coastal mosquitoes and benefit from better ventilation. The houses on stilts are an extension of this adaptation.
Yes, the island belongs to Bay Islands National Marine Park which protects reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves around Guanaja, Roatán and Utila.
Holbox is one of those places that gives the impression of having remained away from the hustle and bustle of the world. A small strip of land in the north of the Yucatán peninsula, it lives to the rhythm of its sandy streets, its extensive mangroves, its shallow sea and the colors that change every hour of the day. This is not an island that seeks to make an impression, but one that asserts itself through its assumed tranquility.
A timeless island, accessible but unspoilt
To reach Holbox, you have to reach Chiquilá, then cross a narrow strait by ferry. As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice that there are no cars here. You can get around by golf cart, bicycle or on foot. The soil remains sandy, as if the island had decided not to be tamed. This simplicity creates a special atmosphere: no horns, no traffic, just the sound of the wind, the murmur of the sea and the conversations that rise from the village’s wooden terraces. The island doesn’t offer a break, but a different way of inhabiting a place.
Landscapes that rest the gaze
Holbox’s main beach stretches for kilometers without a break, facing a sea that always seems calm. The water, shallow for several dozen meters, offers a turquoise cameo that slips into softer hues as you move further away from the shore.
Further afield, the mangroves create a world of their own: intertwined roots, birds poised, reflections almost motionless. Flamingos, sometimes present between April and October, add an unexpected touch to these landscapes. The island also bears the memory of the Yum Balam reserve, a protected area covering more than 150,000 hectares and a reminder that nature is the first inhabitant here.
A village that tells the story of an island
The village of Holbox has a real visual unity: colorful facades, murals, small family addresses, fruit stands, wooden terraces, hand-painted signs. Every street reveals a detail: a sleeping cat, a fisherman mending his net, a child crossing with a kite. Street art plays an important role here. Created by local artists or invited to festivals, the frescoes tell of the sea, animals and Mexican mythologies. They are a reminder that the island has chosen gentleness rather than excess, expression rather than performance.
The sea, a discreet but essential companion
In Holbox, the sea is omnipresent. It accompanies walkers in the morning, turns pink at sunset, and carries the boats of the fishermen who leave at dawn. The locals still make their living from local fishing, respecting the seasons and protected areas.
The island is also known for its calm waters, ideal for kayaking, paddle-boarding or simply contemplating. At times, the sea seems so shallow that you might think it’s wavering between a body of water and a mirror of light.
A territory that moves forward with care
Holbox is no longer a secret, but the island is trying to preserve what makes it unique. Inhabitants and local players encourage respectful practices: gentle travel, respect for mangroves, reduction of plastic, support for small family structures.
The Yum Balam reserve sets clear limits to prevent the island from losing its soul. This slow, careful approach is in keeping with the spirit of the island: welcoming, yes, but without denaturing itself.
Holbox, an island on a human scale
At a time when many Caribbean destinations are growing fast, the island remains a place that prefers measure to excess. Accommodations remain close to the ground, streets have no aggressive angles, and the sky retains all the space it deserves.
Highlighting Holbox means choosing to tell the story of an island that has managed to preserve a rare balance: beauty without excess, simplicity without harshness, authenticity without folklore. An island that invites you to walk softly, to look differently and to let time take its rightful place.
A prestigious title that reinforces Saint Vincent's place in the Caribbean
The Sandals Group has reached a new milestone with its St. Vincent and the Grenadines resort, recently named Best All-Inclusive Resort 2025 at the Travvy Awards. This distinction, awarded by one of the most closely watched organizations in the travel industry, places St. Vincent at the heart of Caribbean destinations that are moving upmarket. This success is helping to establish the archipelago as a credible alternative to the region’s more high-profile tourist destinations.
A resort designed in an unspoilt environment
Located in a discreet bay in the south-west of the island, the Sandals resort blends into a largely unspoilt landscape. The relief, vegetation and proximity of a small river provide a setting where the architecture blends into the environment rather than seeking to dominate the site. The concept is based on a simple vision: to offer an upscale experience without upsetting the natural balance of the site.
The resort is distinguished by its water villas, suites with personalized services, Caribbean and international-inspired restaurants and wellness areas. Travelers will find a tranquil atmosphere, far from dense tourist areas.
Why does Sandals stand out at the Travvy Awards 2025?
The recognition Sandals received at the Travvy Awards was based on several criteria observed by the jurors: the quality of the infrastructure, the consistency of the experience offered, the level of service, traveler feedback and innovation in the all-inclusive offer.
In the case of Saint-Vincent, all the elements converge towards a masterful approach to luxury hotels. The restaurants showcase Caribbean cuisine using island products, the communal areas feature lightweight construction, and the Learn-to-Dive diving program helps guests discover the island’s seabed in the best possible conditions. The resort also stands out for its ability to offer personalized luxury without creating too strong a break with the island ecosystem.
A real impact on tourism in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The Group’s arrival in Saint-Vincent has led to renewed interest in the destination, often referred to as the “Sandals effect” by regional tourism players. Air links have been strengthened, excursions have been diversified, and the local hotel sector is benefiting from a new dynamic.
This international distinction helps to consolidate this progress. It places the archipelago in the category of sought-after destinations for a top-of-the-range all-inclusive stay, while highlighting a development model based on a balance between comfort, landscape and authenticity. For tourism professionals in the Caribbean, the success of the Saint-Vincent resort shows that there is a place for hotel projects that do not distort their immediate environment.
A strong signal for the Group in the region
For Sandals Resorts, this recognition is part of a broader strategy: to consolidate its presence in the Caribbean while renewing its quality standards. The St. Vincent resort plays an important role in this evolution, marking one of the group’s most recent developments. Its international distinction confirms the relevance of a positioning more focused on nature, tranquility and a tailor-made experience.
The Travvy Awards 2025 reinforce the resort’s legitimacy in the Caribbean world of upscale tourism. The brand has demonstrated its ability to evolve with travelers’ expectations, while preserving the uniqueness of the territories in which it operates.
The election of Sandals de Saint-Vincent to the title of Best All-Inclusive Resort 2025 is an essential moment for the destination and for the group. It highlights a resort where luxury hotels find their place in a preserved environment, and where the Caribbean is shown in a more authentic light. For Saint-Vincent, this distinction confirms a trend that has already begun: that of an archipelago that is gradually asserting itself as one of the region’s most promising destinations.
Just a few miles east of Puerto Rico, Vieques juts out like a tongue of land bordered by clear coves, lagoons and ocean-side roads. Here, time slips by smoothly: a conversation on an Esperanza stoop, a horse striding through the village, light lingering on the seaside almond trees. The island doesn’t impose anything, it proposes a rhythm. And it’s a rhythm that the islanders hold dear.
A simple geography, a landscape that breathes
Vieques is easy to read: two small towns – Isabel II to the north, Esperanza to the south – and, between them, an alternation of coves, scrub-covered hills, lagoons and former military roads turned sea trails. The south coast offers a succession of beaches with a distinct character: Sun Bay and its generous arch, Media Luna with its calm waters, Navío hemmed in by rocks, La Chiva and Caracas where the horizon opens up effortlessly. Nothing ostentatious: a line of sand, crystal-clear water and the steady breeze of the trade winds.
Mosquito Bay, the night that lights up
When the moon fades and the wind dies down, Mosquito Bay whispers another Vieques truth. In this protected lagoon, micro-organisms light up at the slightest movement. A stroke of the paddle, an arm brushing the water, and thousands of bluish sparks respond. The spectacle needs no superlatives: it’s striking because it surprises, because it demands slowness and attention. Local guides insist on a few simple rules – limit the use of creams, avoid sudden gestures, respect silence – not out of rigidity, but because beauty lies in this tacit agreement between place and visitor.
Creole horses, village neighbors
In Vieques, you quickly get used to sharing the road. Creole horses move about in their own way: a band trotting along the beach in the morning, a foal sheltering under an almond tree, a group crossing Esperanza’s main street as the fishermen return. Their presence is not the stuff of postcards; it simply expresses the continuity of rural life, the ancient use of pastures, the proud autonomy of a small island. Glances are exchanged, the pace slows and the daily routine continues.
Recent memory, reinvented territory
Vieques wasn’t always as sea-oriented as it is today. For decades, part of the coastline was used for military training. The inhabitants defended access to the beaches, the quality of the water and the possibility of a future that would not be built against nature. From this period remain paths that have been reclaimed by vegetation, batteries won over by salt, and above all a conviction: the value of Vieques is measured by its ability to remain itself. This memory nurtures a public-spiritedness: here, we discuss, we organize, we prefer clarity to haste.
Esperanza: the seaside at human level
The Malecon d’Esperanza rolls out its low-slung houses, its cafés open to the trade winds, its terraces where people linger. The hours take on a different color: in the morning, passers-by greet departing crews; at midday, the shade attracts conversation; in the evening, the bay captures a sky that changes hue at a glance. A few steps are all it takes to go from the murmur of the waves to the voices that answer each other under the verandas. Hospitality often comes in the form of an address, a tip on the state of the sea, or a dish of the day that varies according to the catch.
Island itineraries: walking, paddling, watching
At La Chiva, the transparency of the water can be read from the shore; at Media Luna, the curve of the bay protects against currents; at Navío, the swell sculpts a more pronounced breath. The paths leading to the beaches pass through woods of mancenilla, grape and cactus: a dry, straightforward landscape punctuated by chiaroscuro. On the lagoons, a kayak glides between the mangroves; on the seagrass beds, turtles graze peacefully. The guides insist on simple gestures: don’t walk on the weed beds, keep your distance from the fauna, leave with your garbage. In short, elegance.
A way of being in the world
What we take away from Vieques is not an inventory of places ticked off a list; it’s a feeling of rightness. A windless evening in Mosquito Bay, an early-morning walk on Sun Bay, a greeting exchanged with a horseman, a meal eaten facing the water – these are all moments when the island seems to be saying “take your time”. We leave with the impression of having relearned a simple gesture – looking – and of having found a place at human level, between sea, light and village voices.
Vieques doesn’t look for effects. She prefers links. And perhaps that’s why it stays in the memory for so long.
The OECS continues its regional modernization with a landmark initiative in Saint Lucia: the commissioning of automated kiosks at the country’s two main airports. A decisive step towards smoother, more technological and more secure border management in the Caribbean.
A forward-looking regional project
The OECS Commission (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) has handed over ten self-service kiosks to Saint Lucia: eight at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and two at George F. L. Charles International Airport. This state-of-the-art equipment enables travellers to complete entry formalities themselves, reducing waiting times and congestion in arrival halls.
This operation is part of the OECS Border Management Improvement Program, financed by the European Union through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) program. This partnership illustrates the regional organization’s determination to strengthen cooperation between its member states, while relying on technology as a lever for efficiency and security.
Automated kiosks for a better passenger experience
With this installation, Saint Lucia becomes a concrete example of digital transformation at the service of tourism. The new automated kiosks scan passports, capture fingerprints and speed up data verification, while maintaining a high level of security.
The aim is twofold: to facilitate travel for the region’s nationals, particularly those from CARICOM and the OECS, and to strengthen the country’s ability to identify and filter high-risk passengers. This intelligent approach illustrates the balance the region is seeking to strike between opening up tourism and tightening controls.
Strong words from Caribbean leadership
At the official handover ceremony at Hewanorra International Airport, OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules emphasized the strategic significance of this development:
“As global tourism becomes more competitive, travelers are looking not only for beautiful destinations, but also for an efficient, seamless and secure entry experience.”
Dr Didacus Jules emphasized that modernizing ports of entry is an essential pillar for supporting the economic growth of member states and reinforcing the international perception of an organized, technological and welcoming Caribbean.
For his part, Saint Lucia’s Minister of the Interior, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, praised the investment:
“To maintain the global competitiveness of our tourism sector and meet security challenges, efficient border management systems are essential. They must deny entry to at-risk passengers while offering smooth passage to legitimate travelers.”
These declarations reflect a shared vision: to make the OECS area a model of harmonized regional management, where technological innovation is integrated with the imperatives of sovereignty and mobility.
A regional program already underway
The handover of ten kiosks in Saint Lucia comes just a few months after a similar initiative in Grenada, where six kiosks were delivered in March 2025. Eventually, the OECS Commission aims to equip all member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, as well as associated territories such as Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.
Beyond infrastructure, the aim is to establish a framework for cooperation and data sharing to harmonize entry procedures, strengthen traceability and ensure better coordination between immigration services.
The initiative is thus aligned with the OECS’ regional priorities, which aim to accelerate digital transformation, boost sustainable tourism and improve regional connectivity. Technology becomes a strategic tool to accompany the mobility of Caribbean citizens while supporting economic competitiveness.
Saint Lucia, showcase of a new Caribbean era
For Saint Lucia, this partnership with the OECS and the European Union symbolizes a major step forward. The island is reinforcing its image as a modern, welcoming destination, with infrastructures that meet international standards. The automation of entry points is set to reduce waiting times, improve visitor satisfaction and optimize the management of tourist flows – a crucial issue for a country where tourism accounts for over 60% of GDP.
But beyond the immediate gain, this initiative reflects the political will to place Saint Lucia on a regional trajectory of digital integration. By relying on the structure and coordination of the OECS, the island benefits from a common framework of expertise, financing and training, while contributing to the construction of an interconnected Eastern Caribbean.
Towards intelligent regional connectivity
OECS is demonstrating its ability to combine vision, financing and execution in projects with a tangible impact. The installation of these terminals is more than just a technological gesture: it symbolizes the growing power of a region that is modernizing its infrastructure, reinforcing safety and making mobility more fluid.
At a time when competition between tourist destinations is intensifying, this modernization positions the Eastern Caribbean in a strategic niche: that of an integrated, safe and technologically advanced area.
By uniting its members around tangible initiatives, the OECS is once again asserting its role as a regional driving force, in the service of a more efficient, more connected and resolutely forward-looking Caribbean.
CHIEF 2025, taking place from November 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, promises to be one of the most strategic meetings for Caribbean tourism. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the event will focus on the transformation of the hotel sector in a world disrupted by technological, climatic and social change.
An action-oriented forum for regional cooperation
For over ten years, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) has established itself as the leading forum for exchanges and concrete solutions for players in the Caribbean tourism industry. The 2025 edition stands out for its strong theme: “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence”.
Under this banner, CHIEF 2025 aims to provide practical tools for industry professionals – hotel managers, destination managers, associations, investors – to face contemporary challenges with foresight and cohesion.
Sanovnik Destang, President of the CHTA, sums up the spirit of this meeting: “CHIEF continues to evolve in real time, addressing the issues that hoteliers face today while giving them the means to act tomorrow.” So this forum is less a conference than an ideas laboratory, where each session leads to concrete action and sustainable networking.
Technology and customer experience: the Caribbean hotel industry in the age of AI
CHIEF 2025’s program includes a strong focus on digital issues. The session Digital Futures: AI, Automation and the Caribbean Guest Experience will explore how artificial intelligence, data collection and automation can transform customer relations without dehumanizing the experience.
Experts such as Charlie Osmund (Triptease) and Adam Mogelonsky (Hotel Mogel Consulting) will show how these tools, long reserved for the big chains, are becoming accessible to the region’s independent hotels.
Other sessions, such as Personalization at Scale and Cybersecurity in Action, will address strategies for strengthening data security, personalizing services on a large scale and improving digital competitiveness. The aim is clear: to ensure that the Caribbean is not just a dream destination, but also a model of technological efficiency.
Talent at the heart of transformation
Human capital remains a priority. Against a backdrop of high staff turnover and a shortage of skilled workers, CHIEF 2025 offers several sessions dedicated to training, building loyalty and enhancing the value of teams.
Workshops such as Staffing Smarter: Building Flexible Teams for an Unpredictable World and Ground Up Leadership will explore ways of building versatile, resilient teams capable of adapting to unforeseen economic and climatic events. The idea is no longer simply to recruit, but to transform each employee into a true ambassador for his or her establishment.
Another highlight, Turning Staff into Stakeholders, will examine the new expectations of employees, who want more recognition, flexibility and meaning. By reinventing the employer-employee relationship, the Caribbean tourism sector can not only retain its talent, but also strengthen the quality of hospitality for which the region is renowned.
Sustainability, identity and economic performance
CHIEF 2025 is not limited to technological innovation: it also explores the issue of sustainability as a driver of profitability. The session Certifiably Sustainable? Measuring the ROI of Certification will analyze the return on investment of environmental labels, often perceived as costs, but increasingly recognized as growth drivers.
The Sourcing Smarter and Tourism for Us workshops will highlight the importance of local partnerships: regional sourcing, short circuits, collaboration with communities. These initiatives reduce logistics costs while creating a lasting social impact.
The CHIEF 2025 approach is based on a simple conviction: sustainability is not a constraint, but a long-term strategy for strengthening the reputation, profitability and autonomy of Caribbean destinations.
When gastronomy becomes a tourism strategy
One of the most inspiring parts of CHIEF 2025 will undoubtedly be Flavors with Intent: Elevating Caribbean Cuisine, led by James Beard Award finalist and Puerto Rican chef Carlos Portela. This session will explore how Caribbean gastronomy can become an economic and identity pillar.
Portela advocates a culinary approach that values local products, traditions and regional know-how. By linking culture, cuisine and tourism, hotels and restaurants can offer visitors an authentic experience while supporting local producers.
This vision illustrates the spirit of CHIEF: to unite performance and meaning, profitability and identity. In a region where cultural diversity is a strength, cuisine becomes a vector of differentiation and a universal language of travel.
A showcase for innovation and regional unity
In addition to the conferences, CHIEF 2025 will feature its Exchange Hub, a meeting place for service providers, startups, consultants and institutions. The CHIEF Awards will recognize exemplary initiatives in the fields of sustainability, technology and service.
For the CHTA, this forum embodies the dynamic regional cooperation that is vital in the face of a fragmented tourism market. Bringing together 32 national associations and over 1,000 members, the organization plays a central role in the defense and modernization of the Caribbean hotel industry.
Working together for resilient tourism
In a world marked by uncertainty, CHIEF 2025 is positioned as a catalyst for ideas, opportunities and concrete solutions. The event is a reminder that the future of Caribbean tourism depends as much on technology as on the ability of the men and women in the sector to collaborate, innovate and preserve what makes the region unique: its humanity.
By focusing on training, innovation and sustainability, the Caribbean is asserting itself as a model of adaptation. CHIEF 2025 doesn’t just discuss the future of the hotel industry: it builds it, step by step, with conviction and coherence.
On Roatán, the sea seems to speak low. It stretches shades of blue around the hills, glides over the seagrass beds, then lingers on the corals that line the coast. Here, the island welcomes you without artifice: regular breathing, villages open to the horizon, and inhabitants who still live by the rhythm of the water. Roatán is not a setting: it’s a territory that has chosen to combine nature, history and hospitality.
An island on the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Off the coast of Honduras, Roatán belongs to the Islas de la Bahía. Its coastline juts out like a balcony over the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a vast coral ecosystem shared with Mexico, Belize and Guatemala – the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. This marine continuum is home to major biodiversity and sustains the life of coastal communities.
On the west coast, the Bay Islands National Marine Park (BINMP) oversees the protection of key areas, while the NGO Roatán Marine Park works with local residents to run education, monitoring and restoration programs. This alliance between citizen science and official management gives the island a leading role in reef conservation.
West End, West Bay: life on the reef
To the west, West End and West Bay offer clear waters where, from the shore, you can observe the mosaic of coral and the dance of tropical fish. Here, snorkelling is renowned for its easy access to the reef, a rare asset in the region when accompanied by responsible attitudes: respect for beacons, no contact with coral, zero anchoring on seagrass beds.
More than just a postcard, Roatán has adopted a simple educational approach, with information panels, community centers and naturalist outings. More than a leisure activity, underwater observation becomes a way of understanding the territory and preserving it.
Punta Gorda: Garifuna memory in the present
On the north coast, Punta Gorda recalls a founding story. In 1797, Garifuna families – Afro-American Indians – were uprooted from St. Vincent and landed here. They built the first Garifuna community in Honduras and gave Roatán an essential part of its identity. Today, Garifuna music, language and dance are recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua).
In Punta Gorda, this memory is not a fixed memory: it is shared on a daily basis through cuisine (cassave, grilled fish), polyrhythmic songs and ancestral tales. This heritage gives Roatán a unique voice in the Caribbean: a voice that links the movement of the tides to the paths of exile.
Island itineraries: sea, dry forests and villages
Roatán’s beauty lies in its contrasts. The main road runs through dry forests dotted with agaves, reaches lookouts from which you can follow the line of the reef, then descends to wooden piers where fishermen sort the day’s catch. In the coves, seagrass beds are home to turtles and starfish; offshore, the coral gardens reveal, in places, rare bunches of acropora that are still vigorous, as at Cordelia Banks, a reference site for the regeneration of the species.
Life is organized around sheltered bays: cafés open to the trade winds, small marinas, artisan workshops. In West End, strolls follow the water’s edge; in Sandy Bay, community organizations run awareness-raising campaigns; to the east, villages are spaced out, giving way to a more secretive island.
Hospitality through the eyes
A warm welcome on the island is based on simple gestures: advice on the state of the sea, an address where to try a local dish, a story shared when returning from the open sea. Many accommodations have opted for a human scale; nature guides work hand in hand with associations; restaurateurs favor local fishing and seasonal produce. This local economy relies on the sea without forcing it.
Travelers often come away with a lesson: the beauty of a reef cannot be consumed, it must be earned and respected. The fine sand, the clear water, the light all demand attention, in other words, a way of being rather than a performance.
An island that keeps its promises
What makes Roatán stand out is its coherence: a world-leading reef, communities that depend on it, a culture that carries a unique Caribbean memory, and committed local players. The island doesn’t try to impress with superlatives; it prefers to keep a clear promise: to leave room for everyone to listen to the sea and learn from it.
In the salty morning drizzle, in the sun setting over West Bay, in the drums of Punta Gorda, the island reminds us that the Caribbean is a collection of islands, yes, but above all a collection of stories. Its own stories, patiently woven between reef and memory, make you want to come back to take a better look and walk more gently.
A miniature island with great character
Lost between Canouan and Union Island, Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Fewer than 300 inhabitants live here, to the rhythm of the wind and the sea. Accessible only by boat, Mayreau has no airport, giving it a rare charm in the contemporary Caribbean: that of an unspoilt territory on a human scale.
Here, everything seems measured. Time, distance, gestures. A single village, Old Wall, clings to the hillside. Inhabitants cross paths with kindness, children play in the alleys, and in the evening, the golden light stretches out to sea. The island’s atmosphere is one of simplicity that cannot be imitated.
An exceptional geography
Despite its small size – just 4 km² – Mayreau boasts an astonishingly rich geography. The island forms a gentle relief, alternating hills, beaches and seagrass beds. From the summit, near the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, the panorama is breathtaking: a string of turquoise islets form the Tobago Cays, a marine sanctuary world-famous for its translucent waters and protected coral reefs.
This viewpoint, one of the most spectacular in the Caribbean, symbolizes the island’s uniqueness: a tiny island that opens up views of infinity. The view extends over shades of blue and green that change with the day. The ever-present wind also seems to be part of the scenery, like a breath linking sea and land.
A living marine heritage
Life in Mayreau is inextricably linked with the sea. Artisanal fishing remains an essential activity: fish, lobster, lambis and sea urchins feed the local cuisine and form part of trade with neighboring islands. Early in the morning, the colorful boats leave the bay of Saline or Salt Whistle, gliding on the still calm sea.
The locals know every current, every cove, every season. Their relationship with the sea is not touristy, it’s vital. The oldest still tell of journeys between Grenada, Bequia and Saint-Vincent to sell fish or trade salt. This know-how, handed down from generation to generation, remains at the heart of the island’s identity…
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
Mayreau’s beaches are among the most remarkable in the archipelago. Salt Whistle Bay, to the north, forms a perfect curve between two seas: on one side, the calm waters of the lagoon; on the other, the waves of the Atlantic. This site, often mentioned in nautical guides, attracts sailboats who anchor at a respectful distance, aware of the unique character of the place.
Saline Bay, larger and more open, welcomes ferries and fishermen. This is where daily life is concentrated: children bathing, boats leaving and returning, discussions in the shade of almond trees. Each of Mayreau’s beaches has its own atmosphere – one for contemplation, one for movement, all for emotion.
Authenticity on a human scale
In Mayreau, there is only one main road. It links Saline Bay to the top of the village, winding through the hills to the Divine Mercy church. Life is concentrated on this modest road: a few bars, a small market, brightly painted houses and the occasional hand-painted sign indicating a family restaurant.
The inhabitants are naturally kind and live in a local economy. Electricity comes in part from solar panels, accommodation is small and tourism is respectful. Nothing is standardized here. You come for the essential: the sea, the light, the people.
This sobriety is not an absence, but a strength. It makes Mayreau a place where every visitor feels invited to slow down, to walk, to listen. In the evening, sounds mingle: the lapping of the water, the music of a local bar, the wind in the palm trees. It’s a gentle symphony that never completely dies away.
A balance between tradition and sustainability
Like many of the Grenadine islands, Mayreau has to reconcile its ecological preservation with its openness to the world. Water resources are limited, and residents are pragmatic in their approach: rainwater harvesting, rational waste management and solar power generation. This discreet model of sustainability makes the island a silent reference in the region.
Local authorities and the community work together to maintain this fragile balance: welcoming without altering, sharing without denaturing. Tourism is developed in a controlled manner, in keeping with the island’s culture. Visitors who set foot here quickly understand that the island is not an island of consumption, but one of transmission.
The inner Caribbean
Highlighting Mayreau is a reminder that in the heart of the Caribbean, there are islands that refuse to be caught up in the frantic rush of the modern world. Here, beauty doesn’t need to shine brightly to be seen. It’s in the details: a sunrise over Salt Whistle, a child’s smile at the market, a boat slowly pulling away towards the Tobago Cays.
Mayreau embodies this inner Caribbean, sensitive and sincere. A land where the sea is a companion, nature is a guide and silence is a language. In an archipelago often in a hurry, the island reminds us that true luxury is time.
