What’s New for Meetings and Events in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is an attractive destination primarily for U.S.-based planners booking meetings, events, and incentive travel. Its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences are a big draw.

Caribbean destinations such as Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Sint Maarten offer an enticing mix of pristine beaches, vibrant local cultures, and modern facilities.

Below is a destination update featuring new, refurbished and upcoming properties in the Caribbean.

This destination update is based on the Skift Meetings What’s New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2024 report. The full report features 800+ updates on 200+ destinations. Download it here.

Aruba

• The all-new St. Regis Aruba will open in late 2024 and feature 252 guest rooms, including 52 suites. Highlights include private cabanas, infinity pools and custom spa experiences at Iridium Spa.
• The Iberostar Grand Aruba will open in October 2024. It will have 240 suites on Eagle Beach, a rooftop bar, three restaurants and a spa.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort opened recently. It features 330 suites and almost 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Guests enjoy direct access to beach palapas via a private tunnel.

Bahamas

• British Colonial Hilton Nassau has reopened following a $50 million refurbishment. The hotel in the historic Old Fort of Nassau offers 288 guest rooms. It also boasts 18,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space for groups of up to 800 guests.

Barbados

• Pendry Barbados is set to debut in 2026 in St. Peter, on the Caribbean island’s west coast. It will feature 74 newly designed beachfront guest rooms, a private marina, and multiple signature dining concepts. The hotel will debut alongside Pendry Residences Barbados.

Curaçao

• The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive opened in December 2023 and features 385 rooms, including some swim-up rooms. It is connected to the adjacent Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort.

Dominica

• InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa opened recently and is located along Douglas Bay. A conversion and revamp of a Kempinski resort, it will open with 151 guest rooms as well as four pools, a spa, a fitness center and 8,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Dominican Republic

• Santo Domingo Marriott Hotel Piantini recently opened in the center of Santo Domingo. It has 207 guest rooms and suites with city skyline views. The hotel houses the city’s largest ballroom, which has nearly 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and five breakout rooms.
• Kimpton Las Mercedes has recently opened, set within a 16th-century structure and will feature 130 guest rooms, including eight expansive rooftop suites and three meeting rooms that can hold up to 300 people.
• The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort & Residences is opening in early 2025, offering 200 guest rooms and suites with ocean views, the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, and a world-class golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
• Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort is a brand-new 502-room all-inclusive resort located on a half-mile stretch of pristine beachfront in the Dominican Republic, expected to open later this year. 
• W Punta Cana, All-Inclusive is set to open in 2025 in Uvero Alto. This all-inclusive, adults-only property will feature 349 guestrooms (including multiple suites) with balconies and private plunge pools. The hotel plans to offer adult-oriented programming, including a spa with 11 treatment rooms, a retail area, three pools with pool bars, and 11 F&B outlets.

Grenada

• The Six Senses La Sagesse just opened, set between the ocean and a protected cove on the southern part of the island. A total of 56 two-level pool suites and 15 villas extend across 38 acres, including Earth Lab, a center for engagement and innovation where guests can learn about the natural world firsthand.

Sint Marteen

• JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa opened recently on Dawn Beach in St. Maarten, on the former Westin Dawn Beach site, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. It offers 200 guest rooms and 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, along with five dining options.