Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced an agreement with development partner Grupo Punta Cana to build the Westin Puntacana Resort, a 204-room property to be located in the Playa Blanca area of the Punta Cana Resort & Club complex.

Marriott International Inc. recently revealed its intention to double its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2017. Currently, Marriott operates 69 hotels in 25 countries in that region. The hotelier sees significant opportunities for growth in Latin America.

The All Inclusive Collection, which recently announced plans for a newly branded kids club, is reflagging Cancun Palace and Vallarta Palace resorts to Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta.

Barbados’ Almond Beach Village will close April 30 amidst “the deteriorating quality of the product,” according to a statement issued by Ralph Taylor, CEO of Almond Resorts. Guests will be relocated to Almond Beach Club and/or Almond Casuarina Beach, both on Barbados.