Island Outpost´s Strawberry Hill resort in Jamaica is adding another dimension to its signature service: guests can now check into their cottages under a new inclusive plan. “This new concept appeals to guests who don´t want to be worrying about the bill at check-out time,” says Jason Henzell, President of Island Outpost. “Not to be confused with the standard all-inclusive resort offerings, no buffet lines, thank you very much. Every gourmet meal at the restaurant can be enjoyed with the same level of service and the same exquisite dishes that we´re known for. And there won´t be a single plastic wristband in sight.”

Grenada welcomes a new property. Jenny´s Place has recently debuted on the northern end of the island´s world-famous Grand Anse Beach. At Jenny´s Place, guests can choose six appointed studio apartments facing the beach.

Sol Meliá SA, one of the largest hoteliers in the Caribbean, is keeping five of its properties in Mexico closed longer than planned after damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. The Palma de Majorca-based company has closed three five-star hotels in Cancun and two resorts on the island of Cozumel until as late as June, according to Sol Meliá´s Web site. The company said in November that it planned to open the hotels, with 1,844 rooms, by January 10.

During the course of 2005, Barceló Hotels & Resorts added a total of 21 new hotels, which, along with existing holdings, increased the company´s portfolio to 115 hotels and 29,278 rooms, distributed throughout 13 countries. The chain will end the fiscal year with a total of 115 hotels and more than 29,000 rooms in 13 countries. The company has increased its 4 and 5 star hotels from 68 percent of holdings in 2000 to 86 percent in 2005.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is developing a mixed-use luxury resort on the western coast of North Caicos in the Turks and Caicos. Under terms of its deal with the Schaumburg, Illinois-based Wight Group, Fairmont will manage the 150-room resort, a 150-room condo hotel and several Fairmont-branded residential developments including Fairmont Heritage Place. The property, which will be called the Fairmont Turks & Caicos, is expected to open in 2009. Plans include an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a marina and a spa.

American hotel giant Starwood is forging plans to construct a 350-room luxury hotel on the Caribbean island of Curacao. The Westin Curacao Resort & Casino is expected to reach completion by 2008. Reports suggest that Starwood will operate the property, pumping an unspecified amount of money into the $100 million construction. The local government will assist with a further $25 million, they will also be responsible for the allocation of a long-term ground lease.