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Jonathan Waxman Joins Chef Roster for Anguilla Culinary Experience

ANGUILLA – Chef Jonathan Waxman will be a featured guest chef at the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), a new epicurean festival taking place in Anguilla from May 11 to 15 to benefit culinary education and showcase why the island is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The 2016 James Beard Award winner for “Best Chef: New York City” and chef-owner of New York’s Barbuto, joins a growing line-up of international and local chefs who will blend their creativity with Anguilla’s fresh ingredients during five days of parties, dinners, classes, tastings and tours at Anguilla’s five-star resorts, luxury villas and award-winning restaurants. Tickets can be purchased online, with a portion of proceeds to fund life-changing programming for Anguilla’s next generation of chefs.

“Simply put, Anguilla is heaven on earth. The people are fantastic, the local food is terrific, the beaches are pristine, and the water might be some of the best in the world. I’m looking forward to returning to the island and cooking alongside my peers for the Anguilla Culinary Experience,” said Waxman.

On Thursday, May 12, Waxman will cook at the breathtaking cliff-top ÀNI Private Resort Anguilla, together with their Caribbean Region Executive Chef Parash Chhetri, formerly the executive chef at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary with a strong background in modern organic and vegan cuisine.  Chhetri and his team lead ÀNI’s unique culinary program, through which custom menus are designed for each visiting group to whom the resort is exclusively rented. The dinner at ÀNI will be one of the VIP-ticket only experiences hosted at select villas and resorts.  Each dinner – complete with unforgettable food, wine, live music – will feature an intimate interaction with different chefs and be kept to just 20 guests.

“I’m super excited to work with Chef Waxman to create a unique dining experience for our guests, drawing on both his classic fusion cuisine and my Asian organic roots” notes Chhetri.

On Friday, May 13, Waxman will collaborate with Chef Marc Alverez in the kitchen of Alvarez’s restaurant, Ember. There, the former New Yorker and past chef at Crispo uses live fire cooking to offer up seasonal dishes complemented by the smoke of the burning embers. The duo will combine their talents to present a bespoke prix menu for lucky diners during Restaurant Night.

“Both Chef Waxman and I enjoy using live fire cooking to bring out the best possible flavors in local and seasonal foods. I know together we will create an epic, one-night-only dining experience for our Restaurant Night guests,” said Alvarez.

Advance tickets are required, and guests should reserve early, as seats at each participating restaurant are limited. Waxman will also lend his expert palate as a celebrity judge for a mystery basket cooking competition on Saturday, May 14, during the festival’s final beach barbeque at the Anguilla Great House Beach Resort on Rendezvous Bay.

As a native Californian, Waxman grew up in a family that celebrated the culinary arts. After receiving the Grand Diplôme from La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, he moved back to California to work at Domaine Chandon and then with Alice Waters at the legendary Chez Panisse. In 1979, he became the executive chef of Michael’s in Santa Monica, where he developed his version of California cuisine. He made his mark on New York in 1984 with the now iconic Jams. Today, Waxman is the chef/owner of Barbuto in Manhattan’s West Village, Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park, and Baffi in Atlanta. Waxman is the author of three cookbooks including: “The Barbuto Cookbook,” “A Great American Cook,” and “Italian, My Way.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Waxman to the Anguilla Culinary Experience,” said ACE Co-Chair Wendy Freeman. “Anguilla’s fresh seafood and vibrant culinary culture rooted in tradition and flavored by international influences, offer the perfect canvas for his skilled merging of classic technique with the best local ingredients to create dishes that are seasonal, simple and inspired. We can’t wait to taste what the chefs create together.”

ACE will center around three signature events, including an opening night Ultimate Barefoot Luxury Party sponsored by Tradewind Aviation at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel; an afternoon Rosé Soirée party at Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort; and a Caribbean Beach Barbeque at the Anguilla Great House Beach Resort on Rendezvous Bay. Ticket packages include entrance to all three signature events, as well as a full or partial credit towards the Restaurant Night prix fixe meal at select restaurants. VIP ticketholders enjoy extra perks such as an intimate VIP dinner at one of the island’s resorts or villas and rum tasting at Zemi Beach’s famous Rhum Room. Packages are available for online purchase at www.anguillaculinaryexperience.com at an early bird rate until March 15, along with individual event and child tickets. A portion of ACE proceeds will go to support the Anguilla National Culinary Team and the island’s hospitality training programs. In between the main events, festival guests can explore Anguilla’s 33 beautiful beaches and enjoy small group activities where they can learn how to make traditional Caribbean Johnny cakes or search for the best rum punch as they tour beachside bars by chauffeured open air Moke.

What’s New in The Bahamas in March

NASSAU, Bahamas, 01 March 2022 — As winter temperatures linger elsewhere, visitor arrival data shows travellers continue to seek tropical escapes in The Bahamas, with nearly 94,000 Health Visa applications at the start of 2022. With spring right around the corner, momentum is strong as the destination offers vacation seekers a host of new experiences, relaxed travel measures and special offers.

NEWS

Ease into Vacation with Relaxed Travel Measures — As of 20 February 2022, the Government of The Bahamas has relaxed on-island testing protocols for all travellers, replacing the previously required 48-hour test. All persons, both vaccinated or unvaccinated, visiting for five days or longer, must now obtain a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on the fifth day. Before booking, travellers should visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates to stay up to date on the latest travel information.

The Bahamas Now Offer Travellers TSA PreCheck — Lynden Pindling International Airport (LIPA LPIA) in Nassau is now home to the first ever US Transportation Security Administration TSA PreCheck lane  established outside of the United States. The new service allows eligible travellers to enjoy a more efficient and comfortable airport experience.

Down Home Bahamas Flagship Store to Open in Nassau — On 8 March, Down Home Bahamas opens on historic Parliament Street to bring the best of The Bahamas to one place. Visitors will discover a wide selection of Bahamian made products from across the 700 islands and cays.

World-Renowned Chefs Celebrate Taste of Paradise Food & Wine Festival — Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas hosts Taste of Paradise Food & Wine Festival, a celebration of the season’s freshest ingredients, from 2 – 13 March 2022. Visitors can enjoy special prix fixe menus and dishes prepared by celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Michael White, Todd English and Alan Orreal.

Bahama Beach Club Welcomes Back Guests — Located on the pristine shores of Treasure Cay in The Abacos, Bahama Beach Club is now welcoming back guests. Accommodations include a variety of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom condos, two beachfront restaurants and on-site golfing, boating and snorkelling activities.

$20 Million Bahamas Fast Ferries Terminal Opens in Abaco — Bahamas Fast Ferries completes multimillion-dollar investment in Abaco with the opening of its all-new terminal. The new service agreement will transport Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club staff, employees and members between Marsh Harbour and Baker’s Bay on Great Guana Cay.

The Bahamas Remains a Bucket List Destination – The Islands of The Bahamas landed several top spots across various categories in USA TODAY 10Best’s 2022 Caribbean Readers’ Choice Awards including “Best Caribbean Rum Distillery,” “Best Caribbean Golf Course” and “Best Caribbean Beach Bar.”

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Never Miss a Tee Time at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas — Guests who book the Golf Getaway Package at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas receive a complimentary round of golf at the 18-hole par 72 championship course, $25 golf store credit and $50 food and beverage credit. Booking window is now through 28 February 2023, for travel until 28 February 2023.

Cruise and Stay in Paradise — Set sail from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama Island. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers 4- and 6-night getaway packages that combine a fun 2-night cruise with a luxurious resort stay in Grand Bahama.

Exclusive Travel Deal for Bahamas Residents —Residents of The Bahamas can take advantage of a limited-time offer to explore the Out Islands, which includes one free Airline/Bahamas Ferry ticket from Nassau for pre-booked 2-night hotel stays or two free Airline/Bahamas Ferry tickets from Nassau for pre-booked 4-night or longer hotel stays at participating properties. Booking window is now through 30 April 2022, for travel until 30 April 2022.

Bénédicte di GERONIMO at the Helm of the Martinique Tourism Authority

New York (March 1, 2022) -̶  Bénédicte di GERONIMO, Executive Councillor of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, takes the helm of the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA)*. With a managerial experience in the economic sector, the new 43 year-old Tourism Commissioner, a bank executive and graduate of the Sorbonne, presents her vision of tourism development in Martinique and the components of her action plan in a video addressed to the media and industry professionals.

Putting the tourism sector back on track: heading for “Martiniquality

Like all destinations, Martinique is going through an unprecedented challenge, facing restrictions to mitigate the pandemic, which weakens all economic sectors, tourism included. The arrival of Bénédicte di GERONIMO is an opportunity to set a course to a way out of the crisis. Attentive indeed to the sanitary news, the new Tourism Commissioner of the MTA declares:

“Tourism is a solid lever of our economic development because it is transversal. We have to be attentive and inventive to bounce back. Martinique has tremendous assets that I intend to energetically promote with all professionals in the tourism sector. Martinique is a strong destination, a visitor’s destination of excellence. I intend to melding more thoroughly our identity, our culture, our heritage, our landscapes, our gastronomy, our AOC rums or our artists. I aspire to go towards a “Martiniquality“, a Martinique synonymous with quality.”

In this sense, the MTA will pilot structuring projects which aim at increasing the number of guests in Martinique: for example, existing events will be supported and leveraged to make them attractive showcases for the Isle of Flowers.

The challenge is also to highlight sustainable tourism: to this end, the work of the Martinique Nature Park will be promoted in order to support the candidacy of Mount Pelée and the Pitons du Carbet to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This step follows the successful induction of Martinique’s traditional Yole sailboats in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural World Heritage list and the entire island as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Setting sail for a safe recovery

The final goal will be to re-launch the destination to prospects and repeat visitors to Martinique. A program to restructure the tourism offer will be implemented with a promotional plan on priority markets: campaigns, press events and familiarization trips will gradually resume on the US market.

“Together we will step up to the challenge of a strong resurgence. It is through the efforts of each and every one of us that we will be able to reassure our visitors and to seek a better tomorrow.” reminds Bénédicte di GERONIMO. “Martinique is resilient and we can count on the exceptional support of our long-time US industry partners, which are allowing us to reconnect with our American friends,” she said.

To this end, nonstop flights from Miami to Martinique’s capital city, Fort-de-France, are available year-round with American Airlines. This service offers easy connecting flights from cities throughout the US.

Click here and here to be updated about Covid 19

Jamaica Welcomes New Nonstop Service from Frontier Airlines

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, February 25, 2022 – Continuing to expand ease of access to the island for U.S. travelers, Jamaica will be welcoming new nonstop air service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) starting May 5, 2022, by Frontier Airlines.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Frontier Airlines through these new flights to Jamaica,” said Director of Tourism, Jamaica, Donovan White. “The launch of these new non-stop flights from a key U.S. gateway for connections is well-timed to help drive a strong recovery for our island’s tourism sector. Further, it will be Frontier’s first flight into Kingston, which will provide a convenient option for travelers who want to visit our cultural capital and connect to other resorts areas like Portland.”

Frontier Airlines’ non-stop flights will operate three times weekly on Sun/Tues/Thurs utilizing a 180-seat Airbus A-320 aircraft with 30 stretch and 150 economy seats.

“We’re thrilled to launch service between Miami and Kingston, the bustling capital city of Jamaica, said Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Kingston is home to an array of fascinating tourism and rich historical sites as well as providing easy access to Jamaica’s stunning mountains and beaches. This new service is in addition to our existing flights to Montego Bay.”

Francine Carter Henry, Tour Operator and Airlines Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board, added, “We are excited to be a part of Frontier Airlines’ growth and expansion plans. Our goals are well aligned in bringing more visitors to the island and we welcome new service to Kingston.”

Frontier’s new MIA-KIN route complements the carrier’s existing non-stop service from Miami, Atlanta, Orlando and New Jersey to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ), Jamaica. To celebrate the launch of this new service, Frontier is offering introductory fares from Miami to Kingston as low as $79.**

For more information about Frontier, please visit www.flyfrontier.com.

For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

** Fares must be purchased by 11:59 pm Eastern time on Mar. 2, 2022. Fares are valid for non-stop travel, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, May 5, 2022, through Jun. 16, 2022. The following blackout date applies; May 29, 2022. Round trip purchase is not required.