From the fast-tracking of Bermuda's first luxury property in 35 years to Anguilla's and Turks and Caicos's strides to improve their upscale offerings, last week's news coming from the Caribbean region bodes well for agents selling luxury products.

It's a good thing for Bermuda that plans to get its first new luxury property moved closer last week.

The Caribbean continues to make significant strides to improve the luxury market of the region, but Bermuda hasn't unveiled a new luxury property in nearly 35 years. However, this is about to change.

Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group, announced that Jumeirah Southlands Resort on the south shore of Bermuda has been given a Special Development Order Decree, or "the green light," enabling the project to move forward without delay. The first phase of the resort is expected to open in the first quarter of 2009. Situated on 37 acres, Jumeirah Southlands will have 300 balcony suites, including 17 two-story suites built into the ocean front, as well as five restaurants and bars, a nightclub and outdoor entertainment space, a spa, more than 1,700 feet of beach, numerous pools, an executive conference center and an equestrian center. There will also be a collection of luxury boutiques on property. Of its 300 suites, 135 will be offered for fractional vacation residence ownership.

Anguilla's New North American Director Makes Luxury a Priority

Luxury in Anguilla can expect to be bolstered with Marie Walker at the helm as director of North America for the Anguilla Tourist Board.

Walker, who was previously regional director of the Anguilla Tourist Board, is now responsible for all sales and marketing activities throughout North America, with operations headquartered in White Plains, New York.

Walker told Travel Agent that she is "excited about the new pressure" and that her top priorities will include increasing the number of high-end offerings that travel agents can sell to stay competitive.

"We want to continue to expand our luxury product," says Walker, who estimates that Anguilla's target number of 49,400 U.S. visitors for 2007 will be met. "Other islands in the Caribbean are expanding their luxury product, so we have to make sure we do, too. You have competition, but when you see other islands like Turks and Caicos continue to make strides in luxury, it makes you feel proud as a region. We all work well together and we are all doing well with the luxury side." Turks and Caicos to Improve Service

The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has announced the islands' commitment to a multi-phased service initiative designed to improve the quality and consistency of its customer service.

"If Turks and Caicos is marketed as a high-end, five-star destination, we must ensure that visitors are not receiving three-star service," Turks and Caicos Director of Tourism Lindsey Musgrove told Travel Agent. "This comprehensive training program will also ensure cohesion among various groups within the hospitality and service industry, guaranteeing that our visitors are receiving the absolute best service possible."

The initiative, formally referred to as the Turks and Caicos National Service Training Program (NSTP), will consist of two phases. Promises, which will begin in fall 2007, will focus on behavioral training and is directed at all frontline service providers—generally island natives—who interact with visitors in the public and private sector.

"As the islands of Turks and Caicos have developed, luxury has become standard," Musgrove says. "Travelers who arrive in Turks and Caicos expect all aspects of their experience to be ultra-luxurious, and this new training program will ensure that no inconsistencies are present."

In Antigua, Jumby Bay Gets New Managing Director

Antigua made some luxury news as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of Carlos Salazar as the new managing director of Jumby Bay.

A seasoned hotelier with management experience at properties including New York City's The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, Salazar is responsible for all of Jumby Bay's operations.

Agents can contact him by e-mailing carlos.salazar@rosewoodhotels.com

—Joe Pike