Great news for Scottish travellers – Icelandair has confirmed that its Edinburgh to Reykjavik service will now operate all year round.
This means even more flexibility for planning your Iceland adventure, whether you’re looking to:
Not only does this extension make it easier to enjoy Iceland’s unique landscapes in every season, but it also opens up convenient onward connections to North America via Icelandair’s stopover programme – giving you the chance to explore two destinations in one trip.
Get in touch with Sandy Toes at Seaside Travel and we’ll take care of everything – from flights and hotels to excursions like whale-watching, glacier hikes, and Blue Lagoon tickets.
Great news for Scottish travellers – Icelandair has confirmed that its Edinburgh to Reykjavik service will now operate all year round.
This means even more flexibility for planning your Iceland adventure, whether you’re looking to:
Not only does this extension make it easier to enjoy Iceland’s unique landscapes in every season, but it also opens up convenient onward connections to North America via Icelandair’s stopover programme – giving you the chance to explore two destinations in one trip.
Get in touch with Sandy Toes at Seaside Travel and we’ll take care of everything – from flights and hotels to excursions like whale-watching, glacier hikes, and Blue Lagoon tickets.
From 4 September 2025, Ryanair’s free under-seat bag allowance is strictlly 40 × 30 × 20cm.
If your bag is bigger, you’ll need to pay for Priority Boarding (adds a larger cabin bag) or check it in.
Gate checks are being enforced more tightly, with staff bonuses linked to bag fees from November 2025 – so expect stricter measurements.
Tip: bring a soft rucksack instead of a hard case if you want to maximise that free allowance.
The Hilton La Romana has now split into two properties:
Secrets La Romana (adults-only)
Dreams La Romana (family-friendly)
This is part of a wider trend where Hyatt is absorbing former Playa Hotels & Resorts properties and rebranding them under its own luxury all-inclusive labels (Secrets, Dreams, and Vivid).
Other examples include:
Hilton Playa del Carmen → now Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen
Hilton Rose Hall Jamaica → becoming Dreams Rose Hall
The move strengthens Hyatt’s presence in the Caribbean and Mexico, while reducing Hilton’s all-inclusive footprint in the region.
This rebranding marks a major shift in the all-inclusive landscape, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico markets
Viva Miches by Wyndham
Officially inaugurated on June 6, 2025 at Playa Esmeralda.
It marks a US $80 million first-phase investment, with 538 rooms across three buildings, blending garden, ocean, and oceanfront views. Many rooms feature private plunge pools in the “Splash” category.
Hospitality offerings include five restaurants (a buffet and four à la carte—Latin Fusion, Oriental/Asian Fusion, Mediterranean, Seafood), entertainment zones with themes and shows, five pools (including swim-up bar), kids’ and teen clubs, fitness centre, theatre, and weekly craft markets
Activities range from snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, pickleball, yoga and pool parties (“Viva Vibe”) to guided excursions to Los Haitises National Park, Montaña Redonda swings, and whale-watching trips in season
Sustainability & Community Integration
Built un
der Wyndham Green program standards, the resort prioritizes solar energy, waste reduction (plastic-free zones), responsible water use, and other eco-conscious design choices.
Partnering with local initiatives like Protortuga for sea turtle conservation and Promiches, Viva Miches supports artisan networks and shared infrastructure upkeep.
Broader Impact: Miches as a Rising Destination
Speaking at the opening, President Abinader noted that Miches is projected to support about 2,000 hotel rooms, generate over 2,400 direct jobs (and 3× more indirect)—highlighting its role in local economic development.
Miches is poised to become a tourism hub, with a pipeline that includes Club Med, Marriott Miches Beach, Zemi Miches Punta Cana (Hilton Curio), Dreams Playa Esmeralda, Secrets Esmeralda, Four Seasons (residences) opening in 2026, and more
Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – South Caicos, Turks & Caicos
This eco-focused resort opens on February 15, 2025, featuring 100 ocean‑view rooms, six dining venues, a regenerative spa, coral nurseries, and abundant solar-powered sustainability measures
Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa – St. Lucia
An adults-only, all-inclusive property opening in January 2025 on Choc Bay.
It spans 30 acres with 355 suites, swim‑up rooms, nine restaurants, six bars, and a full spa—close to Rodney Bay Marina and golf courses
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba – Aruba
Hyatt’s first adults-only Inclusive Collection resort, opening in March 2025, nestled near the scenic Baby Beach. The resort offers ~304 suites, several pools, gourmet dining, spa experiences, and ocean views.
The St. Regis Aruba – Aruba
Opening in Q1 2025 on Palm Beach, the 251-room beachfront resort includes a spa, infinity pools, private cabanas, a rooftop restaurant, and a casino.
Cas En Bas Beach Resort – St. Lucia
A luxury Hyatt resort launching in early 2025 near two championship golf courses and pristine white-sand beaches, offering residential-style suites and beachside elegance.
Unico Hotel 1877 – Jamaica
This elevated luxury resort in Montego Bay is projected to open in summer 2025, offering Unico’s signature experience across roughly 450 rooms.
Marriott Miches Beach Resort, Dominican Republic
Marriott’s first branded all-inclusive property in Miches, opening in Q1 2025 with 498 rooms, beach access, and immersive local culture programming.
St. Regis Cap Cana Resort – Dominican Republic
Opening in April 2025, this 200-room luxury resort in Cap Cana features elegant dining, private beach access, spa services, golf access, and event spaces.
Zemi Miches All‑Inclusive Resort (Curio Collection by Hilton) – Dominican Republic
Targeting summer 2025, this 500‑room beachfront resort will offer six restaurants, a waterpark, kids’ and teen clubs, spa, and wellness facilities. Some reports mention potential opening delays into mid‑year.
The Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club – Barbados
An adults‑only boutique resort on Paynes Bay, opening in March 2025 with just 28 suites, a rooftop lounge, beachfront club, and upscale dining by The Leading Hotels of the World.
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa – Cayman Islands
While not technically Caribbean but nearby, this next Hyatt property on Seven Mile Beach is expected to open in 2025, offering ocean-view residences, multiple pools, F&B options, and large meeting spaces.
Noteworthy Mentions
Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda (Barbuda)
A boutique 17‑bungalow luxury retreat opening late 2025 on Princess Diana Beach, developed by Nobu Hospitality and actor Robert De Niro
The Osprey – Bahamas
A serene new beachfront resort in the Berry Islands opening summer 2025, ideal for nature-centric travellers