The Caribbean - Update After a Record Hurricane Season
Welcome to Maximizing Moments, October 2017.
Maximizing Moments is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your precious travel time more memorable – in many ways. However, this issue is dedicated to the regions of the Caribbean and Florida that have been impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, some of which have sustained devastating damage. We wish to show our support for the rebuilding of these idyllic islands of crystal clear, turquoise waters and some of the friendliest and kindest people we've met in all of our travels throughout the world.
HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA AND THE POWER OF CATEGORY 5 STORMS
As many of my clients, friends and family members know, the Caribbean holds a special place in my heart. Not only because it is within easy reach from the U.S. East Coast, but because it is where me and my family and friends have spent so many cherished vacations over the last 20 or so years. Many people also know that some of my very favorite islands are those that have been devastated by Hurricanes Irma and/or Maria.
In addition, with so many of our friends and travel partners in Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria’s path, we at Brownell Travel have been following these storms closely. We are thankful that for many resorts the damage is minimal, but our hearts break for those who have experienced the worst of it. Please remember that tourism is vital to the economies of these Caribbean islands, and continuing to travel is a great way to show your support. If you already have a trip planned, please be patient as everyone must wait for reports and complete assessments. If you would like to plan a trip to the Caribbean, please contact me at Smith Luxury Travel, and I can advise you as to what will be open and what resort will be best for you.
Below are reports by island, and we will continue to update as we hear from our partners on the ground.
(Last updated 10/5/17 at 2:00 PM EST)
ANGUILLA
Reports indicate that critical infrastructure including the hospital, airport, police and fire stations, and utilities had moderate to severe damage. Reports also show that restaurants and general island life have been impacted. Electricity is being restored gradually, AXA airport has re-opened and flights have resumed on a partial basis. Blowing Point, the location of the ferry terminal, has been demolished and will be reconstructed, but ferry service has been restored with temporary facilities.
Belmond Cap Juluca: The resort was closed for the season, so no guests were on the property. They are continuing to assess the impact of both Hurricane Irma and Jose on the resort. The resort was in the midst of scheduled renovations and has targeted November 15, 2018 for re-opening.
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa: CuisinArt sustained extensive damage, and the property is expected to be closed for at least one year.
The Reef by CuisinArt: Extensive damage reported; estimated to be closed at minimum 1 year.
Four Seasons Resort Anguilla: Extensive damage has been reported, and the resort remains closed but it is possible that the resort could reopen by April 1, 2108.
Malliouhana: Wind and water damage has been reported, and the resort will remain closed through the end of 2017 and early 2018. Expected to reopen in April 2018.
Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa: Heavily damaged; currently under assessment, but may be able to open by November 1, 2017.
Frangipani: Extensive damage, but with work already underway, hopes to reopen by December 1, 2017.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Reports from Antigua are very positive and the island appears to have sustained minimal damage. Unfortunately Barbuda did not fare as well after being hit by the eye of Hurricane Irma. We’ve seen reports of catastrophic damage with over 95% of the buildings on the island destroyed.
Blue Waters: Property was closed for two weeks beginning September 7, 2017 for pre-planned updates and reopened on October 1, 2017.
Carlisle Bay: Carlisle Bay sustained only minimal damage. The property is currently under its annual closure and is expected to reopen, as originally scheduled, on October 14, 2017.
Curtain Bluff Resort: No damage was reported. The property is currently closed for renovations and is expected to meet its reopening date of October 28, 2017.
Galley Bay Resort & Spa: Galley Bay suffered some damage from Irma, but after repairs and restoration, expects to reopen by December 23, 2017.
Hermitage Bay Antigua: Minimal water damage has been reported. The property is currently under its annual closure and expects to meet the reopening date of October 10, 2017.
Curtain Bluff: We have heard from Rob Sherman, Curtain Bluff’s Managing Director, that the resort is undamaged and the staff and their families are safe. The resort was closed at the time and will reopen as scheduled on October 28, 2017. Rob Sherman shared that Curtain Bluff has a non-profit called the Old Road Fund and they will be funneling money and necessary items to Barbuda through it. To learn more or to donate, click here.
Jumby Bay: Jumby Bay Island avoided the devastating effects of the storm, and so far there is no structural damage to any of the resort, villas, or homes. The property was closed as a part of the annual maintenance program, and it will reopen as planned on October 9, 2017. Andrew Hedley noted that the resort team will be raising funds for Barbuda through its non-profit Jumby Bay Fund. If you would like to help, please go to the resort's donate now page, click here, and select "Hurricane Irma Relief for Barbuda" to contribute to the wonderful people and island of Barbuda.
ST. KITTS & NEVIS
Prime Minister Timothy Harris said that St. Kitts was “spared the full brunt” of Irma, however there has been some damage. The airport reopened on September 7, 2017.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts: Reports reflect only minor landscaping damage; the hotel is not yet open, but scheduled to open November, 2017.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis: The resort fared extremely well. The resort is open.
Nisbet Plantation: Hotel is open and continues to welcome guests. Note that the Sea Breeze Beach Bar, the decking, and the beach received some damage.
Belle Mont Farm: Currently in seasonal closure but will reopen 12/4/17.
BARBADOS
Cobblers Cove: Unaffected by Hurricane Irma and Maria.
ST. LUCIA:
Unaffected by Hurricane Irma and Maria.
ST. MARTIN
St. Martin experienced extensive damage, and one official said that 95% of the French side was destroyed. The island’s airport has since reopened with a limited number of flights. The cruise port on the Dutch side of the island is expected to reopen in November, 2017, while the cruise port on the French side of the island remains closed due to extensive damage, and is being assessed.
Belmond La Samanna: The resort was closed for the season so no guests were at the property. They are currently assessing damage and anticipate the property will not open until at least April 2018.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort: Extensive damage; property expected to be closed until further notice.
ST. BARTH
St. Barts also had considerable damage. Like many other islands, the hurricane hit during a time when resorts are scheduled to be closed for maintenance and upgrades. The SBH airport was heavily damaged and is currently open for limited flights. Gustavia and St. Jean now have electricity.
Hotel Le Toiny St. Barth: Per their Facebook page, the resort is assessing the damage and will provide a more detailed update soon. The recovery and clean-up plans are already underway. The resort was customarily closed for seasonal upgrades and the reopening has been tentatively set for Summer, 2018.
Eden Rock St. Barths: Extensive damage; Per their Facebook page: “We are pleased to report that all members of the staff are safe and sound. Our property was closed for annual maintenance and rehab works, there were no guests in residence. That said, the island of St Barth’s has been badly hit by the powerful storm. Hurricane Irma has caused serious damage across our island. At this stage, it is too early to report the magnitude of the event on the property buildings and facilities. The scheduled re-opening in early October has now been postponed until at least the Summer of 2018.”
Le Guanahani: Per their Facebook page : much of the island is still without power. The resort is currently assessing the damage and clean-up has begun. A reopening in Summer, 2018 is being targeted..
Cheval Blanc Saint Barth Isle de France: Closed and will not reopen until end of 2017 or mid 2018.
Hotel Christopher: Sustained damage; reopening date possible for 2Q2018.
Le Sereno: Damage reported; the resort will likely remain closed through 2018 at a minimum.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
British Virgin Islands Governor Gus Jaspert declared a state of emergency. Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus said that the destruction from Hurricane Irma in the BVIs has been devastating. The Tortola cruise port was damaged and is being assessed. It has been reported that a substantial portion of structures throughout the BVIs have been damaged or destroyed, power has not been restored to the majority of the territory, and most of the resorts will remain closed indefinitely.
Little Dix Bay, a Rosewood Resort: The resort was closed and under construction, nearing the end of a 15-month renovation prior to the passing of Irma and Maria. The resort is assessing the damage and expects to report an expected reopening date in the next few weeks.
Peter Island Resort and Spa: Extensive damage; will close through 2018.
Necker Island: The team is safe, but the resort sustained extensive damage.
Bitter End Yacht Club: Sustained extensive damage. Closed indefinitely.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina: Extensive damage; reports indicate it will be closed for 6 months; to reopen April 1, 2018.
Oil Nut Bay: Communication on Virgin Gorda (the island on which Oil Nut Bay is located) is still very limited. Initial assessments indicate that there was heavy damage but most buildings are still standing. The property will remain closed until a full assessment is made. If you would like to donate to the local community, you can do so through Oil Nut Bay’s non-profit organization, The North Shore Foundation.
DOMINICA
While largely unscathed by Irma, Dominica sustained a direct hit of Category 5 storm Maria, which has destroyed or damaged most of the island's structures.
Secret Bay: The resort was closed for regular maintenance, so there were no guests on the property and all of the resort's employees were safe, although many have lost their homes. There is no target date for the property to reopen. The hotel has set up a fundraising page for its employees; if you would like to help, click here.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
The US Virgin Island experienced devastating damage. What wasn't damaged during Irma was hit by Maria. Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas (STT) suffered damage. It is being assessed but is open to relief flights. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix (STX) experienced significant damage from Maria and is currently closed.
Our partners have noted that there is a complete loss of power on St. John so we are waiting for updates.
Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas: The resort suffered extensive damage and will be closed until September 30, 2018.
Caneel Bay: Sustained devastating damage and property is currently being assessed to determine extent of damage. Property will remain closed until further notice.
Buccaneer Hotel & Golf Course: Sustained some damage from Maria; will open November 1, 2017, but will still have hurricane shutters once open.
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star, Marriott Beach: Extensive damage; closed until December 31, 2018.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has set up a program for those interested in lending support. Click Here for more details.
PUERTO RICO
SJU airport is open on a very limited schedule, mostly for relief flights. Hurricane Maria severely damaged the power grid on the island, and as of October 7th much of the island is still without power. The cruise port was damaged, but is open.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: The resort is closed due to Hurricane Maria and will resume operations on November 1, 2017.
The Ritz-Carlton San Juan: The resort is closed due to damage sustained in Hurricane Maria and will resume operations on January 1, 2018.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort: Assessing damage after Hurricane Maria, expected to reopen November 1, 2017.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel: Sustained damage after Hurricane Maria, but expects to reopen October 31, 2017.
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico: Sustained damage after Hurricane Maria; expected to reopen November 1, 2017.
El Conquistador Resort, a Waldorf Astoria: Sustained damage after Hurricane Maria; expected to reopen January 1, 2018.
Las Casitas Village, a Waldorf Astoria: Sustained damage after Hurricane Maria; expected to reopen January 1, 2018.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The storm passed through Hispaniola, which includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti, on Thursday September 7th. There were heavy rains and winds, damaging thousands of homes. All airports are open and operations are running normally.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana: The resort reported that both the team and infrastructure are okay and the areas of Cap Cana and Punta Cana were not affected by Irma. Hurricane Maria was 95 miles north of the property, so there was no major damage to the infrastructure. Operations are currently running as normal.
Amanera: No guests or staff in residence during storm due to regularly scheduled seasonal closure and maintenance. Reopening delayed to November 1, 2017.
Casa de Campo: No major issues from Irma. No damage from Maria. The resort is open.
Gansevoort Dominican Republic: No damage from Irma. Some damage from Hurricane Maria, mostly landscaping and cosmetic. Expected to reopen November 1, 2017.
Tortuga Bay: No damage from Irma. Mimimal damage from Maria. Reopening November 1, 2017.
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa: No damage from Irma or Maria. The hotel is open.
CUBA
Some areas along the North Central coast of Cuba and rural areas are still without power following Irma. Havana the resort areas have been restored, and Havana did sustain some damage.
TURKS & CAICOS
Hurricane Irma passed through the Turks & Caicos on Thursday evening, September 7th. There was flooding and damage throughout the islands, destroying homes. Maria also passed over the island chain, but did not inflict material incremental damage. The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board reports that all hotels in Turks and Caicos suffered some damages, some minor and some more serious. On Providenciales, the island's electricity is back on and the airport is operating normally. Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay were hit harder and the cruise port in Grand Turk is closed, but expected to resume taking ships in November, 2017.
Gansevoort Turks & Caicos: Sustained minimal damage, mostly cosmetic. Property reopened October 5, 2017.
Grace Bay Club and West Bay Club: Grace Bay Resorts released a statement on September 10 that reports that both the staff and guests are safe. Initial assessments show that Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club, and the Private Villa Collection are all structurally intact. All have reopened.
Many of Grace Bay’s employees were badly affected by the storm and the resort has created a fund for those interested in offering support. More information can be found here.
Amanyara: Resort was closed for scheduled maintenance, so no guests or staff were in residence. The resort suffered some water and wind damage and has delayed its reopening until December 15, 2017.
Beaches Turks & Caicos: The resort sustained some damage and will be closed until December 14, 2017.
COMO Parrot Cay: The property has been closed since 8/26/17 for annual updates and seasonal closure. Experienced some damage and plans to reopen by December 15, 2017.
The Palms Turks and Caicos & The Shore Club: Both properties sustained minimal damage and have reopened.
Somerset on Grace Bay: Suffered some damage; will reopen October 15, 2017.
THE BAHAMAS
Most of the Bahamas escaped serious damage from both Irma and Maria. Some of the outer islands have been significantly impacted, but the primary tourist destinations remain open for business.
The Cove Atlantis & The Reef Atlantis: Minor landscaping damage; open and fully operational.
One&Only Ocean Club: Resort sustained no damage is open and operating as normal.
Tiamo Resort: Resort reports no damage. It is currently closed for scheduled yearly renovation and will reopen as planned for new season on November 1, 2017.
The Cove Eleuthera: No damage and open as usual.
FLORIDA
Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Key West: Initial reports show that there was flooding and limited structural damage around the island. The property is currently closed and plans to reopen October 13, 2017.
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach: Reopened on September 15, 1017.
Carillon Miami Wellenss Resort: Reopened September 15, 2017.
COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach: No guests were inside the property. After initial assessment, the hotel only experienced minimal damage and reopened September 15, 2017.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach: Was temporarily closed to clean up grounds; reopened September 16, 2017.
The Miami Beach EDITION: Only minimal damage; reopened September 15, 2017.
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: No damage reported; reopened September 15, 2017.
The Breakers Palm Beach: Reopened September 15, 2017.
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach: After further assessment, there is more damage that initially reported. The property is anticipating to reopen October 16, 2017.
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour: Reopened September 15, 2017.
The Setai, Miami Beach: Minimal damages and fully operational as of September 29, 2017.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Many of our friends and partners have non-profit organizations that are dedicated to the recovery of these islands, communities, and people who were devastated by the storm. Learn more or donate through the links below.
ID Travel Group Foundation for a Better Living
Old Road Fund from Curtain Bluff in Antigua
or any of the links embedded in this blog
For more information and updates visit:
http://www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/knowledge-center/hurricane-center/
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/hurricane-irma-update-latest-assessments-from-eastern-caribbean
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/hotels/hurricane-irma-update-island-by-island-hotel-damage-assessments
We also expect forthcoming news regarding Voluntourism opportunities in many of the most affected islands. We will provide updates to those islands that will be offering this important type of travel.
Thank you for reading Maximizing Moments!
