Hurricane Irma still is in the recovery mode in the Caribbean.For the season starting Nov 1, 2018, the Private Villa Operator WIMCO’s gives a report on islands impacted by Irma:
St Barths
96% of WIMCO’s villa portfolio of 355 villas will be open
84% of the hotel rooms that we represent will be open
Over 70 restaurants will be open
WIMCO destination inspection report from St Barths
Quotes from our traveling team:
“…As for the island itself – in a word –amazing! The villas we visited were in great shape, and the internet in the villas worked flawlessly, the satellite tv provided the morning news each day, the pools were full, and it was as though nothing ever happened. Boutique shop windows had colorful displays, there were plenty of options for dining out, and for the most part, the grocery stores were full.”
Anguilla
85% of the 60 villas we represent will be open
100% of the hotels we represent will be open
The top restaurants frequented by vacationers on Shoal Bay and Sandy Ground will all be open
WIMCO destination inspection report from Anguilla:
Quotes from our traveling team:
“Anguilla has fully recovered, all infrastructure and services are fully restored and we been welcoming villa guests for months, and most of the 100 restaurants are open now.There are a few missing roofs off the old Cases (traditionally Caribbean style houses) and some areas with downed trees or shrubs. Despite this, Anguilla actually seemed much cleaner to us than it has in the past. Overall, the island is in great shape, and our island team looks after guests very well. We do not feel any guest would be disappointed.
St Martin
45% of the 100 villas we represent will be open
WIMCO destination report from St Martin. Quotes from our traveling team:
“No there are not piles of debris along the road as you drive through French St Martin, however there is evidence of many buildings still under repair and damaged, these will take time to be back to normal. The more than 20 villas we inspected were all in good shape, and were ready to welcome clients. From a dining perspective there are good choices. We tried to go to Meza Luna and it was fully booked which is a good sign, Mario’s at Cupecoy welcomed us and dinner there was very pleasant. Another great find was Alinas in Simpson Bay, excellent sushi and highly entertaining, so good we tried it twice! Another positive was a new business opened after Irma. the Pelikaan Brewery in Cole Bay St Martin started pouring suds and has some excellent beer to sample. The Lagoonies Bistro Bar was another highlight. In the restaurant row of Grand Case, only 5 restaurants were open, and significant work remained to return this area to its former glory. In the Simpson Bay Marina and Harbour areas one could still see sunken boats and damaged, floating ghost ships. From conversations with residents they would say, “Ha, you should have seen this area 2 months ago!” So improvements are being made daily. Despite the condition of the island, with many businesses and residences still boarded up or being repaired, life continues. People were out and having fun. Overall, its good to see the resilience of the locals, the villas look great, and the restaurants that we went to were fantastic. As long as clients know what they are getting into and want to go to St Martin, we think they will have a good time, and feel good about helping to support the island’s economy.”
St John, USVI
80% of the 60 villas we represent will be open
Restaurants in Cruz Bay have reopened
The Westin St John hotel is targeting a Winter Break 2019 reopening date
Caneel Bay hotel is targeting a Thanksgiving 2019 reopening date
Virgin Gorda and BVI/North Sound area
20 villas open for the start of the season on Virgin Gorda, mnainly in the Mahoe Bay area
Villas in Leverick Bay area will need more time for repairs
In addition, we will have villas available just offshore:
5 villas at Oil Nut Bay will be open
5 villas on Scrub island will be open
The villas on Necker Island will be open
Little Dix Bay hotel is targeting a Thanksgiving 2019 reopening date
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The villas we visited were in great shape, and the internet in the villas worked flawlessly, the satellite tv provided the morning news each day, the pools were full, and it was as though nothing ever happened.
- As long as clients know what they are getting into and want to go to St Martin, we think they will have a good time, and feel good about helping to support the island's economy.
- “No there are not piles of debris along the road as you drive through French St Martin, however there is evidence of many buildings still under repair and damaged, these will take time to be back to normal.
