Everything We Know About The Impact Of Hurricane Irma And Hurricane Maria On The Caribbean
The Caribbean islands that were affected the most, and which hotels are open and closed in the region.
Editor's Note: For up-to-the-minute updates about islands and hotels that have been affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com.
Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria took a huge toll on the Caribbean. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has let us know which Caribbean islands and hotels are open for business. See below for the list, in alphabetical order. We will update this article as we receive more news. If you're planning a Caribbean cruise, please check directly with the cruise line for updated itineraries.
Want to help? Donate to the organization's GoFundMe Campaign. Any contribution, large or small, will go towards relief efforts in the region. We will post more ways to donate to the islands that need it the most as soon as we have more information.
Anguilla
Anguilla has suffered major damage from Hurricane Irma. Government and business buildings, electricity infrastructure and the main water supply have suffered significant damage. The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is now open from sunrise to sunset for charters and emergency flights only.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
Carimar Beach Club: The resort will reopen on December 21.
CeBlue Villas & Beach Resort: The resort was closed for the season, so no guests were on property. The villas and resort buildings are all structurally sound, and the resort looks forward to welcoming guests for the season.
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt: Planning to be closed until summer 2018 for repairs.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla: Closed for the remainder of 2017.
Fountain Anguilla: Resort buildings and grounds are structurally intact, but a few units suffered some damage from debris. Assessment and clean up are under way and the resort is expected to open for the season.
Frangipani Beach Resort: Annual opening date has been pushed back to December 2017.
Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort: Upon preliminary review there appears to be no major structural damage to the resort. The team is now assessing the extent of the clean up required and will advise on their proposed reopening date.
Quintessence Boutique Resort: The property sustained a fair amount of damage, and the proposed opening date of November 1 will be delayed.
Zemi Beach House: The property held strong during the storm and will be able to welcome guests soon, although the timing is still uncertain.
Antigua and Barbuda
While Antigua was not affected too badly by Hurricane Irma, sister island Barbuda took a big hit. The V.C. Bird International Airport on Antigua is open for all flights. Antigua is reporting it is open for business with excursions, tour operators, restaurants and hotels welcoming visitors. Close to 2,000 of the country's hotel room stock will be available by the end of October for the start of the peak winter season following traditional summer upgrades and renovations throughout resorts.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
Carlisle Bay: Resort was closed and did not sustain any significant damage. Will reopen as previously planned on October 15.
Curtain Bluff: Property emerged without any damage. Clean up has begun and communications will soon be restored. The resort plans to reopen on October 28, 2017.
Cocos Hotel: No long-term damages.
Galley Bay: An in-depth assessment of the property will take place on September 21.
Hermitage Bay: All is well.
Jumby Bay Island: Jumby Bay is currently closed as part of its annual maintenance, and no guests were on the island when the hurricane passed. There is no structural damage to the resort or homes on the island, however landscaping clean up is needed. The reopening remains scheduled for October 9, 2017.
Keyonna Beach Resort: No long-term damage.
Pineapple Beach Club: Opened September 14.
Sandals Grande Antigua: Sustained superficial damage but a complete assessment will take place as soon as possible. Due to the impact of Irma and the timing of the previously announced closure for resort maintenance, the resort will remain closed and will reopen on December 20, 2017.
St. James Club: Opened September 14.
Verandah Resort & Spa: Will reopen as scheduled on October 14 after renovations.
Aruba
Not affected by the hurricanes
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is getting back to business as airports are open in Nassau, Grand Bahama Island and on nearly all Out Islands; international flights have resumed, including service to some Florida airports; and ports have reopened allowing cruise ships to begin to return.
Parts of the southern islands were more heavily impacted with damage ranging from cosmetic to severe structural damage. Assessment of Ragged Island continues, but other islands, such as Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Inaugua and Mayaguana are mostly cleared. Full assessments throughout The Islands of The Bahamas began Monday, and will continue throughout the week.
Bahamasair resumed service into the United States on September 12, at the following airports: Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport; Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport.
While airlines are operating international flights out of Grand Bahama International Airport, U.S. customs and border pre-clearance is currently unavailable and will be reinstated at a later date.
Out Islands International service has resumed from Exuma International Airport in The Exumas and Marsh Harbour Airport in The Abacos.
The majority of hotel and resorts throughout The Islands of The Bahamas are operating as usual or are expected to reopen on their regularly scheduled dates. Reservation holders are encouraged to contact their respective hotels for more information.
Nassau and Paradise Island hotels received no damage. While many remained open, others are resuming normal operation. Grand Bahama Island hotels began resuming operations on Wednesday, September 13. The following hotels are definitely open, although this may not be a complete list:
Nassau and Paradise Island
- Atlantis, Paradise Island
- Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Warwick Paradise Island
- Breezes Resort & Spa
- Baha Mar Resort and Casino
- Melia Nassau Beach Resort
- One & Only Ocean Club
The Exumas
Grand Bahama Island
Bimini
- Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Resort will reopen on September 29.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation will be releasing updates on islands, hotels and services on Bahamas.com/storms.
Barbados
Not affected by the hurricanes
Belize
Not affected by the hurricanes
Bermuda
Not affected by the hurricanes
Bonaire
Not affected by the hurricanes
British Virgin Islands
The destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands has been devastating, according to a statement from Sharon Flax-Brutus, the director of tourism. With cell phone towers down and power outages, communication to, from and within the territory has been difficult, impacting the ability to fully assess the damage.
For those who wish to support the critical rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, please visit: pledgeling.us/bvi or text "BVI" to 707070.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
Anegada Reef: The resort did not suffer any damage from the hurricane.
Bitter End Yacht Club: The hotel was not operational due to annual closure.
Guana Island: Closed at this time.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay: Currently closed for renovation.
Scrub Island: All guests and associates are safe.
Sugar Mill Hotel: The hotel has suffered manageable damage, and is expected to reopen on October 14, 2017.
Cuba
It has been reported that Havana has experienced major flooding, power has been knocked out and widespread wind damage has impacted the area.
Cayman Islands
Not affected by the hurricanes
Cancun/Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Mexico
Not affected by the hurricanes
Cuba
Cuba set to have full power coverage by September 30
Curacao
Not affected by the hurricanes
Dominica
Dominica suffered major damage from Hurricane Maria. The prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit has indicated that he received the assurance of his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau that the Canadian Frigate St. John's is assisting with initial assessment and support.
Dominican Republic
It has been reported that Hurricane Maria has flooded some parts of the northern Dominican Republic as it brought a lot of rain and high winds. Operations have resumed at Punta Cana International Airport.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
AlSol Hotels and Resorts: Reopened on September 22.
AMResorts: For detailed updates please visit: amresorts.com/inclement-weather
Barceló Resorts: Barceló Hotel Group confirmed that all of the brand's resorts in the Dominican Republic are fully operational.
Iberostar Hotels and Resorts All six hotels in Punta Cana and Bavaro did not suffer damage and have returned to normal operations.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana: Reopened on September 23.
Riu Hotels: Minimal damage and are operating normally.
Haiti
Haiti was relatively unharmed. All services remain in operation and the country continues to welcome visitors. Travelers are advised to contact their local travel or booking agent for detailed arrangements about their bookings. Moulin Sur Mer hotel has advised it was not affected by Hurricane Irma.
Grenada
Not affected by the hurricanes
Guadeloupe
Having been spared a direct hit by Hurricane Maria, the Guadeloupe Islands suffered no damage to its infrastructure and are ready to welcome guests in the upcoming winter season.
Martinique
Not affected by the hurricanes
Montserrat
Montserrat reports it has emerged unscathed following the passage of Hurricane Irma. All services continue to operate as normal and the island continues to welcome visitors.
Jamaica
Not affected by the hurricanes
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico suffered major damage from Hurricane Maria. Jose Izquierdo, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, stated: "The safety and security of everyone on the island, including all of our visitors, is our biggest priority in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
"We're working closely with other state and federal government agencies and collaborating with our industry partners to identify immediate needs across the island," says Izquierdo. "We are confident that Puerto Rico will quickly recover and the resiliency and strength of our people will get us through the days ahead."
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is now open to commercial flight traffic, but cruise ports remain closed at this time.
All travelers should contact their airlines and accommodations directly for specific information.
Travelers who are thinking of visiting Puerto Rico should visit seepuertorico.com for updated travel information.
The following hotels are closed and not taking new reservations until further notice. If you have an existing reservation in the coming days, please contact the hotel directly for rebooking.
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- W Retreat & Spa in Vieques
- Gran Melia
- Coral by the Sea Hotel
- Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa (planning to reopen at the end of the year)
- Royal Isabela
The following hotels are open, but not taking new reservations prior to October 15:
- Hyatt Place San Juan
- Hyatt House San Juan
- Verdanza Hotel
The following hotels are open, but not taking new reservations prior to October 22:
- Hyatt Hacienda del Mar (Dorado)
- Hotel El Convento
- Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
- AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
- La Concha Resort
- InterContinental San Juan in Isla Verde
- San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
- The Wave Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado Hotel by IHG
- Canario Boutique Hotel
- Coral Princess Hotel
- At Wind Chimes Boutique Hotel
- Best Western Condado Palm Inn & Suites
- Comfort Inn San Juan
- Hotel Miramar
- Hotel Villa Montaña & Spa
The following hotels are not accepting existing or new reservations through October 31:
- Caribe Hilton
- The Condado Plaza Hilton
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino
- Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
- Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan
- El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Juan
- The following hotel is no longer accepting existing or new reservations through December 31:
- El Conquistador, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
If you have a trip scheduled for this upcoming week and through October 15, call your hotel or travel agent directly and consider rebooking for a later date.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts is reporting that initial assessments have been completed and the island is resuming normal operations, as it was fortunate to escape major damage from the passage of Hurricane Maria.
All hotels in St. Kitts are fully operational and those properties that do not engage in regular seasonal closures are open and servicing guests. St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) reopened and has begun receiving flights. The Port Zante cruise pier did not sustain damage and has started welcoming vessels. Park Hyatt remains on track to debut in November.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis: Power has been restored throughout the resort and phone lines are working.
Montpelier Plantation & Beach: Received no damage from Hurricane Irma or Maria and will reopen on October 8.
Mount Nevis Hotel & Beach Club: Received no damage and it is business as usual.
Nisbett Plantation Beach Club: Will reopen its doors to guests on October 4.
Ocean Terrace Inn: No property damage and remains open and operating for guests.
St. Barth
St. Barth was heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma, which destroyed government buildings and badly damaged private homes. The French government has sent people and supplies to the country to assist with recovery efforts.
St. Lucia
Not affected by the hurricanes
St. Maarten / St. Martin
This island was badly damaged by the hurricane and the recovery effort continues. The Princess Juliana International Airport has only been receiving flights that are bringing in relief supplies, and evacuating guests. The first cruise ship bringing passengers is expected back in port on November 11.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
Beach Plaza: Badly damaged
Belair Beach Hotel: Sustained damage that will take time to repair. Phone service and internet are down.
Esmeralda Resort: Hotel is 70 percent destroyed.
Hotel Mercure: Damaged
La Vista Hotel: The Beach building is in decent shape. Roof tiles were damaged but the roof itself is still there. Some water damage and missing doors and windows.
Oyster Bay Beach Resort: Significant damage.
Princess Heights: Minor damage.
Riu Palace St. Martin: Infrastructures severely affected.
Summit Resort Hotel: Due to extensive damages, the Summit Resort will remain closed.
Westin Dawn Beach: Suffered significant damage. The hotel is waiving cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates and suggests customers call 1-888-625-4988 for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the SPG toll-free number in their country.
Sonesta: Resort damage is severe. All further reservations from now through the end of 2017 have been cancelled.
Saba
Not affected by the hurricanes
St. Eustatius
Director of Tourism Charles Lindo says St. Eustatius was spared by Hurricane Irma. Telephone, electricity and internet are back up and both the airport and seaport are open.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Not affected by the hurricanes
Trinidad and Tobago
Not affected by the hurricanes
Turks and Caicos Islands
The Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is open. Several of the hotel properties were scheduled for annual closure prior to Irma; some properties have now elected to remain closed, to assess any damage to their properties and looking to reopen by the beginning to middle of October 2017.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
- Alexandra Resort: Open October 9
- Amanyara: Open October 1
- Beach Enclave: Open October 12
- Beach House: Open October 9
- Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa: Open December 14
- Blue Haven Resort: Open October 9
- Caribbean Paradise Inn: Currently Open
- Club Med Turquoise: Open October 1
- COMO Parrot: Scheduled closing Aug. 26 through to November 19
- East Bay Resort: Open December 15
- Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, A Wymara Resort: Opening October 5
- Grace Bay Club: October 1
- La Vista Azul: Currently Open
- Ocean Club Resorts: Open September 28
- Pelican Nest: Open October 30
- Point Grace: Open 20
- Ports of Call Resort: Will open November 25
- Royal West Indies Resort: Open October 6
- Seven Stars Resort: Currently Open
- Sibonne Boutique Hotel: Opening scheduled for October 3 but may extend
- The Meridian Club: November 1
- The Palms Turks and Caicos: Open September 30
- The Regent Grand: Open September 30
- The Sands At Grace Bay: Open September 30
- The Shore Club: Open September 30
- The Tuscany: Open October 1
- The Venetian: Open October 1
- Villa Del Mar: Open October 1
- West Bay Club: Open October 1
- Windsong Resort: September 30
U.S. Virgin Islands
All three of the Virgin Islands suffered damage from both hurricanes. The Department of Tourism continues to encourage travelers to postpone trips to the islands until hotels are back up and running. The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas is set to reopen on September 28 for commercial flights. Plans are underway to reopen St Croix's Henry Rohlsen Airport by early October. Cruise ships may return to St. Thomas and St. Croix as early as October 15, 2017.
To assist with the recovery and reconstruction of the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit usvirecovery.org.
Here are the statuses of individual hotels:
St. Croix
The Buccaneer: Open for business. Facilities are in good shape, but there may be some limitation of services over the next few days.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino : Received ground floor flooding and some damage, which is currently being assessed. The hotel is operational as no rooms were flooded. No online bookings are available at this time, so travelers must call the hotel. The hotel will be accommodating relief workers shortly and will provide an update when it will be accepting additional guests.
Club Comanche Hotel St. Croix: Open and accepting guests.
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino: The grounds sustained some damage from Hurricane Maria's heavy rain and wind. Currently assessing the situation to determine next steps in the recovery process.
Hotel on the Cay: Survived Hurricane Maria and will be accommodating first responders and Air National Guard who are assisting the island's recovery. Guests are asked to check back for reservations beyond the next 30 days.
Sand Castle On The Beach: Suffered only minor damage and cleanup is under way. Not accepting reservations until essential services are restored.
St. John
Caneel Bay: Closed for the remainder of 2017.
Estate Lindholm: Anticipates a November 1 reopening based on Hurricane Irma's impact
The Westin St. John Resort Villas: The resort and the surrounding areas experienced some damage. As of September 11, Marriott International has advised the resort is closed until further notice. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 1-800-228-9290 (US) for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott toll-free number in their country.
St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort: Currently looking to reopen second or third week of December as the resort is housing people in need and a multitude of workers trying to help the island.
Bluebeard's Castle Resort: Sustained major damage.
Marriott Frenchman's Reef: As of September 11, Marriott International has advised the resort is closed until further notice. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 1-800-228-9290 (US) for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott toll-free number in their country.
Margaritaville Vacation Club: Club Wyndham Reservations advises that all four St. Thomas resorts will be closed until October 10, including Margaritaville Vacation Club, Bluebeard's Beach Club, WorldMark St. Thomas and Elysian Beach Resort.
Point Pleasant Resort: The resort and a large portion of the island are still without power and water. Suggest guests cancel all reservations due to arrive through November 15.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: As of September 11, Marriott International has advised the resort is closed until further notice. The resort is waiving hotel cancellation and change fees for specific arrival dates. Customers should call 1-800-228-9290 (US) for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott toll-free number in their country.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort: No major structural damage to the buildings. The generator is still working.
Sugar Bay Resort & Spa: As of September 18, the resort is closed and an opening date has not been set.
Windward Passage: As of September 18, the resort is closed until further notice.