Following the devastation of some Caribbean islands when two hurricanes blew through in September, there are many questions about which islands are open for business and what the status of island resorts may be. Here, we compile a list the islands and the most popular resorts and provide the current status. We’ll be updating often so you can stay up to date, as well, for future travel plans.
Islands Not Damaged by the Hurricanes
The following islands did not receive hurricane damage and are welcoming visitors:
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Kitts
- Lucia
- Nevis
- Dominican Republic
- Trinidad & Tobago
Islands Hit by Hurricanes
Anguilla
Anguilla was directly hit by Hurricane Irma and suffered serious damage. Its airport was closed for some time, but flights have resumed and business is rebuilding.
- Frangipani Beach Resort. Frangipani will reopen to guests in January 2018, although it is hosting its regulars in December with a soft reopening.
- CuisinArt Resort & Spa. Ranked one of the top resorts in the Caribbean, CusinArt was hard hit by the hurricane. It is undergoing a full restoration project and hopes to reopen November 2018.
- Cap Juluca. The Belmond Property was closed for renovations when hit by the hurricanes. Work has resumed to renovate, as well as rebuild, and the property will not open until mid-November 2018.
- Arawak Beach Inn. The small family inn was practically wiped out during the hurricanes. The resort is closed and no report for a reopening day has been announced.
- Carimar Beach Club. The hotel is open, functional, and welcoming families.
Antigua/Barbuda
Although its neighboring island of Barbuda was destroyed, Antigua survived the hurricanes with mild damage and is welcoming visitors. In fact, in early 2018 a new resort will open. The all-suite Hodges Bay Resort & Spa will be all-inclusive and family-friendly.
Ninety percent of the island was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Travel is not advised to this island.
British Virgin Islands
Severely damaged by the hurricanes, the island is slowly getting back on its feet and mainly welcoming chartered sailboats to help rebuild the economy.
- Bitter End Yacht Club. Completely decimated by the hurricanes, the resort is closed. The owners are focusing on rebuilding Tortola and has not announced any plans for rebuilding at this time.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay. The property was undergoing renovations when it was hit by Hurricane Irma. At this time it is not yet revealed when the property will reopen.
- Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas. The resort was hit hard by the hurricane and remains closed until further notice.
- Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina. The resort was hit hard by the hurricane and remains closed until further notice.
- Frenchmans. Reporting damage that will take 9 to 12 months to rebuild the property, Frenchmans is closed until further notice.
Puerto Rico
The U.S. terriority was hit directly by Hurricane Maria. Although some properties were not badly damaged, they are serving as centers for relief efforts for the island.
- El Conquistador Resort. The resort and its Las Caitas Village, a Waldorf Astoria property, remain closed to visitors following Hurricane Maria. The property is instead housing relief workers to Puerto Rico. It plans to resume guest relations April 2018.
- San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The resort remains closed to visitors following Hurricane Maria, and is instead housing relief workers.
- InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino. The property is open and accepting guests.
- Copamarina Beach Resort. The property reopened in mid-October and is accepting guests.
- Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino. The property is open and accepting guests.
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. The property is closed as it makes repairs from damage caused by Hurricane Maria.
St. Barths
- LeVillage Saint-Barth Hotel. Up and running with all but two of its 25 rooms free of damage. The hotel will begin accepting visitors Dec. 1, 2017.
- Eden Rock. The property will reopen in 2018.
- Christopher St. Barth. The property will reopen in March 2018.
- Le Sereno. The hotel has closed following damage from Hurricane Irma and will announce its reopening plans in the coming months.
St. Martin/St. Maarten
Severely damaged by Hurricane Irma, many resorts closed following the hurricane and quickly went to work to repair and reopen.
- Hotel RIU Palace St. Martin. The resort is open and accepting guests.
- Princess Heights Hotel. The ST. Maarten resort is open and accepting guests.
- Grand Case Beach Club. The St. Maarten hotel is closed and still undergoing cleanup. Reopening dates will be announced at a later time.
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. The hotel in St. Maarten is closed until May 2018.
- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The hotel on St. Maarten is still closed, and will announce reopening dates at a later time.
Turks & Caicos
Although the islands avoided major damage from Hurricane Irma, it was hit hard by Hurricane Maria, with many hotels closed through October. However, the island and its resorts are all open and welcoming guests.
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John and St. Thomas were hit very hard by Hurricane Irma, which spared only St. Croix. However, St. Croix and the Virgin Islands were hit by Hurricane Maria. Properties on St. Thomas and St. John are closed, with St. Croix properties serving as relief accommodations.
- Ritz-Carlton St Thomas. The St. Thomas Ritz is closed following the hurricanes. A reopening date has yet to be announced.
- The Buccaneer. The St. Croix resort hosted relief workers through October but is now reopen to guests and open for business.
- Tamarind Reef Resort. The St. Croix property remains closed until further notice.
- The Palms at Pelican Cove. The St. Thomas resort is closed and only its restaurant is open until further notice.
- Marriott Frenchman Cove. The hotel remains closed following damage, with a reopening date not yet available.
- Westin St. John Resort & Villas. The resort is closed and is not planning to reopen until June 2018.