Hurricane Maria Update: Resorts on US Virgin Islands Take Stock of Damage
by Jessica Montevago /
After receiving devastating blows from Hurricanes Maria and Irma, the US Virgin Islands are assessing the full extent of damage as recovery and cleanup efforts begin.
Hurricane Maria passed St. Croix Wednesday, bringing 115 mph winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding just two weeks after St. Thomas and St. John were pummeled by Hurricane Irma.
The storm knocked out electricity and most mobile phone services across the area, home to about 110,000 people. It damaged close to 70 percent of all buildings and downed wires and trees, making many of the roads are reportedly impassable.
“It’s going to be a long road to recovery. It ain’t going to happen overnight … it’s going to be a long, long road and a long process,” Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Kenneth E. Mapp said.
Hotels and resorts are working diligently to cleanup properties. Some are waiting for utility crews to restore power and water, while others are providing lodging to emergency workers.
St. Croix
The Buccaneer has been spared major damage.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino received ground floor flooding and some damage, but is still operational. It’s currently housing relief workers and will update when it’s accepting guests again.
Reservations at Cottages by the Sea are secure after Oct. 1. The hotel said it will contact guests if it cannot accommodate future reservations.
Hotel on the Cay is currently housing relief workers. “If you are contacting us for stays scheduled outside of the next 30 days, we respectfully ask that you contact us at a later date,” it said in a statement.
Sand Castle on the Beach reported only minor damage. The hotel will not begin accepting reservations until power and water are restored.
The Buccaneer is open for business, though some services may be limited over the next few days.
The Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa is currently closed due to Hurricane Maria, according to its website.
St. Thomas
Point Pleasant Resort remains without power or water and suffered some damage. All reservations through Nov. 15 have been cancelled.
Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas and Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort are closed until further notice, Marriott International said in a statement.
Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is closed.
Margarita Vacation Club’s four properties (Margaritaville Vacation Club, Bluebeard's Beach Club, WorldMark St. Thomas, and Elysian Beach Resort) will be closed until Oct. 10, 2017.
The Windward Passage Hotel St. Thomas is closed indefinitely.
St. John
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas is not operating until further notice, according to a statement from Marriott.
Canceel Bay Resort is closed for the remainder of 2017.
