Dominican Republic Resorts Prepare For Hurricane Maria

After devastating Puerto Rico and St. Croix, Hurricane Maria made its way to the Dominican Republic Thursday, bringing winds near 115 mph and heavy rain to the Caribbean nation.

Maria severely damaged St. Croix, which was being used as a resource for residents of St. Thomas and St. John, both of which were devastated by Hurricane Irma.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is urging travelers to postpone their trips while authorities assess the effects of Hurricane Maria on St. Croix and direct recovery from the damage to St. Thomas and St. John from Hurricane Irma.

Forecasters say the storm may continue to intensify within 24 hours. It is next expected to approach Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas Thursday night into Friday morning.

Dominican Republic resorts prepare
AMResorts, an all-inclusive chain which operates 14 resorts in the Dominican Republic, said it was taking a precautionary measure and relocating guests to either on-site shelters or other properties in the area to withstand the storm. Guests at the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, for example, are being relocated to Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa. The company also said it is waiving cancellation fees.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa said guests located near the beach will be relocated and it closed the beach Thursday. 

Guests staying at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana are being evacuated Thursday, Sept. 20th, to hotels in other parts of the Dominican Republic.

Excellence El Carmen said cancellation penalties for arrivals from Monday, Sept. 18 through the 22nd will be waived. Excellence Group will also provide special distress rate for guests that are forced to extend their stay due to canceled flights.

Club Med Punta Cana is currently under a hurricane warning. The company said Club Med Turkoise in Turks & Caicos and Club Med Columbus Isle in the Bahamas “are currently closed, but preparations have been finalized to secure the resorts and the staff who remains on property.”