INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The recovery from the devastating hurricanes that hit the Caribbean last year is still going strong as properties are coming back online.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Following months of restoration due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has reopened, providing jobs for hundreds of employees, and a long-awaited vacation for guests from all over the world.
To mark the opening, employees gathered to welcome guests back to the resort, along with Four Seasons President of Hotel Operations in the Americas Vince Parrotta, Four Seasons RVP Thierry Kennel and Roy Shanholtz, VP, hotel asset management of Starwood Capital Group. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and an island and resort blessing took place in the resort’s lobby.
“We have worked tirelessly and leveraged Starwood Capital Group’s strategic relationships around the world to reopen as soon as possible,” said Shanholz. “I have been here through every step of this process and welcoming guests back and having our employees back to work has been my goal since day one.”
Nikki Beach Saint Barth
Nikki Beach Saint Barth, which originally opened in 2002, is debuting its newly renovated 3,175-sq. ft. location on March 30.
Following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma last September, the Nikki Beach team began to clean the property and help local neighbors clear the beaches, streets and villas.
“A longtime staple on the island, Nikki Beach is proud to be part of a hardworking, courageous Saint Barth community, who all joined forces over the past several months to rehabilitate the island,” said Jack Penrod, founder/owner of Nikki Beach Worldwide. “We feel so lucky to have such a dedicated team and greatly appreciate all of the hard work they put into getting the location up and running again. Nikki Beach Saint Barth is coming back stronger than ever, just in time for the brand’s 20th anniversary.”
Island of Dominica
Six months following Hurricane Maria, Dominica has made major progress in restoring routes to and from the island, essential services and amenities, and transportation throughout the island.
“Nothing is better for our recovery from Hurricane Maria than visitors to our island,” said Colin Piper, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority. “We have made significant progress in getting the island ready for guests. Whether it’s for a relaxing getaway, special event or meaningful travel, visitors will see the same vibrant spirit of our people and beautiful scenery and features that make Dominica the Nature Island of the Caribbean.”
A total of 393 hotel/guesthouse rooms are available. This represents 41% of the total stock of 962 rooms available before Hurricane Maria. Fort Young Hotel will open additional rooms, and Secret Bay, Calibishie Cove and Citrus Creek Plantation are expected to reopen in the last quarter of 2018. Two additional properties, Jungle Bay Resort and Cabrits Resort Kempinski, are expected to open during the first half of 2019, and Anichi Resort late in 2019. The opening of these three hotels will increase Dominica’s room stock by 340.