Caribbean islands hurricane update

The sunshine is back in much of the Caribbean after the hurricanes   (Taylor)

CARIBBEAN -- Hurricane season 2017 in the Caribbean is one the islands would just as soon forget. Two major storms, Irma and Maria, took a massive toll on property and hotels which are a critical source of tourism revenue.

If you are planning a cruise or intend to head to the sunny shores and clear blue waters of the islands, you should check ahead with the cruise lines and hotels in order to know what your options will be before you depart.

Avenue of the Palms at Nisbet Plantation on Nevis  (Taylor)

Note that this is an extensive list but not necessarily a complete one. Also remember that the dates given at the time of inquiry were only estimates and, therefore, some properties may be ahead of schedule while others may have found more damage than anticipated. This is only intended as a general planning guide.

Here is a general listing of how most of the Caribbean destinations fared and their current status.

Mayan Temple at Xunantanich in Belize  (Taylor)

Islands not Affected by Hurricanes: If you are a beach and coconut oil lover these islands were generally damage-free and are still operating with business as usual: Antigua (note however that sister island, Barbuda took a big hit), Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Cancun/Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Mexico, Curacao, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands  Several hotel properties were scheduled for annual closure prior to Irma; some properties have now elected to remain closed, to assess damage to their properties.

Irma and Maria took their toll, but the Caribbean is bouncing back
(Taylor)

Islands Damaged by the Hurricanes: This is a list of islands which were hardest hit by Irma and Maria. Damage to each island and each property varies so be sure to check in advance before booking a reservation.

Anguilla: Anguilla suffered major damage from Hurricane Irma. Government and business buildings, electricity infrastructure and the main water supply had significant damage. Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is now open from sunrise to sunset for charters and emergency flights only

Here is the status 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. Clean up is 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: There appears to be no major structural damage to the resort. A 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 has bee delayed.

Zemi Beach House: The property held strong and will be able to welcome guests soon, although the timing is still uncertain.

Barbuda: Barbuda was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma while sister island Antigua is open for business and excursions.

Individual Hotel Status on Antigua and Barbuda:

Carlisle Bay: Resort was closed and did not sustain any significant damage. Reopened October 15.

Curtain Bluff: Property emerged without any damage. Clean up has begun and communications will soon be restored. Planned reopening October 28.

Cocos Hotel: No long-term damage

Galley Bay: An in-depth assessment of the property is in progress.

Hermitage Bay: All is well.

Jumby Bay Island:  No structural damage to the resort or homes on the island, however landscaping clean up is needed. Reopening was scheduled for October 9

Keyonna Beach Resort: No long-term damage.

Pineapple Beach Club: Open for business

Sandals Grande Antigua: Sustained superficial damage but a complete assessment is underway. 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: Open for business.

Verandah Resort & Spa: Scheduled reopening October 14 after renovations.

Beautiful sunsets have returned in the aftermath of the storms
(Taylor)

The Bahamas: The Bahamas is getting back to business. Parts of the southern islands were more heavily impacted with damage ranging from cosmetic to severe structural damage.

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:

Sandals Emerald Bay

Grand Isle Resort

Grand Bahama Island:

Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan

Bimini:

Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina Resort reopened September 29.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation will be releasing updates on islands, hotels and services on Bahamas.com/storms.

The BVI was hit hard by Irma and Maria  (Taylor)

British Virgin Islands: Destruction from Hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands was 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.

Individual Hotel Status in the BVI:

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 suffered manageable damage, reopened October 14

Cuba is cleaning up and still recovering  (wikipedia)

Cuba: Cuba reported that Havana experienced major flooding, with power out and widespread wind damage.

 

Dominica: Dominica suffered major damage from Hurricane Maria.

 

Dominican Republic: Hurricane Maria flooded some parts of the northern Dominican Republic as it brought a lot of rain and high winds.

 

Haiti: Haiti was relatively unharmed. 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.

Puerto Rico was among the islands hardest hit  (wikipedia)

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico suffered major damage from Hurricane Maria. 

All travelers should contact their airlines and hotels 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 and have begun taking new reservations:

Hyatt Place San Juan

Hyatt House San Juan

Verdanza Hotel

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

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

Nevis has a perpetual cloud atop its mountain  (wikipedia)

St. Kitts and Nevis: St. Kitts is reporting 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. The Port Zantecruise pier did not sustain damage and has started welcoming vessels. Park Hyatt remains on track to debut in November.

Individual Hotel Status in St. Kitts & Nevis:

Four Seasons Resort Nevis: The resort and phone lines are working.

Montpelier Plantation & Beach: Received no damage from Hurricane Irma or Maria and reopened October 8.

Mount Nevis Hotel & Beach Club: Received no damage with business as usual.

Nisbett Plantation Beach Club: Has reopened and welcomes reservations

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.

St. Maarten / St. Martin: The island was badly damaged by the hurricane and the recovery effort continues. The first cruise ship bringing passengers is expected back in port on November 11.

Nothing beats a nap on the beach  (Taylor)

Individual Hotel Status in St. Maarten/St. Martin:

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: 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.

The Sands at Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos is open again
(Taylor)

Turks and Caicos Islands: 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 but  planned to reopen by the beginning to middle of October 2017.

 

Individual Hotel Status in the Turks & Caicos:

Alexandra Resort: Open

Amanyara: Open

Beach Enclave: Open

Beach House: Open

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa: Open December 14

Blue Haven Resort: Open

Caribbean Paradise Inn: Open

Club Med Turquoise: Open

COMO Parrot: Scheduled closing Aug. 26 through to November 19

East Bay Resort: Open December 15

Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, A Wymara Resort: Open

Grace Bay Club: Open

La Vista Azul: Open

Ocean Club Resorts: Open

Pelican Nest: Open

Point Grace: Open

Ports of Call Resort: Open November 25

Royal West Indies Resort: Open

Seven Stars Resort: Open

Sibonne Boutique Hotel: Open

The Meridian Club: Opened November 1

The Palms Turks and Caicos: Open

The Regent Grand: Open

The Sands At Grace Bay: Open

The Shore Club: Open

The Tuscany: Open

The Venetian: Open

Villa Del Mar: Open

West Bay Club: Open

Windsong Resort: Open

The storms are over and rebuilding continues  (Taylor)

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. Cruise ships began return to St. Thomas and St. Croix in mid-October..

 

St. Croix:

The Buccaneer: Open for business.

Caravelle Hotel & Casino : Received ground floor flooding and some damage. The hotel is operational as no rooms were flooded. No online bookings are available at this time, so travelers must call the hotel.

Club Comanche Hotel St. Croix: Open and accepting guests.

Hotel on the Cay: Survived Hurricane Maria. 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: Anticipated 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. 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 & 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.

Margaritaville Vacation Club: Club Wyndham Reservations advises that all four St. Thomas resorts should be re-opening in mid-October, 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.

 Secret Harbour Beach Resort: No major structural damage to the buildings.

Sugar Bay Resort & Spa: As of September 18, the resort is closed. A re-opening date has not been set.

Windward Passage: As of September 18, the resort is closed until further notice.

Escape to Roman ruins and the Tyrrhenian Sea at La Posta Vecchia

Twilight at La Posta Vecchia, once the villa of John Paul Getty
(wikipedia)

LADISPOLI, iTALY — Tucked away on the outskirts of Rome, just a short drive from Fiumucino International Airport, sits a magnificent 17th century villa that was once part of the ancient port city of Alsium. Originally the port was Etruscan but later became Roman.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this grand seaside palace known as La Posta Vecchia (the old post house), was sold in 1693 and devastated by fire in 1918 before industrialist John Paul Getty renovated it into his private resort residence in the 1960s.

The main entrance beckons visitors to enter
(Leading Hotels of the World)

The former carriage house for mail stages traveling along the coast north of Rome, is much more than the contemporary, elegant 5-star hotel it has become since Getty's death, however.

J. Paul Getty
(wikipedia)

When the eccentric billionaire took ownership, he discovered beneath the floors of his new home, the ruins of two 2nd century Roman villas. 

Intrigued by his discovery, Getty began excavating the property under the supervision of the Archaeological Authority  only to unearth remains of colorful mosaics and a stunning array of African and Greek marble including a vast collection of plates and vases.

Artifacts abound beneath La Posta Vecchia  (Pelicano Hotels)

Further research showed that La Posta Vecchia had been built over the ruins of an ancient Roman City in the town of Palo Laziale. 

Rather than give his priceless discovery to a museum, Getty converted the basement of his villa into a private museum which is now an intricate feature to be enjoyed by guests and visitors to La Posta Vecchia.

Mosaics were part of the
discovery  (Pelicano Hotels)

Given the size of the ruins and the type of artifacts that were uncovered, it is believed that the original structure once belonged to a wealthy and influential Roman nobleman. As such, that part of La Posta Vecchia's legacy continues into the 21st century.

By the 17th century the outbuildings of Odescalchi Castle had been built over the original villa and the two Roman estates disappeared until Getty unearthed his buried treasure.

Entrance to the ruins at La Posta Vecchia  (wikipedia)

In essence, this story is uniquely Italian, for much like the country itself, La Posta Vecchia has undergone its own Renaissance.

Getty, along with art historian Federico Zeri, lovingly appointed the living spaces of the villa with a mixture of contemporary and classical furnishings. Each guest room is unique with a full compliment of 16th and 17th century furniture. Rooms are bright and spacious with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Stunning indoor pool
(Pelicano Hotels)

Much of the charm of La Posta Vecchia however, lies in its lack of pretense. Though elegant and sophisticated with its state-of-the-art facilities, it is not ostentatious or pompous in its character. Here is a place where comfort is of the essence, amid a casual atmosphere that blends harmoniously with virtually every century of La Posta Vecchia's history.

Relaxing by the sea
(wikipedia)

The hotel today is essentially as Getty left it, with few of the trappings of the modern hotel industry other than the necessities required for comfortable contemporary living. La Posta Vecchia thrives within its own authenticity.

La Posta Vecchia specializes in dining and weddings
(Pelicano Hotels)

Amenities include a private beach, a stunning indoor pool where you can watch the sunrise if you like, horseback riding in the surf and boat services along the picturesque coastline.

Seaside luxury and elegance await at La Posta Vecchia
(Pelicano Hotels)

Tennis courts are available on the grounds and golf can be arranged at a nearby course. The spa is also a top-notch facility for those interested in participating in wellness as only Italy can offer it.

The underground treasure of two Roman villas (Pelicano Hotels) 

Rome is only 40 minutes away by car which makes La Posta Vecchia an ideal escape from the "madding crowds" yet accessible to all the sightseeing and artistic wonders of the "Eternal City."

Keep in mind that you are not isolated from culinary delights at the villa however. The Cesar Restaurant has a Michelin-rated kitchen that will satisfy the most discriminating of palates.

Manicured landscaping, Roman architecture and elegant
surroundings are hallmarks of La Posta Vecchia
(Pelicano Hotels)

Here's a tip, even if you prefer a closer proximity to Rome's vibrancy and amenities, consider treating yourself to a gala farewell adventure before departing for home the next day.

Traffic will probably be lighter and so will your heart because La Posta Vecchia is one of those lifetime memories you will never forget.

Grand Hotel Giessbach and its waterfall in central Switzerland

Grand Hotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz recalls a golden age of travel  (Taylor)

BRIENZ, SWITZERLAND — One of the most popular trends in travel these days is finding a central location as a base and doing day trips without having to change hotels. The town of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland derives its name from being situated between two lakes; the Lake of Thun and the Lake of Brienz. Not only are the lakes beautiful destinations within themselves, they are also gateways to a multitude of things to see and do.

Giessbach Falls is part of the attraction  (Taylor)

Visitors to Switzerland can journey to Interlaken by train from Brienz or they can arrive and depart from Interlaken on regularly scheduled lake steamers that make circular routes around the lake.

Regardless of whether you opt to cruise from Interlaken or from Brienz, here's a little travel tip to put in your planning repertoire that is guaranteed to amaze and delight your traveling companions; take time to stop at the Grand Hotel Giessbach and the myriad of waterfalls that spill beside it into the Lake of Brienz.

Boats offer regular service
(wikipedia)

It's easy to do and well worth a night at the hotel if you can afford the time. At the very least, a brief hour or two stop for a snack and coffee is well worth the diversion. 

From Interlaken, Hotel Giessbach and its breathtaking waterfalls will sneak up on you if you are not prepared in advance. The Brienz side of the lake, though no less spectacular, does give an uninitiated traveler a bit more warning.

High above the Lake of Brienz  (Taylor)

Best of all is knowing about the falls and hotel ahead of time so you can be sure to be on deck when the boat docs at the landing.

Now nearly a century and a half old, Grand Hotel Giessbach was built by noted French architect Horace Edouard Davinet in 1873/74 for the Hauser family of Zurich, one of the great hotel dynasties of its day.

Grand Hotel Giessbach
(Taylor)

Set among harmonious landscapes of architecture, parks and waterfalls, the Giessbach Hotel quickly became a favorite hideaway for high society. When World War I broke out in 1914, the hotel was a playground for emperors and kings, statesman and diplomats and celebrities from every discipline of the entertainment world.

Artists, poets and writers spent their summers amid the cool surroundings of forested greenery and plunging waters that spilled into the crystal clear Lake of Brienz.

Original funicular to Grand Hotel Geissbach
(grandhotelgeissbach.ch)

Though Switzerland was neutral through both world wars, the dynamics of the conflicts took their toll and the golden age of hotels quickly declined. Grand Hotel Giessbach closed its doors in 1979 with plans for demolition that would be replace it with a contemporary concrete structure in the style of a "jumbo" chalet.

The first split rail track
(wikipedia)

Fortunately cooler heads prevailed and Swiss ecologist Franz Weber was successful in purchasing the 54-acre property with the idea of renovating it and restoring it to its original splendor as a "gift" to the Swiss people.

By May of 1984, Grand Hotel Giessbach had been restored to its historic grandeur including the new Park Restaurant and a small number of unrenovated rooms. Each winter, for the next seven years, the hotel underwent restoration until it had, at long last, regained its proper place among the most beautiful and best known buildings in Switzerland.

Dinner is served at Hotel Geissbach  (Taylor)

Part of the fun of visiting the grand hotel is getting there. Arrive at the landing by boat and disembark to the oldest funicular in Europe that is used only by tourists. Established in 1879, the Giessbachbahn was the first railway in the world to have a passing loop in the middle, a feature that is now standard on almost every funicular.

Arriving is part of the fun
(Taylor)

The train connects the lake with the hotel which is partially hidden approximately 110 yards above the lake. Though Europe itself has four other trains that are older, the Giessbachbahn remains the oldest funicular in Switzerland that is still in operation.

Surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows with breathtaking views of the unspoiled Lake of Brienz, this rescued oasis is located far away from hustle and bustle of everyday life and traffic. Since the 19th century, a footpath has led to and under the waterfall featuring 14 steps of the falls themselves. Each step along the route has been named for a different hero in Bernese history.

The quaint woodcarvers village of Brienz  (wikipedia)

Spilling the waters of the Giessbach Brook more that 600 yards out of the high valleys of the Faulhorn area to the Lake of Brienz, Giessbach Falls is a superb place to use as a base to visit the woodcarver's village of Brienz, the Sherlock Holmes town of Meiringen and Reichenbach Falls, the Brienzer-Rothorn train that steams high above both lakes, the Schilthorn, the Jungfraujoch, the Lauterbrunnen Valley and to cruise along its sister Lake of Thun.

Giessbach Falls and its Grand Hotel capture your heart and your
imagination  (Taylor)

The Giessbach Falls and the Grand Hotel Giessbach are the sort of discoveries that make travelers return again and again.