Today is the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma’s strike on our favorite islands. After a heavy hit by Irma, along came Hurricane Maria, adding to the destruction. I have read the accounts over the last year of the devastation, the rebuilding, and the struggles along the way. I have also read stories of the incredible strength of those affected, and the love and support of a community both in and outside the islands. Some have made an amazing recovery, and others are still making their way to recovery, but there is no dispute that the one thing that will help turn things around is tourism. Here are nine beaches to remind you of what you are missing, and to bring you back to the Caribbean.
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
Anguilla was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Irma, and Rendezvous Bay was one of the most heavily affected areas. Garvey’s Sunshine Shack was the first to return to Rendezvous Bay, reopening in December of 2017. Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve has rebuilt and reopened in June of 2018 in time for the Rendezvous Folk & Blues Fest. The CuisinArt Resort did not reopen for the 2017-18 season, but is scheduled to reopen after extensive renovation in November of 2018.
Meads Bay, Anguilla
Carimar Beach Club sustained only minimal damage in the storm, and housed guests, UNICEF representatives, British government representatives, and UN officials in the aftermath of the storm. Frangipani Resort and the popular Straw Hat restaurant reopened in December of 2017. The Four Seasons Anguilla welcomed guests back in March of 2018. Malliouhana is expecting to reopen in December of 2018. Blanchard’s Restaurant and Blanchard’s Beach Shack are scheduled to reopen in November of 2018.
Low Bay, Barbuda
Barbuda took a direct blow from Hurricane Irma, necessitating the evacuation of its approximately 1800 residents. Plans for rebuilding Barbuda are complicated by political matters between Barbuda and its sister island, Antigua, but residents have returned to the island, and rebuilding has begun with financial support from a number of organizations. The beautiful resort, Barbuda Belle, is scheduled to reopen in November of 2018.
Jumby Bay Beach, Jumby Bay Island (Long Island), Antigua
Antigua was spared much of the force of Irma, and Jumby Bay, now part of the Oetker Collection, reopened in October of 2017.
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
The Turks & Caicos Islands saw damage from both hurricanes, yet bounced back restoring all services by early 2018.
Pinney’s Beach, Nevis
The Four Seasons Nevis, located on Pinney’s Beach on the island of Nevis, suffered only minor damage from Hurricane Maria and reopened in October 2017.
Loblolly Bay, Anegada, BVI
The British Virgin Islands were hit hard by Hurricane Irma. On Anegada, the Anegada Beach Club reopened in March of 2018 with new luxury tents, and the Anegada Reef Hotel reopened in April. The Big Bamboo on Loblolly Bay is back in business, although sadly, beloved owner, Aubrey Levons, passed away last November.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI
Irma and Maria turned the businesses along Cane Garden Bay to piles of timbers, but the rebuilding was quickly under way. Paradise Club reopened in December of 2017. Myett’s in Cane Garden Bay and Rhymer’s Beach Bar reopened in February 2018. Quito’s Gazebo is scheduled to reopen in October 2018. Just off the road behind the beach, Callwood Distillery, the oldest, continuously-operated pot still distillery in the Caribbean, lost its roof to the hurricanes, but reopened to tourists in June.
Cappoon’s Bay, Tortola, BVI
Bomba’s Shack was destroyed by the storm with the owner, Wellington “Bomba” Smith suffering injury when hit with flying debris. To make matters worse, the Shack was on leased land, and the owner, a relative of Bomba’s, resisted rebuilding. Apparently, there is a court case pending, but no word on what is happening. Until the Shack returns, we can enjoy the surf and admire the views.
The islands have recovered or are on their way to recovery, so it’s time to book that ticket. We will be visiting the beautiful island of Anguilla (our fifth trip) in January of 2019 to stay at the fully-renovated Cap Juluca Resort on Maunday’s Bay!