The top question of the season as we head into warm weather travel planning- Is the Caribbean Open? A resounding absolutely yes!

Like a Phoenix, the Caribbean will rise. That was the theme at the Virtuoso Travel Week event this August and has we head into the end of the year has only risen stronger. The Caribbean’s recovery from the destructive one-two punch of hurricanes Maria and Irma last year is well underway and with many enhancements that new construction brings. At the event participants shared not only business updates but stories of relief efforts (Royal Caribbean International, for instance, sent ships to Puerto Rico to donate supplies, transport stranded travelers and residents in medical need, and even rescues 150 dogs!)

In our luxury market, I am seeing that hotels and resorts are quickly becoming fully booked for the high season with limited discounting of rates. However, their are some amazing promotions of additional free nights and resort credits to encourage guests to stay longer. For travelers wanting to aid in the area’s recovery, The Best Help is To Come Visit- but book now while there is still space left for the winter getaways.

Here is an update of a few of the islands comeback and what to expect.

ANGUILLA- Most of the island has fully recovered. Currently, 90-95 percent of the shops and restaurants are open. Belmond has just opened this month. Four Seasons is fully up and running. CuisinArt has just opened with updated design and new golf, spa and dining venues. Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection is set to open Dec 15. That would make the island at 100% by high season.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS- BVI was hit with incredible floods but it is about 90% up and running in its attractions. Little Dix, Bitter End and Peter Island will not be open this season but other surrounding resorts such as Cooper Island, Oil Nut Bay, Necker Island, Guana Island, Anegada Beach Club and Scrub Island are up and running and bringing travelers back to the area. And not to forget yacht charters are a great way to island hop! Rhodni Skelton, BVI’s deputy director of tourism stated in an interview with TravelAgent, “ There is a certain type of energy-it’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes. This is the time to to come to the Caribbean.”

PUERTO RICO- Hit by both hurricanes, Puerto Rico struggled to restore basics. However there was a sense of community that has supported each other to bring their country back to life. Dorado Beach, A Ritz Carlton Reserve and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort are both open for business. St. Regis went through a $60M reno! Confidence is strong in Puerto Rico’s tourism sector.

ST. BARTH’S- Currently 70 percent of the villas are open, Shops and restaurants are open and the beach and vegetation have been miraculously restored. Le Toiny and Le Barthelemy are open. Le Sereno, Cheval Blanc and Eden Rock will be open by year end just in time to enjoy a the holiday season.

USVI- Currently, more than 50 percent of accommodations are open and accepting guests, while the remaining continue to repair and rebuild. Please give us a call to see if there is availability for your needs.

VAST CARIBBEAN- Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and St. Lucia are up and running! And my personal favs- Grenada with the opening of Silversand and the stunning villas of Mustique!

Send us a note to see where we can help you find the best warm weather getaway for you!