SXM Blog

ESMERALDA RESORT - HURICANE IRMA UPDATE

10/10/2017 - By ROBBIN AT ST MARTIN RESERVATION CENTER

NEWS FLASH...  October 10, 2017
HURICANE IRMA UPDATE

On Sept 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma delivered a horrific punch to St Martin/St Maarten.  The north-eastern side of the island (where the strongest force winds are typically experienced in a hurricane), was severely damaged and/or destroyed.  Unfortunately, Orient Bay and Grand Case were two of the hardest hit areas of the island with battering winds of up to 185 mph. 

The accompanying surge of sea water, sand and debris went as far back as the base of the mountain in Orient Bay, effectively covering the entire village.  All the restaurants and shops along the beach were completely obliterated, including Coco’s Beach Club, Waikiki Beach Bar, Bikini Beach Bar & Kontiki Restaurant.  The residential buildings and hotels along the beach were severely damaged. 

Esmeralda Resort sustained wind damage to several of its villas however, due to its elevated position relative to the beach, it appears the storm surge did not make its way through the grounds.  Currently, Esmeralda is hosting some of the French Military who are there to help with the humanitarian effort and clean up on the French side of the island.  

At this point in time the insurance inspectors are still assessing the damage and tallying estimates of the cost to make repairs, but rest assured, we are told Esmeralda will be restored and will continue to be a favorite hideaway for its many loyal, and much appreciated guests.

The current estimated date for receiving guests at several of the hotels in Orient Bay, including Esmeralda (assuming all goes smoothly with getting permits, building materials, and laborers, etc.), is April 1, 2018, however, this date is subject to change in either direction depending on the speed of recovery. 

Please note that he resort will only start accepting guests when there are restaurants and beach chairs with service for its guests.  2018 may not see full recovery, but Orient Bay will still be a magical, relaxing place to vacation, and in fact, a visit before the crowds are back may prove to be an exceedingly enjoyable experience!

The good news is the resilient, energetic business owners and residents of SXM who rely on tourism as their sole source of income, are united in the goal of getting things back to “better than” normal ASAP!  The island has been in hyper cleaning mode (with help from Military) for weeks and every day gets better. There are about 60 restaurants open in the Cupecoy and Simpson Bay areas, and Princess Julianna is accepting limited commercial flights as of Oct 10, 2017!

We are firmly convinced that St Martin will be better than ever before!  It will be a safer, cleaner, more modern destination, but maintain its Caribbean charm and reputation as “the Friendly Island”!  Please contact us around December for a more accurate assessment for vacation possibilities in Orient Bay or other areas of the island.

ST MARTIN / ST MAARTEN NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT !!!
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR BELOVED ISLAND IS TO PLAN A VISIT ASAP !!!