Caneel Bay Resort, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, has been a beloved vacation destination for decades. However, in September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island and the resort was forced to close its doors. Since then, many have been wondering if Caneel Bay Resort is being rebuilt.
The History of Caneel Bay Resort
Caneel Bay Resort was originally built in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller as a private retreat for his family and friends. In 1983, the resort was sold to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and underwent extensive renovations. The resort featured 166 guest rooms spread across seven beaches and 170 acres of lush tropical forest.
Hurricane Irma’s Impact
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the US Virgin Islands with a vengeance, causing widespread destruction. Caneel Bay Resort was heavily damaged by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria which followed shortly after. The resort was forced to close its doors indefinitely due to the extent of the damage.
What’s Happening Now?
Since its closure in 2017, there have been no official announcements regarding the reopening or rebuilding of Caneel Bay Resort. However, there have been rumors that negotiations between the current leaseholder and the National Park Service are ongoing.
Leasehold Dispute
One of the main reasons for the delay in rebuilding Caneel Bay Resort is a dispute between current leaseholder, CBI Acquisitions LLC, and the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS owns most of St. John Island including Caneel Bay Resort’s land which is leased to CBI Acquisitions LLC until 2023.
However, when Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, it caused significant damage to both parties’ property leading to disagreements over who was responsible for repairs and restoration. Furthermore, there have been concerns raised by the NPS regarding the environmental impact of the resort.
Future Plans
Despite the ongoing dispute, there are signs that rebuilding efforts may be underway. In February 2021, CBI Acquisitions LLC submitted a proposal to the National Park Service outlining their plans for rebuilding Caneel Bay Resort.
The proposal includes plans to rebuild the resort with 101 guest rooms, two restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. It also includes plans for a wastewater treatment plant and renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
Conclusion
While there is no official news regarding when Caneel Bay Resort will reopen, it appears that negotiations between CBI Acquisitions LLC and the National Park Service are ongoing. With a new proposal submitted in early 2021, there is hope that rebuilding efforts may commence soon. Until then, visitors to St. John Island will have to enjoy its other beautiful beaches and attractions.