What Happened to the W Resort in Vieques?

By Robert Palmer

When the W Resort opened on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, it was touted as an exclusive destination for luxury travelers. Situated on a pristine beach with stunning ocean views, the resort featured a spa, a golf course, and multiple dining options. But in 2017, the W Resort abruptly closed its doors, leaving many wondering what had happened.

The Closure

The closure of the W Resort came as a shock to many visitors and locals alike. The hotel had been open for less than a decade when it suddenly shut down in September of 2017.

At the time of its closure, the hotel cited damage caused by Hurricane Maria as the reason for its shutdown. The Category 5 storm hit Puerto Rico just two weeks prior to the closure and caused widespread destruction across the island.

The Aftermath

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico suffered from widespread power outages and infrastructure damage that affected all aspects of life on the island. The W Resort was not immune to these challenges and faced significant damage to its buildings and facilities. In addition to physical damage, Vieques also saw a significant decrease in tourism after Hurricane Maria due to issues with transportation and communication.

The Future

Since its closure in 2017, there have been rumors about what will happen next with the W Resort property. Some have speculated that it will be sold to another luxury hotel chain or developer who will invest in restoring it to its former glory. Others believe that it will remain dormant as developers wait for tourism numbers to rebound before making any major moves.

Conclusion

The W Resort’s closure following Hurricane Maria was a reminder of how devastating natural disasters can be for local businesses and communities. While there is no doubt that Vieques will continue to recover from this tragedy, it remains unclear what will happen next with this once-exclusive resort. For now, visitors to Vieques will have to find other accommodations to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.