What Happened to the Sonesta Great Bay Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

The Sonesta Great Bay Resort was once a popular vacation spot in St. Maarten. It was known for its beautiful location, luxurious amenities, and excellent customer service. However, in recent years, the resort has undergone some significant changes that have left many people wondering what happened.

Background

The Sonesta Great Bay Resort opened its doors in 2007. It was a five-star all-inclusive resort that catered to families, couples, and solo travelers.

The resort had 257 rooms, six restaurants, four bars, and a spa. Guests could enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.

The Decline

In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck St. Maarten and caused significant damage to the island’s infrastructure. The Sonesta Great Bay Resort was one of the many businesses affected by the hurricane. The resort suffered extensive damage to its buildings and facilities.

After the hurricane, the resort closed for renovations. It was expected to reopen in early 2019. However, the reopening date was pushed back multiple times due to various reasons such as construction delays and financial issues.

The Takeover

In late 2019, news broke that the resort had been taken over by a new management company called Alegria Hotels. Alegria Hotels promised to restore the resort to its former glory and offer guests an even better experience than before.

The Reopening

In February 2020, after more than two years of closures and delays, the Sonesta Great Bay Resort finally reopened under its new management. The renovated resort featured updated rooms and facilities such as a new spa and fitness center.

However, just weeks after its reopening, the COVID-19 pandemic hit St. Maarten which led to travel restrictions and a significant drop in tourism.

The Future

As of now, the Sonesta Great Bay Resort remains open, but it’s unclear what the future holds. The pandemic has severely impacted the travel industry, and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

Conclusion

The Sonesta Great Bay Resort was once a gem in St. Maarten’s tourism industry, but it has faced many challenges in recent years. From the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma to the pandemic’s impact on travel, the resort has had a rough go of it lately. However, with its new management and updated facilities, there is hope that the resort can once again become a top destination for travelers looking for a luxurious getaway in St.