There has been much speculation surrounding the future of Caneel Bay Resort, a luxurious property located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The resort has been closed since Hurricane Irma devastated the island in September 2017, leaving many wondering if it will ever reopen.
The History of Caneel Bay Resort
Caneel Bay Resort was first opened in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller, who fell in love with the stunning natural beauty of St. John during a visit to the island. He purchased a large portion of the island and set about creating a luxurious resort that would blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Over the years, Caneel Bay Resort became known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical gardens, and world-class amenities. Guests could choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from beachfront cottages to hillside villas with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
The Impact of Hurricane Irma
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall on St. John as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane caused widespread damage across the island, including at Caneel Bay Resort.
The resort sustained significant damage to its buildings and infrastructure, including its power plant and water treatment facilities. In addition, many of the resort’s trees and other vegetation were destroyed or severely damaged.
Since then, Caneel Bay Resort has remained closed while its owners assess the extent of the damage and consider their options for rebuilding.
- Rebuilding Efforts
In the months following Hurricane Irma, there were reports that Caneel Bay Resort’s owners planned to rebuild and reopen the property as soon as possible. However, progress has been slow due to a number of factors.
One major obstacle is determining who is responsible for repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure on the property. Because Caneel Bay Resort is located within the boundaries of Virgin Islands National Park, there are complex legal and environmental issues that must be addressed before any rebuilding can take place.
In addition, there have been concerns about the impact that reopening the resort could have on the delicate ecosystem of St. John. Some local residents and environmental groups have called for a more sustainable approach to rebuilding that takes into account the island’s fragile ecosystem and limited resources.
The Future of Caneel Bay Resort
As of now, it is unclear when or if Caneel Bay Resort will ever reopen. While there have been some indications that the owners are committed to rebuilding, progress has been slow and there are many obstacles that must be overcome.
In the meantime, St. John remains a popular destination for tourists looking to experience its natural beauty and laid-back Caribbean vibe. There are plenty of other resorts and vacation rentals on the island to choose from, making it possible to enjoy all that St. John has to offer even without Caneel Bay Resort.
Conclusion
Caneel Bay Resort was once a jewel in the crown of St. John’s tourism industry, offering guests an unparalleled experience of luxury and natural beauty. However, Hurricane Irma dealt a severe blow to both the resort and the island as a whole.
While efforts are underway to rebuild Caneel Bay Resort, it remains unclear when or if it will ever reopen its doors to guests. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy all that St. John has to offer through other accommodations on the island.