Hurricanes Impact Timeshare Resorts

The Atlantic hurricane season is generally considered to last from June 1 through November 30. So far this year, there have been sixteen total storms, six of them major. As can be expected, these hurricanes impact timeshare resorts throughout the U.S. and Caribbean.
Hurricane Image from SatelliteHurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10 after blazing a destructive path through the Carribbean, most notably Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Damage estimates exceed $62.9 billion U.S. dollars with the greater cost of 134 confirmed deaths due to this powerful storm.
On September 18, Hurricane Maria reached Dominica as a Category 5 hurricane. Maria also lashed the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico as a category 4 storm. In all, Maria resulted in 94 confirmed deaths and caused widespread damage across Dominica and Puerto Rico as well as effecting Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and the US Virgin Islands. Damages are currently estimated at $51.2 billion, although total loses are likely higher.
While this is not a complete list, here are some resorts and areas that are still reporting major damage:
Anguilla – most resorts (including the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla) are closed.
St. Maarten – most properties suffered significant damage, this includes:

  • Oyster Bay Beach Resort – currently closed
  • Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino – currently closed
  • Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa – closed until further notice

Damage from Hurricane IrmaU.S. Virgin Islands – most properties sustained damage, some of it severe including:

  • Westin St. John Resort Villas – currently closed
  • Bluebeard’s Castle Resort – closed until April 1, 2018
  • Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove Resort – currently closed (possibly reopening in December 2017)
  • The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – closed to new reservations at this time

Puerto Rico – these properties are currently closed:

  • Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
  • W Retreat & Spa in Vieques
  • Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa

In time, the additional impact of these widespread storms will be felt when assessments are made to cover storm damage that might not be covered by insurance. While rising maintenance fees are an issue felt by all timeshare owners, the reality is that many of these resorts have staff who have lost everything, including their jobs. Please visit your resort’s website to see if they are taking donations for staff members who have been affected by the storms. For additional questions or to update a current listing, contact your licensed timeshare resale agent at Premier Timeshare Resale with RE/MAX.

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