Wednesday Briefing: Caribbean Resorts Take Stock of Hurricane Matthew Damage

breezes bahamas
Breezes Resort & Spa - Bahamas remains open. // Photo by Susan Campbell

This morning in the travel industry we have the latest updates on resort reopenings and and closures following Hurricane Matthew.

In the Bahamas, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) reports that Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau will postpone is originally scheduled October 14 reopening until October 25. Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma will require more extensive repairs than initial estimates, and will close ahead of a projected December 15 reopening. 

Customers impacted by the closures at Sandals Royal Bahamian or Sandals Emerald Bay will have one year to travel to the same resort at no additional cost for the resort stay. Clients can also change to a different Sandals or Beaches resort at no additional cost for travel completed by December 20. For travel after that date, the guest will be responsible for any difference in the resort cost. Additionally, all air penalties and fees will be covered by Unique Vacations, Inc. (UVI), worldwide representatives of Sandals, for revisions made by October 31. 

Breezes Resort & Spa – Bahamas in Nassau reports that it sustained very minor damage to its storeroom and a few guest rooms, and remains open and fully operational. The resort is offering two deals to entice travelers: a Fall for Breezes Sale, available through November 15, that allows travelers to save 40 percent on their stays when booking a vacation through the end of the year, including Christmas and New Years weeks. Additionally, through October 31, guests who stay three nights receive $100 in Breezes Bucks (per room), and those staying four nights or more receive $150 in Breezes Bucks (per room).  Breezes Bucks can be used for services or merchandise at the spa, gift shop, cabana rentals, late check-out and room upgrades.

The resort is offering a Hurricane Guarantee that reimburses guests at the resort for the total value of disrupted nights in addition to a voucher for the same number of disrupted nights for use during the same month the following year (excluding airfare) if a hurricane strikes the resort. For arriving guests, if a storm disrupts travel to the resort, Breezes offers a complimentary extension for the same number of nights or the option to stay for fewer nights and receive a voucher for future travel equal to the interrupted portion. In the event that the resort recommends all guests to reschedule their visit, guests may arrive post-storm for the same number of nights or can opt to receive a voucher for future travel.

In Haiti, damage caused by the storm has led to a threat of starvation and cholera in areas along the coast. Mission of Hope Haiti is collaborating with the HaitiOne network to provide aid to affected areas. 

In the U.S., Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel, in Charleston, South Carolina, is welcoming guests again after being affected by the storm. Wild Dunes officials report that the resort was minimally impacted, and team members were able to clean up any debris left in the storm’s wake on Sunday. 

North Carolina continues to be affected by heavy flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew, ABC News reports. About one tenth of Greenville’s 90,000 people have been ordered evacuated as authorities expect the Tar River to crest above 25 feet by early Friday. Flood conditions in Fayetteville are expected to last until Friday morning, and the Neuse River in Kinston is expected to peak Saturday. 

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