Last week, Hurricane Irma brought devastating winds, rain, and storm surges to many popular travel destinations throughout Florida and the Caribbean. With the storm currently dissipating over the continental United States, many of the Western Hemisphere’s most frequented travel locales are dealing with the destruction left in the storm’s wake. Hurricane Irma damage extends from the Leeward Islands all the way to the Florida Panhandle, leaving many timeshare owners concerned about their home resorts and any impending alterations that may come with next year’s maintenance fees.

We’ve compiled a list of popular resorts and locations that have sustained significant damage for your convenience. For concise and accurate answers about any reservations you have made at your timeshare, reach out to your resort’s customer service department. This is a developing story, and we’ll update this post as the storm clears and more information about closures and damages is obtained.

Caribbean Timeshare Resorts

The Caribbean faced the full force of the storm, with many islands suffering severe flooding and damages to infrastructure. Most destinations that were affected by Irma are still closed, with airports only open to cargo and emergency flights. The hardest hit islands included the Virgin Islands, the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and others.

Antigua and Barbuda
The island of Antigua largely dodged the bullet of Hurricane Irma, with electricity being restored to most of the island. The Village at St. James’s Club will start welcoming guests back to its property on September 14th.

Barbuda, on the other hand, sustained massive destruction, with island officials claiming up to 90% of homes destroyed by the storm. However, since the island lacks a significant hotel and resort presence, effect of the travel industry is minimal.

Bahamas
Lynden Pindling International Airport is open for business, with the Port of Nassau ready to begin accepting cruise vessels as soon as September 13th. Most resorts, including the Harborside Resort at Atlantis, are open.

Dominican Republic
Hotels and resorts around the D.R. have reported minimal damage and are all operational.

Puerto Rico
Despite loss of electricity and minor flooding, many Puerto Rican properties recovered quite quickly, with many resorts open and operational.

St. Maarten
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten were among the most devastated locales after Irma, with major damage done to several properties:

• Oyster Bay Beach Resort
• Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino
• Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa

U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas and St. John both experienced moderate damage from the storm, with widespread power outages, downed trees, and lack of running water causing problems for residents. The following resorts are all reporting minor to major damages:

• Westin St. John Resort Villas
• Bluebeard’s Castle Resort
• Sugar Bay Resort & Spa
• Windward Passage Resort

Florida Timeshare Resorts

The entire state of Florida was subjected to a harrowing few days of devastation as the hurricane passed over the state, with significant flooding as far north as Jacksonville. The state’s south and west portions were hardest hit, with areas like the Florida Keys witnessing widespread damage. Officials estimate 25% of homes in the Keys have been destroyed, with as many as 10,000 people stranded on the tiny island chain.

Because many Floridian destinations still remain closed to the public without running water, electricity, or other public services, it has been difficult for resort operations staff to get in and assess the damage. Inland destinations like Orlando fared better than their coastal counterparts, with attractions like Walt Disney World resuming normal operational hours. Timeshare owners in the following destinations should reach out to their owner services hotline or resort front desk for more information:

• Florida Keys
• Marco Island
• Sanibel Island
• Captiva Island
• Fort Myers Beach
• Miami Beach
• Fort Lauderdale

This story is still developing, and further information on resort closures and updates will be posted here. In the meantime, consider volunteering or donating to the relief efforts to help those stranded without power, food, or water. Give to organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and United Way of Miami-Dade to help those in need.