Caribbean Resorts Rebuild with Hurricane Resilience
The Caribbean’s hotel industry has embraced a new era of hurricane resilience as several resorts that once lay in ruin have risen stronger and more sustainable. Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands, Mandarin Oriental in Canouan, and the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico have all completed extensive rebuilds incorporating advanced storm protection, sustainable power systems, and community-focused recovery programs.
Peter Island Resort, a private island property, reopened in December 2024 after Hurricane Irma decimated its infrastructure in September 2017. The seven-year restoration project included top-to-bottom renovations: a 10,000-square-foot spa, the new Drake’s Steakhouse beside an infinity pool on Deadman’s Beach, and upgraded beachfront villas built with EnviroShake roofing made of 95 percent sustainable materials. The owners prioritized hurricane readiness by installing wind turbines—Peter Island was the first in the BVI to do so—that now supply up to 75 percent of the island’s power. A modern water treatment plant recycles wastewater, and a new bottling facility produces safe drinking water onsite. General Manager Ed Linsley explained that, amid pandemic-related delays and limited local resources, beachfront units were prefabricated in Europe and shipped to the island. The resort also added a 3,000-square-foot conference center, a revamped marina with sports courts and a pool, and a casual waterfront restaurant called the Drunken Pelican, creating a private oasis ready to withstand future storms.
In the Grenadines, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, affecting a handful of suites, villas, and public areas. Manager Michael Shin noted that the island’s remoteness posed logistical challenges for materials and labor, prompting the resort to adopt regenerative building practices. One standout addition is the Tortoise Garden & Sanctuary, featuring a fanlike structure constructed from reclaimed wooden shingles salvaged from the resort’s former ocean spa cottages. To support community recovery, Mandarin Oriental pledged 10 percent of every guest’s stay to the Canouan Resilience Fund, which finances local infrastructure upgrades, disaster preparedness, and educational programs. Shin emphasized that rebuilding efforts were a partnership with global agencies, local authorities, and businesses aimed at strengthening the broader destination.
Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton endured catastrophic damage from Hurricane Maria in September 2017, with all 652 guestrooms and public spaces requiring extensive rebuilding. General Manager Mike Garcia led a restoration that honored the property’s historic art deco style while upgrading structural integrity. New guest room windows meet or exceed hurricane codes, and the fitness and spa complex was reconstructed with reinforced building systems and impact-resistant materials. Garcia stressed that resilience was woven into every aspect of the rebuild, ensuring guests can enjoy peace of mind regardless of weather. Modernized exteriors and HVAC systems complement the Hilton’s iconic design, safeguarding the resort against future storms.
These Caribbean rebuilds illustrate a shift toward “building back better.” By integrating hurricane-resistant construction, renewable energy sources, and community support initiatives, resorts can protect staff and guests while preserving the natural beauty that draws visitors. As climate-related storm activity intensifies, Peter Island, Mandarin Oriental Canouan, and Caribe Hilton stand as models of how luxury destinations can combine sustainability with uncompromised hospitality. Travelers returning to these properties will find not only restored amenities but also innovative features designed to withstand the next generation of extreme weather.
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