Following the harsh impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is making an impressive comeback this winter with an estimated 75% of the territory’s marine berths and 37% of land accommodation inventory reopening by the end of 2018. After losing more than 90% of its accommodations and attractions last fall, more than 1,000 rooms and 3,200 berths will be available by the end of this year, many viewing the aftermath of the storm as a chance to significantly upgrade their product.

In addition to the charter yacht and sailing industry which rebounded first last year, Tortola Pier Park has been renovated and is open for business. The BVI is expecting more than 200 port calls and 400,000 passengers in the 2018/2019 season. The islands have also regained full capacity in terms of airlift and ferry service, with some airlines expanding service between San Juan and Tortola.

“It’s been quite a year, but we are extremely pleased that so many of the British Virgin Islands’ premier resorts and hotels are now open for business,” said Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism, British Virgin Islands Tourism Board & Film Commission. “It is exciting to see that owners took advantage of this time to rebuild, enhancing and expanding their products to exceed our new and loyal visitors’ every expectation. The resilience of the community has played a vital role in recovery and we expect to see our tourism numbers bounce back in 2019 as even more accommodations relaunch.”

To date, many premier resorts throughout the territory have reopened after comprehensive restorations. This includes Anegada Beach Club which launched brand new glamping accommodations earlier this year, Guana Island which followed in August and recently reopened and expanded its organic farm with three more greenhouses, and Cooper Island Beach Club which recently reopened for the season. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line made its return in early September with Norwegian Cruise Line following in October.

Here is a detailed list of what’s open:

HOTELS & RESORTS

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina: Six spacious new villas are now available with three more to open by early December. Although partial rooms and suites opened in early October, the entire inventory of 52 guestrooms and suites will be available at the end of December.

Necker Island: On October 19, Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island reopened and the exclusive private island resort is set to continue its ‘Celebration Weeks’ through November. This special package allows visitors to book individual rooms for a total of seven nights and share the island with up to 10 other couples. The ‘Great House’ has also expanded from nine rooms to eleven and the rebuilt ‘Bali High’ complex has an extended pool and outdoor lounge. Additionally, private plunge pools have been added to each individual house.

Oil Nut Bay: Starting this December, Oil Nut Bay will offer Bay Suites, stunning new one-bedroom accommodations with nightly availability in addition to a marina village offering 93 slips allowing yachts up to 40 meters (131 feet). The resort’s helipad which facilitates air arrivals along with the new facilities, will now give guests the freedom to explore neighboring islands, embarking by boat or helicopter, with ease.

Eustatia Island: Right in time for holiday getaways, Eustatia Island will be reopened this December. The private island holds up to 16 guests and is famed for its water sports experiences, chef-prepared meals and natural wildlife.

Sugar Mill Hotel: Set to fully reopen by December 1, the Tortola-based 24 room boutique hotel recently opened a brand new beach restaurant and bar, Tramonti, at the end of their secluded beach.

Looking further into 2019, other popular properties are expected to reopen. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, a luxury resort on Virgin Gorda, is set to reopen in late 2019. Additionally, Bitter End Yacht Club will open its marina in Spring 2019 and its resort in early 2020.

CRUISES

Celebrity Edge: Celebrity Cruises, known for modern luxury cruising, is introducing a revolutionary new ship this winter that will dock at Tortola on December 19 for its inaugural voyage.

AIRLIFT & FERRIES

Taddy Bay Airport: Located in Virgin Gorda, Taddy Bay Airport reopened for business on November 2. Airlines including interCaribbean Airways have expanded service between San Juan and Tortola. Ferries from island to island are also back in full service. The Auguste George Airport located on Anegada is also open and anticipating expanded flights locally and internationally from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Through Anegada Express Ferry, visitors can now ferry between Tortola and Anegada every day of the week. Sensations Ferries and Water Taxi is a brand new ferry service that operates between Road Town, Tortola and Virgin Gorda, with chartered water taxi service throughout the territory. Lastly, New Horizon’s Ferry which provides service between West End Tortola and Great Harbor Jost Van Dyke has a brand new multi-deck, air conditioned ferry with beach ramp access.

For those looking to offer their support to the BVI, the most vital way to help — as always — is by booking a trip and patronizing our local hotels and businesses. The Tourist Board will also continue running the Seeds of Love program to replant the islands’ indigenous trees and vegetation in Tortola, Virgin Gorda and other islands.

British Virgin Islands, www.bvitourism.com