by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:07 PM ET, Wed May 30, 2018
Two more Caribbean properties battered by Hurricane Irma are preparing to return to business.
The all-inclusive adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, both of which are in St. Maarten, have announced projected opening dates for the end of this year and early next year.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is anticipating opening by November 15 and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is expected to be operating again by February 1.
Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts said in a recently issued statement that both of the resorts' signature limitless, all-inclusive concepts will remain the same when the properties reopen, as will favorite services and amenities. However, both properties will also have a number of new features to debut.
At Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, the property's Sky Tower suffered the most damage during Irma and the post-hurricane renovations have involved stripping the building down to its main structural frame.
The building is being entirely overhauled as part of the reconstruction, including a comprehensive architectural and interior redesign. Upgrades will include adding a storm-resistant building envelope that is able to withstand sustained winds in excess of 200 miles per hour. (Winds during Irma reached about 165 miles per hour.)
Working with TCK and LVKE, a China-based, green technology consortium, the building's thermal insulation and energy efficiency will also be significantly enhanced as part of an effort to reduce the resort's carbon footprint and improve fire resistance.
In addition, Groupe Nox Engineering and Studio Trebbi Engineering completely redesigned the resort's mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
The aesthetics of the Maho Beach Research will also be updated, providing a new look that is contemporary, clean and airy throughout public spaces, restaurants, and guestrooms.
The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort sustained somewhat less damage during Irma. The property's structure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems all remained in good condition, as the property underwent a renovation in 2015.
Repairs and improvements will include increasing the storm resistance of the building's exterior envelope. The Ocean Point lobby meanwhile will be entirely redesigned to have a new, contemporary style.
Casa Blue, a new Spanish-style tapas restaurant, will debut on the rooftop terrace above the resort's Azul restaurant.
The Convention Center at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, including the Royal Pavilion, is also slated to be rebuilt and redesigned. Work will be done by Design + Positif and will include updating all 24,000 square-feet of eco-friendly meeting and conference facilities.
One more bit of noteworthy renovation news. Maho Village, the shopping and nightlife promenade just steps outside the resorts, along with Casino Royale, the largest gaming emporium on St. Maarten, is also undergoing a massive transformation. It is set to re-open this summer with a modern new look.
Casino Royale will continue to offer more than 21,000 square-feet of gaming and entertainment and the biggest theater in the region. The casino is also planning to debut two new alfresco restaurants and a new outdoor bar and lounge overlooking the main street of Maho Village.
Starting June 1, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa will offer a pre-opening 45 percent discount promotion that will be available to book online at www.sonesta.com/stmaarten or by calling 1-800-SONESTA (223-0757) with promo code: PREOPENING.
Selected travel partners and agents will also have access to the promotion. For group reservations and other sales related inquiries email: [email protected].
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