Major Refresh Planned for AvGeek Hotspot Maho Beach Resort
AvGeeks held their breath as Hurricane Irma approached St. Martin last September — a webcam that once captured approaching 747s instead provided a live view of the storm's wrath, then the feed went dark. It wasn't long before we learned of the island's fate — beloved Maho Beach was all but destroyed.
While that area has largely been out of commission since Irma hit, Sonesta just announced a complete renovation of Maho Beach Resort.
The aviation geek mecca will reopen on February 1, 2019. And due to Irma's destruction, this isn't your ordinary hotel refresh. Per Sonesta:
"The resort's Sky Tower sustained the most damage and the renovation required that the building be stripped to its main structural frame that was fortunately spared by the storm. The reconstruction project will entirely overhaul the building instating a comprehensive architectural and interior redesign but most importantly, will install TCK and LVKE building technology with storm resistant building envelope that can withstand sustained winds in excess of 200mph winds (Irma had sustained winds of 165mph) and severe earthquakes."
The good news is that even if another Irma-like storm hits in the future, Maho Beach Resort should prevail — and, from the sounds of it, could theoretically serve as a shelter to tourists and locals.
It isn't yet possible to book a room at the renovated resort, though Sonesta plans to make rooms available online beginning on June 1. There will be a 45% pre-opening discount as well, meaning this could be a great opportunity to experience the AvGeek thrills of Maho Beach while also helping to restore St. Martin's tourism industry.
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