Month: September 2017

If you have booked a luxurious villa in St. Martin (or the Dutch side of the island, called St. Maarten), it is likely that you already know about the amazing food you can expect to savor during your stay. After all, the island is rather small in overall size, but home to more than 400 restaurants! This is no surprise when you stop to consider the enormous range of peoples who have settled here; numbering around 70 different nationalities.

With the combination of both French and Dutch influences, as well as those of Africa, North America and other regions, the unique cuisine of the island is extraordinarily diverse. The abundance of certain key ingredients, such as seafood and island produce, also makes for some unique local specialties.

As a traveler to the island, you may already know about the dining delights of Grand Case (on the French side), and how it is home to some of the very finest gourmet restaurants in the entire Caribbean. Yet, it is also home to some of the most popular “lolos“.

And just what is a lolo? No one has been able to definitively identify just how these small, open air food stalls got their name. However, many point to a French term for the word “lot”, and historians say that the earliest lolos were really just places where rations were stored on plantations. Over time, the lolo transitioned from storage space to social center and popular eatery.

Today, lolos are found in many of the major towns of St. Martin, and each is a unique spot serving Creole and local favorites in a lovely, open-air setting. They are, in fact, such great resources for the traveling “foodie” that the famous Anthony Bourdain headed to St. Martin to visit a lolo.

What to Eat

Anyone familiar with lolos will tell you that you always smell them before you actually see them because of their enormous grills and delicious foods always being prepared. Yet, as a traveler, you may not know exactly what to enjoy when visiting a lolo. Unfortunately, there is no single, one size fits all answer because lolos are just like typical restaurants in that they serve different dishes or specialize in a few particular favorites.

You can expect any meal at a lolo to feature fish, meat, plantains, and starchy side dishes. Depending upon where you dine, though, your meat might be a delicious stewed curry chicken or goat, or it could be grilled fresh fish. Many spots are serving up grilled lobster and ribs, and almost all have their own variations of jonnycake that cannot be missed. Remember, too that saltfish cakes (accras) are a delicious island specialty. And keep in mind that portions are never, ever, small.

Choosing Your Lolo

Almost all of the top lolos in St. Martin are on the beaches or with street side settings. They are very casual and ideal for days spent along the sands or when out shopping and exploring. While there are six major lolos in Grand Case (and all right in a row), don’t just stick to the most commonly known destinations. For example, in Marigot, you will find the (now) famous Rosemary’s. This is where Bourdain visited and where the restaurant’s namesake owner presides over the eatery every day. Most visitors get quite an experience of Rosemary’s wonderful personality, but most also marvel at the food.

There is also Jonny B Under the Tree in Simpson Bay, Rosie’s Snack Bar in Mullet Bay, and Chez Coco also in Marigot. There is also Scooby’s in Grand Case, Sky’s the Limit, and the ever popular Chez Leandra in Orient Bay.

Whether you are an avid and deeply dedicated birdwatcher or simply an enthusiastic fan of birds in general, a visit to Costa Rica requires you to spend a bit of time exploring the many options for bird watching. After all, Costa Rica is one of the most bio diverse places on the planet and home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity – including a simply astonishing number of birds that live there full time or pass through during migration.

In this article, we are going to explore a list of the best places to encounter Costa Rica’s many feathered inhabitants, including some of the rarest in the world.

The Sure Thing

If you are eager to see the birds native to Costa Rica and yet you don’t have days on end to spend in bird blinds, the Sarapiqui Eco Observatory in San Gerardo de Dota is the best place to visit. It is an American owned entity that has been recently opened to the public. It spreads out over roughly ten acres and is home to more than 200 different bird species. The team that designed it ensure that visitors get great views of many different birds thanks to the special feeding stations designed to attract them. This is also a photographer’s favorite destination, too.

Two Birds

If you are a fan of gardens and also enjoy bird watching or vice versa, then the Wilson Botanical Gardens is an excellent choice. It is home to some of the rarest birds in Costa Rica, and specialty feeders here also ensure that you catch glimpses of such rarities as brown-billed scythebills, snowy-bellied hummingbirds and gray-necked wood rails among others. You also get to enjoy the lovely trails that wander throughout the gardens.

For the Dedicated

The Curi Cancha Reserve is considered prime bird watching terrain in Costa Rica. It is close to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and features more than 230 acres of pristine territory for the most dedicated bird watchers. There are not so many feeding stations here, but there are many excellent trails ideal for stalking particular varieties of birds, and it is not unusual for the stunning quetzals to be seen here.

Natural Wonder

As we just mentioned the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, we would be remiss if we did not include it on the list of spots for impressive birdwatching. However, you must keep in mind that around 90% of the reserve is untouched and cloud cover does make it tricky to find many species. However, it is home to around 400 different kinds of birds, and it is best if you head there early in the morning to see the largest number of species.

The Biggest

If you are eager for the biggest and most diverse spot to visit for your Costa Rican bird watching adventures, it would have to be the Tortuguero National Park and its 47k acres along the coast. Most birders are told that they are going to encounter species that they may never find anywhere else on the planet. You cannot hike here, but instead take boats that lead you through prime bird watching territory for species such as roseate spoonbills, grebes and more.

For the Macaw Fans

While you can often spot the majestic quetzal in Monteverde, if you are eager to see the wildly colorful macaws in their native territory, then it is to the Carara National Park you must go. A favorite among the world’s bird watchers, it is in a drier part of the country with more open areas to spot birds, including the scarlet macaws.

As you can see, Costa Rica is a paradise for bird watchers, and we hope you plan at least a day of photography or bird watching during your next visit.

The BVI or the British Virgin Islands rank as one of the most luxurious places to enjoy a holiday, and yet this collection of more than 60 stunning islands remains a bit of a travel secret. Though many famous names are associated with them, such as billionaire Sir Richard Branson (who actually owns one of the islands) and celebrities who often holiday there, they remain a low-key, peaceful and relaxed destination.

While all of that information on its own makes it a good idea to consider the BVI for your next holiday, there are quite a few more to consider. Let’s explore just a few of them:

The Ratings

It is entirely honest to say that the BVI consistently rate as a premier destination in some of the world’s leading travel publications. Most of the luxury travel writers have cited them as a must see location, and because they cannot be reached directly by air from the North American mainland or the UK, they maintain a very exclusive destination.

The Beaches

If you close your eyes and envision a picture perfect beach, it is very likely that you would find its twin somewhere in the BVI. Noted for the many white sand beaches backed by picturesque palms, it is also home to many hidden coves, private or secluded little bays and secret spots to soak up the sun, take a dip and wonder at the views.

The Baths

No, the island is not home to mineral springs, but The Baths are just as appealing. These are an astonishing collection of boulders on Virgin Gorda. Part of a national park, they are actually a reason that many travelers head to the BVI with camera in tow. They are leftover from volcanic lava deposited along the shore more than 70 million years earlier, and they are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and exploring.

The Painkillers

We do not mean that the aspirin here is more potent. No, it is the BVI’s signature cocktail that makes it an excellent destination to choose. They were invented in the 1970s and are a blend of fruit juices such as pineapple and orange along with rum and cream of coconut liqueurs. Though every restaurant or bar may create their own take on it, it is certainly an unforgettable part of any visit.

Jost Van Dyke Cay

Home to White Bay Beach, it is also the location where three of the most famous bars in all of the BVI are found. Whether you want the party scene at the bars or the natural beauty scene out on the beach, this destination is a popular and visit-worthy one.

The Eco Friendliness

Because of the location and the fact that there are so many islands (inhabited or not), the BVI are very eco-friendly and green in many ways. You’ll notice this even as you walk through the developed towns, where smog, pollution or even trash are non-existent.

The History

Really, we should say the pirate history because all of the BVI have stories of pirates attached to them. Even Robert Louis Stevenson added to this when he used Norman Island as his model for Treasure Island. Though many hidden treasures have been found in the BVI, there are still a few historical pirates’ treasures thought to be remaining. Perhaps treasure hunting is a good reason for your next visit!

The Water Sports

There is really something for everyone, whether a fan of sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling or anything else involving the water, it is possible here. The year round excellent weather, favorable winds and clear seas make it a true paradise for fans of beach activities.

We did not even mention the amazing food, the luxurious yachts, the individual islands and the many other things that make the BVI a perfect choice for your next holiday.

Any visit to Barbados is going to have to include time at one of the 60 pristine beaches. There is also the need to visit some of the best bars, restaurants, rum shops, and other destinations. However, no one has unlimited time on a holiday, and if you are planning a visit to this dreamy island, you may want some strong suggestions of what to see, and especially those “not to miss” spots in Barbados. After all, if you have booked one of the many premier villas or other luxurious properties, you want to savor plenty of time there, too. With all of that in mind, let’s look at some of those unforgettable places that will make your Barbados holiday just perfect.

Fisherman’s Pub

While we could suggest spots like the Carib Beach Bar, Surfside, Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill and Weisers on the Bay, if you want a truly authentic experience, then it has to be at the Fisherman’s Pub next to the fish market in Speightstown. Set along Queen Street, it is a boldly painted building sitting next to the idyllic and picturesque Salt Pont and its little bridge.

The pub has existed for more than 75 years and is the one place that promises authentic local food in a low key setting. The house Rum Punch is famous, the views amazing, and the food completely unforgettable. Signature dishes include their Pepperpot Beef, Cou Cou, fish soup and their vegetable sides.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Without a doubt, Barbados has lots of must see attractions that include towns like Oistins and Bridgetown, the Morgan Lewis Windmill, the Gun Hill Signal Station and Hunte’s Gardens among many others. Yet, none compare to the fantastic experience of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. It allows you to walk freely among the many plants and animals, including green monkeys, parrots and birds of all kinds, native reptiles and an extensive list of other harmless creatures. It is family friendly, and ideal for anyone eager to spend time learning about the wild things that inhabit the island.

Miami Beach

Set along the southern coast of the island, Miami (aka Enterprise) Beach is one of the least crowded and most aesthetically appealing. Bring the camera as it is a truly picturesque spot but offers great swimming and facilities. You can rent your chairs and umbrellas, sample delicious treats from local vendors (the Mr. Delicious truck is known for making the best fishcakes on Barbados), and find a huge number of seashells to take home. It is also within walking distance of Oistins village where you can stick around if it is the fish fry season.

Parliament Buildings

A good reason to visit Bridgetown early in the day, the buildings are over 350 years old and display some of the most stunning architecture throughout the region. Go early and be sure you enjoy a local favorite for an authentic island breakfast – Tim’s Restaurant sits along Broad Street just below the buildings and is noted for its delicious (but hearty) breakfast menu.

Pelican Craft Village

While you can find fantastic shopping in Bridgetown and many duty-free shops around the town, the Pelican Craft Village is a great destination. It is a truly charming, open air spot just outside of town. Brightly painted and offering plenty of peaceful spots to sit and take a break, it features only local island products, and it is noted for providing visitors with access to the finest arts and crafts on the entire island. Whether you wanted to bring home some carvings or pottery, cigars or garments, games or toys… You can find island-made treasures here.

While we are going to consider three main reasons to pay a visit to Antigua this winter, the islanders themselves would tell you that there are 365 good reasons. Before you begin thinking about the days of the year, though, that number is actually related to the beaches. Though small, Antigua is home to 365 individual beaches; offering a mixture of white or pink sands.

So, if you are eager to escape winter’s chill, you have those 365 excellent reasons to choose Antigua as your holiday destination, and yet, there are many other valid and excellent reasons to make it your preferred spot for a winter getaway.

The Luxurious Lifestyle

You may not know that Antigua is home to some of the world’s most famous celebrities, but the island is actually a major playground for both the rich and the famous. While that means you get to enjoy a lot of “star gazing” during your visits to local beaches and night spots, as well as the gourmet restaurants, it also means that all of the luxuries that such big names require will be available to you, too.

From the stunning shopping that draws many to St. John, to the access of helicopter rides and tours and the long list of fantastic gourmet eateries, the luxury lifestyle is the daily lifestyle on the island. This is precisely why even some of the most casual beach bars have a distinctly premium atmosphere, and why so many unforgettable villas are readily available.

Perhaps, this is also why Antigua is home to one of the most famous and prestigious regatta’s in the Caribbean – the Antigua Sailing Week. This takes place every year around the end of April. It is viewed by thousands and hosts more than 100 boats. At the end of the week-long event is the exclusive and highly coveted Lord Nelson’s Ball.

The Culture and the History

If you are eager for a firsthand experience of authentic island culture, Antigua is definitely the place. A distinctly Creole influence is apparent throughout the island, but there are also many traditions inspired by the island’s African heritage. Yet, you also find influences from the days of British colonization, and all of this makes for an unforgettable visit.

After all, where can you take a seat at a fiercely competitive cricket match played out on an authentic green? The island participates in an annual, formal cricket season that runs from January through July, and you may find that sipping a drink in the shade of a pavilion and watching cricketers play a match becomes an instant, favorite memory.

Of course, the island is also noted for its dedication to preserving its history. You can see this when you visit spots like the impressive Nelson’s Dockyard and marina. While there, you can savor some of the finest island foods and specialties at the dock front restaurants. There is also Betty’s Hope, a former sugar plantation dating to the 1650s which is now fully restored and serves as a fascinating West Indian cultural heritage site. With a visitor’s center, it makes for a remarkable afternoon in the hills of Antigua.

And speaking of the hills…

The Landscape

It is easy to say that Antigua is an island of incredible diversity. Few other spots have the kinds of geological formations and wonders that this island boasts. There are the Pillars of Hercules that were naturally carved by the sea as well as the equally stunning Hell’s Gate, which is the point at which the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. You will want to hire a local guide to escort you to the sites, but even sticking to the land and beaches, you will find Antigua a place of rare natural beauty – especially when winter is dominating the landscape at home.

Friday September 15th Update

St Barts Update

After a long and excruciating wait we are happy to announce that St Barts is quickly getting back up on it’s feet. Electricity and internet communications are being restored. The airport is open, the bakery and super markets are open as well.
We received a preliminary report that the island may be ready to begin welcoming guests back by November 1, 2017. A survey of villas and island conditions is currently being done and we will provide further updates shortly. Please note that the November 1st date is subject to change pending further information regarding the pace of island recovery and an assessment on travel logistics.
Thank you for all your kind word and support. We look forward to welcoming you back to St Barts.

St Martin Update

The majority of our villas on St Martin have now established March 31, 2018 as a tentative date to be able to welcome guests back with the same level of experience they have enjoyed before.

If you have a pending reservation prior to March 31, 2018, you should have received an email notice regarding cancellation with full refund. We will be delighted to assist you with relocating to new destinations.

 

Wednesday September 13th Update

St Martin Update

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this incredibly difficult period. St Martin is beginning to slowly recover but electricity and communications systems are still challenged. The pace of recovery will accelerate once the services have been restored.

We have received preliminary updates from the property managers on St Martin and at this time, all reservations for stays up to December 15th have been cancelled and full refunds will be provided.  A further assessment on the recovery and a survey of villas will be performed in the next few weeks and we will update guests that have pending reservations beyond December 15, 2017.

Please note that the refunds will likely be delayed until the property management companies and banking services on the island resume operations.  Deposits and payments are held in escrow accounts by the property managers and we will need to await the release of funds back to our company in order to issue refunds.  We do not have a timeline on when this process will occur but we will keep you updated as best we can.

For guests that wish to travel to another destination and desire to be relocated, we will be delighted to assist you in this process. Our recommended destination options are:

Antigua
Barbados
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Costa Rica
Jamaica
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Mustique
Nevis
Punta Mita, Mexico
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
St Lucia

For our guests that desire to be relocated to another villa but may be impacted by the delay in refund, Isle Blue has arranged a special credit facility and arrangements with partners.  Your expected refund will be applied as a credit towards a new villa reservation.  To find alternative villas, simply reply back to this email.  Due to the expected volume, we have expanded our specialist team and we will be operating 7 days a week until we have properly addressed all the relocation needs of our guests.  Our villa experts are now available to provide suggested options that are comparable to your current reservation.

Lastly, we thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. Your messages of support and show of compassion have been extraordinary.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Turks and Caicos

Beach Enclave Villas are reopening in mid November. Grace Bay Club will re-open on September 30th.  The island experienced flooding and strong winds. Initial reports are that villas on the North Side (along Grace Bay beach) fared well. We do not have an assessment on accommodations along the south shore that experienced storm surges.

St Barts

General services are slowly returning. Communications and electricity is still limited to Gustavia and St Jean. Supermarche has reopened. The port and airport have re-opened. We hope to provide more comprehensive updates once communication channels have improved.

 

Monday 3PM Update

After an exceptionally challenging few days compounded by hurricane Jose, rays of hope and promise begin to shine as the calvary arrives and a sustained recovery takes hold. While there are many challenges that remain, the green shoots of recovery is a welcome relief.

Here is a status update on affected islands:

St Martin

Main roads have been cleared allowing for traffic to pass.  Phone lines are slowly being restored for cellular operations,  Land lines have been reinstalled in Marigot. Electricity and water are available only in Marigot.
The French and Dutch Governments have mobilized and have made historic commitments to the island boding a bright economic promise for the island. The security situation has stabilized and a curfew is in effect.
For our guests with pending St Martin reservations, we should have an update by Wednesday as we await communications by our partners. However, we have initiated contingency planning for our guests with reservations within 60 days due to the high unlikelihood that the island will be suitable for a vacation visit.   The options that are currently available are relocation to any of the 35 destinations we offer and rescheduling your visit. We are awaiting an update regarding cancellations and refunds.  At this time, each of the guests traveling within the next 60 days should have received an email from our office. If you have not received an email please contact us immediately.

For this guests traveling 60 days or further, we will be contacting you within the next week to provide an update and options

St Barts

The recovery of St Barts shows great promise. The streets have been cleared of debris. The super marche has re-opened. The port has re-opend for food delivery. The government has created wi-fi spots at several locations on the island. There was an impromptu street party the other day with local band.  The town hall will re-open tomorrow and government services are resuming. Initial reports are that hillside villas did relatively well due to nature of their construction but please note it is very early to make any determinations. We hope to have a clearer picture within the next week.

We have begun contingency planning for guests traveling within 60 days. An email communication has been sent but please contact us immediately if you have not received a contingency planning email from us.

 

Thank you again for all the kind messages of support.  Our guests are the best in the world. It’s an absolute privilege and honor for us to be entrusted with your confidence and support.  We are fully committed to mitigating any adverse effects as soon as possible to our guests.

Saturday 9AM Update

The situation on St Martin, St Barts and BVIs remains severe. Turks and Caicos was directly impacted as well and we are awaiting word from the island.  Unfortunately, the islands of St Martin and St Barts will be impacted in the next 24 hours by rapidly strengthening Hurricane Jose, an especially cruel event following one of the most treacherous storms in history. Our hearts are devastated for those in such callous and forlorn situations.

On St Martin, electricity remains out as the main power plant was damaged. Expectations are that electricity will not be restored in the near term.  Gas is currently being rationed for generators.  The military has re-opened Grand Case for military, med evacuation and relief flights.  Women and children are being evacuated.  Princess Juliana suffered an electrical fire to the control tower.

On St Barts, the island was effectively cut off after the storm. Helicopters were the only means of access.  As of this morning, electricity and communications systems are slowly being restored. Availability of these services is severely limited. The airport has re-opened for relief flights. No ferry service is available at this time.

For our guests traveling to these impacted areas in the next 60 days, we have begun contingency planning until we receive communications from our island partners that will enable us to provide affirmable actions. Given the gravity of the situation, restoration of communications with the island partners will be delayed beyond our previous expectations.  Please note we are working as hard as we can to mitigate any affects of this storm on our upcoming guests.   Once we have contact and assessment of the situation, each guest will be provided an update of the situation and provided with options and guidance.

At this time, we recommend contingency planning for our guests traveling in the next 60 days.  We are reaching out to each potentially affected guest to initiate planning over this weekend.  We are here to support you and minimize the adversity of the situation.

Lastly, we wish to thank you for all your support and show of concern. Your messages of compassion have been tremendous and endearing. We continue to hope and pray for those on these devastated islands that recovery takes hold.

 

Wednesday 4:15 PM Update

Phone and Cellular Communications have been cut off since earlier in the day

Internet service is disrupted

Marigot experienced a storm surge with flooding

Toppled trees and metal roofs are downed

The roof of St Maarten airport has been breached with the metal coverings crumpled

Brief note: Photos and videos of damage to St Martin and St Barts are beginning to be posted. While these images are devastating, do not underestimate the islands ability to rebound very quickly. For instance, St Martin was surprised with a sudden category 2 hurricane recently and was back in full operation within a week or so.  Hurricanes are part of the DNA of the islands. The people are resilient and hardworking. We fully expect these islands to rebound quickly and stronger than ever, as they always do. For now, our thoughts and prayers are on the welfare of the people with our greatest hope and blessing that no souls have been lost.

Wednesday 8:36 AM Update

Flooding in Marigot- St Martin

Significant flooding in Gustavia-St Barts

Damage to Fleming Hospital Roof on St Martin

Resident Videos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/RCIGUADELOUPE971/

 

Wednesday 7:40AM Update

Facebook Live video posted by SXM Mole shows Simpson Bay in the eye of the hurricane. A 19 minute walkthrough Simpson Bay during the short reprieve displays damage to boats in Simpson lagoon, downed trees, damaged cars, a breached roof and considerable debris.  SXM Mole has a live stream going on now of the island’s exit out of the eye with winds rapidly increasing with flying debris.

Wednesday 6:30 AM Updates from St Martin/St Maarten (please note these are unconfirmed reports)

Flooding in Nettle Bay with up to 1m of water on the oceanside developments

Electricity has been cut but internet and phone connections are still operating in certain areas

Phillipsburg is currently in the eye of the storm. Damaging winds expected shortly with exit of the eye wall.

The antenna on Pic Paradis is reportedly downed

Tuesday 2PM Updates from St Martin/St Maarten:

Water service and electricity on the French side will be cut off as of Tuesday afternoon.

Princess Juliana airport is closed effectively at 2PM on Tuesday. American Airlines has cancelled flights to St Maarten and St Kitts for Wednesday Sept 6th and Sept 7th

Evacuations have been ordered for Grand Case and French Cul de Sac

The French Marines (approximately 400) have arrived on Monday night for preparations and assistance for the hurricane. 100 Dutch marines have arrived

Tuesday 10AM

Off the heals of Hurricane Harvey that devastated the southern gulf coast of Texas arrives one of the most powerful and dangerous hurricanes in history. Hurricane Irma threatens the Leeward Islands 22 years to the date of hurricane Luis that devastated the area with winds of 135 mph as a category 3 hurricane.

As of 2PM eastern on Tuesday Sept 5th, hurricane Irma is forecast to directly hit St Martin with the actual center point of the storm passing through Orient Beach and Grand Case.  Sustained winds of 185 mph with gusts up to 215 mph are expected in the next 24 hours.

The forecasted path of Irma will impact the leeward islands of St Martin, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts, Nevis and Antigua with Anguilla, St Martin and St Barts being the closest to the center of the actually center.

Once Irma passes the Leewards, the hurricane will impact the BVIs, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Turks and Caicos before taking aim to the southern aspect of Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico.

No words or emotions can properly convey the concern and hope for the residents in the path of hurricane Irma. Our employees, friends and partners who we consider part of our family will be in harm’s way in a circumstance that is unimaginable by any stretch of the imagination.  We pray and hope for their safe passage through Irma.

We will post information as we gather updates. We expect communications from the island will be cut off for the next few days as services will be cut in anticipation of the storm with a likely delay in restoring services.

If there is one silver lining, the leeward islands learned a tremendous lesson with hurricane Luis 22 years ago. Following the devastation, the islands of St Martin and St Barts have enacted legislation and reforms that have made these islands resilient to hurricanes. Building codes and infrastructure were created to withstand category 3 hurricane conditions. The early deployment of French troops prior to hurricanes provides an exceptional resource and level of coordination to hasten recovery and rebuild.  These islands bounce back quickly and we expect the same going forward despite entering into unchartered territory.

For our guests with upcoming stays at affected islands, your personal concierge will be reaching out to you in the next few days.  Once we make an assessment on the island conditions and the need for clean up, we will provide recommendations and advice for the best course of action. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns. Our office remains open throughout the storm and we are here to assist you.

We will post information as we gather updates. We expect communications from the island will be cut off for the next few days as services will be cut in anticipation of the storm with a likely delay in restoring services.

 

Recommended sites to follow the storm:

RadioTransat (St Barts Radio)

Island 92 (St Maarten Radio)

Stormpulse

National Hurricane Center