Rising from the Storm: How Three Montego Bay Resorts Recovered from Hurricane Beryl

When Hurricane Beryl struck Montego Bay on July 3, it put the resilience of three major resorts to the test. Despite the damage, within 72 hours, the properties were back up and running, demonstrating the strength of the Jamaican hospitality sector and its dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences.

For Adrian Whitehd, the general manager of Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall, the hurricane was a true trial by fire, as it marked his 16th hurricane in the Caribbean but his first only nine weeks into his new role. Remarkably, within three days, the resort was fully operational. “It’s like a phoenix, when things go down, you get bigger and better every time,” he reflected. With a few remaining repairs like the wedding gazebo still underway, Whitehead focused on keeping guests calm and informed, ensuring their comfort throughout the storm’s passage.

Shawn Moses, general manager of Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, shared how their swift recovery mirrored that of the entire island. Moses praised the clear and timely communications from Jamaica’s Prime Minister, who kept the nation updated via social media and news outlets. By the next morning, it was “like it never happened,” as the resort returned to normal operations with only minor disruptions, allowing guests to continue enjoying their stay.

At Secrets Wild Orchid, Secrets St. James, and Breathless Montego Bay, Kaylia Harrison, director of sales, took swift action by moving guests from Breathless to Secrets for added security. Despite brief power outages, the resort’s generators ensured guests were safe and comfortable, with minimal impact on their vacations. Harrison emphasized the smooth recovery process, stating that by the time guests awoke the next morning, most operations had already resumed.

This collective response highlights the resilient spirit of Jamaica’s tourism industry. Local entities like the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre played a crucial role in disseminating information to tour operators, ensuring that everyone involved in the recovery was well-informed and coordinated. As Angella Bennett, Regional Director Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board, pointed out, despite initial hesitations from tourists, bookings soon rebounded. Now, with winter approaching, strong tourism numbers are expected.