Hurricane Beryl, the earliest category-five Atlantic hurricane in the past century, has weakened as it passes over the Yucatan Peninsula after affecting Tulum and Cancun. The Eastern Caribbean is recovering after some of the smaller islands suffered extensive damage.
Hurricane Beryl Emergency Relief for Union Island
Hurricane Beryl swept through the Grenadines this week, hitting Union Island with significant force. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, leaving most residents homeless, including many staff members of Palm Island Resort & Spa. Palm Island has initiated a relief effort, dispatching essential supplies to those affected. With Palm Island managing the proceeds, a GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds. All donations will directly support the staff and their families on Union Island.
Palm Island’s owners have already committed over $100,000 in emergency supplies and will match GoFundMe donations up to a further $100,000.
Sandals & Beaches Resorts Post-Beryl
Sandals and Beaches Resorts reported that guests and team members are safe following the hurricane’s impact on Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. Most resorts remain open, with guests already enjoying amenities as the properties work to return to normal. Some areas in Jamaica experienced power and WiFi outages, but backup generators ensured guest comfort. The main tasks involve addressing tree damage, restoring outdoor furniture, and resuming full operations.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing guests and incredible travel advisors for their many contributions during the past few days. Their understanding and collaboration has been invaluable as we implemented various changes at each resort to prepare and ensure everyone’s safety. Their kind words and compassion expressed to our team members during and after the storm’s passing, meant the world to us.
“Our team members deserve immense praise and thanks as well for their commitment, focus, and hard work that went into ensuring everyone at our resorts remained safe, comfortable and that our properties were able to withstand this significant storm.”
The group has also set up a Disaster Relief initiative through their Sandals Foundation, with 100 percent of every dollar going directly to the organization’s Caribbean Emergency Response Efforts.
For more information, visit sandalsfoundation.org.
Jamaica ‘Open for Business’
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Nicola Madden-Greig praised local and regional partnerships for their preparedness. Jamaica has returned to regular operations. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios are open, while Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will reopen on July 5 after minor repairs.
Madden-Greig noted that Hurricane Beryl injured no guests, and most hotels and the tourism industry emerged unscathed. However, the south coast, including Treasure Beach and St. Elizabeth, saw impacts on local communities and independent hotels. The CHTA is including these areas in disaster relief efforts.
The Cayman Islands reported no major impact on the tourism sector. Madden-Greig emphasized the industry’s resolve to get back on track and support needy communities.
Individuals, businesses and organizations that want to contribute to regional hurricane relief efforts may do so at www.chtaef.com.
Beryl Makes Landfall in Mexico
Statement from World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection: We are grateful to confirm that Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection resorts in the Mexican Caribbean remain fully operational with no damage to the following properties after this week’s impact from Hurricane Beryl. The statement goes on to name the 29 properties, including Breathless, Dreams, Hyatt, Impression, Secrets and Sunscape brands.
In addition, both Cancun and Cozumel International Airports were operational, with Tulum International Airport expected to reopen on Sunday, July 7.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Tulum, Mexico, early Friday as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110 mph, quickly decreasing to 100 mph. The storm caused significant disruptions, including power outages affecting 40 percent of Tulum. The storm’s winds and rain led to evacuations of some coastal communities and relocation of sea turtle eggs from threatened beaches.
The National Hurricane Center reported dangerous hurricane-force winds, a storm surge of four to six feet, damaging waves, and rainfall estimates ranging from four to six inches, with some areas seeing up to 10 inches. As Beryl moved inland, it weakened but was expected to reintensify upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, heading towards northeastern Mexico and southern Texas by the weekend.
Mexican authorities evacuated tourists and residents from low-lying areas around the Yucatan Peninsula. In Tulum, local officials evacuated beachside hotels and set up shelters. Military personnel urged tourists to leave the beaches for safer areas. Despite Beryl’s impact, no deaths or injuries were reported on Friday morning. Authorities continued to advise staying indoors until the hurricane passed.
Beryl is expected to bring significant rainfall to northeastern Mexico and South Texas, with potential heavy flooding and further disruptions. Texas has initiated emergency measures, including sandbag distribution and heightened emergency readiness.
Update: Spice Island Beach Resort
Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort has resumed full operations after Hurricane Beryl impacted Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The luxury all-inclusive resort on Grand Anse Beach was spared significant damage and quickly returned to business.
“We are extremely grateful to be able to report that there was minimal impact to the property, and all of our guests weathered the storm with us safely,” said Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director, in a press statement. Hopkin praised her team’s dedication to maintaining guest safety and restoring the resort swiftly. Maurice Bishop International Airport has also reopened, with major airlines resuming service.
For more information, visit spiceislandbeachresort.com.
This article will be updated as we receive new information.
