Bel Air Plantation, Grenada
473-444-6305
www.belairplantation.com

When Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada last September, 39 people died and 90 percent of the island’s homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Recovery efforts will take months, even years for some heavily impacted areas, but tourism officials say they expect to have some visitor accommodations up and running in time for the 2004-2005 winter season.

Bel Air Plantation, an idyllic 18-acre retreat nestled on a hillside overlooking the southeastern coast, was one of the lucky few that weathered the storm with no significant damage. While high winds stripped much of the lush vegetation that once covered park-like the grounds, the resort’s restaurant and all 11 Caribbean-style villas and cottages came through entirely intact. Water, power and telephone service were restored at the Bel Air within two weeks, and fresh vegetation has already begun to cover the scars left from the storm.

If you're looking for tropical privacy and can deal with an island in the midst of reconstruction, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t book a stay this winter at the Bel Air Plantation or one of other Grenada resorts that have rebounded from the disaster. With an economy largely dependent on tourism, islanders will embrace the opportunity to make this year’s guests feel particularly welcome, and you can expect some attractive discounts designed to lure visitors back to the island.

For the latest updates on the island’s recovery efforts, including reports on the status of specific resorts, visit www.grenadaemergency.com. For general information about Grenada and a listing of special deals and packages, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com.