Our first visit to St. Martin was the November the next year after Luis. We hadn't realized that they had a hurricane until we arrived. The trees were still basically leafless and landscape not very colorful, yet. We stayed at Maho Beach Hotel, the current Sonesta. The main build was fine, but the adjoining one, which is now the upscale all-inclusive, was still in ruins. Orient Beach wasn't very developed,yet, but they did have a few beach bars/restaurants, and it was great.
We still had a wonderful time. It was when we fell in love with the island and have returned every year since.
Development was very limited back then. It was a simpler life, and the people were charming and friendly.
Seeing the horrible looting and lack of order, currently, I am very worried about the island's future. Tourism is the island's economy. Those helping themselves to whatever they can grab should think ahead to what their lives will be like if they scare away the tourists.
I agree with the assessment of at least two years to be ready for tourists since Irma has been so much more destructive than Luis. We would love to return, too, but will just have to wait and see.