I remember when Irma hit. my husband said "ooo it's gonna be years before we can go back" I looked at him and shook my head...I went to St Martin January after Irma hit, on a cruise. It was in pretty bad shape,but, we took a cab to Orient. I swam in the glorious water. Came back home, and, as soon as the flights became available, I booked 2 tickets for June . Sure,the island was not the same..but the people, our friends, the beaches, the water was outstanding. And yes, the French side was a lot worse than the Dutch, but our resort at Simpson bay villas, was exactly the same way we left it in June b4 Irma.. We have been going every year since 1985. We cannot wait to return. I know I will. I hope to go back later this year, and sooner is better than later.