TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Divi Recovery / Trip Reports

I have been here for a week and have my first week's trip report written; however, I'm experiencing some technology issues. Whether it's Divi bandwidth, a lack of understanding of the new TTOL photo process, or something else, I just can't get photos posted. Also, now that Hills are on island, I don't want to compete with them. So my trip reports, as well as photos of Divi to substantiate this post, will have to wait.

Here are my observations of Divi so far.

Divi has made amazing recovery, and work is ongoing on a constant basis. Trucks and workmen everywhere! At the time of my owner update, Buildings H1, H2, H3, A, B, and B1-4 were occupied. Building D is to be opened sometime this week. I snuck a peek at one of the renovated rooms in D; very nice.

Landscaping in the occupied areas has been replanted and looks lovely. The guest parking lot has received new pavers in a U shape for driving on (with both an entrance and exit), but the parking areas on either side of the pavers are still gravel. I’ve never understood why the rental car area is all pavers but not the guest area.

Only five TV stations are currently available: ABC (sometimes), CNN, A&E, and 2 sports channels. Wifi is spotty at best. I usually have to go out on my deck to get service. I’m spoiled as I had excellent reception in my timeshare pre-Irma.

I was told in my owner meeting that no additional hurricane assessments will occur as insurance covered the hurricane damage. Since I was hit with an assessment just before Irma, that was good news.

The only pool that is open is Seabreeze in the center of the property. That is also the only location currently serving food: breakfast, lunch, dinner; oh, and there's some food "to go" from the little deli. The room I am in this year, since my building still hasn’t been renovated, is next door to Seabreeze. Noisy and no privacy; however, it’s better than not being here!

The fitness center is operational. While someone told me it’s all new equipment, I don’t believe it as some of the machines have the same quirks I remember from last June. But it’s a very well-equipped room.

The little café has been renamed New Amsterdam and seems to be open longer hours. Shipwreck Shop is open although not as fully stocked as before. The insect repellent they now sell is Bug Off; they no longer carry mosquito milk. Too bad because Bug Off is medicinal-smelling.

The beach is pretty much restored to how I remember it from last June. Sand may not be quite as silky, but there is plenty of it. The Aqua Mania folks are good about getting umbrellas set up. I have not yet experienced a “towel outage.”

Currently there is only one party: the Manager’s party on Monday. I had another commitment last Monday but will go tomorrow. There is no live music at this time.

The timeshare sales office has relocated, temporarily I assume, next to the guest lounge. Their former office is currently a storage room for furniture.

Overall, the progress here is remarkable, especially compared to other resorts that won’t reopen for some time. Everyone is working very hard to bring it back to its former glory.

Thanks for your initial observations Linda!

Have all of the Divi staff been able to return to work full time? Dutch Marines are all gone now?

Linda--Geez, there's no such thing as competing here!! If you figure out how to post photos, please do so!!!

Thanks for the update regarding Divi. Hope you have a lovely stay. Hopefully we can get together while you are here..

I will be glad to help, just send me a PM with the equipment you have on hand, be glad to explain.

I have seen no Marines.

I don't know about "all" staff. I was told, and I don't know if this is true, that those who did not accept the buyout were not invited back. There are some familiar faces, but definitely not "everyone" is back.

Linda, Good to hear, enjoy your time. We are booked for next March for sure, maybe also in November.

Linda. Found your FB post on Jeff Bergers site with all your pictures of Divi. For people that can open it , here it is.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...10155553307701367&type=3&theater

Thank you Linda for the great up date. We plan to be there first 2 weeks of October. Been going there since 1988 and love it. (Except for 1995 when Luis did some damage. Can’t wait to get there. Thanks again.