By Alexander Britell

It’s back.

One of the Caribbean’s most beloved hotels has reopened its doors on the island of St Thomas: the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.

In a huge step forward for the tourism industry in St Thomas, the beach resort officially began welcoming guests again this weekend.

The property had been closed in the wake of Hurricane Irma, and its reopening is a big statement for the United States Virgin Islands’ tourism recovery.

It’s another major property to debut, following in the foosteps, most notably, of the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove.

“It’s been a long time coming and we couldn’t be happier,” the resort wrote in a statement to guests on Facebook. “We still have work to do but we’re ready to see your beautiful faces again.”

The legendary family-owned property is a full-fledged St Thomas institution, from its famous Iggies Beach Bar to its weekly Snorkel Booze Hunt, which lets guests grab snorkel gear and search for bottles of rum hidden under the sea.

Check out CJ’s feature on the property in 2017 above.

It’s also the top all-inclusive option in the US Virgin Islands, with a program that includes everything from dining a la carte to premium spirits.

Yes, there’s even prime rib on the all-inclusive plan. (And it’s delicious)

It’s another important milestone for the tourism industry in the destination, which has seen recoveries across the islands, from the renaissance of Frederiksted (and its new hotel, The Fred), to the quick rebound of Christiansted and its booming restaurant scene.

St John, too, has seen a number of properties reopen including the Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel and Gallows Point, among others.

That’s been accompanied by what has been a surge in new airlift, highlighted by a big expansion to the territory by Spirit.

For more information, visit the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.

— CJ