Some celebrities who go to St. Barts every winter are making other plans because of the devastating damage done by Hurricane Irma.
But, in a show of solidarity, such regulars as Jimmy Buffett, Paul McCartney, Ronald Perelman and Leonardo DiCaprio are expected at the former French colony, along with Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr.
And Johnny Hallyday, beloved in France as “the French Elvis,” will be buried there soon, having spent the past 10 winters on the island with his family.
“Most of the homeowners are coming for the holidays because they want to support the community,” one source said. “About 25 percent of the houses still need repairs, but we are expecting more yachts in the harbor.”
Several big hotels won’t be open until March, because there is a shortage of skilled construction workers and building materials have to be shipped in from the mainland.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is expected to reprise his New Year’s Eve bash — the high point on the social calendar — which has featured performances by Prince, the Black Eyed Peas, and, last year, the Killers and Paul McCartney.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurateur business partner Phil Suarez, who has been through three hurricanes now, said, “The way the island comes back is mind-boggling. It’s heartwarming to see everyone pulling together.”