Samoa's Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, which was hit by the September tsunami that killed more than 170 people in the Samoan and Tongan islands, will reopen April 1.
The resort, whose owner Tui Annandale drowned trying to rescue children in the village of Poutasi, said 22 rooms of the resort are still operational, and it is working to restore the rest of the 33-acre property.
Plans have been completed for a larger water sports facility, and the resort is developing plans for an expanded Ava I Toga Restaurant and marina complex, plus a pier and a new spa. Construction of eight beachside bungalows, or fales, and two ocean view fales, is also underway.
Once the main services are up and running, plans are being made for a soft opening in mid-January for overseas clientele, a staggered process that will lead to the actual reopening date of April 1, the resort said in a statement.
For bookings held at Sinalei between now and March 31, clients are being relocated or given the option to travel to Sinalei at a later date.