The iconic Sundial Resort in Sanibel is back and better than ever, 28 months after renovations and expansions began.
Jim Hudgens, Sundial Sales Manager, said it's been a total rebuild ever since Hurricane Ian.
"It feels like Christmas," Hudgens said. "It really does. It's like opening Christmas presents. We took a 17-foot-high surge of water, so what that means is on the second floor, averaged about 4 feet of water. We lost everything on the first floor."
Residents who felt the impacts, like Jean DiBous, know how special it is that the place is back open.
"We were all impacted and greatly," DiBous said. "I saw this place at its worst point. The comeback that the Sundial has made is just unbelievable. The effort that has been put into this. I don't think anybody could really appreciate it unless they saw it at its worst point."
DiBous enjoyed the reopened Shima Japanese Steakhouse Sunday afternoon with his son-in-law, Chris Clifford.
"It's wonderful," Clifford said. "I get to come see my in-laws in this beautiful island that we love. Wonderful food, good company, and the island looks much better."
As the resort continues reopening restaurants, like the Tiki Hut, Hudgens said the main focus is getting their 216 rooms back open, with only 74 open right now.
"We believe around this time next year, so another full year before 100% of the rooms and the buildings are back," Hudgens said.
Right now Sundial is offering day passes for people to visit the resort, while the resort works to get to full capacity.
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.