Sandals expands all-inclusive Jamaica portfolio

Sandals expands all-inclusive Jamaica portfolio

Sandals Resorts is expanding its Jamaican portfolio of all-inclusive properties with the addition of two new hotels for the winter season.

Beaches Grande Sport at Ciboney, formerly Ciboney Ocho Rios, has been closed since the beginning of September and will reopen on December 15 as an active, adults-only resort.

Up to $10 million will have been spent on the 300-room property by the time it opens, particularly in the renovation of its existing spa and the addition of a range of sporting activities, such as a climbing wall and yoga. The resort, which boasts more than 90 swimming pools, will also offer Sandals exclusive concierge service, 24-hour butler service and dedicated honeymoon suites.

December will also see the reopening of Beaches Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, formerly the Plantation Inn. This small, 80-suite hotel will offer a more European flavour than many of Sandals’ typically US-style resorts, and will be aimed at the 16-plus adults-only market. A European spa is being added, as is a new restaurant.

Sandals managing director Steve Garley said: “We have had a fantastic year at Sandals, with steady growth from the UK market and are presently running 10%-15% up on last year.

“Jamaica has been a hard sell for everyone, but it is beginning to pick up and we believe that our two new resorts in Ocho Rios will be very popular in the British market.”

Adults only: Sandals Ciboney resort will reopen on December 15