Dunn’s River general manger Deryk Meany reveals how resort prepared for and tackled storm
Earlier this month, Jamaica was in the path of hurricane Beryl, a powerful storm that ultimately, at Sandals Dunn’s River, triggered a response that was a testament to resilience, teamwork, camaraderie and unwavering brand values.
As I reflect on these events and continue to welcome guests to a fully operational resort in sunny Ocho Rios, I’ve never been prouder to call Sandals my home.
The reality is, hurricanes aren’t new to us. Sandals Resorts has been operating in the Caribbean for more than 43 years and is equipped with experience, protocols and confidence to manage these situations efficiently; our travel agent partners can rest assured of our readiness to warmly welcome guests to our Caribbean resorts all year-round.
During the hurricane season, the likelihood of direct impact is low. Our resorts are built to withstand all weather, adhering to rigorous standards.
We maintain proactive measures to ensure our guests’ safety by continuously monitoring weather through reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Centre.
Our comprehensive hurricane policy includes an in-house team of professionals – from electricians to groundskeepers to security personnel – who are committed to the safety and comfort of guests.
We are stocked with all the necessary supplies, and emergency generators can power the resort for up to seven days on full occupancy, ensuring that service continues.
Safety first
From the moment Jamaica was in the storm’s trajectory, these protocols were swiftly put into action. The first order of business was to give guests peace of mind that they were and would continue to be in safe hands throughout.
Clear, honest communication is key in such situations and regular updates kept everyone calm and informed. Some briefings were even shared on TikTok, with guests commending Sandals and team members for our readiness.
It was gratifying to know our guests felt safe and cared for. It was made clear to them that in situations like these, safety comes first, and service second.
That said, our warm Caribbean hospitality never wavered. Guests were catered for with hot boxed meals and extra refreshments that they could take to their rooms during the storm. Some 70 members of our dedicated team volunteered to stay on-site. They transformed the lobby into a dining area and uplifted guest spirits with a silent disco. The sense of community was palpable, and guests and team members felt connected to each other.
Back up and running
At Sandals Dunn’s River, thanks to the diligence of our team members and even some of our guests who came forward to help sweep debris and remove stones from the beach, we were almost back to business as usual the next day.
We even hosted a lobster feast as we continued in our efforts to bring the full resort experience back online.
Wi-Fi services were quickly restored, and airports reopened, allowing guests to safely travel home as we welcomed new ones looking forward to their holiday.
As a gesture of gratitude, guests who had been impacted by the events were offered two free credit nights for a future stay at any Sandals Resort.
While we are fortunate to continue welcoming guests to all our Sandals and Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, our thoughts are with the families and communities who continue to be affected by hurricane Beryl.
To aid relief efforts, the Sandals Foundation launched a Disaster Relief initiative, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to emergency response efforts.
Relief missions have already been conducted in various areas affecting local people on islands including Carriacou, Bequia and Union Island, as well as in Jamaica’s Saint Elizabeth Parish.