Three hurricane-hit Sandals Jamaican resorts to remain closed for $200m refit

Sandals is to spend $200 million to revamp three resorts in Jamaica hit by Hurricane Melissa last autumn.

 

The investment is being made into Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast, which were originally due to reopen on May 30 but will now remain shut until the winter.

 

The all-inclusive company reopened five of its eight Jamaica properties in December with the trio remaining closed for assessment.

 

All other Sandals and Beaches Resorts properties in Jamaica continue to operate, including Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril.

 

Sandals Resorts International said: “As restoration efforts have advanced on the three resorts, the company has identified an opportunity to undertake a more comprehensive transformation.”

 

As a result, Sandals South Coast will reopen on November 18, followed by both Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay on December 18.

 

Travel agents with clients affected by the changes who booked through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd, Sandals Resorts’ UK in-house tour operator, have been contacted with flexible rebooking options, according to the company. All booking amends are being dealt with in departure date order via email only.

 

The refits at the three resorts will include new accommodation categories, redesigned pools, and refreshed lounge and social spaces.

 

Culinary offerings will also expand with the introduction of new dining concepts and bars across each resort.

 

Sandals Resorts International executive chairman Adam Stewart said: “The opportunity to completely reimagine three resorts at this scale, with full focus and without compromising the guest experience, is extraordinarily rare.

 

“With our doors closed, we were given something we almost never have in hospitality, a true blank canvas and having that clarity changed everything.

 

“We spent time walking the properties, speaking with our team and thinking about our guests.

 

“At a pivotal moment, it became clear: we shouldn’t simply restore what was there. We should dream bigger.

 

“When we welcome our guests back, they’ll see the transformation and they’ll feel exactly why we chose to use this moment to create something worthy of their loyalty.”