Ambitious plans for three new resorts in Jamaica have been revealed by Sandals Resorts International.
The all-inclusive company is to transform two properties acquired last year plus a part of beachfront land into a trio of “new experiences” under the Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts brands.
The development involves the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark plus a “prime parcel” of land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort.
The plans will return Dunn’s River property in Ocho Rios back to the Sandals family as Sandals Dunn’s River, the same title as when it was originally added to the portfolio in 1990.
The new Sandals Dunn’s River will receive a top-to-bottom renovation with the adjacent ocean-front land transformed into an additional new resort – the 250-room Sandals Royal Dunn’s River.
The sister hotels will operate very much like the concept SRI developed between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados.
Runaway Bay resort, located midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will also undergo extensive redevelopment to become Beaches Runaway Bay Resort, the third family-friendly Beaches property on the island.
The property will feature 400 one, two, three and four-bedroom suites and access Runaway Bay Golf Club.
SRI executive chairman Adam Stewart said: “Sandals Dunn’s River holds special meaning to our family because its history is the story of Jamaica’s evolution as a travel powerhouse.
“My father grew up on the beach in Ocho Rios and this hotel, the first of its kind when it was built in the 1950s, captured the era’s glamour and sparked his imagination.
“When it became available, we jumped at the chance to bring the hotel back into the Sandals fold.
“Jamaica will always play a critical part in our plans to grow and innovate Caribbean hospitality.
“There is tremendous opportunity here and a ripe moment, as leisure travellers are choosing to return to the places and brands that they know and trust.”