Sandals Resorts International has begun work on the first phase of a multimillion-dollar project to open three new resorts in Jamaica.
The project involves a 230 million US dollar overhaul of the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark plus a development costing more than 250 million US dollars of a “prime parcel” of land next to the Ocho Rios resort.
Phase one begins with the overhaul of the Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort to become Sandals Dunn’s River, which returns the property to the Sandals family under its original name when it became part of the Sandals portfolio in 1990. The work is due to be completed at the end of 2022.
The second phase will create the sister adjacent property Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, with development work due to complete in 2023.
Sandals Resorts executive chairman Adam Stewart was joined at a special ceremony to start the work by dignitaries including the prime minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.
He said: “This is an extraordinary day for Sandals Resorts and a moment of deep meaning for my family. We stand today nearby where my father grew up, a place that was close to his heart. As we embark on our strategic growth plans, we are proud to bring to life his vision through this incredible property. There will simply be nothing like it.”
The new Sandals Dunn’s River resort was the last project that Stewart and his late father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, worked together on.
Water will be used from natural reserves in the resort, which will include waterfalls at the entrance, and offer 260 rooms including 48 signature SkyPool Suites, a first for Jamaica, with private solar-heated plunge pools with infinity edges. There will also be 12 Swim-up Rondoval Suites with many offering rooftop terraces.
In addition, the property will have 10 restaurants, including a speciality rum bar inside the brand’s newest Latin Fusion restaurant concept Azuka and nine bars; seven pools including two river pools and a Red Lane Spa.
Stewart added: “Jamaica means land of wood and water and in Ocho Rios, the sound of moving water from Dunn’s River and Roaring Waters River is part of the experience, an ethereal backdrop that is ever present and calming. This is the sound that will greet guests upon arrival.”
He added the resort would be a tribute to his late father, Butch Stewart. “Although he cannot be with us to see its ultimate transformation, he always will be a part of everything we do. His fingerprints are on this project and he fully embraced our plans to set a new standard of luxury in Jamaica,” said Stewart.
The company also plans to create the new Beaches Runaway Bay resort, its third Beaches resort in Jamaica.
This will offer around 400 one, two, three and four bedroom suites, designed with extended families in mind. Guests will also have access to the Runaway Bay Golf Club and its 18 hole championship golf course.