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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister mourns the passing of tourism icon Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart

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Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep sadness at the passing of tourism stalwart Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

“Butch was truly an icon and innovator, philanthropist and perhaps the greatest marketer tourism has ever seen. Sandals is indeed the largest and most enduring brand created by a Caribbean entrepreneur in tourism and arguably the world today and the standard by which luxury All Inclusive is judged. I hail him as a father, leader, benefactor, and the greatest tourism entrepreneur of our time. His passing is truly devastating,” said the Minister.

Stewart was the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also the founder and chairman of the ATL Group of Companies and the Jamaica Observer.

“Gordon Butch Stewart has made an indelible mark. He has established himself as not just the standard by which entrepreneurship can be judged, but he has established a brand that has become global and is also the strongest statement that small island states such as Jamaica can make on global scenes, irrespective of their areas of involvement,” said Bartlett.

“I think that we can look back on his life and times and draw inspiration from the success that he has had. But I think, most importantly, we can be inspired by his resilience and the fact that he has started from nowhere, and has ended up as being one of the most celebrated human beings that Jamaica has produced in the last century,” He added.

Stewart ventured into the hospitality business in 1981 with the acquisition of properties in Montego Bay, St James, one of which was upgraded and later launched as the precursor to what is now Sandals Montego Bay.

Stewart has been bestowed with a number of honours over the years, including the Order of Jamaica (OJ), Commander of the Order of Distinction (OD) and Global Iconic legend of tourism at a UNWTO gala dinner held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in 2017.

“I, on behalf of the entire Ministry of Tourism, want to pay our very deep respect and regards to him and say to his family, your gift to us is going to be what will inspire us, particularly through this difficult period of COVID-19.  It is a hard moment to say good bye but it is a great moment for us to draw inspiration and to be guided to the future,” said the Minister.

“He was a fierce champion, and I thank God that a Butch Stewart was among us. We thank God for the legacy that he has left behind and we have to draw on that great inspiration and to build a stronger and better place for ourselves and posterity,” he added.

The Honorable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart OJ. CD. Hon. LLD. was 79 years old.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Sandals Resorts Elevates All-Inclusive Portfolio With Luxurious Renovations Across Jamaican Resorts

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Sandals Resorts International, the world’s leading all-inclusive company, has officially unveiled the world’s first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites and completely reimagined 112-room beachfront Dutch Village at its stunning Jamaican escape, Sandals South Coast. In addition to this exciting resort update, the all-inclusive leader is pleased to announce a second resort upgrade, as Sandals Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its beautifully renovated poolside rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings.

The first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites at Sandals South Coast are Jamaica’s newest and most secluded luxury accommodations. Each suite features zero-entry swim up access, a private plunge pool, an outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two, and Sandals Resorts’ new signature Serenity Swing with scenic views. Not to mention, the stunning suites are in the brand-new South Seas Village situated on the longest swim-up pool in the western hemisphere at 17,040 sq. ft.

To round out Sandals South Coast’s portfolio of romantic upgrades, the secluded retreat also debuted the fully renovated Dutch Swim-Up Village, setting the scene for modern relaxation inspired by the sea. The new village boasts 112 magnificent, beachfront rooms with outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, freestanding tubs with a separate shower in select categories and direct swim-up pool access for select rooms, offering a true romantic escape just waiting to be discovered.

Continuing the renovation momentum, Sandals Royal Caribbean also unveiled a sweeping array of enhancements, with the renovation of 36 rooms across its Caernarvon and Arundel buildings for guests to enjoy. Located in the resort’s Caribbean Village and joining the new Sandringham building introduced earlier this year, the newly renovated poolside rooms feature custom furniture, Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, new bathrooms and more enhancements that completely update and modernize the rooms, offering guests the most luxurious accommodations possible. Additional enhancements at Sandals Royal Caribbean, include developments to the South Pool and surrounding area, including a new jacuzzi, new cabanas with outdoor fans and lighting, and a new outdoor shower.

This news comes on the heels of the three recently introduced restaurant concepts at Sandals Royal Caribbean, including: 

  • Spices, which brings Pan-Caribbean favorites to the table for an authentic island restaurant experience 
  • Bombay Club, which offers authentic Indian cuisine – from flavorful dishes like Butter Chicken, to delicious vegan and vegetarian options like Aloo Gobi 
  • La Tavola, which allows guests to share in the comfort, cuisine and camaraderie found around every Italian table 

These enhancements add to each resort’s already cutting-edge architectural design features, including the intimate and lavishly designed Over-the-Water Bungalows at both Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean, as well as the sought-after Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, brand-new Wedding Garden venue and Latitudes Overwater Bar at Sandals South Coast, offering guests endless vacation choices.

Sandals® Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 16 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and now Curacao, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com.

Guests visiting Sandals Royal Caribbean can now stay in fully reimagined rooms

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

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Those daydreams of catching a flight, sipping on tropical cocktails, sunbathing on white-sand beaches, and enjoying the luxuries of total privacy are finally coming true — and it all began with Sandals Grande Antigua. A singular, but bold reopening that served as a beacon of hope for the future of travel. Sandals Resorts #backtohappy isn’t just a hashtag.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy
Take a dip into all-inclusive luxury and privacy at Sandals Grande Antigua.

Stepping back into paradise, Sandals wanted to ensure that every reopening was as safe as possible for both guests and team members. That’s why all 18 resorts implemented the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. By training all staff and mapping out a list of 18 touch points, Sandals Grande Antigua was first to put the protocols into action and to start getting guests back to their happy place in the Caribbean.

It was a long-awaited turning point in which Caribbean tourism had officially begun its comeback and Sandals Resorts was leading the way, giving travelers a reason to grab their passports again.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Grab your passports and retreat to pure happiness at Sandals Resorts.

And now, Sandals is giving everyone more reasons to get #BackToHappy.

12 Luxury Included® Resorts open with more on the horizon: #BackToHappy

Step onto any Sandals or Beaches Resort right now and you’re guaranteed to experience pure bliss after simply taking a look around. There’s a deeper appreciation for the magnificent blue oceans, the vivid sunrises, the beautifully manicured gardens, and those golden Caribbean sunsets. Happiness can be seen radiating all throughout the grounds.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Take a seat poolside and watch the vivid sunrise at Sandals South Coast with your other half.

The Caribbean breeze carries the scent of fresh seafood across expansive acres of land, gourmet kitchens are back to work serving up some of the world’s best cuisines, couples are rekindling their romance in their private pool sanctuaries, and families are leaving nothing but happy footprints in the sand. All of life’s simple luxuries are finally back and better than ever.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Stroll hand-in-hand and enjoy all of that family time at Beaches Negril.

15,000 team members: #BackToHappy

Everywhere you look, team members are seen smiling through their eyes because they are genuinely happy to be back doing what they love the most — delivering exceptional hospitality to guests. From PADI® certified dive instructors and exceptional bartenders to Red Lane® Spa specialists and butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, the ‘heartbeat’ of Sandals is now beating stronger than ever before.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Sandals team members are ready to deliver the 5-star vacation you’ve been dreaming of.

World renowned chefs are back in their happy place, beloved bartenders are mixing up the best cocktails, playmakers are taking entertainment to new heights (literally entertaining guests while on stilts), and so much more. The team is going above and beyond to take care of guests and showcase just how warm their hospitality is. We all need a little R&R with some built-in luxury, and Sandals and Beaches are ready to over-deliver!

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Take your love to new heights and rekindle the romance in a Penthouse Skypool Butler Suite at Sandals Grenada.

Friendly, new faces and the loyal guests who have become family: #BackToHappy

There’s no denying it: an oasis for two sounds pretty picture-perfect right now. Because Sandals is a trusted brand for nearly 40 years now, couples and families are grabbing their passports and escaping to paradise because they want to get back to doing what makes them happy.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Get #BackToHappy and soak up some Caribbean sun at Sandals Resorts.

Across every resort, guests can be seen reveling in luxury again, soaking up the Caribbean sun right from their private beach-side cabanas, reconnecting with each other over private candlelight dinners beneath the stars, and suspending themselves in over-the-water hammocks made for two, while sipping on piña coladas. All of this bringing them #BackToHappy in the process.

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Sip on your favorite cocktails with 360-degree views of the ocean at Sandals South Coast’s Latitudes Overwater Bar.

It’s a universally acknowledged truth that travel makes people happy, and Sandals and Beaches Resorts want to get everyone #BackToHappy. From expansive resorts built with social distancing in mind to impeccable service that puts guests first, Sandals has always been a strong leader in the hospitality industry. Couple that with reuniting its incomparable staff and guests with all-inclusive luxury and the most mesmerizing destinations on earth… now, that’s something we can all be happy about!

Sandals Resorts: #backtohappy

Ready to boost your happiness and rekindle your love for paradise? Learn more about planning an all-inclusive vacation with Sandals or Beaches Resorts now.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts Usher in More Openings

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Signaling the continued strength for Caribbean Tourism, Sandals Resorts International announced that it would usher in four more resort openings throughout October. Beginning this week, Sandals Grenada and Sandals South Coast will welcome visitors on October 1, 2020. Following in this week’s footsteps, Sandals Royal Plantation will officially open to guests on October 8, followed by Beaches Turks & Caicos on October 14. The lineup will join presently opened: Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Regency LaToc, Sandals Royal Barbados, and Sandals Barbados bringing the total to 13 luxury-included resorts open across the Caribbean.

To prepare for the roll-out, the all-inclusive luxury leader spent months expanding its industry-leading health and safety measures as team members from far and wide began came back together for strategic planning. Vigorous training followed to include role-playing modules and added educational sessions to ensure everything was impeccable beyond standard as they formulated multifaceted plans to welcome guests back: the result, the widely heralded Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness.

“If there’s an upside to this, it’s seeing the faces of team members and their sheer happiness to be back to work,” stated Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “At the start of the year, travel was more accessible than ever, and as an industry, we were reporting record occupancies. Despite it all, we made a promise that when it was time to return, we would come back stronger and better than ever before. We are proud to have led the way to become the first resorts to open across the Caribbean and have the ability to share our protocols with other hotels in the region. With more openings on the horizon, our optimism keeps growing and growing for the coming year.”

TEAM MEMBERS & GUESTS ARE #BACKTOHAPPY

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team members on the ground,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “The feedback we are hearing from guests has been phenomenal, and they are so happy to be back traveling. The confidence they have expressed, and the peace of mind our protocols have given them to feel safe and healthy is priceless. Because of this, we have coined a little saying that we are ‘#BackToHappy.’ Not only are we happy to be back open, we are so pleased to be doing what we love to do best, and that is making our guests happy.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Warm Up Your Fall with a Sandals Resorts Getaway

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As the weather starts to cool in a lot of places around the world, Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean is welcoming fall with special offers. For a limited time, guests at Sandals can take part in a special photo credit at its many outstanding destinations in the warm and sunny Caribbean.

Visitors will get a $250 credit for photos at the chosen resort. To receive this exciting credit that will capture memories of a dream vacation, guests must register within 72 hours of booking a reservation. And this special fall offering can be combined with current ongoing resort promotions:

  • 1 Free Night
  • In select room categories
  • $1,000 Booking Credit
  • Up to 65% Off Rack Rates

Check out all the places fantastic offers, like those mentioned and some other ones as well, can be found from Sandals as the fall is ushered into the Caribbean:

  • Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas
  • Sandals Grande Antigua in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
  • Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas
  • Sandals Barbados in St. Lawrence, Barbados
  • Sandals Royal Barbados in St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados
  • Sandals Grenada in St. George’s, Grenada
  • Sandals Montego Bay in Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Sandals Negril in Negril, Jamaica
  • Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Jamaica
  • Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia
  • Sandals Halcyon in Castries, Saint Lucia
  • Sandals Regency La Toc in Castries, Saint Lucia

Book with confidence

Sandals has an online booking engine that will automatically apply all combinable offers to give guests the best possible rate for the desired travel dates. In fact, Sandals will guarantee that if guests find a cheaper price anywhere, it will be matched. If within 24 hours of booking an online vacation at www.sandals.com, a lower price for the same arrival date is fond for the same number of nights and room accommodations, Sandals will refund the difference.

No need to wait!

Qualifying bookings will have the option to “hold the room” for only $49pp. If the “hold” option is selected, the credit card used for the deposit will automatically be charged an additional $302 in 21 days. The total remaining balance of the vacation will automatically be charged 45 days prior to the check-in date.

With so many offers available and guarantees making travel planning a breeze, the time is right to book a fall holiday with Sandals Resorts.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts Reopen in the Caribbean

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All Sandals Resorts are reopening, in fact, many are already open with the rest due to open soon. The time is right for so many reasons to make travel plans for a Sandals vacation today. There is no need to wait for world news with all the options available.

First and foremost, Sandals has always taken health and safety very seriously at its resorts. Now more than ever, Sandals is taking additional steps to safeguard guests’ stays with its Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. Open resorts have strengthened their protocols to encompass all points of contact at every resort from the moment a guest arrives at the airport lounges, through to the entire resort experience. These additional protocols and guaranteed cleanliness standards ensure heightened health and safety measures for guests seeking peace of mind in the Caribbean.

Antigua:               Now Open

Barbados:            Now Open

Jamaica:               Now Open

Saint Lucia:          Now Open

Grenada:             Open October 1

Bahamas:            Open November 1

But wait, there’s more!

Sandals wants its guests to experience a worry-free vacation. That’s why Sandals Resorts features best practices and policies designed to put your mind at ease. Whether it’s an existing booking or one made right now, Sandals has got its guests covered.

Free Room Cancellation with 100% Refund

Free room cancellations are available for reservations cancelled 31 days or more prior to check-in date (with the exception of the Over-The-Water Suites). This is only applicable to the land/room portion of the booking. Flight cancellations are subject to airline carriers’ penalties and restrictions.

Best Price Guarantee

The Sandals Best Price Guarantee allows guests to feel certain that the room rate received is the best price. Guests can book with confidence online, through a favorite travel agent, or by calling 1-888-SANDALS. If within 24 hours of booking an online vacation at www.sandals.com a lower price for the same arrival date, number of nights, and room accommodations is found, Sandals will refund the difference.

Hold Room

Qualifying bookings will have the option to “hold the room” for as little as $49 per person to assist with traveling planning. Selecting the “hold” option means the credit card used for the deposit will automatically be charged an additional $302 in 21 days. The total remaining balance of the vacation will automatically be charged 45 days prior to check-in date.

Layaway & Playaway

Guests can lock in their next vacation with Sandals’ flexible and affordable no fees and no interest payment plan. The cost of the Luxury Included® Sandals vacation can be spread over a number of months when booking direct with Sandals, with guests having the option to pay the in 3- to 24-month installments.

Resort Exchange

As Sandals resorts are located in various Caribbean jurisdictions, some of which have responded to the global pandemic (COVID-19) by promulgating local restrictions on visitors or resorts, there may be some impact on the Sandals Resort Exchange Program. The resort exchange program is contingent on, and subject to, all applicable government restrictions, including those that limit guests’ ability to travel between properties or affect Sandals resorts’ ability to safely transfer guests between properties or be open and operational. The program will be void where prohibited or in Sandals’ judgment rendered impractical due to local restrictions or the pandemic. As always, the health and safety of Sandals guests will always take precedence.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts Providing Quality Travel All Along

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Yes, Sandals Resorts has taken safety measures to another level. But take a long look and you’ll notice that the qualities travelers crave more than ever have actually been at these resorts all along.

Just before midnight, the navigation lights on American Airlines flight #2405 could be seen descending onto the island of Antigua. The landing of the plane at V.C. Bird International Airport carried so much significance on this night that local television showed the event. Matthew Cornall, General Manager of Sandals Grande Antigua, was among those watching.

“It’s difficult to put into words the emotions,” says Cornall, who had gathered dozens of his team members around a TV. “When I looked around, I saw tears in their eyes.”

The arrival of the commercial flight meant Sandals Grande Antigua would be the first of 15 Sandals All-inclusive Resorts to re-open to travelers since COVID-19 forced the world economy to shut down in mid-March. Given a panoramic view of the property, you’d never know it had been closed. In the stillness of the previous 10 weeks, crews kept the landscaping and pools in their Instagram poses — a constant state of readiness, same as the resort team.

Sandals-Grande-Antigua-Beach

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Beach huts adorned in the sand make for the perfect seaside napping spot

“Do you hear that?” Cornall asks about the sounds in the background. “The laughter and the singing? That’s who we’ll always be. We’re a team and… I don’t want to overstate this… we really are family.”

The environment is casual and warm. It’s as normal as normal can possibly be, given the protective masks and gloves worn by team members, reminders of the headlines that say: “Travel will never be the same.” True. You can’t turn a corner at any Sandals resort without passing a hand-sanitizer dispenser or seeing someone wiping down touch points every 15-30 minutes, whether the points have been touched or not.

But before diving deep into the “never the sames,” Cornall wants to stress something else that is just as important at all Sandals properties:

“For us, some things will always be the same.”

Sandals-Grande-Antigua-Long-Beach

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
The Sandals Grande Antigua resort is situated on Dickenson Bay’s longest stretch of white sand beach.

A Wide-Open Perspective

Cornall walks more than ever. He says “Good morning… Good morning… Good morning” as he passes team members; many responsible for sanitizing air ducts every time guests depart a suite and using black lights on surfaces to make sure there are no stray imperfections.

He stops at the elevator and allows two people to take the next ride. “One couple at a time,” he says politely. When he arrives at the third floor, he steps onto the landing and stops again.

“I think we’ve all learned to be less hurried and more aware of our surroundings,” he says.

Sandals-resort-pool

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Built for romance and relaxation, the Mediterranean Village Pool is just one of 6 captivating freshwater pools at Sandals Grande Antigua and home to Sandals’ iconic swim-up pool bar.

From where he stands, your eyes can follow one couple strolling along an extra-wide path of pavers toward a humongous pool and beyond that to a perfectly blue sky and an even bluer sea. All of it merging into a space that’s spectacularly infinite. The view itself is just as it’s always been, but the perspective might “never be the same” because doesn’t everyone crave space more than ever?

“Six months ago, couples would pause here and say ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ for maybe half a minute,” says Cornall. “Now it’s five minutes. They just stare and breathe it all in.”

Sandals-beach-front-suite

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Feel the Caribbean’s ocean breeze from your own private balcony overlooking the idyllic sea at Sandals Grande Antigua.

With that comment he’s awakened perhaps the most ominous concern for travelers: breathing used air. Which must explain why one couple after another pauses in spots like this. Allowing the Caribbean sunshine to melt away the concern. The constant trade winds disintegrating whatever’s left. Taking time to breathe.

“Honestly, I felt more safe at the resort than I do in my hometown,” says Joanna Baumann, who traveled to Sandals Grande Antigua with her husband, Andrew, in June to celebrate their wedding anniversary. “The staff made us feel more protected than ever, but at the same time we didn’t lose that relaxed Sandals vibe.”

The open views, open minds, and open spaces are not just phenomena on the 3rd-story balcony in Antigua. What’s true here is also true where couples breathe 1,000 miles away, all the way to Sandals’ home island of Jamaica.

Sandals-South-Coast-overwater-bungalows

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
The romantic Sandals South Coast Over-the-Water Bungalows, perfect for privacy and seclusion.

The long swath of sand framing the western side of Sandals South Coast in Jamaica is still cool under the feet at 8:30 a.m. Secluded as the beach is, the overwater suites at the end of a long boardwalk are as visible-yet-distant as the moon. It’s impossible to tell if anyone is home out there, where the sea breeze flows over the outdoor soaking tubs and eventually into the open-air restaurants along the beach. These “always the sames” — the seclusion, the breeze, the tropical air — are just as disinfecting as the stringent protocols found in the thick handbook on Sandals’ Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness.

Sandals-Resorts-butler

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
As part of the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, all team members wear protective face gear and can be seen smiling through their warming eyes.

“We have dedicated inspection teams at each resort that follow the strictest guidance from medical professionals, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the local Ministries of Health in each country we call home,” says Sandals Resorts’ Founder and Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

Sandals-Resorts-Cleaning-Protocols

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Sandals has always adhered to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety protocols, and now with additional measures in place, guests can have peace of mind when enjoying their romantic escape in the Caribbean.

Among the hundreds of details: The water in the pools is checked every hour. Every surface — door handles to coffee makers — is inspected at least three times a day. Bar stools and tables are pulled farther apart. Dive gear is immediately stored in sanitization solution. The spraying and wiping are continuous, as is the presence of the black light.

But perhaps the most effective “protocol” is one that’s been in place for decades:

“Our commitment to romance. To us it has always been synonymous with seclusion… luxury… privacy” Stewart continued.

Beach huts adorned in the sand make for the perfect seaside napping spot.

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Couples enjoying personal beach cabanas, because love has always required privacy and seclusion – a concept that Sandals Resorts has built its brand on since the very beginning.

Another term comes to mind: Social distancing. Look again at the overwater villas, alone over the Caribbean Sea. Or the Rondoval Suites spaced along the beach in St. Lucia. Or the skypool suites reachable only by a wind-blown feather in Grenada. “Social distancing” might be new to the everyday language, but it isn’t a new concept at these resorts.

Sandals-Grenada-suite-Skypool

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
A Sandals Grenada Skypool suite, so private that a breathtaking view and swim are only as far your balcony.

“Actually, we’ve never felt like we’re in a crowd at Sandals,” says Baumann. “It’s as exclusive as we want it to be, but now it’s at a whole different level. They’ve put a lot of thought into spacing everything out, and that made us comfortable about safety the minute we arrived. And then… it felt like the resort was all ours.”

Ideas called innovative, even radical, in Sandals’ quest for the ultimate romantic experience now appear fortuitous. Private infinity-edge pools. Private tubs on the verandas. Private in-suite bars. On beaches two miles long, couples can practically claim an acre of sand to remain distant. The decisions to include as many as 105 private pools, up to seven expansive main pools, and 16 restaurants on one giant property have never been for the sake of attracting crowds. It’s to diminish them.Sandals-Royal-

Barbados-Rondoval-Butler-Suite

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Plunge right into a Sandals Royal Barbados Royal Rondoval Butler Suite; a romantic escape that comes with its own private pool and a luxurious tranquility soaking tub for two.

Occasionally, one other person does appear: The butler. For couples in such a suite, the butler is the only human touchpoint — using white gloves. What the guests do not notice is that each butler, and every single team member, goes through a new daily routine upon arriving on property. There’s a temperature check, mandatory changing of clothes, and a “shoe bath” to clean and disinfect shoes.

Being squeaky-clean extends beyond the staff and into all guests’ suites, too. It’s another stop-and-take-it-in moment. The soft fabrics have just been steamed, the sanitizer station filled, the bathroom disinfected with hospital-grade products. Every nuance, from bedframe to sliding veranda door, has passed the tests.

“Now, even the bottles of Appleton Estate Signature Blend and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks are shining,” says Cornall.

Sandals-Grande-Antigua

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing at Sandals Resorts
Sandals Grande Antigua, where privacy has always been a luxury, and white sand and turquoise waters are standard.

Whenever Joanna and Andrew Baumann would walk to a restaurant or to the beach, they’d look around and listen. Taking in, as Joanna says, “the familiar Sandals vibe that we came for.” If anything, the vibe is thicker. It’s inescapable. And — let’s just be honest and say the word — it’s contagious. The freedom to breathe and move and drink in the casual mood is fantastically contagious. Take it from those who have been among the first to return: It’s the same as always, and just maybe it’s even better than ever.

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The author, Robert Stephens, is a husband for 20+ years & father of daughters; Robert’s priorities of family, community & brief stints as a butler, beach groomer, & crepe “chef” at Sandals shape his traveling & writing perspective.

MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Resorts Has One Important Mandate: Adopt a School

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When Gordon “Butch” Stewart opened his first Sandals Resort, he had one very important mandate: the resort would be required to adopt a school in the community. Team members were to care for it and ensure that the facilities and students had what was needed to be successful. That was more than thirty years ago, and the beginning of a corporate commitment to community and a tradition of service that Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has nurtured.

“We have the resources, therefore, the responsibility to act,” says Stewart, Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

Today, every resort under the Sandals Resorts InternationaI banner is required to adopt schools and in some cases entire communities to ensure that the messages of health, safety, environmental concern, community, and opportunity are shared as much as possible. From helping to provide new computer labs and building additional classrooms to giving scholarships for academically bright but needy students and hosting career days, SRI resort teams continually provide mentorship and share their knowledge and resources with their Caribbean neighbors.

When Sandals Resorts Adopts a School, It Adopts the Community
Sandals Resorts in the community.

In 2007, Sandals Resorts earned the Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award for the Adopt-A-School program and their work in the Caribbean communities. For more than 25 years, Condé Nast has recognized the world’s best hotels, cruise ships, and airlines.

World-renowned Sandals and Beaches Resorts has transformed from one brand and one resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to become one of the most well-known and award-winning hospitality names in the world. With 5 brands and 24 properties in 7 countries including Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Turks and Caicos, Sandals and Beaches Resorts is the undisputed leader of Caribbean vacation experiences and remains fiercely committed to the region, dedicating itself to innovative resort development that in the words of Chairman and Founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, “exceed expectations” for guests, associates, and the people who call the Caribbean home.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, info@sandals.com

Sandals Secret Shrimp Rundown Recipe

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Food is at the heart of most things in life, and travel is not excluded. As most international foodies would know, culture and local cuisine have a lot to do with the destination you choose to visit, and in that regard, the Caribbean will not disappoint.

In the current times we are living in with stay-at-home orders, many of us are cooking more or discovering a new passion. Until we can get to the places we want to travel to again, here’s a recipe from Sandals Resorts and Beaches to help create that delectable dining experience in your own kitchen.

Stay-at-Home Cooking: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Secret Recipe
All the flavors of the Caribbean come together here at The Reef Terrace with unparalleled views you can enjoy at Sandals Ochi.

While in The Caribbean, famous for its sand, sea, sun and fun, chances are high that you will find nontraditional food. Especially as you tour any of its many countries, experiencing the vibrant culture, which varies from island to island.

When it comes to culinary travel, islands like Jamaica stand out for the variety of things available to try. On top of the list are items like jerk chicken, Jamaican patties, curried goat, shrimp rundown, and more.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll zero in on shrimp rundown, a delectable coconut-milk based dish, which is very affordable in Jamaica. Rundown can also be served alongside other seafood mains like mackerel and salmon. Some people also choose to cook up their rundown sauce with chicken, for a little something different.

Stay-at-Home Cooking: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Secret Recipe
Our 5-Star Global Gourmet™ program takes guests through a culinary journey around the world with 21 unique culinary concepts and more than 190 restaurants throughout Sandals Resorts—all included, all unlimited.

If you’re yet to try shrimp rundown, or you’re planning to try some during your next all-inclusive resort vacation in Jamaica, you’ve come to the right place – with a little convincing, we were able to get Glenroy Walker, Senior Executive Chef at Sandals Resorts to share his recipe for the perfect shrimp rundown!

What you’ll need for a serving size of 4

Stay-at-Home Cooking: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Secret Recipe
Image courtesy of Paul_Brighton/Shutterstock.com

Ingredients

1-pound shrimp (peeled & deveined)

3 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

3 stalks scallion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ Scotch Bonnet pepper, sliced (optional)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

6 cups coconut milk

1 cup diced tomatoes

½ cup julienned bell pepper

1 cup diced pumpkin

¼ teaspoon allspice

Salt to taste

How to make it

Stay-at-Home Cooking: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Secret Recipe
Image courtesy of Ecuadorpostales/Shutterstock.com

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté the shrimp, onion, scallion, garlic, Scotch Bonnet pepper and thyme until onion is tender.

Remove shrimp only and reserve. Add coconut milk and half the tomato, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and let simmer until reduced to about 3 cups of liquid.

Add the bell pepper and simmer until coconut milk thickens and coats them. Add the shrimp back into the mix and cook for one minute to heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and allspice to taste, and serve with steamed white rice, or your preferred starch.

Caribbean inspiration

Rundown is one of those dishes made in Jamaica which gained popularity due to its affordability and wonderful taste. Today there are many variations, each more delicious than the next. If you’re on your way to making the ultimate shrimp rundown, know that in time you’ll be able to perfect this recipe – you can even add your own ingredients for a personalized touch once you’ve made the recipe your own.

Stay-at-Home Cooking: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Secret Recipe
Enjoy white beaches and blue skies in beautiful Jamaica’s Sandals Montego Bay.

If on the other hand, you try to create something tasty over the hot stove and leave your cooking session less inspired than when you began, take heart – there’s always the option of a Caribbean all-inclusive vacation where you can enjoy unlimited gourmet dining, which includes expertly cooked shrimp rundown! While relaxing in The Caribbean and taking in the peaceful ambiance, there simply will not be anything better than that!

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Sandals Resorts Addresses Changing Needs Amidst COVID-19

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“At Sandals Resorts, cleanliness and safety have always been priority #1. Our loyal guests and incredible team members are part of the Sandals family, and we take care of our family. Their health and safety is our focus.” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts, commenting on the practices put into place by Sandals since the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

For nearly 40 years, Sandals Resorts has continuously implemented and strengthened health and safety protocols to ensure guests are able to enjoy their Caribbean vacation worry-free. In preparation to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean, the company today introduced Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, building on its existing industry-leading practices to guarantee cleanliness standards and heightened health and safety measures that address changing consumer expectations amidst COVID-19. 

“We want our guests to not have to worry about a thing so they can enjoy the Luxury Included® vacation they’ve trusted in time and time again. We’re doing everything we can to offer peace of mind during a time that has been difficult for the entire world, and that is why we have continued to evolve our protocols to maintain an even safer, healthier stay,” Butch added.

Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness will include several pre-emptive cleanliness measures that safeguard the guest journey from arrival to departure, including additional health and well-being requirements across all points of contact on resort. New and enhanced protocols that will take effect across all fifteen Sandals Resorts and three Beaches Resorts include:

All-Encompassing Eighteen Touch Point Practice

Sandals Resorts has completed a thorough research assessment of all points of guest contact, resulting in the integration of advanced hygiene practices across eighteen key touch points – starting from the moment guests arrive at airport lounges through the entirety of the resort experience. These touch points include the airport lounge; guest transfers to and from resort; guest rooms, food and beverage experiences; housekeeping and laundry; elite services including butler service and Club Sandals Concierge; maintenance; resort activities such as water sports; elevators; swimming pools, jacuzzis and spas; team members access points; fitness centers and the Red Lane Spa; public bathrooms; suppliers and receiving; all public areas including lobbies and beaches; back of house facilities such as store rooms and offices; Kids Camps and waterparks at Beaches Resorts; and HVAC systems.

Enhanced Triple-Check System for Cleaning and Sanitation

All resorts are diligently cleaned and sanitized on an ongoing basis, with a Triple-Check system and a minimum of three inspections daily. These inspections include all hard surfaces – from door handles and interiors of vehicles used for airport transfers; public restrooms, which are inspected, cleaned and sanitized in 20-minute intervals; kitchens, bars and restaurants, including menus, tables, cutlery, glassware, chairs and more; and swimming pools and hot tubs. Additional hand sanitizing stations will be provided for guests and team members throughout the resorts, at all dining locations and within each individual guest room. Any items that guests will come in contact with – from room cards to welcome cocktails glassware – are sanitized before distribution.

New Certified Sandals Sanitized Guest Rooms

Sandals will introduce even more robust housekeeping measures as part of Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, to include: the introduction of additional hospital-grade disinfectants; electrical aerosol sprayers for advanced cleaning; the use of UV-LED lighting equipment to inspect cleanliness; air duct sanitization for each arrival and upon each departure; weekly steam-cleaning and sanitization of carpeting; placement of anti-bacterial gels and soaps in each guest room; and strict adherence to the Triple-Check System.

At-Home to In-Room Check-in, beginning in June

Guests will have the ability to check-in online, allowing them to skip the front desk and go directly to their room. A refreshing welcome cocktail, a personal anti-bacterial hand towel and individual in-room hand sanitizer will always await arriving guests.

Social Distancing Practices

Sandals is introducing new ways to encourage guests to maintain a safe social distance while sustaining the relaxed experience the brand is known for, including: adding more airport transfers with fewer guests per vehicle; extending check-in times between visitors; setting up a safe social distance across restaurants, bars and beaches; replacing handshakes with a nod and a smile; and restricting elevator trips to one couple per trip at Sandals Resorts and one family per trip at Beaches Resorts, with staff members taking alternate routes.

Team Member Trainings and Precautionary Temperature Checks

Sandals is ensuring all team members stay healthy both inside and outside the workplace with ongoing specialized training on precautionary measures geared toward preventative protocols and added sanitation practices. All staff will be required to know where the nearest hand sanitizer stations are located at all times, wear protective face gear and gloves at all times when on resort, and ensure uniforms are not worn during travel to and from work. All team members across resort locations will also undergo required temperature checks before the start of each shift in addition to stringent medical clearance.

Supplier-held Standards

All vendors, suppliers and partners will be held to the new Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness standards by restricting delivery windows to one party at a time, while limiting physical contact; sanitizing all touch points, including equipment, storage spaces and access areas; and removing all outer packing upon arrival.

Productive prevention has long been a key practice in safeguarding the health of all Sandals Resorts guests, team members and supply chains. Under the guidance of medical professionals and with constant monitoring of advice and instruction provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local Ministries of Health in each country Sandals Resorts calls home, a dedicated Quality Inspection Team, alongside Environmental Health and Safety Managers, ensures strict adherence and seamless implementation of a sophisticated approach to prevent the spread of all illnesses. All resorts are equipped with medical stations staffed daily with a registered nurse and 24/7 on-call medical personnel.

Additionally, Sandals Resorts has earned its place as the only hotel chain in the world to have all of its resorts certified by the EarthCheck benchmarking and certification program – awarded to companies that deliver clean, safe and healthy destinations for travelers whether they’re visiting, living or working in the destination – with nine resorts currently holding Master Certification.

For more details on Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, please visit www.sandals.com

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 15 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com .

Beaches Resorts

With three spectacular locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family. Beaches Resorts provides more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet with outrageous waterparks, XBOX® Play Lounge, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, Red Lane® Spas, Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; and free Wi-Fi. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect place for family gatherings from reunions and special birthdays to the signature destination wedding program, Beaches Customizable Weddings.  Beaches Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts, and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company.  For more information about the Beaches Resorts difference, visit www.beaches.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic, 646-935-3999, Alexa.Mechanic@ketchum.com