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

January 5, 2021 by Forimmediaterelease

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

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Filed Under: Press Release, Travel & Tourism Tagged With: allinclusive, Compliance, Sandals Resorts, Stewart

Sandals Resorts Announces Expansion to Curaçao

December 25, 2020 by PressEditor

Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the world’s leading all-inclusive company, announced the signing of an agreement that will bring Sandals® Resorts to a brand-new destination, at the Santa Barbara Resort on the island of Curaçao.

This will mark the ninth island destination for the brand in the Caribbean region. The new Sandals Curaçao will initially include 350-luxurious rooms and suites stretched along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea, with a further expansion planned in the coming years. Formerly the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, part of a broader 3,000-acre development, the resort will be completely “Sandalized,” a process set to begin in 2021.

Sandals Curaçao will bring the opulent resort innovations to the island, which have become synonymous with the world-renowned Sandals Resorts brand across the region. Conceptual plans for the resort include adding key elements for the signature Sandals experience, including new expansive pools, a variety of 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining options and lavish accommodations, including magnificent newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighboring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and 38,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the largest on the island. 

World-famous for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches and coves, Curaçao also boasts spectacular dive sites and exotic marine ecosystems. With year-round temperatures of 80 degrees, it’s touted as the perfect anytime-escape. The resort will have a positive, immediate and long-term impact on the island and the people of Curaçao. In year one alone, it is expected to have an over $40 million economic footprint and an impressive track record on the creation of new employment. The resort alone will add over 1,200 local jobs, comprised of 800 new team members, and 400 local tradesmen and craftsmen. This will be followed by a positive economic ripple-effect for the community extending to the local taxi and transportation sectors, wider supply chain, agriculture, increased airlift and increased yearly tourism numbers—especially with the key US tourism market.

Roald Smeets, Director of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, said: “We have a unique opportunity to attract a globally-recognized hotel operator, owner and investor such as Sandals Resorts, which will bring an unprecedented boon to the Curaçao tourism industry and the local economy. Its position as both a hotel operator and owner, with the ability to attract regular scheduled airlines from North America, distinctly marks it out from other hotel groups. We found its impressive plans for the site and dedication to building the profile of Curaçao as a world-class tourism destination particularly compelling. Its future investment into the community will reinvigorate the tourism market, secure the livelihoods of hundreds of families and benefit every individual on the island through rejuvenating the local economy. Curaçao has a tremendous future ahead, due to this exciting new venture, which will put Curaçao truly on the global stage.” 

Sandals Resorts International Founder and Chairman, the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, along with Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart, had this to share: “It has been our distinct pleasure to work alongside the government of Curaçao and the Smeets family on this exciting new endeavor for the Sandals brand,” stated Gordon “Butch” Stewart. “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Roald Smeets, who has been instrumental to this process and absolutely delightful to work with. We plan to do more than our part to raise the world’s appreciation of this beautiful country.”

Adam Stewart added: “Each time we expand, we bring with us the full potential of our 40-years in hospitality. The new Sandals Curaçao embodies our philosophy of forward-thinking and looking through a new lens. It is a promise not only to our guests but to our team members for continued innovation. Curaçao is a place to be discovered, and we are so proud today to become part of this community.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, Bavaria, Caribbean, cooking, Roald Smeets, sandals, Stewart

Sandals Resorts: 2nd Annual Stewart Family Philanthropic Award Announced

December 8, 2020 by PressEditor

Father-and-son Caribbean hospitality leaders and devout philanthropists, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman & Founder of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), and Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI, have made it their personal and corporate social responsibility to shape the lives and the future of the Caribbean for over 40 years. Through the family’s personal philanthropic efforts and the charitable work of the Sandals Foundation, the Stewart family has worked to positively transform the Caribbean while closely watching those that have also helped pave the way for a better future, giving back to the land and people they love most along the way. Together, they recognize those who possess their same dedication to giving back and honor those that have gone above and beyond to create a positive impact on the Caribbean and its beloved people.

Formalized in 2019, The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award recognizes the long-standing history of doing good in the Caribbean and honors executives, partners, and individuals whose exceptional leadership in the philanthropic sector has strengthened, built up and inspired entire Caribbean communities. Joseph Wright (a.k.a. “Papa Joe”), Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc. was virtually presented with the coveted award by Adam Stewart on behalf of the Stewart family for his selfless dedication to providing services including dental care, eye care, literacy, computer training and equipment across the Caribbean. In attendance to honor Papa Joe were Great Shape! Inc.’s co-founders, executives and volunteers, the 2019 award recipient Heidi Clarke, representatives from the Sandals Foundation and many General Managers and PR Managers of Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, including long-time friend and GM of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Kevin Clarke.

“Receiving The Stewart Family Philanthropy Award is truly one of the greatest honors of my lifetime, especially coming from the family who set the standard of philanthropy in the Caribbean so high over the decades,” stated Papa Joe. “I’m incredibly humbled and deeply moved to have the culmination of my life’s work recognized by the Stewart family, but truth be told, I really have to accept this award on behalf of every one of the 7,000 plus alumni volunteer heroes, our hard working team members, selfless board, generous supporters, community partners and countless others who collectively are the reason this award is even possible. Most importantly, the significance of this award is reflected in the hundreds of thousands of persons who can now smile better, see better, and learn better. In the end, this is all that truly matters,” continued Papa Joe.

As the Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc., Papa Joe has been carrying out the vision of the charity’s original co-founders Myrtle Franklin, Georgene Crowe and Gretchen Lee – to lead some of the world’s largest, international humanitarian projects. Wright was instrumental in forging the Great Shape! partnership with Sandals Negril in 2003 for its 1000 Smiles Dental Project, which provided volunteer dental services in exchange for a barter of hotel rooms. Together with the Sandals Foundation and SRI, the program has provided over 250,000 Jamaicans in rural communities to-date with access to free dental care, root canals, a sealant project, and a denture program. The project also expanded to neighboring sister islands St. Lucia (2015) and Grenada (2018).

Additionally, Papa Joe helped orchestrate the launch of the iCARE Vision Project in 2009, expanding their services to provide free glasses, cataract surgery, Glaucoma treatment, children’s screenings and more. Nearly 45,000 patients in the islands of Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Antigua have benefitted over the past decade. Furthermore, in partnership with the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Education, two literacy programs under Wright’s tenure – the SuperKids Literacy Project (2008) in Jamaica and the Teach the Teachers Project (2015) – have impacted over 115,000 students and 1,000 teachers in Jamaica.

“Papa Joe’s vision of building meaningful connections and seeing the Caribbean smile, year after year, decade after decade is not only inspiring, but empowering, and we are so honored to present this award to such an exemplary individual,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of SRI. “As we continue partnering together to transform the islands, we look to his example of dedication as the standard, having full confidence of the change it can create and the greatness it can instill in others to do the same for generations to come.”

The Stewart family annually celebrates those whose strong commitment to philanthropy and charitable work contribute to the greater good of the region they call home. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, was honored as the first ever recipient of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award in 2019 for her decade-long service and dedication to the Sandals Foundation. Over the years, Clarke has helped impact close to 1 million people in the region and has implemented hundreds of projects and programs valued at over $70 million dollars to-date. The Stewart family is extremely thankful for philanthropic trailblazers such as Heidi Clarke and Papa Joe for their devout dedication to the Caribbean and look forward to honoring future recipients for their transformative impact made across Caribbean communities.

Current and future recipients of The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award must exemplify:

  • Dedication to improving the lives of others, carving out success and creating real change.
  • Promotion of positive environmental and social transformation.
  • Breaking out from the norm, thinking, and doing different to serve his or her fellow Caribbean citizens.
  • Transforming the power of a program idea into action, impacting entire communities. 
  • Providing opportunity to underrepresented, poor, and marginalized youth, playing an integral role in changing the lives of Caribbean children and families.
  • Evidence of meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector and significant achievements in his or her field, and/or the service sector.
  • Ability to build and use organizational infrastructure to increase mission and community impact.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience serving others to create lasting change in the Caribbean and beyond.

To learn more about The Stewart Family Philanthropic Award and its past recipients, please visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org/stewartphilanthropicaward .

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Caribbean, cooking, Jamaica, minister, sandals, Stewart, The Sandals Foundation

Sandals Foundation Receives Agents’ Choice Award for Second Year

November 4, 2020 by PressEditor

The outstanding work of the Sandals Foundation to develop Caribbean communities and inspire hope in the lives of the region’s people has once again been recognized as it was named “Favorite Responsible/Philanthropic Travel Foundation” at the prestigious Agents’ Choice Awards for the second straight year. The announcement was made at the highly-anticipated Canadian travel industry event held virtually on October 1, 2020.

Sandals Foundation was founded in 2009 by Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, to expand the philanthropic work that had been a core function of the luxury-inclusive resort chain since opening its doors 39 years ago.

“The Caribbean is home, and its people are family. We are committed to reinvesting in our home and providing opportunities that help our region’s people believe in and create a better future for themselves and future generations,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

The Agents’ Choice Awards were established in 1999 by Toronto-based Baxter Media and its flagship publications, Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier. The annual survey is the largest sampling of Canadian travel agents selecting their favorite travel suppliers in various categories. This year, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 6,000 Canadian travel professionals cast their votes in 38 categories.

Stewart, who is also the President of the Sandals Foundation, affirmed: “We are very grateful to be recognized by the incredible travel agents across Canada with this award. They are a critical partner that makes our work possible. Together with our team members, guests, and partners we have made a positive imprint in the lives of more than 990,000 people.”

In 2019, the Sandals Foundation was accepted by the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations as one of the organizations whose efforts are contributing significantly to implementing the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Even as the region experienced uncertainty due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation remained a beacon, providing relief and support to families and social services.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, said that the registered charity will continue to do its part to ensure that the eight islands in which they operate are on track for a sustainable future.

“As a regional organization, it is our mission to invest in the sustainable development of the Caribbean. We will continue to strengthen communities, invest in literacy and education, support livelihoods, engage our youth, help those in need, strengthen healthcare, and protect the environment through life-changing programs that empower lives,” said Clarke.

The Sandals Foundation operates in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and The Bahamas working in the areas of education, community, and the environment.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, Caribbean, cooking, Jamaica, sandals, Stewart, The Sandals Foundation

Sandals Resorts Reveals New Designs

September 10, 2020 by PressEditor

Sandals Resorts International, the world’s leading all-inclusive company, is proud to unveil the design plans of a multi-million-dollar renovation at their picturesque Jamaican oasis, Sandals South Coast. Set to debut this December, guests can expect a new era for the resort company with the addition of the world’s first-ever Swim-up Rondoval™ Suites, positioned on a 17,040 sq. ft. pool oasis. Guests will also revel in a completely reimagined 112-room Dutch Village with direct access to two new expansive swim-up pools. A modern lush wedding venue is being added to adorn the garden in the resorts Italian Village.

Having first introduced the cutting-edge Rondoval design at Sandals Grande Antigua, followed by Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Grenada and Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals South Coast will now set another milestone with the first-ever Swim-Up Rondoval Suites. Designed to be a luxurious haven tucked away from the world’s path, the 20 Swim-up Rondoval Suites will measure an impressive 22 feet in diameter with 20-foot conical ceilings. Bringing guests closer to the water than ever before, the suites in the round will feature private plunge pools ornamented with Italian glass-clad fountains and Indonesian limestone. Hallmarks of the innovation include access to a zero-entry 17,040 sq. ft. pool, the longest pool in the Western Hemisphere, a scalloped Tranquility Soaking Tub™ for two and a cozy indoor wicker swing with scenic outdoor views. Furnishings will be custom-made from across the globe, bathrooms will boast a suspended stone vanity with a Hollywood lit mirror, and outdoors, contemporary lounge furnishings will complete the private coral sundeck. Couples will enjoy the attentive pampering of a personal butler, trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, offering complete exclusivity throughout their stay.

Further exceeding expectations of next-generation leisure travelers, the resort’s Dutch Village will undergo a complete renovation setting the scene for modern relaxation inspired by the sea. The fully reimagined suites will be a nod to the water’s natural beauty with a light blue and neutral color scheme. The 112-room village – comprised of 16 Butler Elite suites and 96 Club and Luxury Level rooms will include indoor free-standing tubs and showers, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, and swim-up access from a private pool for select categories.

“Sandals South Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations in the uncharted land of Jamaica,” stated Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “Our goal is to exceed expectations time and time again, and the new Sandals South Coast will do that and more. The resort which is nestled within a lush 500-acre nature preserve, along crystal blue waters was our inspiration for this incredibly expansive project. We can’t wait for our guests to experience these new, luxurious innovations.” Stewart continued.

These enhancements will join the resort’s already cutting-edge architectural design features, such as the lavish Over-the-Water Bungalows, Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, and an overwater bar offering 360-degree views of the ocean.

Sandals South Coast will reopen on October 1, 2020. The new Swim-Up Rondoval Suites and renovated Dutch Village suites are now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning December 10, 2020. To book your next Luxury Included® vacation in one of these captivating suites, visit: https://www.sandals.com/south-coast/. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: cooking, Jamaica, Resorts International, sandals, Stewart, Swim-up Rondoval Suites

Sandals Resorts Providing Quality Travel All Along

September 4, 2020 by PressEditor

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, [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, Caribbean, cooking, Fraport, minister, Sandals Resorts, Stewart

Sandals Resorts International Announces Expansion to a New Destination, the Island of St. Vincent

July 28, 2020 by PressEditor

The world’s leading all-inclusive company, Sandals Resorts International, is making a splash in a new Caribbean destination. Sandals Resorts International announced today that it will be expanding its Beaches® Resorts portfolio to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, its eighth island in the Caribbean, and a new destination for the brand, following the acquisition of Buccament Bay Spa and Resort. The resort will be completely transformed to become the fourth Beaches Resorts for the brand, joining their award-winning family-friendly resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

According to Sandals Resorts International’s Founder and Chairman, the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart: “Investing in St. Vincent and its captivating people, was not only compelling, but a natural next step for continued expansion within the Eastern Caribbean. Beginning with our first entry in Saint Lucia many years ago and more recently Grenada and Barbados, we are champions of growth for the Eastern Caribbean, and it has remained at the forefront of our expansion strategy. Expanding into a brand-new destination ushers in the tremendous opportunity for new and existing team members to experience a whole new way of life and professional growth path. The minute our customers land in St. Vincent, they will be enchanted with its magnificence. The resort hugs the Caribbean Sea and is nestled within a lush mountain range and neighboring rainforest. Best of all, it’s only a short drive from the newly constructed Argyle International Airport.”

The agreement, which has been in the works for nearly a year, will bring Beaches Resorts to the archipelago chain known as the ‘Jewels of the Caribbean.’ “The resort will undergo extensive reimagination and renovations,” stated Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “Each time we expand, we bring with us the full potential of our 40 years in hospitality with the creation of new jobs and skillsets through our Corporate University, the on-the-ground work of our Sandals Foundation, the dedicated airlift and comprehensive global marketing campaigns that always follow. As we look to the future, this growth stands for tremendous possibility.”

The company’s announcement is not only a signal of what is to come, but a reminder to the global travel and tourism sector that the future of Caribbean tourism is bright. With nearly 40 years of success within the all-inclusive industry, Sandals Resorts International will continue to innovate and provide the 5-Star Luxury Included® vacation experience everyone has come to love. 

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Caribbean, Fraport, sandals, Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International, Sandals Resorts International Announces Expansion, Stewart

Sandals Resorts Has One Important Mandate: Adopt a School

June 17, 2020 by PressEditor

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.

More news about Sandals.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT: 1-888-SANDALS, [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, Beaches Resorts, Caribbean, Jamaica, sandals, Sandals Resorts, Stewart

Sandals Resorts International Kicks Off a New Decade with 11 Prestigious Awards at the 2020 World Travel Awards Caribbean Gala Ceremony

January 21, 2020 by PressEditor

Sandals Resorts International received 11 prestigious awards last night at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards™ Caribbean Gala Ceremony held at the beautiful Sandals Royal Bahamian, reaffirming its position as the undisputed all-inclusive leader in the Caribbean. The World Travel Awards™ is known globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence across the travel and tourism industries, and Sandals Resorts International is humbled to have been widely recognized at this year’s ceremony. The consecutive wins bestowed to the Sandals and Beaches brands within SRI’s all-inclusive portfolio demonstrate the resort company’s tireless commitment to fostering an unrivalled vacation experience. Most notably, this marks the 27th year Sandals Resorts International is recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand and the 13th year Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is awarded the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort.

“Winning the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand award 27 years in a row is historically unheard of and serves as a testament to our decades-worth of innovation and a tribute to my team who is dedicated to delivering the highest standard,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman & Founder of Sandals Resorts International. “We’re constantly finding new ways to raise the bar and look forward to another decade of setting industry firsts and redefining the luxury all-inclusive category along the way.”

Sandals Resorts International is honored to have received 11 awards recognizing everything from the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort to the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort. The Luxury Included® resort company’s acclaimed honors included:

Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2020: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa

Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2020: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2020: Sandals Resorts International

Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2020: Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort

Caribbean’s Leading Resort 2020: Sandals Royal Barbados

Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2020: Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2020: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island

Grenada’s Leading Resort 2020: Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa

Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2020: Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2020: Sandals Montego Bay

St. Lucia’s Leading Resort 2020: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

From its romantic 5-Star accommodations like the Over-the-Water Bungalows and Villas to introducing a number of Sandals firsts including the first rooftop pool and bar, and the first 4-lane bowling alley, Sandals and Beaches Resorts continues to redefine the all-inclusive category by consistently shattering expectations and delivering a 5-Star, Luxury Included® vacation experience.

Celebrating its 27th anniversary this year, the World Travel Awards™ were established in 1993 to acknowledge and reward excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, setting the benchmark to which others strive for. The World Travel Awards™ gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the tourism industry and serve to celebrate individual and mutual achievements around the world.

For more information on these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com .

Sandals Resorts International Kicks Off a New Decade with 11 Prestigious Awards
The Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart and Deputy Chairman, Adam Stewart accept the notable award for the 27th consecutive year

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic [email protected]

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: Grande St., Resorts International, Stewart

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