MONTEGO BAY — Three Sandals resorts in Jamaica will remain closed longer than originally planned, as the company extends their shutdown to undertake a major US$200 million transformation.
Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast were initially scheduled to reopen on May 31 following Hurricane Melissa, as previously reported by Travelweek. However, as restoration work progressed, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) opted to significantly expand the scope of upgrades, pushing reopening dates to later in 2026.
According to SRI, the decision allows the company to move beyond standard repairs and instead carry out a full-scale reimagining of the three resorts under its Sandals 2.0 vision — an opportunity it says is rarely possible in an operational environment.
“The opportunity to completely reimagine three resorts at this scale, with full focus and without compromising the guest experience, is extraordinarily rare,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “With our doors closed, we were given something we almost never have in hospitality, a true blank canvas and having that clarity changed everything.
“We spent time walking the properties, speaking with our team and thinking about our guests. At a pivotal moment, it became clear: we shouldn’t simply restore what was there. We should dream bigger. When we welcome our guests back, they’ll see the transformation and they’ll feel exactly why we chose to use this moment to create something worthy of their loyalty.”
REOPENING DATES & UPGRADES
The three resorts will reopen in phases toward the end of 2026, beginning with Sandals South Coast on Nov. 18, followed by both Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay on Dec. 18.
The transformation will touch nearly every aspect of the guest experience. Plans include redesigned arrival areas with views of the Caribbean Sea, new accommodation categories, reimagined pools and upgraded social and lounge spaces. At the same time, the company says it will maintain the distinctive character and sense of place that have defined the three resorts for decades.
Food and beverage offerings will also be enhanced, with new restaurant concepts and bar experiences set to debut across all three properties.
OPERATIONS ACROSS JAMAICA
Despite the temporary closures, Sandals confirmed that the majority of its Jamaica portfolio remains fully operational. Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril continue to welcome guests, ensuring continued access to the destination while redevelopment work is underway.
The company says the large-scale investment underscores its long-term commitment to Jamaica and positions the three resorts for a new era once they reopen in late 2026.
Lead image caption: Rendering of the new signature pool at Sandals Montego Bay — Credit Sandals
