Sandals extends closure of three Jamaica resorts for US$200M transformation

Three Sandals resorts in Jamaica will remain closed longer than initially planned, as Sandals Resorts International (SRI) undertakes a major US$200 million transformation project.

Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast were originally scheduled to reopen on May 31 following Hurricane Melissa. However, as restoration work progressed, the company decided to expand the scope of upgrades, pushing reopening dates to later in 2026.

According to SRI, the extended closure will allow for a full-scale reimagining of the properties under its Sandals 2.0 vision, rather than standard repairs.

“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.”

The three resorts are now expected to reopen in phases toward the end of 2026. Sandals South Coast is slated to reopen on November 18, followed by Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay on December 18.

SRI said the upgrades will touch nearly every aspect of the guest experience, including redesigned arrival areas with views of the Caribbean Sea, new accommodation categories, reimagined pools, and upgraded social and lounge spaces. The company added that it will retain the distinct character of each property while introducing modern enhancements.

Food and beverage offerings are also set to be expanded, with new restaurant concepts and bar experiences planned across all three resorts.

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Despite the closures, Sandals confirmed that most of its Jamaica properties remain operational. Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril continue to welcome guests.

The company said the investment underscores its long-term commitment to Jamaica and positions the three resorts for a new era when they reopen in late 2026.