Sandals Resorts International CEO Adam Stewart hosted a series of virtual informational forums this week with thousands of travel agents and Sandals Select Rewards loyalty program members, offering a candid update on Jamaica's recovery following the recent hurricane and detailing the chain's phased reopening plans
In a live broadcast from Jamaica, Mr. Stewart praised the country's "unwavering resilience" and the unity shown by the government, the private sector, and international partners to restore normalcy across the island. Emphasis was placed on the fact that key tourism infrastructure is operational: Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport, Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport, and Ocho Rios' Ian Fleming International Airport are open, and the main roads to Ocho Rios and Negril are clear and fully accessible
“Without a doubt, Jamaica will recover. In every moment of difficulty, including this very moment, our primary responsibility has always been to our team members and the guests who place their trust in us,” Stewart stated. “And by sharing accurate and timely information with our tourism partners and those who love this country, we want them to keep in mind: the best way to support Jamaica is simply to visit the island. Tourism is the industry with the greatest economic impact on our society, driving many sectors of our economy and Jamaican communities across the island.”
He underscored the crucial role that travel agents and consumers continue to play in supporting the region's path to recovery, reaffirming their collaboration as essential to the strength and sustainability of the tourism industry. Stewart confirmed that the Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril are ready to welcome guests starting December 6, with all services operational. This includes Sandals Dunn's River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril, which underwent additional upgrades and safety checks during the planned 30-day pause
Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast, which were most severely impacted, will begin an accelerated program of improvements, aiming to reopen on May 30, 2026. Stewart noted that the resorts will return with what he has called “Sandals 2.0” experiences, featuring additional enhancements and even hinting at future plans.
“One thing I can assure you is that when we come back, we always come back bigger, better, and stronger,” Stewart added.
During the storm and its aftermath, Stewart emphasized that the company’s people-centered philosophy has guided every decision. Approximately 1,000 guests who were on the island during the hurricane remained safe and received comprehensive care, thanks to teams who volunteered to stay on-site to provide support and the organization of charter flights to facilitate their return home
Several million US dollars have already been allocated to team members to cover their personal recovery needs, in addition to targeted assistance for those who lost their homes or suffered more serious damage.
“Our team members are the backbone of this company and have demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion, and professionalism,” Stewart added. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with them and the people of Jamaica until every community is fully recovered.”
Sandals Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, has launched one of its most ambitious relief initiatives to date for communities across Jamaica. Relief teams have distributed more than 1,000 relief packages and 6,000 cases of water to families in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The foundation has also donated essential medical equipment to bolster Bustamante Children’s Hospital and supported the U.S. Army Reserve in rescue and assessment operations at Sandals South Coast. In collaboration with the Medic Corps and the Force
In defense of Jamaica, Sandals has adapted its corporate hangar for medical evacuations and supply missions, while, in collaboration with World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon, food distribution centers have been established serving freshly prepared meals to communities in western Jamaica. Other initiatives include delivering basic food baskets to community aid centers, as well as providing tarpaulins, lanterns, and basic baby items to families in need, and assisting in restoring essential health services at St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital following considerable damage during the storm
All guests and partners who wish to support Jamaica's recovery efforts are encouraged to donate through the Sandals Foundation, where 100% of donations go directly to immediate action programs. To donate, please visit sandalsfoundation.org/donation.
Source: Sandals Resorts.