Sandals never does anything small. It’s not surprising then that the all-inclusive chain of luxury resorts has announced a host of initiatives to coincide with and celebrate its upcoming 40th anniversary on Nov. 27, ranging from building a hotel and hospitality school for the Caribbean to conducting 40 community tourism projects in the region, and hosting festivities designed to engage guests across its extensive property portfolio.
The milestone celebration of the opening of the first Sandals resort in Montego Bay in 1981 is designed to “shine a light” on the impact of tourism on local Caribbean communities; honour the legacy of late founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart; and for guests, “turn the clock back with nostalgic fun planned across all Sandals resorts” throughout the year, says Sandals Resorts International.
Among the anniversary endeavours are:
Education
To honour the founder’s entrepreneurial spirit and life-long belief in the power of education, SRI will build the Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism at The University of the West Indies in Montego Bay. The aim of the cutting-edge institute (developed in conjunction with Florida International University) is to develop the next generation of international tourism and hospitality leadership through fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programming. “When we invest in Caribbean people, we invest in the future of the region,” says SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
40 for 40 Initiative
The not-for-profit Sandals Foundation is identifying 40 projects that best showcase the link between tourism – the region’s most influential industry – and its power to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives. Projects will be selected across five main areas: supporting local farmers, hospitality training & certification, preserving natural resources, harnessing unique artisan crafts, and community outreach.
From ecological conservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains and improving the capacity of farmers to increase their efforts toward sustainable food production, to working closely with local artisans to maximize on their talents, Sandals team members will be rolling up their sleeves to bring these projects to life and are inviting guests to join in.
Sandals PalmCast
Sandals first-ever podcast, “Sandals PalmCast,” will give listeners, including loyal repeat guests, the inside scoop on all the latest happenings across the resorts with 13- to 20-minute-long episodes featuring expert insights, resort overviews, and special interviews.
On-property
• Cocktails & New Poolside Service: Guests can take a sip down memory lane while perusing the side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu to switch between tastes without having to use time machine to get there. All Sandals Resorts will also debut new poolside service serving up a Caribbean-inspired snack & cocktail menu. Additionally, bars and restaurants throughout the brand will debut a new hand-crafted cocktail experience consisting of eight new curated cocktails.
• Sandals Rewind Events: Sandals guests can party like it’s 1981 with special weekly poolside celebrations brought to life by live DJs spinning inspired music and bartenders serving up classic craft cocktails.
• Vintage Retail Collection: Sandals Resorts is launching an EST. 1981-inspired vintage t-shirt and retail collection available in all Beach House resort shops. Guests can choose from 10 nostalgic and vibrant designs that pay homage to Sandals’ founding era style, available for purchase beginning in November.
• In addition to on-property plans, lucky Sandals Select Rewards members and long-time Certified Sandals Specialist travel advisor partners will also be treated to returning guests dinners whilst staying at the resorts.
“This year marks an incredible milestone for Sandals Resorts, and it’s especially meaningful as we take this moment to honour what my father created and carry on his revered legacy across the Caribbean,” says Adam Stewart. “Since the flagship opening in 1981 at Sandals Montego Bay… we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovation is created in the Caribbean. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone for our company alongside our Sandals family as we look to the next 40 years of inspired Caribbean vision and innovation.”