New guest experiences, dining concepts and accommodations will highlight the US$200 million Sandals 2.0 transformation of three of the company’s most popular resorts beginning this fall: Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay (renamed from Sandals Royal Caribbean), and Sandals South Coast.
In revealing a first look at the re-imagined properties, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) says it is reinforcing Sandals’ continued commitment to the island where the brand was born, including “the resort that started it all” more than 40 years ago – Sandals Montego Bay.
Returning on Dec. 18, the revitalized Mo’ Bay all-inclusive will enter a new era while honouring its legacy as the brand’s flagship property with 255 rooms.
A transformed welcome experience will set the tone for what’s in store, with a lobby design framed by sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. A completely redesigned main pool will serve as the social heart of the resort, complemented by new swim-up accommodations and spacious ocean-view suites designed to bring guests closer to the shoreline.
Culinary additions include the arrival of the guest-favourite Buccan in its first waterfront setting in Jamaica, serving island favourites cooked over an open flame, as well as Jamaica’s first Scrimshaw seafood restaurant, offering wraparound sea views and a refined coastal dining experience.
The Caribbean’s first-ever swim-up bar remains a centerpiece of the resort as part of Parisol Beach Club, where the original bricks, carved with decades of guest names, have been preserved as a tribute to the resort’s history. Guests can also discover Bay Roc Rum Club, a signature rum experience inspired by the property’s origins as Bay Roc Hotel & Villas and the rise of Caribbean music.
Sandals Caribbean Cay (Dec. 18)
Formerly known as Sandals Royal Caribbean, the resort will debut as Sandals Caribbean Cay (rendering above), a fresh identity inspired by its distinctive offshore island experience. The transformation begins in the open-air lobby, where uninterrupted views of the main pool and the Caribbean Sea beyond create an immediate connection to the water.
Leading the culinary refresh is Suppa, a homegrown supper-style restaurant and ode to the tradition of gathering around the table for Sunday dinner. Featuring Jamaican comfort food designed for sharing, guests are invited into a modern Jamaican home, where Keynote Rum Bar serves as the intimate “parlor” – a cozy spot for premium Caribbean rums. For something lighter, Heart & Sol serves grab-and-go juices, sandwiches and bowls.
The resort is also expanding with 84 new rooms, bringing the total room count to 291 contemporary Caribbean accommodations. New room categories include Sandals’ signature SkyPool Suites overlooking the ocean, new Swim-up Suites and coming next June, new Oceanview Butler Suites.
Updates further extend to the resort’s private island, Sandals Cay, where Parisol Beach Club creates a laid-back retreat accessible exclusively by boat. Guests can enjoy the new dining venue Parisol or grab a quick bite at the Jerk Shack before spending the day enjoying a swim-up bar, pool, and palapas perched along the sand.
Additional highlights include a new state-of-the-art fitness centre with panoramic ocean views and elevated Overwater Butler Villas set above the waters of Sandals Cay.
Sandals South Coast (Nov. 18)
Surrounded by a 200-hectare nature preserve, the 380-room Sandals South Coast “hideaway” has long been celebrated for its secluded setting and deep connection to nature. The resort’s evolution builds on that legacy with enhancements designed to complement one of Jamaica’s most captivating coastlines.
Enhanced with lush tropical greenery and inviting lounge areas, the pool experience feels seamlessly integrated into the landscape, while design elements of the lobby and surrounding areas draw inspiration from the resort’s roaming peacocks.
Meanwhile, Overwater Butler Villas (rendering above) return with refreshed interiors inspired by the Caribbean, joined by the brand’s first-ever Beachfront Club Two Queen Junior Suites, ideal for groups travelling together.
New dining offerings begin at BLŪM, serving Blue Mountain coffee alongside artisanal pastries and light bites. As the day transitions into evening, guests can gather at Butch’s Island Chop House, making its debut on Jamaica’s south coast with a dedicated martini bar — a vibrant social hub designed for lingering long after the sun goes down. Plans are also underway for a new rum bar, which will become the fourth in the island’s collection.
“Jamaica is at the heart of the Sandals story, and these investments reflect our commitment to its future,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “For us, dreaming bigger wasn’t about adding more. It was about creating a Sandals 2.0 experience that also feels connected to our home. Every decision and detail was shaped by that idea. From new cuisines rooted in Jamaica’s traditions to spaces designed to reflect the island’s natural beauty, this next chapter is about building on that legacy and continuing to move the guest experience forward in a way that is not only elevated but evolved.”
Rebranded loyalty program
In other Sandals and Beaches news, the company has unveiled the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition.
Effective July 1, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences.
Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their first visit and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).
Benefits range for flexible experience credits to complimentary stays, upgrade hotline, wine discounts, dedicated VIP concierge line, and more.
Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.
For more info: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub
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