Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart led a series of virtual town halls in mid-November with updates on Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery and the status of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Speaking from Montego Bay, Stewart detailed the country’s progress in restoration. He confirmed that Jamaica’s major airports—Norman Manley International in Kingston, Sangster International in Montego Bay, and Ian Fleming International in Ocho Rios—are fully operational. Road access to Ocho Rios and Negril has been cleared and reopened.
“Jamaica is going to be okay. In every moment of challenge, including this one, our first responsibility has always been to our team members and the guests who place their trust in us,” said Stewart in a press statement. “And as we share honest, timely information with our travel partners and those who love this country, we want them to know this: the greatest way to support Jamaica is simply to come back. Tourism is the most economically impactful industry in our society, uplifting many sectors of our economy and Jamaican communities across the island. One thing I can tell you is that when we come back, we always come back bigger, better and stronger.”
Sandals Reopenings
Stewart confirmed that Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril plan to reopen Dec. 6 after completing safety inspections and refresh work during a 30-day operational pause. Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast, which sustained greater impact, are undergoing accelerated upgrades as part of the company’s enhancement program, with reopening expected May 30, 2026. The updated experiences will be part of what Stewart called the Sandals 2.0 initiative, incorporating improvements originally scheduled for later years.
Throughout the aftermath, Sandals maintained a people-first focus. About 1,000 guests on the island during the storm were kept safe, with staff voluntarily remaining on site to assist and coordinate charter flights home. Several million dollars have been allocated to employees for personal recovery and housing assistance.
Through the Sandals Foundation, one of the company’s most extensive relief efforts is underway across Jamaica. Teams have distributed more than 1,000 care packages and 6,000 cases of water to affected communities. Medical aid has been provided to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, and rescue operations at Sandals South Coast received support from the U.S. Army Reserve. In partnership with Medic Corps, the Jamaica Defence Force, World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon, Sandals repurposed its corporate hangar for medical evacuations and meal distribution. Efforts also include hospital restoration, food deliveries and the provision of essential supplies for displaced families.
For more information, visit sandalsfoundation.org.
