News

Taking Risks And Reaping Rewards

The Sandals Resorts International story started more than three decades ago when founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart opened the flagship Sandals Montego Bay in 1981.

Today, with 24 properties across seven countries and counting – including Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Turks and Caicos – the family-owned company, which includes Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, is arguably one of the most recognized all-inclusive vacation providers in the world, reports Ann Ruppenstein in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.

“Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean has had a tremendous, tremendous ride,” says Gordon “Butch” Stewart. “We’ve trained thousands and thousands of people, and we’re at the forefront of innovation. In the all-inclusive category, we’re responsible for almost every single innovation from the ages that we put hair dryers in the room – nobody else had that.”

Not only was Sandals the first Caribbean hotel chain to offer many now mainstream features and amenities – such as Jacuzzis, satellite TV service and swim-up pool bars, as well as ensuring that all rooms came equipped with the aforementioned hair dryers – its constant innovation has moved it beyond all-inclusive to redefine its resorts as luxury included.

Having officially kicked-off celebrations for its 35th year of operation on Nov. 27, Sandals continues to stay innovative with the recent introduction of the Tahiti-style over-the-water villas off the private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

More than seven years in the making, the luxurious project was inspired by CEO and deputy chairman Adam Stewart’s honeymoon in the Maldives.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier by clicking here.