"Our purpose is to share the four corners of the Caribbean with the world,” said Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman, speaking at a media breakfast on 25JUN during the Grand Opening celebrations of Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Sandals “grew from 99 bedrooms in MBJ to what you see today, as the Caribbean's only super brand.” And according to Stewart, there are big things on the horizon for Sandals.
We’re asking you all to put your seat belts on because the next 5-10 years is going to be insane.
In an exclusive interview with Open Jaw, Stewart talked about his the legacy of his father, Sandals' founder, the late "Butch" Stewart, and the direction he is taking the company into the future.
“My father created a platform in this super brand in this incredible company and I had the distinct pleasure of working with him for 22 years. I’m trying to do everything I can, day to day, through innovation looking forward to building the worlds best team, the worlds best resorts in the best locations in the Caribbean.”
Stewart points out that the company has been playing the long game. Over the years, it's "acquired some of the best real estate around the Caribbean," even though there was no imminent plans to develop.
That is, until now.
“We have the opportunity to at least double the size of Sandals and Beaches Resorts,” according to Stewart, and “it's going to be untouchable!”
And not just with new properties opening throughout the region.
"We said we’re going to take this brand to the moon," Stewart explains, "every single element of hospitality is going to be reviewed starting with designs, innovations, services, things that have never been done in hospitality before”.
The future of Sandals includes travel advisors, he added. “Travel agents built our company, and we’ve had a relationship with Canada since day one. We missed you guys during the pandemic, so it’s great be back."
"Sandals 2.0" Starts Now
“Our Executive Chairman made a commitment to try and double our footprint in the next 40 years,” said Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Unique Vacations. “Maintaining the momentum and keeping that expansion going in a way that doesn’t compromise the quality and the consistency of what we have to offer is our goal.”
The key ingredients that make Sandals a success won't change, she vowed, telling Open Jaw, “It’s an incredible core team of people - the soul and spirit of Sandals, that make up our ‘secret sauce’, from the grounds person to the executive chairman.”
But the new era of Sandals resorts has already begun at Sandals Royal Curaçao.
“It’s a brand new island, a brand new concept, and different in so many ways,” says Maureen Barnes-Smith, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Unique Vacations. “Curaçao has its own vibe and offers a unique experience for our guests.”
Off-Site Dining
One example is the resort company's first-ever 'Island Inclusive' experience, an off-site dining concept valued at USD $250 toward dining at one of eight partner restaurants in Willemstad, approximately 25 minutes from the resort. This option is available to guests booked in butler suites, and Diamond Level and above Sandals Select Reward Members, with a seven night minimum stay.
Fun Rides
Not only that, but guests staying in one of the butler bungalows also receive complimentary access to one of a fleet of MINI Coopers to explore the island and visit the capital Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Design
Sandals keeps pushing the envelope with architecture and design, too. Two features at Sandals Royal Curaçao include the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow, a heart shaped lagoon with private bungalows, and the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow, which is set along the coast with its own private infinity pool.
