Sandals Resorts Celebrates 40-Year Milestone with Investment in Communities, Guest Experiences, and Advisor Rewards

Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay

Sandals Resorts International announced the 40th anniversary of its flagship brand for couples-only, Sandals Resorts, which originally opened in Montego Bay on 27NOV 1981.

The luxury all-inclusive resort company is celebrating Sandals' milestone anniversary by honoring the legacy of its founder, the late Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, highlighting the impact of tourism on local Caribbean communities, planning nostalgic events and activities across all Sandals all-inclusive resorts, and will continue with additional surprises to be unveiled throughout the year.

"This year marks an incredible milestone for Sandals Resorts, and it's especially meaningful as we take this moment to honor what my father created and carry on his revered legacy across the Caribbean," said SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

"Since the flagship opening in 1981 at Sandals Montego Bay, we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space. More than that, 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."

In honor of its 40th anniversary, Sandals Resorts has announced a number of celebrations and initiatives:

The Gordon "Butch" Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism

In honor of Sandals' late founder Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Sandals Resorts International announces the construction of the Gordon "Butch" Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and in conjunction with Florida International University's (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The new school is intended to develop the next generation of international tourism and hospitality leadership, through fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programming. It will be located on the Western Campus of The University of the West Indies, Mona in the Montego Bay.

My father believed in learning by experience – 'on-the-job training,' as he often put it," said Stewart. "As a consummate entrepreneur and a lifelong dreamer, he knew success was born beyond the boardroom; found instead in the moments of exploration and discovery. It's this drive that will inspire the world-class curriculum, putting students in real-world experiences as part of their development."

The new school will complement the Sandals Corporate University, which was established to provide Caribbean-based Sandals team members with opportunities to improve and develop occupational skills and earn undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. "When we invest in Caribbean people, we invest in the future of the region," said Stewart.

40 for 40 Initiative: Projects Benefitting Caribbean Communities

In honor of the company's 40th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International, together with the Sandals Foundation, the not-for-profit organization launched in 2009 to help SRI make a difference in the lives of Caribbean people, is identifying forty projects that best showcase link between tourism and its power to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives.

"The link between tourism and the wellbeing of the local Caribbean communities where we operate is undeniable," said Adam Stewart.

Projects will be selected across five main areas: supporting local farmers, hospitality training & certification, preserving natural resources, harnessing 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, Sandals team members will working to bring these projects to life and are inviting guests to join in.

Introducing the Sandals PalmCast

Sandals Resorts is kicking off its first-ever podcast, "Sandals PalmCast," intended to provide listeners 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, and more.

On-property, guests can join in the celebration with nostalgia at all Sandals Resorts including:

Then & Now Custom Cocktails & New Poolside Service

The brand is celebrating by creating some new cocktails and bringing back some originals. Guests can take a sip down memory lane while perusing the side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu. 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 using distinctive flavor blends, premium liquor, fresh ingredients, and hand-picked herbs from local farms.

Sandals Rewind Events

Sandals guests can party like it's 1981 with special weekly poolside celebrations to commemorate 40 years. Guests can enjoy live DJs spinning nostalgia-inspired music and bartenders serving up classic craft cocktails.

Travel Advisor Specials

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 and may also be invited to join a 40th Anniversary commemorative sail onboard The Lady Sandals, Sandals Resorts' signature yacht that is on a celebratory sailing tour along the Eastern seaboard throughout the year.

To learn more about how Sandals Resorts is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, visit its web site.

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