Sandals Resorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary with major Caribbean investment including a new school of hospitality, 40 Caribbean tourism projects, resort-wide festivities and so much more…
In an impressive milestone, Sandals Resorts International is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its flagship brand, Sandals Resorts. The first resort on Montego Pay opened on the 27th of November, 1981 and since then has provided countless numbers of couples with the holiday of their dreams.
Dedicated to developing hospitality excellence across the Caribbean region, the company is celebrating Sandals’ milestone anniversary by honouring the legacy of its founder, the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart; shining a light on the impact of tourism on local Caribbean communities, turning the clock back with nostalgic fun across all of 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 honour 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.” Some of the main ways they are celebrating their anniversary includes:
The Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism:
In honour of Sandals’ late founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his legendary entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong belief in the power of education, Sandals Resorts International announces the construction of the Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism. The school will be located at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and in conjunction with Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Both leaders in tourism education, FIU in partnership with the UWI will develop the next generation of international tourism and hospitality leadership, through fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programmes. The new school will be located on the Western Campus of The University of the West Indies, Mona in the Caribbean’s tourism capital of Montego Bay.
A cutting-edge, research-led facility, the Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism will offer students meaningful educational opportunities beyond the classroom. “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.”
Investment in education has long been a priority of Sandals Resorts International. 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 to 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:
The spirit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been part of the fabric of the company since its founding four decades ago. “The link between tourism and the wellbeing of the local Caribbean communities where we operate is undeniable,” said Adam Stewart. In honour of the company’s 40th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International together with the Sandals Foundation, is identifying forty projects that best showcase the incredible link between tourism – the region’s most influential industry – and its power to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives. The Sandals Foundation is the not-for-profit organisation launched in 2009, to help SRI make a difference in the lives of Caribbean people.
Projects will be selected across five main areas: supporting local farmers, hospitality training & certification, preserving natural resources, harnessing unique 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 to maximise on their talents, Sandals team members will be rolling up their sleeves to bring these projects to life and are inviting guests to join in.
Always on Island Time – Introducing the Sandals PalmCast:
Sandals Resorts is kicking off the conversation and keeping the Caribbean at the forefront with its first-ever podcast, the “Sandals PalmCast,” giving listeners the inside scoop on all the latest happenings across the resorts. Up to 20-minute-long episodes will feature expert insights, resort overviews, and special interviews with surprises along the way. With an average repeat guest rate nearing 50%, Sandals’ guests can listen in to learn all about the latest happenings on resort and throughout the Caribbean.
Guests can also join in the celebration at all Sandals Resorts with a nod to nostalgia, including:
From the OG to the Extraordinary – Then & Now Custom Cocktails & New Poolside Service
With a whole host of swim-up bars, Sandals knows a thing or two about pouring the perfect poolside cocktails. The brand is celebrating by creating some new favourite drinks and bringing back some originals. Guests can take a sip down memory lane while perusing the side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu to switch between tastes. All Sandals Resorts will also debut new poolside service, serving up a Caribbean-inspired snack & cocktail menu so that guests can lounge poolside for longer. Additionally, bars and restaurants throughout the brand will debut a new hand-crafted cocktail experience, consisting of eight new curated cocktails. These will be served using distinctive flavour blends, premium spirits, 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 of fun. Guests can soak up the sun whilst the past meets the future – brought to life by live DJs spinning inspired music and bartenders serving up classic craft cocktails.
Vintage Retail Collection in Resort Shops
Sandals Resorts is launching an EST. 1981-inspired vintage t-shirt and retail collection, available in all Beach House resort shops. Guests can choose from ten nostalgic and vibrant designs which pay homage to Sandals’ founding era, available for purchase from November 2021.
In addition to on-resort plans, lucky Sandals Select Rewards guest members will also be treated to returning guests dinners whilst staying at the resorts.
To learn more about how Sandals Resorts is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and to stay up to date with additional surprises to come, make sure to visit: https://www.sandals.co.uk/celebrating-40-years/
To book or for more information on Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk, or call 0800 597 0002
