In travel news for May 24, 2023 we talk about the new Sandals Dunn’s River resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Jamaica's alluring tourism scene welcomes a rejuvenated gem as Sandals Resorts International (SRI) inaugurates its completely redesigned 260-room Sandals Dunn's River Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on May 24. Returning to a site where the company had previously operated a resort, the grand reopening holds historical significance and deep sentimental value for the Sandals family.
This transformative unveiling marks Sandals' return to the location where they ran the Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa for over a decade until 2010. The resort's former incarnation, Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa, has now given way to an entirely renewed luxury retreat.
Notably, the Sandals Dunn's River project holds special significance as the last joint venture between the late Sandals founder Butch Stewart and his son, Adam Stewart, the executive chairman of SRI. Butch Stewart's influence on Caribbean tourism continues to inspire, and this resort stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit.
During the grand opening ceremony, Adam Stewart spoke warmly of his father and the legacy of their shared vision for Sandals Resorts. The new Sandals Dunn's River Resort, he said, is an embodiment of his father's unwavering pursuit of excellence and is a stunning representation of the promising future of Sandals Resorts.
The redesigned resort boasts an array of impressive amenities, including twelve dining venues and nine bars, one of which is a swim-up bar. Guests can also enjoy access to facilities at the nearby Sandals Ochi, with roundtrip transportation included as part of their stay, ensuring a seamless luxury experience.
This grand reveal marks Sandals Dunn's River as the seventeenth resort in the Sandals portfolio and the seventh in Jamaica, strengthening the brand's significant presence in the Caribbean.
The grand opening event, thematically titled the "Return of a Legend," was a vibrant homage to the resort's history and the local culture. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Jamaican rainforest and nearby Dunn’s River Falls, the event integrated natural elements with vibrant entertainment and culinary delights.
Attendees were treated to a variety of performances, including a tribute to the late Gordon 'Butch' Stewart by a local choir and a spectacle by the renowned cast of STOMP, which brought the 'beat' of Jamaica to the stage. The celebration culminated in an electrifying performance by Grammy-Award-winning artist Shaggy.
Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness of Jamaica, among other dignitaries, echoed the sentiments of respect and admiration for the late Gordon 'Butch' Stewart. Recalling a conversation with the late visionary, he spoke of the transformation of dreams into reality and how Sandals Dunn's River Resort embodies this spirit.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Adam Stewart concluded, "As we stand on solid ground, we remain committed as ever to celebrating our Caribbean heritage and delivering unsurpassed innovation, excitement, and unparalleled service to the next generations of Sandals customers."
With the opening of the new Sandals Dunn's River, SRI reaffirms its commitment to the continued growth of Jamaica's tourism industry. As the resort ushers in a new era, guests can look forward to an enriched vacation experience that seamlessly blends luxury, cultural immersion, and the captivating beauty of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
