Anyone who has traveled to Jamaica knows what “island connection” means. We will never forget rhythm, freedom, peace and the most positive people on earth. With every influx of tourists to Jamaica, the relationship grows closer and closer as love literally pours out of the island. This has been the case since the first Sandals resort opened in Montego Bay over 40 years ago.
Photo: Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica.
But now, bigger things are happening in Jamaica than ever before. More than 1,000 travel advisors and dignitaries from around the world recently came to experience the event during a week-long event. Sandals Jamaica Love Tour. They spent the week immersed in activities such as a thought leadership showcase and embarked on a reading road trip with members. sandals foundation We read aloud to schoolchildren, shared laughs with locals, enjoyed the rhythms of authentic Caribbean performers, and discovered why Jamaica is associated with love.
Among them, we spoke to a man who has a deep personal connection to the island and knows it better than anyone else. Adam Stewart, Chairman, Sandals Resorts International. Because what better way to understand this current surge of energy, the essence of Jamaican Love, and the rise of “Sandals 2.0” than to hear from fathers, sons, and friends who live it every day? Because there isn’t.
“Jamaica is having a good time.”
Having been born and raised here, I know this wonderful island like the back of my hand. But I’ve never seen anything like what I’m seeing today. This is a special moment. Jamaica has never looked more beautiful and I have never felt more welcome. New businesses are opening. A new flight arrives on the island. The country’s debt as a percentage of GDP has been cut in half. National reserves are growing exponentially. But statistics aren’t the only issue. They stem from the theme that Jamaica’s landscape is changing.
“We know why the world loves Jamaica.”
Because Jamaica loves the world. You feel the love as soon as you arrive. We would be happy if you could come to our country and celebrate with us. This is a beautiful place. This is a place of peace. This is a place with really friendly people. No one treats us like we do. Because this is who we are.
“At Sandals, we say the world stands still for everyone.”
You can either fear change or you can grow from it. No matter how good you are, you have to evolve and improve. That’s why we started rolling out Sandals 2.0 in response to the changing situation in Jamaica. We are committed to leading the luxury all-inclusive category, strengthening our commitment to all aspects of hospitality: wellness, gastronomy, entertainment, comfort, personalized service, and the overall upliftment of people. I am. And you can clearly see that we are designing a resort that deserves to be on every cover of Architectural Digest magazine.
“It starts with mindset.”
Whenever someone says, “You can’t do that,” we say, “Just watch.” See how we transform a concept into something amazing. If you listen to any of our conferences, you’ll hear a huge number of ideas. As far as I know, there are no outlandish ideas. That’s why so many ideas became part of Sandals 2.0.
Pictured is the Swim Up Rondo Bar at Coyaba Sky Villas at Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
“The new Sandal Dan’s River represents the future of sandals.”
Literally, the entire concept at Sandals Dunn’s River is a Sandals-first concept. When our team decided to create a rondo bar with a rooftop terrace, we said: Now let’s take it to another level and add a stargazing concierge. ” Similar conversations led to heart-shaped overwater bungalows, beachside skypool suites, and innovative culinary concepts that fit the culture of resorts in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
“For us, it’s personal.”
The word “authentic” means something to us. Because no one knows and cares about the Caribbean better than us. At Sandals Dunn’s River, we wanted our guests to immerse themselves in Jamaica’s natural wonders: ferns, streams, waterfalls, and majestic banyan trees. It combines the Jamaica we know and love with next-level luxury.
“Any innovation must improve the customer experience.”
Treat everyone like family. That’s the Jamaican attitude. My father built this into the DNA of Sandals and Beaches Resort from the beginning. He used to say, “Keep all your guests captivated.” It doesn’t matter if it’s their first time or their 20th time, we have surprised them by exceeding their highest expectations. That’s what makes us different.
Pictured is the new Fire Ski Reserve Villa on Negril Beach, Jamaica.
“There are two things that will never change.”
When our guests visit us, they are always on the world’s most beautiful beaches with the world’s friendliest people. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world and whenever I leave Jamaica I can’t wait to go home. If you’ve been here, you know the feeling. said N. Nicholas Perry, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. “I hear the Caribbean is called America’s backyard. We know this is America’s front yard. If you put a pearl in your own front yard, Jamaica is just the pearl in America’s front yard. is.”
“It means family here.”
I mentioned my father earlier and I have to share that he represented everything that is good about the Caribbean islands. He cared deeply about our environment and community. He was a man with a great voice and incredible vision, and continues to be an inspiration. There was nothing to hold him back. And like all Jamaicans, he was proud of his country. He founded the company as a single person, seeing it as an opportunity to do something great and believing that if we work together, nothing is impossible. His company grew to two people, then four, and now Sandals and Beaches employs more than 20,000 Caribbean nationals across nine islands. It is the largest and most recognized brand to have come out of the archipelago. These brands are special because they are supported by the people who live here, from top to bottom, who we consider family.
“I believe that the greatest business on earth is tourism.”
And what better destination than the Caribbean? Are there other places that make people happy? What other place could offer more endorphins and more memories in a truly stunning backdrop created by the Almighty? And who are the beneficiaries? our guests and people in our community. There’s no better way to show love than by lifting each other up.
“Now you can see why Jamaica and love go hand in hand.”
It’s impossible to be here in Jamaica and not feel the rhythm and the love. That’s not possible. It is deeply rooted in music, history, culture, beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, waterfalls, mountains, rivers…I could go on. That’s who we are. we love our guests. We love the farmers, artisans, pastors and priests who host weddings at our resorts, and our partners across the island. We love the food, culture and beautiful surroundings. we really love our home. This love drives us every morning to be better today than yesterday. And I can say with confidence that my love for Jamaica at this special moment is stronger than ever in my life. If you come, I will prove it to you.
Pictured is Sandals South Coast’s overwater bungalow at the White House in Jamaica.
