This All-Inclusive Giant Is Turning a Hurricane Disaster Into a $200 Million Reinvention of Three Flagship Resorts
Sandals is using Hurricane Melissa closures as a chance to completely reimagine three iconic Jamaica properties, with reopenings set for late 2026.
Sandals Resorts is investing $200 million to reimagine three of its most iconic Jamaica properties — turning what could have been a simple hurricane recovery into one of the brand's most ambitious overhauls ever.
The three resorts — Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast — have been closed since Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica last fall. Rather than patching things up and reopening quickly, the company decided to start from scratch on interiors, pools, dining, and guest flow across all three properties.
What's Changing
Each resort is getting redesigned arrival areas with new Caribbean Sea vantage points, expanded room categories with updated suite concepts and private pool options, reconfigured pool layouts, rebuilt lounges and bars, and entirely new restaurant concepts. The changes are tailored to each property's identity — Montego Bay for its accessibility, Royal Caribbean for its private island experience, and South Coast for its remote, secluded setting.
"With our doors closed, we were given something we almost never have in hospitality — a true blank canvas," said Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
Reopening Timeline
Sandals South Coast will reopen on November 18, 2026, followed by both Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean on December 18, 2026. Five other Sandals Jamaica properties reopened in December 2025 after the hurricane, and have been operating normally since.
