If there’s just one critical message Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart wants to convey to travel advisors, tourism partners, and concerned travelers in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, it is this: Sandals properties — and Jamaica itself — will fully recover and emerge stronger than ever before, with enhanced resort experiences and unwavering commitment to excellence in Caribbean hospitality.
Stewart, who made an unexpected and much-anticipated appearance at Northstar Travel Group’s CruiseWorld event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said he has personally driven throughout Jamaica to conduct comprehensive damage assessments and witness firsthand the hurricane impact on communities and resort properties across the island nation.
“I’m a sixth-generation Jamaican,” he said with evident emotion. “I live in Jamaica. I work out of Jamaica, and I’m incredibly proud of my country — I have never seen more unity ever.” This powerful statement underscores the Jamaican resilience and community spirit that has emerged in the face of natural disaster.
Sandals Properties Hurricane Damage Assessment
Stewart’s personal assessment revealed a mixed picture of hurricane damage across the company’s Jamaican resort portfolio. The news provides important answers for travelers asking “Are Sandals resorts open in Jamaica?” and “Which Sandals properties were affected by Hurricane Melissa?”
Sandals properties in Ocho Rios were remarkably not impacted by the storm. “If you visited there, you would not have known that there was a storm,” Stewart said, offering reassurance to guests with bookings at Ocho Rios resorts. This northern coast location was largely spared from the worst of Hurricane Melissa’s fury.
However, Montego Bay and the South Coast unfortunately took a direct hit from the category 5 hurricane, resulting in significant damage that requires extensive renovation work and infrastructure repairs before these properties can safely welcome guests again.
Sandals Resorts Reopening Timeline Announced
Five of the company’s eight Jamaican resorts are scheduled to reopen on December 6, 2025, providing excellent news for travelers planning winter Caribbean vacations. These properties, located in Ocho Rios and Negril, represent the majority of Sandals Jamaica capacity and will be ready to deliver the luxury all-inclusive experience the brand is known for.
The five resorts reopening in December include properties that either sustained minimal damage or have completed necessary repairs to meet Sandals’ high standards of guest safety and comfort. This phased reopening approach addresses the question “When will Sandals Jamaica reopen after Hurricane Melissa?”
The three remaining properties — Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast — are set to begin welcoming guests again on May 30, 2026. While this extended timeline may disappoint some travelers with spring 2026 bookings, Stewart revealed that this extended closure comes with a silver lining.
Sandals Resorts Transformation: Turning Crisis Into Opportunity
“As my father [Sandals Founder “Butch” Gordon Stewart] said, ‘never waste a good crisis,'” Stewart quoted, invoking the wisdom of the legendary hotelier who built Sandals Resorts into the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive brand.
The resorts that were hit hard “will be completely transformed to the next level when they reopen,” he said, noting that the company will provide its travel advisor partners with enhanced product offerings once they are back in business. This resort transformation represents a significant investment in the future of Sandals Jamaica properties.
This commitment to upgrading and enhancing the affected properties transforms what could be viewed as purely negative into an opportunity for resort improvements. Travelers asking “Will Sandals resorts be better after Hurricane Melissa?” can expect significant enhancements to room amenities, resort facilities, dining venues, and guest experiences at the three properties undergoing extended renovations.
The resort upgrades will likely include modernized rooms, enhanced technology, expanded dining options, upgraded pools and beach areas, and other luxury amenities that will position these properties as next-generation all-inclusive resorts when they relaunch in May 2026.
Sandals’ Commitment to Travel Advisors Remains Strong
Stewart also reiterated the company’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to its travel advisor partners, who represent a critical channel for Sandals bookings and have been instrumental in building the brand’s reputation among luxury travelers seeking Caribbean all-inclusive vacations.
In a gesture of appreciation, Stewart provided travel agents with complimentary stays at Sandals resorts at the end of his CruiseWorld presentation, demonstrating the brand’s tangible support for the travel advisor community during this challenging time.
“My father used to say it’s been a long-time love affair, and I want to thank you for your service and commitment to Sandals,” he said. “Keep sending us your business.” This emotional appeal reinforces the partnership approach that has made Sandals Resorts a preferred brand among travel professionals.
The complimentary travel advisor stays serve multiple purposes: they reward agent loyalty, provide opportunities for FAM trips (familiarization trips) to experience the reopened resorts, and enable advisors to provide firsthand resort reviews and recommendations to their clients planning Jamaica vacations.
Jamaica Tourism Recovery Efforts
Stewart’s appearance at CruiseWorld comes at a crucial time for Jamaica tourism recovery, as the island nation works to restore its position as one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations. The tourism sector is vital to Jamaica’s economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.
The phased reopening of Sandals properties will help restore visitor confidence and demonstrate that Jamaica is open for business even as some areas continue recovery efforts. The message is clear: Jamaica welcomes tourists and the tourism infrastructure is being restored quickly and efficiently.
For travelers with existing Sandals reservations affected by the closures, the company is working directly with guests and their travel advisors to provide rebooking options, alternative resort accommodations, or other solutions that maintain the Sandals guest experience standards.
What This Means for Caribbean Travelers
The Sandals Jamaica reopening timeline provides clarity for travelers planning Caribbean getaways in both the near and longer term. Those seeking December 2025 vacations have excellent options at the five reopening properties, while travelers can look forward to enhanced resort experiences at the three properties reopening in May 2026.
This situation also demonstrates the resilience of Caribbean tourism and the commitment of major hospitality brands like Sandals Resorts International to not just recover but to emerge stronger from natural disasters. The company’s decision to use the closure period for significant upgrades rather than just repairs shows strategic thinking that benefits future guests.
For luxury travelers asking “Is Jamaica safe to visit after Hurricane Melissa?” or “Should I book a Sandals vacation to Jamaica?”, Stewart’s personal assessment and the company’s substantial investment in recovery and enhancement provide strong reassurance.
The broader Jamaica tourism industry will benefit from Sandals’ recovery efforts, as the brand is one of the island’s largest hospitality employers and a major driver of visitor arrivals. As Sandals properties reopen and welcome guests, the positive ripple effects will extend throughout local communities, supporting restaurants, attractions, transportation providers, and countless other tourism businesses.
For more breaking Caribbean travel news, resort reopening updates, hurricane recovery information, all-inclusive resort reviews, and expert luxury vacation planning tips that keep you informed about developments affecting your tropical getaways, visit The Inspiring Insight. Stay current with our in-depth coverage of resort news, destination updates, travel advisor insights, booking strategies, and comprehensive Caribbean destination guides to help you plan unforgettable beach vacations and island escapes. Subscribe for the latest resort announcements, travel deals, and Caribbean tourism news.
