Webinar screenshot of Adam Stewart and Gary Sadler sharing Sandals Resorts Jamaica recovery update after Hurricane Melissa.

An Exclusive Briefing from Sandals Resorts Leadership

This Sandals Jamaica hurricane update was inspired by a webinar featuring Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

Today, I joined an exclusive Travel Advisor Town Hall with Adam Stewart…

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, shares update on Jamaica’s hurricane recovery

What Travelers Should Know About Jamaica’s Recovery

Hurricane Melissa created a 10-mile-wide path of destruction, but much of Jamaica remained untouched. Here are the key takeaways Adam Stewart shared:

  • **95% of Ocho Rios is unaffected.**
  • Many Sandals and Beaches properties experienced **no structural damage**.
  • **Tours and excursions are operating**, including more than 6,000 cruise passengers arriving and touring yesterday.

Jamaica has received major support from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and major travel brands such as Royal Caribbean and Disney.

Jamaica is open, welcoming guests, and recovering quickly.

Official Sandals Jamaica Reopening Dates

This was the most sought-after topic in the briefing and remains a top SEO search term.

Opening December 6, 2025

  • Sandals Dunn’s River
  • Sandals Royal Plantation
  • Sandals Ochi
  • Sandals Negril
  • Beaches Negril

All properties will reopen with full amenities and operations.

Opening May 30, 2026

  • Sandals Montego Bay
  • Sandals Royal Caribbean
  • Sandals South Coast

These properties sustained the most damage, mostly to ground-floor levels, and are undergoing restoration and enhancements.

Sailing at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica with clear blue water and mountain views

How Sandals Took Care of Guests During Hurricane Melissa

One of the most reassuring parts of the briefing was hearing how Sandals took care of both guests and team members during Hurricane Melissa. Sandals is known for exceptional hospitality, but their crisis response truly set a new standard.

  • Guests who became stranded due to flight cancellations were allowed to stay **completely free of charge** until they could safely return home.
  • There were **zero guest injuries** and **zero team member injuries** across all Sandals and Beaches properties in Jamaica.
  • Temporary closures at several resorts were implemented **not because of guest safety concerns**, but to give team members time to repair their homes and safely return to work.
  • Sandals has long been known for taking care of its people—and this moment proved it once again.

Hearing this firsthand reinforced why I confidently send my clients to Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Their commitment to care, safety, and hospitality is unwavering, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Jamaica’s National Recovery Efforts Are Well Underway

Adam Stewart shared an encouraging on-the-ground update about Jamaica’s recovery. While Hurricane Melissa created a 10-mile-wide path of destruction, the vast majority of the island—including 95% of Ocho Rios—remains completely unaffected and open to visitors.

Here are some of the most important national recovery highlights:

 

  • Jamaica has already welcomed more than **1,150 incoming flights**, many carrying aid and relief supplies.
  • Sandals donated its **private hangar at the Montego Bay airport** to support relief operations.
  • The resorts’ **Montego Bay call center was destroyed**, but operations are being relocated and restored quickly.
  • Aid has arrived from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and several major travel partners including Royal Caribbean International and Disney.
  • Adam Stewart personally visited **every Sandals and Beaches property** to assess damage and support team members.
  • Unity between government, the private sector, and international partners has been “at an all-time high,” according to Stewart.

If you’re planning a future stay, I also put together a helpful guide on how to save big on your Sandals Resorts vacation so you can make the most of your all-inclusive getaway.

Despite the challenges, Jamaica’s recovery is moving quickly, thanks to global support and the resilience of the Jamaican people. As Adam Stewart said, *“Jamaicans love to share their country with the world, and they are ready to welcome guests back.”*

Overwater bungalows at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica with guest walking on the boardwalk

Ready to Plan Your Jamaica Getaway?

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, honeymoon, or a relaxing all-inclusive getaway, I would love to help you curate the perfect trip to Jamaica. As a Sandals and Beaches specialist, I stay closely connected with the resorts and have the most up-to-date information to help you choose the ideal property and room category.

To get started, please complete my short All-Inclusive Vacation Planning Form.
Once you submit it, you’ll automatically be taken to my calendar to schedule your complimentary consultation.

👉 Click here to complete the planning form.

I look forward to helping you create something unforgettable.

How to Support Jamaica’s Recovery

If you’d like to help support the ongoing recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, one reputable option is Samaritan’s Purse, which is actively providing relief and assistance to affected communities.

👉 Donate to Jamaica Relief Efforts through Samaritan’s Purse

Warmly,
Sheila

Leave A Comment

Recent news