Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort reopens after renovations

NASSAU Bahamas, January 28m 2022 - Sandals Resorts has re-opened its newly refurbished and Re-Imagined 400 room Royal Bahamian Spa Resort in the Bahamas, following a $55 million renovation project marking the first in a series of milestones commemorating the 40th anniversary year for the Sandals brand.

The refurbishment saw the overhaul of more than 200 rooms and suites as well as the addition of river suites and other features. The redone East and West Bay accommodations offer an array of room and suite categories, including beachfront butler suites in the East Bay, which now includes an infinity swim-up pool that ends where the sand begins.

Bahamian prime minister Philip Davis hailed the reopening as a boost to the islands hotel inventory as the destination rebounds from the pandemic as awee as the provision of  more jobs for Bahamians. "So far the numbers have been encouraging, and, no doubt, with this property back we expect the growth to continue," Davis said. "I salute Adam Stewart for continuing his father's visionary leadership."

Also speaking at the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-Opening  Jamaica's prime minister Andrew Holness said it was essential that all stakeholders exercise patience as countries begin to recover from the pandemic noting that  "it was important to note that while the recovery has started, we have not yet recovered."

In this regard, he said; “the economy can only exist and grow in a society that is stable, that is looking out for the vulnerable, and people who have been affected, and their lives disrupted, by an event not of their making.”

Holness said as difficult as the last two years have been, he was very optimistic of a stronger recovery; “I believe we are going to recover stronger and better than before the pandemic.”

He pointed to  a recent survey by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO,) suggests that international tourist arrivals could grow by 30% to 78% in 2022 compared to 2021, Prime Minister Holness said the Caribbean has the potential to recover even faster.

He congratulated Sandals Resorts International on the re-opening of the New, Re-Imagined Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort, and Offshore Island, and encouraged their continued investment in the Caribbean and its people.

“The new Sandals Royal Bahamian encompasses a new era in travel, inviting our guests in love to connect with the vibrant culture, natural wonders and authentic traditions of the beautiful Bahamas — and in turn, reconnect with each other,” said Sandals Resorts executive chairman, Adam Stewart.

New to the resort is an Island Village, comprising several standalone villas and swim-up suites named after remote Bahamian cays,  and a chic, relaxed ambiance. Butler villa suites include private pools and soaking tubs.

The redone East and West Bay accommodations offer an array of room and suite categories, including beachfront butler suites in the East Bay, which now includes an infinity swim-up pool that ends where the sand begins.

Deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await guests at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, located just one mile from the shore. Couples can sail aboard the resort’s new Love Runner boat and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a pool bar with swings, an infinity-edge jacuzzi, outdoor shower and new restaurant, Aralia House - serving up fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

Sandals International was born in 1981 with the purchase of the Bay Roc Hotel and its "fantastic beach" near the airport in Montego Bay from National Hotel and Properties Limited from the government.

Butch Stewart renovated and reopened the property in 1981 as Sandals Montego Bay, the first of the Sandals brand and the followed in the footsteps of John Issa who pioneered the Club Med, couples concept in Jamaica with the Tower Isle Hotel, in making the newly refurbished Sandals Bay Roc property an all-inclusive resort for couples.

Jamaica’s PM @AndrewHolnessJM enjoys some Junkanoo at the reopening of Sandals Royal Bahamian pic.twitter.com/sfHUtS8hkC

— Kyle Walkine (@KyleWalkine) January 27, 2022