Fresh off its celebrated debut in Curacao, Sandals has launched reservations for its next all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean:: Sandals Dunn’s River.
The new all-inclusive resort is slated to open its doors on May 24, 2023, according to Sandals Resorts International.
It’s a complete transformation of the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios, which was acquired by Sandals in 2020.
The all-new, 260-room resort is in the midst of a “thoughtful, top-to-bottom restoration,” one that’s “designed to embrace the essence of Jamaica, its curving rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees – with amenities, accommodations and culinary concepts brought forward by the brand’s uncompromising quest for innovation,” according to a statement from Sandals.
Sandals began accepting reservations on July 6, marking the birthday of the company’s late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.
It’s “just a small homage to him that we know will make him smile,” said his son, Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International.
“This was an extraordinary project and the last I worked on with him as his final masterpiece,” Stewart said. “He handpicked this location more than three decades ago for its white-sand coastline, cool breeze, azure waters and its close proximity to the destination’s archetypical falls. It will not only serve to breathe new excitement into a corner of Jamaica loved and cherished by so many, but it will set a new standard of luxury for tourism right here in our backyard with a next-generation resort worthy of its nostalgic past.”
As is the case with every Sandals opening, the new property will boast a series of firsts for the brand.
This time, that will include new Tufa SkyPool Butler Suites, which will include pools stretching the length of their balconies, with glass panels spanning the length of oceanfront balconies, for a “cascading infinity effect.”
That’s along with Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools, and Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites with direct ocean-view balconies.
The resort will have 12 restaurants including another first, a Greek eatery called Edessa, along with an Asian-fusion restaurant called Banyu.
The South American-focused Zuka, which first debuted at the Sandals Royal Curacao, will also be featured at Dunn’s River, along with favorites like the Jerk Shack.
In a nod to the growing (and welcome) focus on rum at Caribbean resorts, it will include Dunn’s Rum Club, which will feature Jamaican cocktails and a curated list of rums (and even domino tables).
Sandals will also be opening its first rooftop bar in Jamaica, Ocarina, among other additions.
“Ocho Rios is the place where my father grew up, where he first learned to fish and felt the breeze blow along the West-facing beach and where he first saw the pure joy of the island on the faces of visitors,” said Stewart. “Here along Jamaica’s North Coast, he witnessed a blossoming tourism industry and became aware of how to please and serve a new Caribbean customer. Every touchpoint at the new Sandals Dunn’s River is designed to do that and more.”
For more, visit Sandals Dunn’s River.