Sandals Resorts International has announced it will reopen five of its properties in Jamaica on December 6, 2025, following widespread closures caused by Hurricane Melissa. The reopening marks a significant step in the recovery of the island's vital tourism sector.
Key Takeaways
- Five Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica will resume operations on December 6, 2025.
- Three other resorts requiring more extensive repairs will remain closed until May 30, 2026.
- The reopening date was set to allow local employees time to recover from the hurricane's impact.
- Jamaica's tourism ministry is aiming for a full industry restart by mid-December.
Phased Return for Jamaican Properties
In a recent announcement, Sandals confirmed a two-phase plan for bringing its Jamaican resorts back online. The first group of properties is scheduled to welcome guests again starting December 6.
This initial reopening includes Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, and the family-oriented Beaches Negril. Company officials stated that each of these locations has undergone a complete assessment to ensure they meet operational and safety standards before guests return.
A Longer Road for Three Resorts
However, three other major Sandals properties sustained more significant damage and will require additional time for renovations. Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast are now scheduled to reopen on May 30, 2026.
Gary C. Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations, addressed the delay for these locations. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore them to the high standards our guests have come to expect," he noted in a message to travel advisors.
Reopening Schedule
- December 6, 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril.
- May 30, 2026: Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast.
Focus on Employee Well-Being
While some of the resorts could have potentially opened sooner, the company made a strategic decision to implement a unified reopening date for the first five properties. This choice was made to support its local Jamaican workforce.
"We have made the important decision to set one reopening date for all, to offer a period of rest and recovery for our local team members in Jamaica. They have faced numerous challenges due to Hurricane Melissa, and this will enable our team to focus on themselves and their families before returning to work."
– Gary C. Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations
This approach highlights a focus on the human element of the recovery, acknowledging the personal difficulties faced by employees in the storm's aftermath.
Jamaica's Wider Tourism Recovery
The damage from Hurricane Melissa was not limited to Sandals properties. The storm's impact was felt across the island's tourism infrastructure, which is a critical component of the national economy.
Island-Wide Impact
According to Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, hotels throughout the tourism belt experienced varying levels of damage. Issues ranged from flooded rooms and power outages to more severe structural losses, affecting numerous operators.
In response, Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism is pushing for a swift recovery. Minister Edmund Bartlett announced a goal for the country's tourism sector to be "fully back in operation" by December 15, 2025. This ambitious target underscores the government's commitment to restoring the industry ahead of the peak holiday season.
Other major hotel groups are also navigating the recovery process. Hyatt, for instance, confirmed it would suspend operations and not accept new reservations for its Jamaican properties into January 2026.
Operational Updates and Customer Service
Beyond the resorts themselves, the hurricane also affected Sandals' operational infrastructure. The company's Montego Bay Call Center was "significantly impacted," which may result in longer than normal wait times for customers seeking information or assistance.
Sadler confirmed that plans are underway to relocate the call center operations to restore full service as quickly as possible. "We are working to complete this process at our earliest opportunity," he stated.
In his closing remarks, Sadler expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the travel industry and the public. "The support and care we’ve felt has been profoundly moving, and it is already making a difference," he said, acknowledging the difficult period for team members, guests, and the Jamaican community.
