Sandals and Beaches inTouch December 2023

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December 2023

AT A GLANCE 03

Holiday Message

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The Way Forward

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Adam Stewart, CD. Hon. LLD Executive Chairman

Beaches Ocho Rios Sandals Dunn’s River Sandals Grenada Sandals Ocho Rios

In the News Medal of Honour Awardee

December 2023

Sandals Foundation and Hasbro brings Christmas cheer

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Express Yourself

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Vox Pop

Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Montego Bay

Sandals South Coast

14 New Parent 15 Hi Friend 16

Style Moment Sandals Negril

Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Halcyon

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Cocktail Corner Sandals Ochi

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December 2023

PRESS PLAY

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BEACHES OCHO RIOS Beaches Ochi cools Boscobel Primary

Beaches Ocho Rios recently donated 15 wall fans to the Boscobel Primary School. The resort’s General Manager, Charles Blacher as well as Regional Public Relations Manager Lyndsay Isaacs made the presentation. The students and teachers expressed their sincerest gratitude for the kind gesture.

SANDALS DUNN’S RIVER

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Engineering crowned Winter’s Cup champs

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Sandals Dunn’s River crowned the Engineering Department as champion of Winter’s Cup 2023. The Winter’s Cup is the resort’s inter-departmental football competition, in which things got really Messi. Ha! See what we did there?

SANDALS GRENADA

Christmas Events at SLS The Sandals Grenada Special Events team energised the resort with holiday cheer in the days leading to Christmas with daily surprise treats. This included a Christmas bar serving traditional Grenadian Christmas beverages such as sorrel, ginger beer, punch-a-crème and mauby. Other highlights were the lunchtime bingo with a slew of attractive prizes, the surprise Christmas breakfast, and the interdepartmental Carols and Parang Competition.

Topping things off were the POSH: Barbie and Ken-themed Christmas party as well as the resort’s Children’s Christmas Party.

Embracing the vibrant tradition of Parang, a folk music genre with roots in Venezuela and Trinidad, the Sandals Grenada team added their flair to the festive tunes.

Originating with small bands featuring string instruments and percussion, Grenadian Parang has uniquely evolved over the years, gaining renown for its picong style—a delightful blend of wit, humour, and satire reminiscent of calypso. The Sandals Grenada team was fearless and did not hold back during their parang session recently. Take a moment to listen and join in the laughter.

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Parang Time at Sandals Grenada

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SANDALS OCHO RIOS School tour at Sandals Ochi

December 2023

Students from the Jose Marti Technical High School recently visited Sandals Ochi Beach Resort to grasp the inner workings of the hotel industry and the many elements that make the Sandals brand world-renowned. The students, accompanied by their teachers, received a tour of the vast three-part resort, observing the employees’ day-to-day tasks and interactions with guests. From the beachside to luxury rooms and restaurants, the team ensured all questions were thoroughly answered. The Sandals team was thrilled to have the opportunity to positively impact the next generation.

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Hospitality training

An evening cruise with the Watersports team

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort’s Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Neil McLeish initiated a week-long training session, shaping the skills and passion of 15 newcomers in the food and beverage service industry. The week was immersed in a blend of practical training and soft skills development. “This is an ambitious cohort, eager to make a significant impact in the tourism industry and we’re actively nurturing trainees to pursue their aspirations,” McLeish shared.

The Watersports Department at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort hosted a vibrant evening cocktail cruise that treated team members to a trip around the beautiful coast of Ocho Rios.

Team members were celebrated for their perseverance and determination to deliver exceptional customer service. Their dedication did not go unnoticed as 11 team members were awarded for outstanding service. Laughter, good music, and the dancing lights atop the sea made the evening special.

In the News

A Medal of Honour from Jamaica’s Governor General Tricia Grier, Manager of Technical Communications at Sandals Resorts International’s corporate offices in Montego Bay, has received a prestigious award from none other than the Governor General (GG) of Jamaica, His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen.

Tricia was honoured with the Medal of Honour in recognition of her significant contributions to the Governor General’s Programme of Excellence. As an active participant in the programme, Tricia has served in various capacities, including as a volunteer, Project Officer, and ambassador for the GG’s I Believe initiative.

This initiative is committed to empowering youth, facilitating access to education, and promoting resilient family development. With nearly a decade of steadfast support for the programme, Tricia has played an integral role in its success, witnessing and contributing to incredible stories of achievement. This experience has inspired her to continue her support as an ‘I Believe’ Ambassador to this day.

The Governor General’s Medal of Honour is reserved for Jamaican citizens who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and the nation at large. Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations

December 2023

to Tricia for this well-deserved honour, making us all proud!

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In the News

Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Gift over 15,000 Toys for the Holidays!

No one celebrates the magic of the season quite like the Sandals Foundation. True to its outstanding reputation, this year more than 15,000 children across the Caribbean were beaming with joy as they were gifted with toys and games during exquisitely planned Christmas treats just in time for the holidays.

Hundreds of Sandals/Beaches Resorts team members transformed into vibrant Santa elves and helpers as they took to the communities, visiting schools and various organisations with a goal of filling the atmosphere and tiny hands with love and cheer.

The annual toy distribution events are made possible through a longstanding partnership with United States-based toy company, Hasbro, and the commitment of every team member of the luxuryincluded Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

“It’s an incredible team effort involving the diligent sorting and packing of toys that are delivered to every resort across our eight Caribbean islands,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation.

December 2023

Once on property, Gilpin continued, “the enthusiasm

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of our team members on the ground then bring all the components to life. It is transformational to witness the level of care that is poured into the individual wrapping of gifts for every child.

In the News

It is the logistics to ensure the right communities are served and those extra touches that ensure every treat feels just as special. This is the time of year we all live for at Sandals Resorts International, and we are grateful to everyone who helps to make this

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season of love a reality every year.”

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The Buzz

A Buzzy Bahamas Season’s greetings from beautiful Bahamas. It has been quite chilly on this side. But even with the cold of winter, Christmas has certainly brought us a lot of warmth and cheer. The team at Sandals Royal Bahamian has been quite busy this month. Let’s take a quick look at some of the things that had the resort buzzing.

Major moves with the Mini Coops!

The team under the leadership of General Manager, Kevin Clarke launched the Mini Cooper Programme!

This is when guests who are booked into the highest category butler rooms for a minimum of seven nights get the opportunity to go for a ride in our sleek Mini Coopers at no expense to them. Butler guests, Mr and Mrs Murray were the first ones to try out the cars. They were escorted by their butlers and toured some historic sites in the Bahamas. Don’t get it twisted though, there’s nothing mini about this programme, this is a big move by the company.

Discounts are on us!

Tis’ the season to give and SRB took that to heart. The revenue areas issued discounts to guests; making certain products and services far more

December 2023

affordable. Each time you walk around

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the resort, you would see tables and booths set up in various guestaccessible locations where a sales representative would have things on offer.

The Buzz It’s a party, let’s get together!

Of course, the annual staff party was a major hit. The team took the party offsite to Crypto Isle and it is safe to say, the team members had a whale of a time. The team members were dressed to impress. Thankfully, most of them spoke so we recognised them based on their voices. LOL! Jokes aside though, kudos to the team for putting together such an amazing end-of-year event for the team members who worked hard all year.

Rehydration warmth There’s nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate or coffee on a rainy day. December has been extremely wet in Nassau and the resort’s executive team thought that as part of the team member rehydration initiative, they should issue warm beverages, hot patties and chicken in a bag to the team members.

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Needless to say, the team was quite delighted and appreciative of the gesture.

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Express Yourself

Caroling Across the Region

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Team members of Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay delivered powerful notes to usher in the Christmas season.

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Vox Pop

Sandals South Coast What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Evernie “Hi, I am Evernie Taylor from Housekeeping. My favourite thing about Christmas is decorating my room, changing the curtains,

Raheem “My name is Raheem Lewis from the Resort Shop. What I love the most about Christmas is that I get to spend time with each and everyone in the family and having dinner!”

putting up pretty sheets and just spending time with the family.”

Nickeisha “Hi, I am Nickeisha Henry. I am a Dining Room Server from

Valecia “Season’s greetings, everybody! My name is

Sandals South Coast. What I

Valecia Galbraith, Weddings Manager at the

like the most about Christmas

sexy Sandals South Coast. One of my most

is decorating the Christmas

memorable and consistent experience for

tree with my two kids. They

Christmas is driving around to see those

love it very much and that is

beautiful lights. The lights bring forth so

what I enjoy the most.”

much warmth and joy and I just love the whole idea of Christmas. It is a time for

“Happy holidays! My name is Tiona Henry-Wynter aka Pinky!

What I like the most about Christmas is the gift of giving; putting a smile on a child’s face and the faces of the elderly. It’s really about making someone’s Christmas.”

Fairview area of Montego Bay, Jamaica and you go by Fontana Pharmacy, you see those persons seeking to get gifts for those who are without. The lights also bring forth the warmth and the ambiance of the Christmas feel. My son enjoyed this every Christmas for the last five years that he has been on earth.

It is a tradition that we will continue to keep.”

December 2023

Tiona

giving. Every time you are driving around the

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Style Moment

Style Moment

Sandals Negril

At Sandals Negril’s Gold Rush staff bash on the beach, the dress code shimmered in white with a splash of gold.

As waves kissed the shore, the staff’s attire mirrored the seaside vibes—effortless whites paired with glints of gold, a beachy blend of elegance and laid-back chic. It was a picture-perfect fusion of Caribbean allure and

December 2023

radiant sophistication beneath the stars.

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New Parent

A ‘girl dad’ the Wright way Freeman Wright, a fitness instructor at Sandals Emerald Bay, is overjoyed to announce the newest addition to his family.

The proud “girl dad” expresses his deep love and satisfaction in being a father once again, reveling in the knowledge that he is an everyday hero to his four daughters.

Little Miss Faith Wright, the most recent addition to the family, is now one month old. Freeman, known for his optimism, passion, and fierce protectiveness, shares his enthusiasm for his daughters and his wife. Reflecting on his upbringing, he emphasizes the true value of a father being in every home.

Freeman, who has over a decade of dedicated service at the resort, aspires to cultivate an environment of encouragement and empowerment within his own household. He is determined to inspire his daughters to excel in their chosen fields. His affection knows no bounds as he actively supports and guides his children on their journey to becoming

Cherishing the endearing title of “girl dad,” Freeman takes pride in the role he plays in the lives of his daughters.

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exceptional individuals.

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Hi Friend

Sending Greetings from Sandals Halcyon

Kim Ava

December 2023

Will.I.Am

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Tamara

Cocktail Corner

Paradise Cooler Keneal from Sandals Ochi

Ingredients 1 ounce of gold rum 1 ounce of apricot brandy 1 ounce of peach Schnapps 3 ounces of pineapple juice 3 ounces of orange juice A splash of Boulaine Grenadine Liqueur Topped off with a dash of spiced rum

Garnish:

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A slice of orange and a maraschino cherry

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Picture Perfect

‘Tis the season to spread cheer and do more good within the community, and the Beaches Negril team definitely brought

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joy with the distribution of toys to the children at the West End Infant School.

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When it comes to putting on a show, the Beaches

The festive season is nothing without a beautiful red

Negril Entertainment team is not to be outdone. All

and white costume and Edelissa from Entertainment is

decked out for the holidays, they posed for a photo

showing us how it’s done here at Beaches Negril as she

during the official launch of ‘Elf on the Shelf’.

rocks this holiday look.

Front Office agents Rodjana Henclewood and Nickeisha Stephenson are joyfully carrying out their daily duties at Beaches Ocho Rios.

Beaches Ocho Rios elves Sashay Messam and Jowayne Wright from the Bar Department are spreading Christmas cheer with candy cane hearts.

Beaches Ocho Rios team members were elated to participate in the annual Christmas treat at the Salvation Army St Ann’s Bay Basic School. Information Systems Manager, Richard Johnson plays Santa Entertainment Manager at Beaches Ocho Rios, Jolon

while Rochelle Williams – Emergency Health & Safety Assistant

Jones is blissfully at the jolly treats station during the

Manager, and Kadyann Lewis-Lindo, Animator from the Kid’s Camp are

weekly “Elf on the Shelf” event.

Santa’s helpers. They paused for a photo with a little boy who gleamed with excitement as he received his gift from Santa.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Picture Perfect

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Picture Perfect

A brand new look, a new feel, and a renewed energy are how members of the Elite Butler Unit at

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Beaches Turks and Caicos decided to present themselves to guests at the resort.

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These Sandals Foundation ambassadors

with students at the Thelma Lightbourne

Sandals Grande Antigua’s General Manager David Latchimy and Assistant

Resort Shop Supervisor at Sandals Grande Antigua, Kembe

Watersports Manager, Keran Campbell received the second place trophy

shares her passion for reading and storytelling with studen

for the Sandals Business League Basketball team’s placement in the annual

Primary School as part of the Sandals Foundation Reading

inter-organisation national sporting event.

semester.

Picture Perfect

The Beaches Turks and Caicos quartet of beauties gave the cameras glowing smiles as they paused for a photo op during the Ken and Barbie-themed staff at Beaches Turks and Caicos share a moment of giving back

party at the resort recently.

erly Greenaway

nts at the Cedar Grove Read Trip for this

Sandals team members and managers participated in a one-day mentorship training session lead by the Learning & Development Division. The session was aimed at bolstering team support and guidance for new hires and hospitality trainees at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.

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e Primary school in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

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Picture Perfect

The Sandals Foundation Christmas toy drive always brings smiles to Sandals Barbados team

The Sandals Royal Barbados Entertainment tea

members.

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NEGRIL2

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Sandals Barbados’ Learning & Development Coordinator Dwayne Cumberbatch is all smiles as he congratulates some of the recent Hospitality Training Programme graduates.

Sandals Barbados’ Rico Barrow and Karen Bancroft are always eager to assist the Sandals Foundation as it makes a difference in the community.

Picture Perfect

Sandals Royal Curaçao recently held its Prestige Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the resort. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement as everyone

am bringing the island’s culture and characters to life!

mingled, danced and indulged in delicious food. The highlight of the

Team members from Sandals Royal Curaçao ventured into the community of the Dutch Caribbean island for a Christmas gift-giving initiative to locally-based children. There was music, games, and lots of laughter. From the decorations to the food, everything was well thought out and executed to perfection.

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evening, however, was the presentation of the awards.

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Picture Perfect

Sandals Dunn’s River’s Shaneika Bolton exudes beauty

Sandals Dunn’s River’s Roshan Addison gracefully captures

and elegance; her radiant smile captured in a moment

a moment, showcasing her inherent beauty and impeccable

of grace.

style.

qwAESRDTFHG

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The Sandals Emerald Bay Team wishes you an amazing holiday season.

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The second blood drive for 2023 was hosted at the Sandals Emerald Bay recently. The staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital Blood Bank expressed admiration for the team’s response to donating blood.

Picture Perfect Sandals Dunn’s River team members exemplify the essence of a lavish lifestyle as they revel in luxury at their annual staff party.

Sandals Dunn’s River managers, Devon Crowl and Jacqueline Hutchinson, strike a stylish pose at the extravagant lavish

Mr Jeremy Mutton, General Manager of Sandals Emerald Bay,

The ballroom at Sandals Emerald overflowed with

was on site to officially hand over the newly constructed chicken

some 650 students who were all excited to partake in

coop donated by the Sandals Foundation to students of the L.N.

the resort’s annual Sandals Foundation Toys & Treats

Coakley High School.

event for all the primary students on the island of Exuma.

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lifestyle staff party!

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Picture Perfect

Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort & Spa’s annual team member gallery competition was a resounding success this year.Team members gathered at their gallery to infuse the spirit of Christmas into their workspace. However, it quickly transformed into a lively showdown initiated by the Landscaping team. Right from the start in Santa’s workshop, they understood the assignment, showcasing their creativity in designing ornaments for their designated space. They emerged victorious with a straightforward yet impactful theme – kindness to everyone. What made it even more special was their thoughtful gesture of presenting gifts to each department. Wishing you all a Merry

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Christmas! See you next year!

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Picture Perfect

The butlers at Sandals Regency La Toc are reveling in the Christmas spirit by undertaking several activities across the resort to reign in the holiday season. This festive backdrop in the Butler’s Lounge was thanks to the creative efforts of the Butler team, who continue to bring smiles and cheer to the Sandals Regency La Toc guests and team members.

The annual Children’s Christmas Party at Sandal’s Regency La Toc is a highly anticipated event on our calendar of activities. Spearheaded by the resort’s HR Department, the celebration, complete with bouncy castles, toys and Santa Claus, truly helps make the Christmas season memorable for our team members and their children.

Our Christmas tree-lighting ceremony is a staple actively participating. This year, two of our returning couples joined in the festivities and were bestowed with the honour of turning on the lights. A lovely cast of exceptional Saint Lucian talent also serenaded the audience. The night was highlighted with a heartfelt holiday greeting from our General Manager, Mr Darren Darwin.

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activity at Sandals Regency La Toc, with guests

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Picture Perfect

The Sandals Foundation elves from the Montego Bay region were clearly exhilarated

Sandals Montego Bay’s Hotel Manager Anna-Ka

to spread Christmas cheer to the children of the neighbouring seaside community,

never misses a Sandals Foundation Christmas

Whitehouse.

the queen of the people’s hearts can be seen de

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children of the Leonora Morris Basic School.

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The ladies of the Sandals Montego Bay Resort Shop were clearly in a festive mood as they decorated their Christmas tree for display.

The Bar team of Sandals Montego Bay were the epitome of ‘oneness and love’ as they took a moment out of their usual duties to pose for a group shot.

Picture Perfect Hotel Manager, Jason Lynch welcomes you to Sandals Negril with a dazzling smile, charm and a whole lot of holiday spirit. The festive vibes are just right and Sandals Negril has all the Christmas decor to prove it.

Travees from the Butler Team aims to get it right all the time as he adds

treat. Here

a little Sandals Negril sparkle to the room ahead of guest arrival. He

elighting the

always delivers the best service with a warm smile.

Team Weddings was all smiles as they took home the top spot in the Sandals Negril Recycled Christmas Tree Competition. From candycane ornaments made from straws found on resort to repurposing old bottles, wires, and paper, their tree represented the resort’s sustainability efforts and a great deal of creativity.

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ay Wholas

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Picture Perfect

Santa’s helpers Shanile Corrodus and Makhalia Campbell from the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort are Sandals Ochi Beach Resort’s 90s theme staff party was a hit! Team members came out in their numbers to unwind and have a good time.

delighted to be on gift bag duty at the Gayle Basic School Christmas treat hosted by the Sandals Foundation.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort managers gathered on the manor lawn for their annual photo shoot. This year, the team enacted Mr and Mrs Claus’ wedding and

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reception. Elf groomsmen,

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bridesmaids, and the audience were beautifully captured in this joyous moment.

Picture Perfect

The Boardroom at Sandals Royal Bahamian was recently transformed into Santa’s workshop and members of the management team became

These students from Gambier Primary School were extremely excited to see Santa Claus when the Sandals Royal Bahamian team stopped by as part of the Sandals Foundation’s Annual Toy Drive.

Brandesha from the Food and Beverage team at Sandals Royal Bahamian was definitely feeling this green Christmas tree.

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Santa’s helpers as they wrapped hundreds of toys in preparation for the Sandals Foundation’s annual toy drive.

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Picture Perfect

Say Cheese! The Whitehouse community was feted by the Sandals Foundation volunteers

Dominique and Nahdira had a ball at Sandals

as a part of their annual Christmas treat celebrations!

Royal Caribbean’s ‘Dancehall Cyaa Stall:

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Street Dance Edition’ Staff Party!

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Lorrence was busy on the dancefloor at Sandals Royal

Yurioness, Sandals Foundation volunteer from Sandals Royal Caribbean, shares a

Caribbean’s recently held ‘Dancehall Cyaa Stall’ staff

light moment with Santa and a student of the Sudbury Primary School during the

party. Luckily enough, the dancing king also happened

region’s annual Christmas treat.

to be the recipient of the $100,000 grand prize given away at the end of the night.

Picture Perfect

December 2023

Disco brought the funk, and dancehall didn’t stall at SRI’s annual staff party held under the theme ‘DvD’ (Disco vs Dancehall). It was an incredible event for our world-class team members to unwind as they approached the end of another calendar year.

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Picture Perfect

The South Coast volunteers from the yearly Sandals Foundation Christmas Treat at Culloden ECI in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, were beaming and full of joy to distribute toys to the children.

Front Desk Agent, Alicia Quest; Sherika William

culinary desk; and Joel Hendricks from the Fro undoubtedly in the spirit of the season.

The Grinch appears to have emerged from his cave to pay a visit to Sandals South Coast. Entertainment’s Alesha Porter (right) saved the Christmas presents from Playmaker Dialdo Narine

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(left) who embodied the Grinch who stole Christmas. You better

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watch out Alesha!

As some of our team members would say, “Di real genna,” on December 7, 2023, celebrated his birthday. General Manager O’Brian Heron was in for a treat when our team members gathered at his surprise birthday party to extend well wishes.

Picture Perfect

Diana McKenzie, a valued member of Sandals Royal Plantation’s Spa team, effortlessly captivates attention with her confidence and impeccable style, turning heads in her direction.

ms from the

ont Desk are Dishonna Williams from Sandals Royal Plantation radiates joy with her

Jennine Hepburn, Odaine Graham, and Kayan McLeod from Sandals Royal Plantation create cherished memories as they share a special moment during their annual staff party recently.

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infectious smile, brightening our resort.

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December 2023

Picture Perfect

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Dubbed “POSH,” Sandals Grenada’s Barbie and Ken-themed Christmas party was a resounding success, with team members impeccably dressed for the occasion in their posh attire.

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Picture Perfect

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December 2023