AT A GLANCE
3 The Buzz
Dunn's River | Grande St. Lucian
Halcyon | La Toc | Negril
Ochi
South Coast
7 Hi Friend
Sandals Grenada
8 In The News
Adam Stewart named CNW’s Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025
Sandals and Beaches Resorts Earn
Top Industry Honours from ASTA and Caribbean Journal
From Boys to Men: Youngsters Shifting Mindset and Behaviour in Rites of Passage Programme
13 Role Call
Sandals Royal Plantation
14 Tricks of the Trade
Sandals Negril
15 Cocktail Corner
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
16 Express Yourself
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
17 Vox Pop
18
Sandals Royal Bahamian Picture Perfect January in Photos!
DUNN'S RIVER
Staff Brunch
The energy is always buzzing at Sandals Dunn’s River! To celebrate the heart of our operation, our incredible team was treated to an undeniably 'boujee' brunch experience. From a luxury cigar bar and paint-and-sip sessions to a chic hookah lounge and gourmet bites, it was a day dedicated to rejuvenating the people who make the magic happen.
GRANDE ST LUCIAN
Crossing the BRIDGE
This January was particularly instructive for our executive team at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort as they participated in and graduated from the prestigious BRIDGE Programme. Each of the members of the 2026 graduating class have untold stories of revelations and pronouncements of growth. They all look forward to sharing their knowledge with the teams on the ground.
HALCYON
Celebrating growth and excellence
Celebrating commitment, growth, and excellence at Sandals Halcyon. From recognising outstanding service in our resort shops to investing in leadership development through continued learning, these moments reflect our ongoing commitment to empowering our team members and shaping brighter futures together.
A very merry La Toc!
Christmas and New Year’s celebrations at Sandals Regency La Toc are always a blast, and this season was no exception. The resort came alive with festive décor, twinkling lights, and joyful holiday spirit. Guests were treated to the sounds of a lively marching band and the thrill of fire breathers who added an extra spark to the festivities. A week later, the celebrations reached new heights with a vibrant Caribbean style New Year’s party, complete with dazzling fireworks that lit up the night sky and set the tone for an unforgettable start to the year.
LA TOC Sunrise Breakfast
The first staging of the Sunrise Breakfast brought team members together in true Sandals style, as managers hosted a morning of appreciation, connection, and refined hospitality. A beautifully curated spread, uplifting music, and the serene glow of the rising sun set the tone for a calm and inspiring start to the day. Moments like these strengthen morale, deepen bonds, and celebrate the power of human connection here at Sandals Negril.
OCHI
Luminary Legacy Awards
Sandals Ochi & Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club recently hosted its Long Service Awards ceremony, honouring more than 320 proud, passionate, and dedicated team members for their outstanding service. The team left with commemorative pins, certificates, and cash awards, in an elegant, formal celebration filled with warmth and appreciation. The evening featured sumptuous cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and a captivating saxophonist who added a touch of class to the ballroom's beautifully styled ambience. Managers and team members came together for a true celebration, leaving the event feeling valued, reenergized, and inspired for the way forward.
Slow-cooked, beachside... guest approved
Sandals Ochi continues to elevate its culinary offerings with the introduction of the Sweet Wood Food Truck, an exciting new beachfront dining concept embraced by guests. Showcasing American fusion barbecue, the menu highlights expertly slowcooked chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp, complemented by an appealing selection of side dishes. The distinctive sweet-wood technique imparts exceptional depth of flavor and texture, creating a truly satisfying dining experience. Led by a team of five, this unique beachside option blends craftsmanship, warmth, and relaxed elegance.
SOUTH COAST
A Cultural and Creative Excursion
The Sandals South Coast management team recently took part in a meaningful team-building experience with a trip to Kingston. The day began with a relaxing brunch, a surprise birthday celebration for Hotel Manager, Alicia Mulling and guided talk session at the AC Hotel, which included moments of meditation and reflection, allowing team members to reset, connect, and align ahead of the day’s activities. Following brunch, the team embarked on a joint cultural and creative excursion, starting with the Water Lane Kingston Creative ArtWalk. This experience offered sightseeing opportunities and a closer look at the vibrant and inspiring works created by talented local artists, highlighting Jamaica’s rich artistic culture. The journey continued with a visit to Fort Charles in Port Royal, where the team engaged in an immersive history lesson exploring the site’s past and present, complete with insights, historical context, and the viewing of artifacts that brought the location’s story to life. The day concluded with an elegant dinner at The Pegasus Hotel, where the team enjoyed fine dining and departed with a selection of prizes, marking a memorable and rewarding team-building outing.
Recovery in Motion
As work continues to rebuild Jamaica’s south coast following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the team at Sandals South Coast has been actively working alongside various entities to support and strengthen these recovery efforts. Recently, Prime Minister the Honourable Andrew Holness, along with Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman and his wife, Mrs. Berman, paid a visit to the Jamaica Power Service (JPS) command room currently being housed at the resort. Also playing a key role in these efforts was the Mercy Chefs team, who were welcomed to utilize the resort’s kitchen facilities and have recently concluded their mission of providing close to 400,000 lunches to surrounding communities and schools.
Sending
greetings from
Sandals Grenada
Adam Stewart named CNW’s Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025
Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, has been named Businessman/ Philanthropist of the Year for 2025 by the regional news publication, Caribbean National Weekly (CNW).
The publication recognised Stewart for his leadership in hospitality, his ongoing investments in regional tourism, his steady crisis response, and his philanthropic work throughout what it described as a year filled with both remarkable achievements and significant challenges.
CNW highlighted how 2025 saw industry recognition for Stewart, major announcements of multimillion dollar developments across his all inclusive luxury resort brands and an invitation to join the prestigious Wall Street Journal CEO Council.
But the publication said his impact extended well beyond business milestones.
“In 2025, the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts didn’t just guide his iconic hospitality empire through crisis – he used its scale and influence to help shape Jamaica’s rebound and lay groundwork for future regional growth,” CNW wrote.
The defining moment, it said, came in late October when Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage to parts of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart responded by leading transparent communication with global travel advisors, partners, and team members, and made a landmark pledge, that 100 per cent of Sandals and Beaches employees would remain on payroll and receive Christmas bonuses, even at resorts temporarily closed for extensive restoration and upgrades. The company also committed more than US$3 million in staff recovery aid, providing direct support to families affected by the storm.
CNW further highlighted the work of the Sandals Foundation under Stewart’s guidance,
noting record levels of community engagement and targeted disaster recovery support in healthcare, livelihoods, and the environment.
In response to the honour, Stewart said he was “deeply humbled” to receive the Businessman/ Philanthropist of the Year recognition and expressed his gratitude to his teams and partners for their dedication during an extraordinary year.
“This award reflects far more than any one individual. It is a direct result of people
showing up every day for their communities and believing business is a force for good. It belongs to the extraordinary teams who carry our shared vision forward – especially the Sandals Foundation, whose work continues to create lasting change across education, health care, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship,” Stewart stated.
“To every colleague and partner who helps bring this mission to life: thank you for your commitment, heart, and belief.”
Sandals and Beaches Resorts Earn Top Industry Honours from ASTA and Caribbean Journal
Sandals Resorts recently earned two prestigious accolades that recognise both the brand’s global partnerships and its excellence in luxury all-inclusive travel.
At the inaugural ASTA Globes Awards, held in Chicago, Sandals and Beaches Resorts were named ASTA All-Inclusive Hotel Partner of the Year. The ceremony, hosted by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), celebrated the industry’s top-performing travel advisors and supplier partners, marking a new milestone in recognizing excellence across the global travel trade.
The award honours Sandals and Beaches for their outstanding support of the travel advisor community, strong industry partnerships, and consistent delivery of exceptional vacation
experiences. It underscores the brands’ longstanding commitment to collaboration, innovation, and leadership within the allinclusive segment. Adding to the company’s momentum, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been named “Caribbean AllInclusive of the Year” by Caribbean Journal as part of its 12th annual Caribbean Travel Awards. The internationally respected awards programme spotlights standout destinations, resorts, and individuals shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.
Caribbean Journal praised Sandals Saint Vincent as a “world-class luxury resort,” recognising its role in elevating St. Vincent’s profile on the global travel stage. Opened as the brand’s first resort on the island, the property has been credited with redefining luxury in the
destination through its signature overwater bungalows, the introduction of the Rondoval Villas, and a design that celebrates the island’s pristine natural beauty.
The recognition places Sandals Saint Vincent among the region’s top-performing resorts and highlights Sandals Resort’s continued investment in new destinations and innovative resort concepts.
Together, these accolades reaffirm Sandals Resorts’ position as a leader in Caribbean tourism – respected by industry partners, travel advisors, and travelers alike for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact across the region.
From Boys to Men: Youngsters Shifting
Mindset and Behaviour in Rites of
Passage Programme
Twenty-five youngsters are now proudly embodying the tenets of what it means to be a man following the completion of an eight week mentorship programme Rites of Passage, implemented by the Boys to Men Organisation and powered by the Sandals Foundation.
The programme, which delivers a structured leadership experience, focuses on personal development, self-discipline, brotherhood, and community connection.
Led by long-time Boys to Men facilitator, Aaron Innocent, one of the original programme leaders trained under founder Ian Jeffers, the curriculum, Innocent says, aims to nurture characteristics of a positive male identity.
“Over the last weeks, we provided a safe, supportive environment where participants explored topics including leadership, goal setting, self – belief, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, entrepreneurship, and financial awareness,” said Innocent.
Placing in sharp focus, real life examples
of struggle, perseverance, and purpose, youngsters heard first-hand how stories of resilience are formed.
“A key feature was exposure to guests from the community who joined select sessions to share personal life experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. These visits reinforced the importance of positive role models and demonstrated tangible pathways toward growth, resilience, and success”.
For 15-year-old Collin Mathurin, the programme has been transformational. “It was a good experience and I would recommend it to others like myself. Some of the lessons that stuck with me were the difference between motivation and dedication and how to get your goals together and achieve them".
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held recently at Beausejour Sports Academy, Judy Deterville, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Grande St. Lucian commended the young men for their commitment to the process, the growth shown, and the confidence they’ve developed to move forward.
“Becoming a man is a gradual process of taking responsibility, developing self-reliance, demonstrating integrity, showing emotional maturity, and contributing to others. I am incredibly proud of each of you for being curious in what this term means, and your interest to embody those characteristics.”
The Sandals Foundation has committed to continuing its partnership with the second cohort of youngsters scheduled to begin this year.
The programme has been well received by participants and their families, with many demonstrating increased engagement, confidence, and leadership.
“The Boys to Men team is proud of this first cohort and excited about the future" says Boys to Men Organisation founder, Ian Jeffers. “This group represents a new generation of emerging leaders, and the organization looks forward to expanding opportunities for young men across St. Lucia to participate in programmes that foster community, self-discipline, mentorship, leadership, and positive manhood.”
"Becoming a man is a gradual process of taking responsibility, developing self-reliance, demonstrating integrity, showing emotional maturity, and contributing to others."
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Who is your favourite Bahamian artiste? Sing one of their songs.
1. Rising to the challenge! Daniella’s resilience throughout December has earned her the Pacesetter Award. Mr. Omar Robinson is delighted to recognise her hard work and commitment to excellence at Sandals Royal Plantation.
2. Excellence is in the details at Sandals Royal Plantation. Avery Skyers is always on point, ensuring every suite is a sanctuary with her signature immaculate turndowns. Her radiant smile is just the beginning, as she takes pride in creating a perfect “home away from home” for our guests.
3. From the kitchen to the heart of our community! Sasha-Gaye’s culinary expertise drives Sandals Foundation distribution efforts. We are thrilled to recognise her as December’s Foundation Sentinel. Regional Public Relations Manager Ian Spencer was on hand to present this well-deserved award.
4. Master of the kitchen, David Foster! From sun-up to sun-down, David prepares gourmet delights that keep our guests coming back for seconds. At Sandals Royal Plantation, world-class dining starts with him.
1. Room Technician Alex Smith updates his tablet immediately after repairing a room lamp for the asset management records at Sandals Ochi.
2. Marlene McKenzie-Boothe from Sandals Ochi’s Central Laundry happily restocks the bins with fresh towels.
3. Poised, punctual, and polished – Transportation Manager Fabian Angus is ready for the night’s event at Sandals Ochi.
4. Shawarie Less from the Watersports Department is all smiles as her managers serve her a sumptuous lunch in the Chill & Chat team members restaurant at Sandals Ochi.
1-3. Let’s go back to Sandals Barbados’ 90s Time Tunnel–themed staff party, where the styles were poppin’ and the vibe was ‘hot’!
2. Cheers to another Sandals Barbados trophy winner at this year’s South Coast Hotels & Resorts Raceday!
1. It’s the little details that make a stay at Sandals Dunn’s River so special. Our wonderful team members take pride in keeping guests hydrated and happy every day.
2. A walk through paradise is even better with a guide who loves it! Peta-Gaye McLeary is all smiles at Sandals Dunn’s River, ready to share the secrets of our lush gardens on her famous garden tour.
3. Going above and beyond is what they do best! Today, Sandals Dunn's River celebrates our amazing Loyalty & Travel team with a special treat from General Manager Mr. Kevin Clarke. Thank you for bringing our guests back to Sandals!
1. Community helpers in focus – students of the Sandals Early Childhood Learning & Development Centre engage with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for an interactive learning experience
2. A simple gesture with a lasting impact – appreciation in action. Sandals Halcyon’s F&B Director, Junior Plummer, presents Front Office Manager Ruth DuBois with welcomeback flowers.
3. Twelve new chapters, 365 new chances – the Dining Team at Sandals Halcyon dressed in their New Year’s Day outfits to welcome guests.
4. Happy New Year from the Management Team at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort!
1. Team members generously donated to an active fund for the Saint Lucia Cancer Society. Together, they raised a meaningful sum, presented by EHS Manager at Sandals Grande St Lucian, Sheniel Julien, who led the initiative.
2. Meet David Desir from the Maintenance Department at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, recognised for embodying our “caring, not pointing” service philosophy.
3. Meet Chantal Mangal, this month’s Thumbs Up Award recipient from Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. Selected by the Accounts Department, this award recognises a team member who consistently goes above and beyond – an honour Chantal truly earned.
1. Beaches Negril boat captain Khanrick showcases the beauty beneath Negril’s turquoise waters.
2. Beaches Negril Environment, Health & Safety Manager Michelle gives back and uplifts young minds beyond the resort through the Sandals Foundation.
3. Romano Smith from the Animations Team turns sugar into smiles, bringing magic to little moments at Beaches Negril.
4. Resort Shop Attendant Mikale turns smiles into souvenirs – one bubble at a time – at Beaches Negril.
5. Polished service with island soul – bartender Mario sets the tone at Beaches Negril, one exceptional pour at a time.
2. Behind every spotless space is a dedicated team. A big shout-out to Sandals Royal Bahamian Space Area Attendants Julian, Lubert, Reeves, and Oneil for their outstanding hard work and commitment.
3. At Sandals Royal Bahamian, bartenders Sheldeen Joseph and Rakeem Wilson – renowned world-class mixologists – craft exceptional drinks and memorable guest experiences.
1. Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel Manager, Mr. Delino Moss, pauses during a rehydration session to capture a selfie with managers Simon, Venecia, Sandra, and Gabrielle.
1. The Watersports team at Sandals Royal Curaçao successfully completed the PADI Branch Coral Restoration Course at the Sandals Coral Nurseries near the resort.
2. In partnership with Cats of Curaçao, Sandals Royal Curaçao introduces a responsible care programme for resident cats, including spaying, neutering, veterinary care, and designated feeding and living areas.
3. Sandals Royal Curaçao turns up the energy with a new weekly event: Pickleball – Beat the Manager. Guests go head-to-head with resort leaders in friendly competition, all while supporting the Sandals Foundation.
4. Sandals guests John and Georgia proudly delivered their 28th wheelchair donation to Sandals Royal Curaçao. Through the Sandals Foundation, their continued generosity provided a brandnew wheelchair to an elderly care home on the island.
1. Delivering unforgettable dining experiences with every service, the Sky Restaurant team at Beaches Turks & Caicos shares a moment of pride and camaraderie. Pictured (l–r) are servers Savvy Hall, Alan Batomalague, Cherlye Vixamar, Romar Campbell, and Restaurant Manager Jodena Louis.
2. Consistency and service with a smile define the Security & Loss Prevention team at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Supervisor Damion Senior checks in with Officer Angeline Lightbourne during a patrol of the Italian Village.
3. Beaches Turks and Caicos provides the perfect setting to empower its Elite Butlers. Pictured (l–r) are Supervisor Jeffery Lorenzana, Tavrina Reasias, Marcelino Lunzaga, Kayolin Martin, and Sidue Hunter.
4. Showcasing fashion, culture, and Caribbean charm in Turks and Caicos. Playmakers Jerina Jiminez, Supervisor Katherine “Tinkerbell” Jiminez, and Dancer Julio Ortega pose at one of the signature Key West Village swings.
5. “We are in Middle Caicos –where are you?” ask Sandals Foundation Ambassadors as they pause from delivering educational treats to students from five schools across North and Middle Caicos.
1. With a warm welcome and attention to detail, Bellman Akeem sets the tone for unforgettable arrivals at Sandals Negril.
2. Setting the standard for 2026, Learning & Development Assistant Manager Alexmore leads his first orientation batch of the year at Sandals Negril.
3. As the sun dips below the horizon, Dining Room Server Orlando prepares a candlelight dinner on the beach, where romance is crafted with care at Sandals Negril.
4. Five-star service, confidence, and charm – Butler Ian sets the standard for luxury experiences at Sandals Negril.
