Have you been to a Sandals Resort?
It all began with the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart in Montego Bay, Jamaica back in 1981.
The late Gordon “Butch” Stewart knew what we needed, as couples, before we did and his phrase “love is all we need” is part of his legacy.
It’s hard to believe that it all started in 1981 – November 27th to be exact.
First, Check PricesSandals Resorts helped build tourism throughout the Caribbean, where it is committed to developing hospitality excellence across the region.
This Sandals’ milestone anniversary will honor the legacy of its founder, the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, shining a light on the impact of tourism on local Caribbean communities.
They’re also turning the clock back with nostalgic fun activities across all Sandals all-inclusive resorts and we understand they’ll continue with additional surprises to be unveiled throughout the year.
“This year marks an incredible milestone for Sandals Resorts, and it’s especially meaningful as we take this moment to honor what my father created and carry on his revered legacy across the Caribbean,” said SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
Stewart continued, “Since the flagship opening in 1981 at Sandals Montego Bay, we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space. More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovation is created in the Caribbean. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone for our company alongside our Sandals family as we look to the next 40 years of inspired Caribbean vision and innovation.”
So what do you do to celebrate this monumental moment in time?
Sandals Resorts Celebrates 40 Years with….
The Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism
In honor of Sandals’ late founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his legendary entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong belief in the power of education, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announces the construction of the Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and in conjunction with Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
FIU in partnership with The UWI will develop the next generation of international tourism and hospitality leadership, through fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programming.
The new school will be located on the Western Campus of The University of the West Indies, Mona in the Caribbean’s tourism capital of Montego Bay.
And, the Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism will offer students meaningful educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
“My father believed in learning by experience – ‘on-the-job training,’ as he often put it,” said Stewart.
“As a consummate entrepreneur and a lifelong dreamer, he knew success was born beyond the boardroom; found instead in the moments of exploration and discovery. It’s this drive that will inspire the world-class curriculum, putting students in real-world experiences as part of their development,” continued Stewart.
It’s all about investing in your people …
Investment in education has long been a priority of SRI, and the new school will complement the Sandals Corporate University, which was established to provide Caribbean-based Sandals team members with opportunities to improve and develop occupational skills and earn undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.
“When we invest in Caribbean people, we invest in the future of the region,” said Stewart.
Check PricesSandals Resorts Celebrates 40 Years with …
40 for 40 Initiative: Projects Benefiting Caribbean Communities
This wasn’t a term when Sandals was founded 40 years ago but the spirit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been part of the fabric of the company since it was founded.
“The link between tourism and the well being of the local Caribbean communities where we operate is undeniable,” said Adam Stewart.
In honor of the company’s 40th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International, together with the Sandals Foundation, the not-for-profit organization launched in 2009 to help SRI make a difference in the lives of Caribbean people, is identifying forty projects that best showcase the incredible link between tourism – the region’s most influential industry – and its power to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives.
Projects will be selected across five main areas:
- Supporting local farmers
- Hospitality training & certification
- Preserving natural resources
- Harnessing unique artisan crafts
- Community outreach.
From ecological conservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains and improving the capacity of farmers to increase their efforts toward sustainable food production, to working closely with local artisans to maximize on their talents, Sandals team members will bring these projects to life and are inviting guests to join in.
Always on Island Time – Introducing the Sandals PalmCast
Check PricesSandals Resorts is kicking off the conversation and keeping the Caribbean at the forefront with its first-ever podcast, “Sandals PalmCast,” giving listeners the inside scoop on all the latest happenings across the resorts with 13- to 20-minute-long episodes featuring expert insights, resort overviews, and special interviews with surprises along the way.With an average repeat guest rate nearing 50%, Sandals’ guests are immensely loyal and eager to learn about the latest happenings on resort and throughout the Caribbean from Sandals Resorts, a valued Caribbean brand ambassador.
Sandals Resorts Celebrates 40 Years on property so guests can join in the celebration with a nod to nostalgia including:
Sandals is celebrating by creating some new favorites and bringing back some originals.
Guests can take a sip down memory lane while perusing the side-by-side 1981/2021 cocktail menu to switch between tastes.
All Check PricesSandals Resorts will also debut new poolside service serving up a Caribbean-inspired snack & cocktail menu so guests can lounge poolside for longer.
There’s even more as bars and restaurants throughout the brand will debut a new hand-crafted cocktail experience consisting of eight new curated cocktails using distinctive flavor blends, premium liquor, fresh ingredients, and hand-picked herbs from local farms. Cheers!
Sandals Rewind Events
Sandals guests can party like it’s 1981 with special weekly poolside celebrations to commemorate 40 years of fun.
Guests can soak up the sun while the past meets the future brought to life by live DJs spinning inspired music and bartenders serving up classic craft cocktails.
Sandals Resorts Celebrates 40 Years with…
Vintage Retail Collection in Beach House Resort Shops
Check PricesSandals Resorts is launching an EST. 1981-inspired vintage t-shirt and retail collection available in all Beach House resort shops.Guests can choose from ten nostalgic and vibrant designs that pay homage to Sandals’ founding era style, available for purchase beginning in November.
Happy Anniversary, Sandals Resorts, and thank you for keeping love alive in the Caribbean!
Don’t Miss:
Makeover: Sandals Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of Sandals South Coast
Sandals Royal Curacao is Now Accepting Bookings
