SANDALS OCHI SANDALS OCHI
Ninety-eight travel advisors from 14 countries participated in the 9th annual Latin American Golf Tournament recently. The group was accommodated at Sandals Ochi and gave a detailed inspection of the four resorts in the region to improve their product knowledge. The group’s charitable side was realized through their twoday golf tournament at Sandals Upton Estate Golf and Country Club. The proceeds from this tournament went to the Sandals Foundation’s junior golf programme. The group also donated various school supplies.
BEACHES OCHO RIOS BEACHES OCHO RIOS
Managers’ fashion show delights
The new ‘wow’ factor that is all the rage among team members at Beaches Ocho Rios is Revenue Day. Managers strut the ramp with apparels from the resort shop. This is done to entice guests to purchase items as well as for entertainment. The feedback has been amazing! Kudos to the managers as they find creative ways to increase revenue.
SANDALS DUNN’S SANDALSRIVER DUNN’S RIVER
Dominoes anyone?
The Way Forward at Sandals Dunn’s River includes finding social outlets for team members to let down their hair and mingle as well as feel appreciated. At this resort, the new kid on the Sandals block, a range of innovative and interactive programmes have been unveiled. One such event is a weekly dominoes social; and as the photos show, it has become a big hit with the team.
SANDALS ROYAL PLANTATION SANDALS ROYAL PLANTATION
Back-to-school fair and staff social
The essence of The Way Forward movement at Sandals Royal Plantation is team member satisfaction and, as such, the resort constantly finds ways to enhance their life experiences. This month, the resort staged a special back-to-school fair and staff social at which team members received school supplies and a range of gift certificates all intended to lighten the load of sending out their children for the start of a new school year. Let’s not forget the sumptuous food and refreshments served as well.
LUCKY 13!
SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL BAGS 13 ACCOLADES AT 2023 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
Sandals Resorts International took home 13 prestigious awards at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, which took place in Saint Lucia at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, recently. The World Travel Awards recognizes and celebrates the top players in travel and tourism each year, bringing together government officials and leaders in the hospitality industry.
Amid the glimmer of the gala, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 30th year in a row. In addition to this top honor, the all-new Sandals Dunn’s River, which opened its doors in May, celebrated its first wins as the Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort and Caribbean’s Leading New Resort.
Marking another milestone, Sandals
Royal Curaçao won Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for the second year in a row, highlighting the resort as the best place to explore that island.
“To be named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 30th consecutive year is such an honour and a testament to the incredible team members and valued guests that make up the Sandals family,” says Gebhard Rainer, CEO of Sandals Resorts International. “Authentic and exceptional Caribbean hospitality are at the center of all that we do, and we’re beyond proud to be hosting and recognizing the travel industry’s best trailblazers at our very own Sandals Grande St. Lucian.”
The 13 awards won under Sandals Resorts International’s portfolio are:
• Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2023: Sandals Resorts International
• Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
• Caribbean’s Leading New Resort 2023: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
• Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2023: Sandals Grande Antigua
• Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
• St Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Grenada’s Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Grenada
• Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Montego Bay
• Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Caribbean’s Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Barbados
• Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Curaçao
• Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2023: Beaches Negril
• Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2023: Beaches Turks & Caicos
SANDALS CORPORATE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
In pursuit of its commitment to develop leaders within the organization and foster growth, Sandals Corporate University, in collaboration with Accelerating Leaders and Florida International University, has initiated a Diploma Programme in Hospitality Leadership. Following a rigorous selection process comprising numerous applications and intensive interviews, the inaugural cohort consists of 20 team members from across the Caribbean.
Over a span of four months, participants will immerse themselves in comprehensive coursework encompassing areas such as human resources and personnel development, management and leadership, foundational professional management courses, and quality and customer relations. This programme stands as an innovative and unparalleled opportunity for emerging leaders within the Sandals and Beaches brands to receive training essential for their future roles. It forms an integral component of a broader initiative aimed at honing the skills of approximately 400 team members within the next two-and-a-half years.
SANDALS CORPORATE HR DIRECTOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED STEWART FAMILY CULTURE AWARD
In a prestigious recognition of dedication and commitment, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has honoured Mr Ryan Matthew, the Corporate Director of Human Resources, with the esteemed Stewart Family Culture Award.
This honour marks Mr Matthew as only the second individual to receive this distinguished accolade. The first recipient was Mr Winston Anderson, SRI’s Managing Director, Eastern Caribbean. The Stewart Family Culture Award was established to acknowledge a team member who embodies the enduring spirit of
our late Chairman, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. It serves as a tribute to a Sandals leader who has made remarkable contributions in promoting, preserving, or celebrating the vibrant and distinctive culture of the company.
The award presentation took place during SRI’s Annual Prestige Awards ceremony, held on Thursday, August 31, 2022. Congratulations to Mr Matthew for this well-deserved honour, and to all the outstanding team members celebrated at the Annual Prestige Awards for their unwavering dedication to excellence.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Each month, team members from our resorts across the Caribbean submit content for the inTouch Magazine regarding their experiences at Sandals. They provide a gallery of photos, articles, and videos that help us all stay connected, and every so often, we’re treated to something worth highlighting. Our editorial team has selected this video from Sandals Ochi Beach Resort as the Editor’s Choice for this month’s publication.
DRIFT!
ZOIE & ASHWANNA
ENTERTAINMENT, SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN
SANDALS GRENADA
SPICING UP SPICEMAS
Grenada recently celebrated its carnival event, Spicemas -- marked on the second weekend of every August. In close alignment with Emancipation, the signature event of Spicemas has become J’ouvert and, by extension, Jab Jab, which has become the most popular portrayal on J’ouvert morning. It happens when revelers daub themselves in old motor oil from head to toe. Sandals Grenada team members did not miss out on the action; from numerous fetes to the highly anticipated J’ouvert and Pretty Mas. It was a mas well played, and Epix photographer Andre Burke was present to capture the highlights. Team members also shared some of their favourite photos from the festivities.
Style Moment
Our team members at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort have a history of looking sharp in their uniforms. Every once in a while, we catch a glimpse of them in finery and, of course, we cannot let them escape. Recently, we launched our VIP discount card for team members -- a huge collaboration with local vendors – offering discount rates that would benefit our team members when shopping at their outlets. Here are some highlights of how they came out to celebrate and collect their discount cards.
SHELDON JOHNSON CELEBRATES MIRACLES, MOMENTS, AND LOVING LIAM
Nothing compares to the fullness that fatherhood brings. This much is true for Sheldon Johnson, seasoned supervisor in Beaches Negril’s Weddings and Romance department. Now, two months into his journey as a first-time father, Sheldon’s focus is crystal clear – he’ll do his best, work his hardest and love his deepest.
“Liam is my miracle boy,” the doting dad mused. “Everything about him is a blessing.”
Fresh to the fold, Sheldon concedes that the nights have been long and the sacrifices have been many but every second has been worth it. He greets each emerging challenge with enthusiasm and even counts his newborn’s crying as a joyful celebration.
“My partner and I moved mountains to make it to this point. We suffered loss, uncertainty and discomfort,” he reflected. “I remember praying, hoping and yearning for this experience, and to finally be living it is truly a privilege. It’s definitely something to be grateful for.”
The devoted daddy is quick to confess that while he appreciates all of the sweet surprises he’s stumbled upon in parenthood, some lessons have been slow to sink in. Sheldon’s most sobering reality, by far, has certainly been the complete disruption of his sleep cycle. Nonetheless, he manages to maintain an attitude of gratitude. He has also adopted a proactive approach to securing his son’s future and strategic preparation has a big part to play in his master plan.
Prepare as he may, Sheldon admits that he is often caught off guard by intimate moments with his firstborn. His moving recollection of one such moment paints a picture of a father and son sharing a remarkable milestone – Liam’s first toothless smile.
“That’s the beauty of being so involved,” he added. “I get to be a big part of each stage. I don’t miss anything and I love that.”
Of all his fond fatherhood treasures, Sheldon is proudest of his caring commitment to being present for his son and his partner. A strong advocate for all-encompassing support for women, he is keen on encouraging other fathers to play an active role in their family dynamics.
“I am very hands-on with my son. I wash, cook, clean and do whatever else is possible to ensure that his mom can get quality rest,” Sheldon expressed. “At the end of the day, that’s part of the responsibility of being a good man and a good father.”
While he has no immediate plans for baby number two, Sheldon is sure that, should he strike it lucky again, he would be an even more incredible dad the second time around.
BEACHES TURKS AND CAICOS
Beaches Turks and Caicos is a melting pot of cultures and has more than 25 nationalities working at the resort. Some team members were asked to share one fun fact about their home country
Sending Greetings from Sandals Royal Curaçao!
COCKTAIL CORNER
Sandals Joy
Bartender: Owen Robinson, Sandals Royal Caribbean
INGREDIENTS
DARK JAMAICAN RUM
TRIPLE SEC
JAMAICAN BRANDY
LIME JUICE
STRAWBERRY SYRUP
ORANGE JUICE
PINEAPPLE JUICE
ICE
FROM HEALTH INSPECTOR TO HOTEL MANAGER
ALICIA MULLINGS, SANDALS SOUTH COAST
Sandals South Coast is more than elated to share with you our Hotel Manager. Meet Alicia Mullings -a lady with much poise and grace, but equally one who is not afraid to take on the most adventurous experiences. Though fairly new to the Sandals brand, Mullings has already proven that she has a great desire to impact not just the operation on her resort in a positive way, but also the growth of our company.
Starting her career in the hospitality industry more than 16 years ago, Mullings said she would have never foretold that this was a path she would one day trod. The Mount Alvernia High old girl and Ryerson University alumni started her early career as a public health inspector – a job in which she travelled across Jamaica to train food handlers.
Accrediting much of her exposure in this field to a few of her mentors who ensured she received as much experience as possible; it was this strong support that got the wheels turning and would later lead to what would become an opportunity to tap into the hotel industry.
“In my earlier days, I got the opportunity to attend a Food Handler’s clinic at a resort and I was asked to return to train the persons who would have missed the session. After I concluded my training, I was asked if I would be interested in joining their team,” Mullings shared.
Though she had no prior experience in hospitality, Mullings noted that she was always servicedminded and that this was what got her initially into public health. With a desire to learn more and to broaden her skills and knowledge, she accepted the offer. This would make her the first Food Safety Manager for that resort, and for the next couple of years, she dedicated herself to building a solid programme for the company.
“I fell in love with hospitality and as they say, the
rest was history. I fell in love with the fast pace and just the fact that no two days are the same this industry keeps you on your toes and challenges you daily to find new solutions, connect with your guests and team members so you can have a better understanding as to how you can satisfy them,” she added.
With a hunger for more; Mullings’ next challenge took her to the Turks and Caicos Islands for two years where she operated as a food safety inspector in the territory. However, the love for hospitality never dwindled and so she returned home to reassume her previous position. After two years, she decided it was time for a new journey so she joined Jewel Resorts where she was responsible for managing the Environment, Health and Food Safety programme for the new resorts in their chain.
Joining the Sandals South Coast team in June 2023, Mullings noted that she knew that this was the right move and that the responsibility of Hotel Manager would be no easy feat, but she was the woman for the job.
“Sandals Resorts is an exceptional all-inclusive brand and I can say this with confidence, because it is true. The investments in the surrounding communities, the standard of service and products are miles ahead when it comes to the tourism industry,” she shared.
Outside of work, it is no surprise that the woman with the audacious spirit is a lover of the outdoors. Mullings enjoys activities such as bird shooting, going to the beach or the river; importantly interjecting that she has also gone out of the box quite a few times a bike. learned how to ride a bike. She is also a trained boat captain.
“I had an interest in this for a long time and I had a friend who had a boat and taught classes for you to get your licences and I just decided to give it a try. It was nerve-wracking. However, sometimes you must challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and I must say the experience was worth it,” a beaming Mullings said.
When asked where she sees herself with the Sandals brand, Mullings mentioned that there are many opportunities to grow, especially in a company that encourages its team members to ‘dream big.’
“I want to do so well that I am constantly given the liberty to take on new challenges, grow and become a better leader,” she shared.
Her encouragement to team members who aspire to grow in both their careers and personal lives is that they should never doubt themselves, be open to new experiences, and to not be afraid of being scrutinized as this is how one grows.
“It is not easy to put yourself out there and sometimes we worry about what others will say or think. Accept that mistakes are a part of learning and people who understand this are limitless. This is what our company was built on -- a dream; and our late Chairman Mr Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart stood by his dream,” Mullings added.
Mullings’ encouragement to her 16-year-old self and to the rest of us is to not be so hard on ourselves. Mistakes are not a prison sentence and that we must appreciate ourselves for not just who we want to be, but also who we are in this moment.
Though fresh on her journey with the Sandals brand, Mullings is committed to taking her resort to the next level and her team at Sandals South Coast have voiced their appreciation for her interest in not just the work they do, but also who they are.
PICTURE PERFECT
Dershea-Gaye’s energy is effervescent as she gleefully celebrates Jamaica’s independence at Beaches
PICTURE PERFECT
Nadine is pleased to be pampered with a warm meal at Beaches Negril’s recent back-to-school treat.
Entertainment Supervisor and Sandals Foundation demonstrates the ‘Chinese skip’ to children attending School. The event was sponsored by the Sandals Foundation.
Say hello to the fresh faces of Beaches Negril’s personalized concierge service!
PICTURE PERFECT
While Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) and the world celebrate World Photography Day,
PICTURE PERFECT
In keeping with regional unity and female empowerment through pageantry, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa hosted delegates of Jaycees Queen Show for lunch as the regional pageant celebrated 60 years of culture, vibrancy and talent.
PICTURE PERFECT
The corporate offices of Sandals Resorts International in Jamaica are currently filled with excitement as team members compete in what they’ve fondly named the “Thunder Games.” These games bear a resemblance to the Summer Olympics, but with a unique twist. Rather than featuring athletes from different countries, team members are assigned randomly to one of four teams – Spartans, Lanterns, Flames or Stingers – who then compete in a diverse range of staff competitions, spanning from sports to quizzes, over the course of several days.
The Thunder Games have injected an air of enthusiasm and camaraderie into the corporate atmosphere, fostering team spirit and friendly competition among colleagues.
Welcome to Team Sandals Barbados! Some of the recent new employees being taken through their emergency first response training.
the way as the Entertainment
Just a small sample of the debris collected from the ocean as the members of the Sandals Barbados Watersports Department joined other divers in this year’s Barbados Dive Fest.
Chef Gregory is a big favourite with his fellow team members at Sandals Dunn’s River, so it’s no wonder he received the People’s Choice Award at the resorts first monthly Prestige Awards. Handing him his award certificate is Epix Manager, Saminto.
shows off her skills
Sandals Dunn’s River’s entertainment team members show off their colourful creations during the Independence Day celebrations at the resort.
Nicola from the Stewarding team at Sandals Dunn’s River always flashes her winsome smile, brightening the day of her fellow team members.
PICTURE PERFECT
PICTURE PERFECT
Nearly 2,000 Exuma locals attended the first staging of the Great Shape! Inc iCare clinic that was held August 7-11 at Sandals Emerald Bay. The team of eye care professionals and volunteers from the USA and Canada, with the support of the Sandals Foundation, provided screening and a suite of medical and eye care services including free exams and pathology screenings, health screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar, and selective laser trabeculoplasty for the treatment of glaucoma to citizens; young and old alike.
Always taking care of his team! General Manager at Sandals Halcyon Beach, Mr Filius Laurent, treating his Landscaping Manager, Neville, to a well-deserved dinner after a long day!
beams as she on proper
PICTURE PERFECT
National Rum Day at Sandals Montego Bay was a blast. Resort Shop Supervisor, Kerry (left), Entertainment Coordinator Kevaun (centre) and Resort Shop attendant Shana had a good time interacting with guests about the rich history of our Jamaican rum.
Sandals Montego Bay’s new Hotel Manager, Marcin was a good sport and played along with the National Rum Day festivities on the resort to the delight of guests!
PICTURE PERFECT
Say cheese! Michael’s million-dollar smile is well known for spreading cheer, stealing hearts and securing the prettiest pictures at Sandals Negril!
Crystal and her mini-me share a sweet moment at Sandals Negril ‘s annual back-to-school
Thornille is undeniably charmed as he strikes a pose with early childhood principal, Helen Clarke, during phase-two of the Negril region’s back-to-school outreach activities.
It’s been a sizzling summer and this grand marshal is burning up! We love an entertainer who brings the heat!
PICTURE PERFECT
PICTURE PERFECT
The Sandals Royal Caribbean engineering team held a yardiestyle department respite. Pictured are Enterprise Asset Management Planner, Anika Chambers receiving her ‘manish water’ aka goat soup from team member, Hartley Williams.
She is the resident nurse at Sandals Royal Bahamian in every sense of the word. Patsy is highly involved in the health and safety affairs of the resort but outside of that, she can be seen across the resort interacting with guests and ensuring their stay is fabulous.
PICTURE PERFECT
It was a Jamboree at the sexy South Coast on Independence Day and Playmaker, Jada Angus represented Jamaica’s spirit of carnival in fine style.
Summer camps are meant to be fun and Sandals South Coast team member, Carene
exciting reading session.
at
The team members at Sandals Royal Plantation certainly know how to dress as these dapper three show off what’s in their wardrobe at a recent staff social event at the resort.
Sandals Royal Plantation’s Watersports Manager Denisa certainly turned heads when she traded in her beachwear for this exotic ensemble at a recent staff social event at the resort.
Sandals Royal Plantation’s Loyalty Manager Odanne shows that he is quite versatile as he takes care of his guests the Royal way.