AT A GLANCE
3 The Way Forward
Negril Region
South Coast
Mobay Region
Ochi Region
Beaches Turks and Caicos
8 In The News
Housekeeping Week
International Coastal Cleanup Day
Scuba Diving Magazine's Readers Choice Award
Sandals Resorts Named Best AllInclusive Hotel Brand
Attitude Fest at Sandals South Coast
Leo Burnett announced as Creative Agency of Record for Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts Scoops Gold at 2024 Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards
16 Style Moment
Negril Region
18 Vox Pop
Sandals Montego Bay
19 Hi Friend
Sandals Grande Antigua
20 Express Yourself
Sandals Dunn's River
21 New Parent
Sandals Regency La Toc
22 Cocktail Corner
24
Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines Picture Perfect September in Photos!
NEGRIL REGION
School Supplies to over 500 Students
Team members from Sandals and Beaches Negril proudly made a meaningful impact by delivering essential school supplies to over 500 students in the Hanover and Westmoreland regions. We were honoured to support the next generation, helping them start the new school year with confidence.
SOUTH COAST
Crocs Talk
To boost team morale and provide a safe space for discussing sensitive topics, Sandals South Coast hosted its monthly “Crocs Talk” panel. The session, titled "Men Can't Be Abused by Their Women," attracted many employees for an open discussion held over lunch in the staff cafeteria. Key speakers included Detective Sergeant Berry from the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station and Jamelia Henry-Levy, a counselor at the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation.
MOBAY REGION
Domino Tournament!
Sandals Montego Bay recently kicked off an exciting domino tournament exclusively for team members, bringing a lively, competitive vibe to Dalton’s Lounge three times a week. Participants showcased their strategic skills while enjoying friendly banter and camaraderie. The tournament united employees from various departments, promoting teamwork and community spirit. With resort management and Engineering tied for the top spot, the competition is heating up, but everyone is enjoying the sense of unity and shared memories. The games offer a perfect blend of competition, relaxation, and team bonding.
Assistant Managers & Supervisors Feted!
Sandals Royal Caribbean recently treated its assistant managers and supervisors to a well-deserved two-day outing at Jamwest Adventure Park. The event was packed with excitement, from zip-lining to ATV rides, giving the hardworking team a chance to relax and bond in a fun, adventurous setting. It was a perfect way to celebrate their dedication and leadership, offering both a refreshing break and unforgettable memories. The getaway not only provided thrills but also reinforced the resort’s appreciation for its invaluable leaders.
OCHI REGION
Souplicious Wednesdays
At Sandals Ochi’s Chill & Chat Restaurant, "Souplicious Wednesday" brings outdoor dining to life each week. Team members come together as managers prepare and serve a large pot of hearty Jamaican-style soup. The warmth of the soup is mirrored by the camaraderie, with everyone enjoying icy popsicles from the HR team. As they gather, team members engage in lively domino games and other fun activities, all set to upbeat music. The infectious energy, cheering, and shared laughter create an hour of connection, relaxation, and a celebration of team spirit.
TURKS & CAICOS
Back-to-School Supplies Presentation
Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to support its team members and their families. Recently, the resort’s leadership provided back-to-school supplies for every team member, ensuring a smooth start to the new school year.
'English as a Second Language' Training
With over 25 nationalities represented at Beaches Turks and Caicos, resort leaders introduced 'English as a Second Language' training for non-English speaking team members. The resort recently held a celebration to mark the end of the programme's first phase. It was a memorable event, as participants proudly received their certifications.
L&D Training for Leaders
The Learning & Development (L&D) team at Beaches Turks and Caicos is dedicated to helping leaders become more creative and adaptable in today’s workforce. Here are some highlights of a recent leadership workshop implemented by the resort’s L&D team.
Sandals Foundation Mobilizes Volunteers for International Coastal Cleanup Day
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the region’s coastal ecosystems, hundreds of Sandals Foundation ambassadors participated in the world’s largest oneday volunteer event, removing several pounds of solid waste from locations across the Caribbean on International Coastal Cleanup Day. Armed with gloves, bags, and tools, volunteers worked diligently to collect and record the waste, contributing to the preservation of the island’s marine environment.
“While removing trash is important, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship is even more critical,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Through initiatives like these, we’re developing environmental ambassadors—educating schools and communities about waste reduction, the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems, and advocating for improved waste management. These are the actions that lead to lasting
change and preserve livelihoods dependent on our natural resources.”
Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation has mobilized team members in all nine islands where it operates, implementing coastal clean-up activities in Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada, Curaçao, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Sandals Resorts earns 31 Accolades in Scuba Diving Magazine's Readers Choice Awards
The results are in and Sandals Resorts has achieved an impressive 31 accolades in the latest Scuba Diving Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards, with honors spread across five of our resorts: Beaches Turks and Caicos, Sandals Royal Curaçao, Sandals Grenada, Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Royal Bahamian. Each resort was recognized in various categories. Scuba Diving Magazine's annual Readers Choice Awards showcases the best in the diving world, as voted on by the most reliable sources: the readers. This year's survey garnered thousands of responses from the magazine’s audience, highlighting the industry's top dive destinations, operators, and liveaboards. The magazine's latest issue, featuring the World's Best Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, celebrates the winners and offers valuable insights into the best destinations for underwater exploration.
BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS
1st Place
• Best Family-Friendly Experiences
One of the Best
• Best Overall
• Quality of Resort
• Quality of Rooms
• Quality of Restaurant
SANDALS ROYAL CURAÇAO
One of the Best
• Best Overall Quality of Rooms
SANDALS GRENADA
One of the Best
• Best Overall
• Quality of Rooms
• Quality of Restaurant Quality of Staff
• Quality of Staff
• Value of Resort Quality of Resort
• Quality of Restaurant
• Quality of Staff
SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN
One of the Best
• Best Overall
• Quality of Rooms
•
of
SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN
One of the Best
Overall
• Quality of Resort
• Quality of Resort • Value of Resort
Sandals Resorts named Best All-Inclusive Hotel Brand at Times Travel Awards IN THE
Sandals Resorts has been named the Best All-Inclusive Hotel Brand in the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. The annual awards celebrate the best of the travel industry, from the destinations to the airlines and holiday firms that get us there.
The Sandals Resorts brand was the winner of one of 16 categories this year. The shortlists were compiled based
on feedback from readers and input from travel writers and editors for The Times and The Sunday Times. This year, almost 470,000 votes were cast for more than 100 destinations and companies to find the very best in the business.
The winners were announced at an industry event in London on September 20, 2024.
From left: Alexis Conran, Times Radio presenter; Helen Jackson, Marketing Manager at Unique Vacations UK Ltd.; and Claire Irvin, Head of Travel for the Times and the Sunday Times.
"Attitude Fest" a Big Morale Boost for Sandals South Coast Team Members
Sandals South Coast recently concluded its highly anticipated two-day "Attitude Fest," a dynamic internal initiative aimed at enhancing guest service and uplifting employee morale.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining a motivated and cohesive team, Learning and Development Manager at the resort, Tevin Simpson, designed the workshop to address this need head-on, ensuring that the resort continues to deliver exceptional guest services.
Over the two-day workshop, participants engaged in a variety of interactive activities, storytelling sessions, and practical exercises. Key elements of the event included, presenters who guided the team
members through the use of a specially designed toolkit to demonstrate how positive attitudes can lead to better behaviours and outcomes in real-life guest service scenarios, motivational stories of resilience shared by industry leaders and activities focused on selfdiscovery and personal reflection.
The workshop was met with enthusiasm and positive engagement from team members across all departments. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on their roles and how their attitudes directly impact their guests’ experiences.
According to General Manager O’Brian Heron, "Attitude Fest is expected to have a lasting impact on the resort’s workplace culture.”
Dr. Phillip Brown, Corporate Director of Learning, Development and Service Standards at Sandals Resorts International shared the benefits of a positive mind-set as team members from Sandals South Coast listened intently.
Sandals Resorts announces the selection of Leo Burnett as Creative Agency of Record
Sandals Resorts has announced the selection of the awardwinning Leo Burnett as the agency of record supporting the Sandals and Beaches brands. The Chicago-based firm has been entrusted with the creative effort to enhance the respective brands under the resort companies’ umbrella. This engagement will encompass creative ideation and execution across all mediums and platforms for the brands dynamic portfolio of Caribbean resorts, including adults-only Sandals Resorts and family-friendly Beaches Resorts – honing in on shared family values and entrepreneurial synergies.
Leo Burnett’s selection is designed to bring a new era of bold, quintessentially Caribbean brand expression for the region’s leading and most award-winning all-inclusive resorts. This announcement follows a competitive review process that began in Q1 and included several of the industry’s most highly regarded global creative agencies.
“The founder of the Sandals Resorts brand and my father, the Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, was a marketing virtuoso – a visionary – who forged a legacy that spans over four decades of Caribbean authenticity and treasured family values. He meticulously built what has now become one of the most well-recognized and beloved brands in travel
The Sandals brands and Leo Burnett represent very similar narratives: both family-led, founder-driven brands fueled by innovation.
with his brilliance and resolute passion. Entrusting the brands and their heritage is deeply personal to me,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of the Sandals Resorts companies. “The Sandals brands and Leo Burnett represent very similar narratives: both family-led, founder-driven brands fueled by innovation. This next chapter is brimming with
excitement and opportunity as we bring forward the best of the Caribbean together.”
Unique Vacations Inc. (UVI) will manage Leo Burnett’s support of the brands under the direction of its Chief Marketing Officer, Tony Cortizas: “This journey fostered new connections, hours of brand immersion and reflection, and a wealth of ingenious ideas that align with the remarkable evolution of the Sandals and Beaches brands as leaders in the all-inclusive space. Leo Burnett understood the brands’ roots as much as our inspired and passionate strategy forward, effortlessly clicking with the essence of Sandals and Beaches with their human approach to creative expression. We are thrilled to collaborate and showcase the incredible experiences that have earned the brands one of the industry’s most loyal customer bases. With Leo Burnett, this cherished legacy is in great hands.”
“As companies with similar values, the chemistry between Leo Burnett and Sandals Resorts was immediate. But the more you get to know the Sandals and Beaches brands, the more you fall in love with them,” said Britt Nolan, President and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett. “There’s so much more to their story than people know. It’s a huge honor to steward such beloved brands and we’re super excited to help write their next chapter and show the world more.”
Sandals Resorts Scoops Gold at 2024 Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards
Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau was awarded Gold in the Best Overseas Hotel category at the 2024 Meetings and Incentive Travel (M&IT) Industry Awards. It's the seventh time in a row that Sandals Resorts has scooped the top prize.
The 'Oscars' of the industry, which was hosted by comedian Tom Allen, was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, for the first time on September 13th, and was attended by over 900 esteemed event professionals.
"To be awarded Gold for Best Overseas Hotel for the seventh year in a row is just a dream come true," says Graeme Saunders, Senior Manager - Groups and Corporate for Unique Vacations UK, sales and marketing representatives of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. "These awards are known as the 'voice of the industry' so
this win isn't something we're taking lightly... Thank you to everyone who voted for us."
Previous award winners of the Best Overseas Hotel include Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa and Beach Resort. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island also previously won the award in 2018.
The M&IT Industry Awards recognize and reward excellence and are the result of voting by UK based event organizers and the readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, with votes audited and verified by the independent Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC). Organized by NorthStar Travel Group, the glittering M&IT Awards are the oldest established awards program in the meetings industry and are now in their 37th year.
Style Moment
Negril Region
Get ready, because our Entertainment team at Sandals and Beaches Negril are turning up the heat in stunning, costumes that channel the vibrant spirit of Jamaica. They're turning heads in their bold, revamped Jamaica Day costumes.
Sandals Montego Bay
What SCU Course has helped you the most?
Carlene
Daniel Janel Kemar
Sending Greetings from
Sandals Grande Antigua
Jhavline
Cassie Kayan
Sandy Kimisha Wendel
Ray Sandals Dunn's River
Joseph
Sandals Regency La Toc Celebrates a New Arrival
Navigating a new chapter of fatherhood
In the vibrant heart of Saint Lucia, Eric Soumond is navigating an exciting new chapter in his life as a father. With the arrival of his baby girl, now two months old, his days are filled with tender moments and joyful anticipation. As a host at the Cricketer's Pub at Sandals Regency La Toc for 19 years, he’s well-versed in balancing demands, yet nothing quite prepares him for the profound love that comes with fatherhood.
Eric knows this journey well; he has two other daughters, aged six and two. Each child brings unique light into his life, but the bond with his newborn feels incredibly precious. “I adore her,” he shares, a smile spreading across his face as he recalls her tiny fingers and soft coos. “I look forward to spending time with her and watching her grow up.”
While the joy of parenthood is undeniable, Eric acknowledges the challenges it brings. The biggest hurdle is juggling responsibilities at work and home. “Sometimes it feels like my job and family are competing for my attention,” he explains. The pub's late nights and busy weekends can clash with family time, creating a delicate balancing act that requires constant adjustment.
Yet, despite the challenges, Eric remains optimistic. He is committed to making every moment count, whether it’s playing with his two-year-old or reading bedtime stories to his six-year-old, while also carving out special time for his newborn. He understands that these early days are fleeting and treasures the opportunity to be fully present in their lives.
As Eric Soumond embraces this new phase of fatherhood, he faces each day with love and
determination. His heart is full as he watches his daughters grow, and he is dedicated to creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Ultimately, the joys of family life outweigh the challenges, and Eric wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tyrese Nero
Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines
Cocktail Jungle Bird
Ingredients:
1 oz Captain Blight rum
¼ oz simple syrup
¼ oz lime juice
¾ oz pineapple juice
Splash of Campari
PICTURE PERFECT
PICTURE PERFECT PICTURE PERFECT
The recent success of Muschett High School’s track team from Trelawny, Jamaica, was celebrated recently when they were awarded the $300,000 Jill Stewart Sports Scholarship. This scholarship was launched last year by Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, in honour of his late wife, Jill Stewart—a former educator and passionate runner. Mrs. PJ Stewart, mother of Adam Stewart, announced the Muschett High team as this year’s recipient during an event marking the disbursement of scholarships raised through the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run charity.
In the photo from left: Mrs.
PICTURE PERFECT PICTURE PERFECT PICTURE PERFECT
PICTURE PERFECT
and
PJ Stewart poses with Muschett High School track stars Shanoya Douglas
Johan-Ramaldo Smythe, along with their coach, Garth Smythe, after presenting them with the Jill Stewart Sports Scholarship at the Sandals Montego Bay recently.
1. Beaches Ocho Rios Loyalty & Travel Consultant Johanna Taylor bursts into laughter as she listens to Houseman Bradley Clunis' witty remarks while highlighting the luxurious accommodations at Sandals St. Vincent.
2. Cookie Monster and Red Lane Spa attendant Elizabeth Bullah share a joyful moment, posing happily at Beaches Ocho Rios.
3. Gift Shop Representative Kayann McLean carefully arranges clothing and merchandise in the Resort Gift Shop, creating a vibrant display for customers to browse and shop at Beaches Ocho Rios.
4. During an unexpected walk-through, Room Attendant Venice ByfieldSimpson surprised her valued guest, much to the delight of Dwight Shuttleworth, Hotel Manager at Beaches Ocho Rios.
PICTURE PERFECT
1. At the joyful banquet celebrating International Housekeeping Week 2024 at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Room Attendants Karen Harris and Paulette James share a special moment while participating in the evening’s activities.
2. Beaches Turks and Caicos Stewarding brothers, Mendy Richard (left) and Dioumy Joseph share a moment with the Picture Perfect lens as they deliver items for the Food & Beverage team in the Italian Village.
3. Beaches Turks and Caicos Red Lane Spa Therapists Nicole Health (left) and Cassandra McLeod as they showcase two of the products used in the department.
1. Playmaker at Sandals Royal Curaçao, Ramone Williams rallies the DJs of the USA Radio Remote 2024 event during the Sandals Foundation 'Future Goals' kick-off at a welcome cocktail event at the resort.
2. Public Area Attendant at Sandals Royal Curaçao Ashley Kirindongo is in deep concentration while cleaning the hallways during the early morning hours.
1. The housekeeping team at Sandals Dunn’s River takes a well-deserved break to capture a moment together! Their dedication truly keeps our operation running smoothly!
2. General Manager at Sandals Dunn's River, Deryk Meany shares a fun-filled moment with Tia Mowry, showcasing the joy and warmth that define our resort experience!
3. Team members at Sandals Dunn’s River marked another trip around the sun in style, enjoying a celebratory lunch and special gifts!
A recent beach clean-up activity at Sandals Regency La Toc showcased the commitment of our Water Sports and Dive Centre teams to environmental preservation. Team members enthusiastically collected debris that had washed ashore, ensuring that our stunning coastline remains a safe and welcoming haven for both guests and marine life alike.
Always bursting with energy, ‘Awesome Owen’ of the Sandals Montego Bay entertainment team is always a joy.
the
What joy and good cheer it was inside Sandals Montego Bay's team member restaurant, Dalton's Lounge, as Kerene, Duncan and Camille assisted in distributing lovely toys to throngs of team members for their kids.
Chloe from the Sandals Montego Bay Kitchen team is always so happy to serve
guests of the Flagship!
Peta-gaye (right) and Lennox from the Sandals Montego Bay team we’re ecstatic to join this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day activities!
1. We love kids! Trevolyn Graham of Sandals Negril is all smiles, radiating with joy as she cares for little ones at West End ECI’s back-to-school treat.
2. Gayonne Campbell, the fabulous Club Sandals Manager at Sandals Negril, is all aglow during her guest engagement walks –brightening every interaction with her warmth, charm and smiles.
3. Chevaughn Montaque of Sandals Negril proudly shows off his one-of-a-kind tie-dye masterpiece, a vibrant swirl of colours he specially crafted for a lucky guest.
1. Sandals Royal Caribbean stewardess Janice poses boldly as she prepares to tackle the day!
2. Always happy and ready to assist, Sandals Royal Caribbean’s restaurant server Asym is truly a star at delivering exceptional service.
3. A real Jamaican moment! Regional Public Relations Manager Rochelle Forbes-Reid (left) shared a lighthearted moment with the mento band while hosting journalist/producer couple ‘K Around The World’ (right & second right) at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
4. Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Rochelle Hyman really leaned into the spirit of International Coastal Cleanup Day at the resort’s initiative at Jobson Bay Eco Beach Park.
1. Sandals South Coast’s Hotel Manager, Alicia Mullings (far right) joined the Housekeeping team at their recent talent show, which was a part of their Housekeeping Week celebration.
2. The brightest smiles can be found at Sandals South Coast and Morria Gayle from the Housekeeping Department, lives up to this fact!
3. Sandals Foundation volunteer from Sandals South Coast, Sani Smith was ready to assist in leading the 2024 International Coastal Cleanup Day initiative at the Whitehouse Fish Market.
4. Gratitude is a must! Sandals South Coast’s Learning and Development Manager, Tevin Simpson awards Assistant Weddings Manager, Rita-Lee Johnson with a token from the Florida International University, (FIU) for completing her course recently.
5. Okeno Pinnock from the Sandals South Coast Landscaping Department enjoying a delicious meal at the resort’s staff canteen, Crocs Café.
1. Easton from the dining room at Sandals Royal Plantation consistently sets the highest standards, ensuring exceptional service and an unforgettable dining experience for every guest.
2. The Resort Shop at Sandals Royal Plantation is always ready to greet guests with a warm smile and the signature Royal attitude, ensuring a welcoming and luxurious experience every time.
3. The Sandals Royal Plantation Butler team erupted in jubilation after claiming victory over the Dining Room team in this season's thrilling football match!
4. Several of the divers within the Water Sports Department at Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines conducted an underwater debris clean-up activity at the Buccament Bay Beach, which borders the resort. Five guests joined the crew in their endeavors, which resulted in the removal of a significant quantity of debris. Well done to the entire team for this fantastic initiative!
1- 3. In August, team members at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines participated in a health fair, which saw representatives from the Ministry of Health and local dentists and opticians setting up stalls to educate and advise team members about matters pertaining to their physical, mental and emotional health. The venture – which was organized by the Human Resources, Environmental Health & Safety and Learning & Development departments – was a resounding success. Well received and well attended!
1- 4. The Sandals Foundation ambassadors at Sandals Royal Bahamian played a vital role in the International Coastal Cleanup, helping to ensure Saunders Beach was spotless for everyone to enjoy. Their dedication to preserving the beauty of our beaches is truly commendable, making a positive impact on the environment and the community!
5. Cher Coakley from Club Sandals was absolutely overjoyed to win the Revenue Corner prize at Sandals Royal Bahamian! Her radiant smile truly lit up the entire room, capturing the excitement of that special moment. It's wonderful to see such joy recognized and celebrated!
1. Resort Shop team members at Sandals Grand St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort are on a mission to add love to their daily offerings. They are busy cooking up the pot and creating an atmosphere of trust and commitment to each other.
2. When Learning & Development at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort says learning is on, they go all the way. Recently, they announced Tie Your Tie Thursday. Needless to say, all of the best at tying ties stepped forward. Ania Eugene Marc, a Public Area Room Attendant from the Housekeeping Department was keen to learn from the new Hotel Manager Matthew Siegel!
3. And what is Housekeeping without the Housemen! Here they were, at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, teaching the new HM Matthew Seigel the ropes.
