Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart: ‘Jamaica is Going to Be OK’

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa wrought severe damage on parts of Jamaica, Sandals Resorts Internationals’ executive chairman, Adam Stewart, had a clear message for travel advisors: “Jamaica is going to be OK.” 

Thousands tuned in to the travel advisor-exclusive virtual town hall on Thursday afternoon to hear the on-the-ground update from Stewart, a sixth-generation Jamaican whose family started Sandals in 1981, who gave key insights into the current state of the Caribbean country. 

“The outpouring of love for Jamaica has been overwhelming,” Stewart said. “The spirit of Jamaica that you’ve all grown to love over the years has never been more alive. Everyone is helping everyone, particularly in the areas that were heavily hit.” 

Gary Sadler, EVP of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, Sandals’ parent company, was also on the call and echoed that sentiment. 

“Travel advisors are the most important part of our distribution system. Especially in these very difficult times, we will always rely on our travel advisor partners,” Sadler said. “This time has reminded all of us how powerful this trade community is.” 

Though Sandals recently announced it would keep five of its resorts closed until Dec. 6, Stewart said it was important that advisors hear directly from him. Broadcasting live from his office in Jamaica and having visited all eight Jamaica resorts since the storm, here are the updates he shared. 

Most Tourist Areas Safe and Operational 

Stewart told advisors that there are essentially two contrasting sides to Jamaica right now: the part that has been impacted and the part that was not. The island’s western and southern areas are looking rough, while the rest of the island, such as Ocho Rios and Negril, appears untouched.  

Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril all sustained extremely minor damage and are ready to welcome guests back, now that some sprucing and safety checks have been completed. The decision to keep them closed until Dec. 6 was made out of consideration of resort staff members who are recovering. 

“A lot of Jamaicans have family members in different parts. Even if they work in Ocho Rios, they may have homes on the south and western side of the island,” Stewart said. “We wanted to make sure they had the time to recuperate and for the company to support them through whatever their variance of trauma had been.” 

Stewart added that Jamaica is still welcoming thousands of cruise passengers and other visitors to the unaffected parts of the island, where roads and tourist attractions are fully operational. Key tourism infrastructure is all functioning: Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International Airport are open, and primary roads to Ocho Rios and Negril cleared and fully accessible.

In addition, he feels the unity of the country coming together. 

“Jamaica literally stands on the word resilience. Despite the adversity that many have gone through, the smiles are there. The country is unified,” he said. “There is no criminal activity, the police are out and about keeping law and order. I feel completely safe in the destination, as I always had before.” 

Three Resorts Closed for an Extended Period 

Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast all sustained significant damage in the storm. To allow time for the necessary rebuilding, they will all remain closed for several more months, with a targeted reopening date of May 30, 2026, when they’ll be reborn as “Sandals 2.0.”

Stewart shared a bit more information about Sandals South Coast, saying that the resort “miraculously has no structural damage.” There was, however, major interior damage, especially to the overwater bungalows, air conditioning systems, and main kitchen, all of which will be remodeled in the coming months. 

“We’re going to take those to a 2.0-level during this period of closure and fix some of the things we always wanted to do that we never had the chance,” Stewart said. “We apologize and thank you for your patience – you and your customers.” 

Sandals will be reaccommodating guests booked at the three resorts to other parts of the Caribbean. Sadler also noted there was significant damage at the Montego Bay call center and thanked advisors for their patience with that, as well. 

Stewart said to “stay tuned” for more updates on the renovation of each affected resort. During the closures, he added, all employees are receiving full pay and benefits. 

How Advisors Can Help Jamaicans Recover 

Many travel advisors want to know the best way to help Jamaicans during their time of need. First and foremost, Stewart said they must continue sending their clients to Jamaica, a country that relies heavily on tourism for its economy. 

“The ultimate way to help the country is to help us restart the tourism industry,” he said. “That’s what we’re specialists in, that’s our industry, that’s what we do, that’s what gets us back to work.” 

Secondly, monetary donations, either to Sandals Foundation or other organizations, is the best way to support Jamaicans who are getting back on their feet. Every dollar donated to Sandals Foundation goes directly toward relief efforts. 

Once the resorts reopen, Sandals will share if there is any need for supplies, but currently, “cash is king,” Stewart said. 

“If it’s $5, if it’s $500 – whatever you can afford,” he said.  “We’re going to build back together, and we appreciate the support.”