Sandals Resorts Focus on Sustainable Tourism in Jamaica Post-Hurricane Melissa

Published on November 5, 2025

After the devastation of Hurricane Melissa at the end of October 2025, Sandals Resorts International announced the reopening of five of its hotels in Jamaica on December 6, 2025. The resorts that will be open to the public again in a little more than a month are Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril, all of which were affected by the storm that caused major disruptions across the entire island.

Sandals Resorts assures travellers that they are dedicated to both supporting impacted communities and restoring the affected resorts to full operational status. The December 6 reopening date reflects the company’s commitment to giving its teams the necessary time to recuperate and care for their families and communities before returning to work. This planned reopening is part of a broader effort to accelerate the recovery of Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Jamaica’s Tourism Sector Aims for Full Recovery by December 15

Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Edmund Bartlett, has set a target for the entire island’s tourism industry to be fully operational by December 15, 2025. As part of this recovery process, Adam Stewart, Sandals’ executive chairman, has been appointed to serve on Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force. This task force is focused on coordinating efforts to restore the island’s infrastructure and ensure that Jamaica remains a top destination for international tourists.

Although Sandals Resorts has successfully navigated the challenges caused by the hurricane, three properties, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Royal Caribbean, are located in areas more heavily affected by the storm. These resorts are scheduled to reopen on May 30, 2026. Due to the extensive damage, these locations will require additional time for repairs and improvements. However, the reopening of the five resorts on December 6 is an important step forward for the island’s tourism recovery.

Travellers Can Expect Safe and Restored Facilities

As the December reopening approaches, guests planning to visit Sandals Resorts in Jamaica can look forward to the high standards of hospitality the brand is known for. Sandals assures all affected guests that their reservations will be honoured, and the company is prioritising those with upcoming travel plans. For guests unable to travel due to the resort closures, Sandals is offering flexible options, including rescheduling within 12 months or receiving a refund for the land portion of their bookings.

Each of the five resorts scheduled to reopen will offer the same signature Sandals experiences: luxury all-inclusive accommodations, gourmet dining, world-class spas, and numerous activities for families and couples alike. Beaches Negril, in particular, offers a family-friendly environment with extensive kid’s programming and entertainment, making it a popular choice for family vacations.

A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism in Jamaica

Sandals Resorts continues to make significant investments in sustainable tourism in Jamaica, and the company’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa demonstrate a strong commitment to both the destination and local communities. Beyond the immediate repairs to resort properties, Sandals also works with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to support Jamaica’s broader economic recovery.

Through this collaboration, the company is helping to create jobs and encourage responsible tourism that benefits the local population while preserving the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. As Jamaica works to rebuild after the hurricane, Sandals’ approach to sustainable tourism ensures that the recovery will be holistic, focusing on the welfare of both guests and residents.

A Resilient Future for Jamaica’s Tourism

Sandals Resorts and Jamaica’s tourism industry are poised for a strong recovery following the challenges of Hurricane Melissa. The reopening of five key Sandals properties on December 6, 2025, signals that the destination is ready to welcome tourists again, just in time for the busy winter season. As the island works towards full recovery by December 15, travellers can expect to enjoy the warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and unparalleled luxury that Jamaica has always offered.

For travel professionals, these updates from Sandals Resorts provide a positive outlook for future bookings, especially as the island rebounds from the storm. Sandals’ commitment to sustainable tourism and community support sets a strong example of how the travel industry can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. With the reopening of more resorts and the eventual restoration of all properties, Jamaica is set to continue being one of the Caribbean’s top travel destinations.