Sandals Resorts International (SRI) says reservations are now open for arrivals beginning May 24, 2023 at Sandals Dunn’s River, which by that time will offer “a wholly reconceptualized and fully renovated” experience.

The company says the 260-room Sandals Dunn’s River is “undergoing a thoughtful, top-to-bottom restoration – designed to embrace the essence of Jamaica, its curving rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees – with amenities, accommodations and culinary concepts brought forward by the brand’s uncompromising quest for innovation.”

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of SRI, made the announcement. “Today is marked with very special intention, as we accept reservations for Sandals Dunn’s River in honour of our founder and my late father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s birthday – just a small homage to him that we know will make him smile.

“This was an extraordinary project and the last I worked on with him as his final masterpiece. He handpicked this location more than three decades ago for its white-sand coastline, cool breeze, azure waters and its close proximity to the destination’s archetypical falls,” Stewart added.

“It will not only serve to breathe new excitement into a corner of Jamaica loved and cherished by so many, but it will set a new standard of luxury for tourism right here in our backyard with a next-generation resort worthy of its nostalgic past.”

Sandals Dunn’s River joined the company’s portfolio in 1991. Now the company says it will “return as a brand new resort, reclaiming its edge as the pinnacle of Sandals luxury.”

Among the highlights of the changes:

New Suite Concepts

-- The addition of brand new Tufa SkyPool Butler Suites, which will feature glass panels spanning the length of oceanfront balconies, for an ‘infinity effect’ clear to the Caribbean Sea.

-- At the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools, Sandals’ standalone villas are reimagined with open-air rooftops featuring private soaking tubs, sun-lounging areas and views of the surrounding flora.

-- Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites will be equipped with spacious balconies directly overlooking the ocean waters, for a “nature-meets-luxury effect that immerses guests in the setting’s unequivocal beauty.”

A Dozen Dining Choices

Culinary offerings at Sandals Dunn’s River will now include 12 ‘Global Gourmet’ restaurants – with ten concepts entirely new to Sandals. Among them are L’Amande, serving a fusion of “French delicacy and Jamaican fare.” Edessa offers a Greek cuisine concept while Banyu’s Asian-fusion menu promises “a blend of cultures all in a single dish.”

Other choices will include Central and South American flavours at Zuka, debuted first at Sandals Royal Curaçao, and the Jerk Shack with its traditional island sweet and peppery delights.

Setting The Bar – Nine Distinct Drinking Spots

-- Dunn’s Rum Club will be the place where Jamaica’s signature libation will be shaken and stirred into craft cocktails with locally-sourced ingredients like coconut and sorrel-smoked rum. A first-of-its-kind experience, guests will enjoy an expertly curated list of smooth rums while trying their hand at a game of Jamaican-rules dominoes.

-- The Laughing Waters beach bar will offer bed-style seating for an effervescent experience right on the sand, with sparkling champagne cocktails.

-- A ‘Sandals First’ in Jamaica, the rooftop bar, Ocarina, will pair spirits with the sea breeze, while the chic Lapidus Lounge pays homage to renowned architect Morris Lapidus who designed the resort when it was first built as the Arawak Hotel in the 1950s.

Pools & Pampering

-- Jamaica’s largest pool – designed to mimic the flow of Dunn’s river – makes its way back into the Sandals Resorts fold. Featuring a glass panel edge, the pool will be leveled to the sand for a water-meets-sand-meets-ocean effect, and will be one of a choice of five refreshing pools.

-- The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Dunn’s River will debut as one of the most luxurious for the brand, , with the sound of flowing water from Dunn’s River and Roaring Waters River cascading into the spa’s pools.

“Ocho Rios is the place where my father grew up, where he first learned to fish and felt the breeze blow along the West-facing beach and where he first saw the pure joy of the island on the faces of visitors,” said Stewart. “Here along Jamaica’s North Coast, he witnessed a blossoming tourism industry and became aware of how to please and serve a new Caribbean customer. Every touchpoint at the new Sandals Dunn’s River is designed to do that and more.”

Guests who book a stay at Sandals Dunn’s River now through August 31, 2022, will receive a special Grand Opening Offer with instant credit savings of up to US$605 off on stays of seven paid nights or longer.

The offer is combinable with other Sandals’ saving promotions, for travel May 24, 2023 through December 31, 2025. Extending a warm welcome back to past guests of the original Sandals Dunn’s River, returning guests who are Sandals Select Reward Members will enjoy a complimentary Dunn’s River Catamaran Cruise for two.