MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- Sandals Resorts will merge two of its
properties in Ocho Rios, Jamaica -- Sandals Ocho Rios and the
Grande Sport Villa Golf Resort & Spa -- to create the 522-room
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort, scheduled to
open in December.
The Grande Sport property -- located across the main road from
the beach -- will close May 1 for a $10 million refurbishment,
including adding a new restaurant. Sandals Ocho Rios -- situated on
the beach -- will remain open during the merging of the two
properties.
When all merging is done, the combined Sandals Grande property
also will feature another pool with Sandals' signature swim-up
bar.
Gordon "Butch" Stewart, chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts,
said the fusion of the two properties "is a direct response to
market demands. By combining the 'Garden of Eden' ambience of
Sandals Ocho Rios -- which operates at almost 100% occupancy year
round -- with Grand Sport's 50 acres, romantic villas and 90 pools,
we can offer a tremendous diversity for our guests."
To contact reporter Gay Nagle Myers, send e-mail to [email protected].