The renowned Sandals Emerald Bay in The Bahamas is set to undergo a significant transformation, marking the arrival of the Beaches brand in the region.
- Starting from August 15, the resort will close its doors to initiate the changeover to the new Beaches Exuma, with renovations commencing in autumn.
- The transition is part of a broader strategy by Sandals Resorts, aiming to expand its family-friendly offerings across the Caribbean.
- Existing bookings through UK agents are being managed with options for compensation or relocations, ensuring minimal disruption to planned holidays.
- The transition reflects Sandals’ commitment to enhancing tourism and employment opportunities in The Bahamas.
The well-known Sandals Emerald Bay resort in The Bahamas is set for a transformation into a Beaches branded resort, signalling the family’s brand debut in this idyllic location. This development underscores a strategic move by Sandals Resorts to enhance its family-oriented presence within the Caribbean.
The resort will cease operations on August 15, paving the way for its evolution into Beaches Exuma, with construction commencing in autumn. However, the exact opening date remains undisclosed at this time, as the transformation plans unfold.
In managing this transition, a small number of UK bookings have been impacted. Sandals is actively contacting individuals whose bookings were facilitated through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd (UCHL), offering alternative arrangements including rebookings at other Sandals resorts or compensation options such as resort or air credits.
The new Beaches Exuma, envisioned to be the brand’s fourth resort, will build upon its existing legacy as a family-oriented destination. With its extensive beachfront, original constructions such as beaches, swimming pools, and amenity spaces will be enhanced to cater to a broader family audience.
The Exuma region is celebrated for its breathtaking marine ecosystems and vibrant sea life, drawing nature enthusiasts worldwide. Sandals Resorts International executive chairman Adam Stewart aptly described the area as ‘one of nature’s most inspiring playgrounds’, with highlights including swimming pigs, sea turtles, and expansive sandbars.
Plans for Beaches Exuma include a broad range of accommodation options suitable for families of varying sizes, comprising multi-bedroom villas, suites, and connecting rooms. Furthermore, its dining facilities, featuring 12 restaurants and food outlets, will undergo upgrades, complementing new additions like a kids’ camp and splash deck.
Beaches Exuma aims to retain beloved features such as the Red Lane Spa and access to the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole Emerald Bay golf course, while introducing fresh adventure opportunities tailored to families.
The announcement was well-received by The Bahamas’ deputy prime minister and minister of tourism and aviation, Chester Cooper, who emphasised the longstanding partnership with Sandals. He expressed an optimistic outlook, stating, ‘Exuma is my home and I’ll be with her every step of this journey.’
This rebranding effort forms a crucial part of Sandals’ extensive plan to broaden its footprint extensively across the Caribbean. Recent expansions have included new resorts such as Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Sandals’ transition of Emerald Bay to a Beaches resort heralds a new chapter in family-oriented tourism in The Bahamas.
