Montego Bay, Jamaica  (April 1, 2004) � Sandals Resorts has announced plans that it will merge two of its resorts  � Sandals Ocho Rios and Grande Sport Villa Golf Resort & Spa � to create a brand new resort experience, the 522-room Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort.  Scheduled to open in December, this will become the most expansive resort in the group. �The fusion of the two resorts is a direct response to market demands.  The �Garden of Eden� ambience has been widely received at Sandals Ocho Rios, operating at almost 100 percent year-round occupancy. By combining Grande Sport�s 50 acres of lush surroundings, romantic private villas and 90 pools, we can build an even larger paradise while offering a tremendous amount of diversity for our guests,� said Gordon Butch Stewart, chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Sandals Ocho Rios  -- Grande Sport Villa Golf & Spa Ocho Rios

To achieve Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort, Grande Sport Villa Golf Resort & Spa will close May 1, 2004, to undergo an extensive $10 million refurbishment.  Major renovations will be made to all central and public areas including the Great house, villas, restaurants, spas, pools and conference facilities.  A new restaurant will be built, offering guests a choice of nine options.  A focal point of the resort will also be a brand new large pool, complete with Sandals signature swim-up pool bar, which comes standard.  The end result will offer the choice of beachfront rooms or secluded villas and suites with 90 private and semi-private pools.  Guests will also be able to take advantage of two full-service spas and an array of land and watersports.

With the �Stay at One, Play at Three� concept offered by Sandals and Beaches Resorts, vacationers who stay at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort and enjoy the amenities of Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club and Sandals Dunn�s River Golf Resort & Spa. 

Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts is the largest operator of luxury, ultra-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Sandals has a total of 11 couples-only properties, including six in Jamaica, three in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and one in Nassau, Bahamas.