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.