Jamaica's Favorite Resorts Are Getting a Major Upgrade
Sandals Resorts International is investing $200 million into three of its most beloved Jamaica properties -- and the results are going to be stunning. Sandals Montego Bay, the newly renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay, and Sandals South Coast are all set to reopen later this year with sweeping upgrades to accommodations, dining, and guest experiences. Each resort is taking on a fresh identity while staying true to what made it special in the first place.
Here's what's coming.
Sandals Montego Bay: The Original Gets Even Better -- Reopening December 18, 2026
The resort that started it all is stepping into a bold new chapter. Sandals Montego Bay, the brand's flagship property with 255 rooms, is returning with a redesigned lobby framed by panoramic Caribbean Sea views, a completely reimagined main pool at the heart of the action, and new swim-up accommodations and ocean-view suites that put guests as close to the water as possible.
On the dining front the beloved Buccan restaurant makes its first-ever Jamaica waterfront debut, serving island-inspired dishes over an open flame. Joining it is Scrimshaw, Jamaica's first-ever Scrimshaw seafood restaurant, with wraparound sea views and a refined coastal menu.
The resort's iconic original swim-up bar -- said to be the Caribbean's first -- remains a centerpiece at Parisol Beach Club, where original bricks carved with decades of guests' names have been preserved as a tribute to the resort's history. New to the lineup is Bay Roc Rum Club, inspired by the property's roots as the Bay Roc Hotel & Villas. With hand-painted murals, memorabilia, and creative cocktails on tap, it's a love letter to Caribbean music and culture.
Sandals Caribbean Cay: A New Name, a New Era -- Reopening December 18, 2026
Formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean, this resort is stepping into a fresh identity as Sandals Caribbean Cay -- a name that speaks directly to its standout private island experience. The open-air lobby sets the tone right away, with uninterrupted views stretching from the main pool out to the Caribbean Sea.
New dining concept Suppa takes center stage with a supper-club-style approach to Jamaican comfort food, designed for sharing around a table just like Sunday dinner. The intimate Keynote Rum Bar serves as the space's "parlor," offering premium Caribbean rums in a cozy setting. For lighter fare, Heart & Sol handles grab-and-go juices, sandwiches, and nourishing bowls.
The resort is also expanding by 84 rooms, bringing the total to 291 accommodations. New room categories include SkyPool Suites with ocean views, Swim-up Suites, and Oceanview Butler Suites arriving in June. The private island, Sandals Cay, is getting its own refresh too -- Parisol Beach Club creates a laid-back escape accessible exclusively by boat, complete with the new Parisol dining venue, a Jerk Shack, a swim-up bar, and palapas along the sand.
Rounding out the updates is a state-of-the-art fitness center with panoramic ocean views and elevated Overwater Butler Villas perched above the waters of Sandals Cay.
Sandals South Coast: A Nature Lover's Paradise, Elevated -- Reopening November 18, 2026
Set among a 500-acre nature preserve, the 380-room Sandals South Coast has always been the go-to for guests who want seclusion and natural beauty. The upcoming renovation builds on that legacy beautifully. Lush tropical greenery and new lounge areas give the pool experience a seamless, nature-immersive feel, and design touches throughout the lobby draw clever inspiration from the resort's resident peacocks.
The iconic Overwater Butler Villas return with refreshed interiors, joined by the brand's very first Beachfront Club Two Queen Junior Suites -- perfect for groups or families traveling together.
New dining highlights include BLUM, a coffee-forward spot serving Jamaica's famed Blue Mountain coffee alongside artisanal pastries and light bites. Come evening, Butch's Island Chop House makes its south coast debut with a dedicated martini bar that's designed for lingering well past sunset. A new rum bar is also in the works, set to become the fourth of its kind on the island.
Ready to Book a Sandals Jamaica Resort?
With three stunning properties reopening later this year, now is the perfect time to start planning. A Crazy Imagination Travel advisor can help find the right Sandals resort for the getaway, navigate room categories, and lock in the best value. Reach out today to get started.
