SI Swimsuit captures Jamaica’s allure for 2025 edition
Published:Friday | May 16, 2025 | 12:08 AM
Jamaica’s idyllic beauty and laid-back charm were on full display for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (SI Swimsuit) issue, which hits stands this month.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hosted the SI Swimsuit team on the island for the collaboration, which saw the crew, production, and talent visiting various locations across Jamaica earlier this year.
“We’re honoured Sports Illustrated Swimsuit chose Jamaica as a location for its 2025 Swimsuit issue,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. “This engagement supports our growth as one of the Caribbean’s leading vacation destinations, welcoming a record-breaking 4.2 million visitors last year and expecting five million visitors by [the] end of 2025. Through the variety of content captured by the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit team, we hope even more travellers are enticed to visit our island – whether looking for adventure, romance, relaxation, or a nature immersion.”
Featuring an elite line-up of internationally recognised figures – from entertainers to world-class athletes and pop culture powerhouses – participating models included Alix Earle, Christen Harper, Denise Marie Bidot, Ming Lee Simmons, Nazanin Mandi, Nicole Williams English, Parris Goebel, Rayna Vallandingham, Roshumba Williams, and XANDRA.
Emmy Award winner Salma Hayek Pinault is one of four cover stars, which includes Olympian Jordan Chiles, gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne, and model Lauren Chan, who founded the plus-size clothing brand Henning.
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The issue also features Olympian Gabby Thomas, who has Jamaican roots through her father, Desmond Thomas.
The models were photographed at some of Jamaica’s most iconic destinations, including Rose Hall Great House, Rose Hall Development Beach Club, and the Caribbean Sea via a private yacht with Aristo Kat Tours. Models were also photographed at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, a historic luxury hotel set on a 110-acre peninsula that caters to travellers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and natural beauty, as well as Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa, a 150-suite, adults-only, all-inclusive resort that boasts chic design and a vibrant atmosphere.
“We’re grateful to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit team for capturing not only Jamaica’s iconic sun, sea, and sand landscapes, but also the very essence of our island,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “We’re confident this campaign will draw the interest of even more travellers, and that we’ll be welcoming them to our shores in the near future.”
The JTB played a crucial role in the facilitation and support of the shoots on island, in partnership with local tour operators. In addition to location shoots, SI Swimsuit crew and talent enjoyed meals at local restaurants, including Snappaz Seafood and The Houseboat Grill and received Jamaican gifts curated by the JTB.
The magazine was unveiled on Friday night at a red carpet event in New York City.