Beaches Ocho Rios to close May 2025 for major renovations

Sandals Resorts International has announced that Beaches Ocho Rios will officially close on May 31, 2025, to undergo major renovations by its third-party owners.

The company said it has managed to reassign over 300 of the 400 employees to its other properties in Jamaica and at Beaches Turks and Caicos, sparing most staff from job displacement.

The announcement comes amid the group’s US$1 billion investment in its Beaches brand.

In a recent release, the company confirmed new resorts and major expansions across the region, including, Beaches Runaway Bay on Jamaica’s north coast; Beaches Exuma in the Bahamas; a new Beaches Barbados and the upcoming Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to offering even more exceptional experiences for our guests,” the company said in its official statement. “We’re truly grateful for the trust families place in us to create unforgettable memories," Jeremy Jones, regional managing director, Jamaica told staff

Beaches Ocho Rios, formerly Beaches Boscobel, is the only resort in the Beaches portfolio not owned directly by Sandals Resorts International. The decision to close was taken by the third-party owners to carry out substantial renovations, with Sandals noting the possibility of a continued relationship once the upgrades are complete.

In a letter to team members Thursday morning, Jeremy Jones, Sandals Resorts International’s regional managing director, Jamaica, acknowledged the emotional impact of the announcement.

“Beaches Ocho Rios holds a special place in our hearts, our team members are our priority. Their welfare and well-being. We have already re-accommodated approximately 300 team members.”

Jones also emphasised that the company is providing tangible support to its team during this transition.

“There will be employment opportunity events for team members, including resume writing and job interview skills, as a well as a grand job fair,” he said.

- Janet Silvera

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