Jamaican Me Crazy... Having To Wait On THREE Sandals Resorts Getting Their 2.0 Glow Up Is HARD

They keep saying 'Jamaica is back and better than ever.' But if we are honest, it never really left. It's continued to be an amazing destination both for visitors and for those who call it home. Resilient Jamaicans have been restoring their communities and working hard to bring it back to life after Hurricane Melissa. Tourists have been able to visit and enjoy this special place for a while now at properties like Sandals Dunn's River, Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Ochi.

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While the fact that there are multiple properties open and ready for travelers, it is still HARD TO WAIT for the three resorts getting their GLOW UP. We want to visit them NOW. haha Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean) are getting a massive $200 million "2.0" transformation across these beloved Jamaican properties.

This isn't just a simple refresh; it’s a complete reimagining of the island experience. From the historic flagship resort that started it all (looking at YOU Montego Bay) to the next era of Caribbean luxury... Sandals is inviting travelers to experience new designs, bold culinary flavors, and a deeper connection to the island’s vibrant, welcoming spirit. Our crew at A Mouse and A Beach LOVES this island and we continually boast about the 'old versions' of these properties. Many of us have chosen to vacation there with our spouses prior to the changes (which says a lot when you are a travel agent and the world is your oyster), and we want to share our experiences below while also highlighting what is to come!

First up? The Flagship and OG Sandals resort... Sandals Montego Bay. This property launched the brand over 40 years ago, and is returning with a stunning new chapter. Known for its high energy and iconic white-sand beach, the resort has been modernized to blend its rich history with contemporary luxury. If you love to take a long walk on the beach, this is one of the resorts for you. Guests can expect a vibrant, social atmosphere that feels both classic and cutting-edge, making it the perfect destination for those who want to be in the heart of the action with the added convenience of being just minutes from the airport. Truly the best of both worlds. The upgrades here include a redesigned main pool, which will serve as the social heart of the property (which is great since the pool options weren't as extensive prior to this renovation), while the all-new Parisol Beach Club incorporates the Caribbean’s first-ever swim-up bar into a sleek, refreshed setting. Foodies will delight in the new culinary scene, featuring the debut of Buccan, an open-fire restaurant perfect for communal dining, and Scrimshaw, a sophisticated seafood spot with wraparound sea views. Don't miss the Bay Roc Rum Club, which pays tribute to the resort's heritage with local vinyl records and expertly crafted cocktails. Talk about a Glow up!! However, it has always been one of our favorite options for couples due to its location to the airport and the extensive beach with excellent views from the balconies.

Here is what our advisor, Kayla Read, had to say about her romantic getaway at this property with her husband, Ryan:

"We chose Montego Bay for the convenience of it being so close to the airport. We also knew it was the original Sandals resort that had been updated recently before our 10 year anniversary trip. We felt extremely relaxed while enjoying the white sands and blues of the Caribbean. Ryan's favorite part of Montego Bay was our room. We opted for a swim up (highly recommend) which felt secluded yet also close enough to enjoy the rest of the activities at the resort."

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Up next... will the real Sandals Royal Caribbean please stand up! Just kidding, it is newly rebranded and will now lovingly be called Sandals Caribbean Cay. It is all about embracing an excitingly fresh identity. The focus here is a stronger connection to the ocean and the property’s unique private offshore island. Yes... they have their own island! With a complete shift toward modern, elevated design, the resort feels larger, brighter, and more integrated with its stunning surroundings, offering an oasis of calm that transitions seamlessly from lush, winding tropical gardens to the sparkling Caribbean Sea. If you are a fan of greenery and feeling like you are in the great outdoors, this resort provides beautiful scenery in every direction. The resort has expanded its footprint with 84 new rooms, including the sought-after SkyPool Suites and Swim-up Suites. Dining is a major highlight, with the standout addition of Suppa, a warm, supper-style restaurant dedicated to the Jamaican tradition of gathering for Sunday dinner. Before your meal, stop by the intimate Keynote Rum Bar for a taste of the Caribbean, or head over to the private island to enjoy the new Parisol Beach Club, where you can lounge by a new pool, grab a quick bite at the Jerk Shack, or just relax under a palapa while the sea breeze rolls in. Relaxing on this island is a highlight for sure.

Here is what our advisor, Kelly Westbrook, had to say about her romantic getaway at this property with her husband, Andy:

"Since we only had a long weekend - we wanted to spend most of our time at the resort and not traveling to and from. It was important to us that we could leave our house in the morning and be at the resort by lunch time! The resort being small and quiet is also important to us, but we loved having the option to hop over to Sandals Montego Bay resort. We prefer a more intimate resort where we run into the same people each day, but loved opening up our dining options as well. It was beautiful before, and I can't wait to see what Caribbean Cay looks like when they are finished!"

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Rounding out our amazing Jamaican journey is the final luxuriously refreshed, southernmost Sandals property. Nestled between lush mountains and the serene sea is Sandals South Coast. It is part of a nature preserve and remains the ultimate escape for travelers seeking privacy and natural beauty. This property has always been known for its laid-back, spread-out layout, and these new transformations only enhance that feeling of seclusion and peace. It's incredibly large (lots to do and eat!) but it feels extremely empty... in the best way possible. Whether you are walking through the manicured grounds or looking out over the massive horizon, South Coast offers a sanctuary where the pace of life slows down, allowing you to fully disconnect and unwind. The long beachfront walk is fantastic and the views are incredible, but note you will probably want to bring water shoes if you want to step into the ocean as it is preserved and in its natural state. The renovations here focus on elevating every guest's experience through thoughtful upgrades. From fully refreshed interiors in the iconic Overwater Butler Villas (you don't have to go all the way to Fiji for this overwater bungalow experience!) to the debut of Beachfront Club Two Queen Junior Suites—Sandals’ first double-queen accommodations!!! I added three exclamation points here because this is huge and new for the Sandals brand. Up until now, the rooms were only set up with one king bed. Now, the rooms are more luxurious and flexible than ever. The culinary program is receiving a major boost with the introduction of Butch’s Island Chop House and the BLŪM café, offering premium Blue Mountain coffee and island-spiced pastries. Plus, with a new two-story B-Side Rum Bar on the way, evening relaxation is guaranteed.

Here is what our advisor, Sara Dillon, had to say about her romantic getaway at this property with her husband, Matt:

"We chose Sandals South Coast for a few reasons. The first is that all the rooms have a view of the ocean and that’s really important to both of us... we like waking up and seeing the ocean and the sunrise! I am also a big pool person and South Coast has 3 large pools throughout the resort, a quiet pool, active pool (with pool volleyball) and a party pool with a swim up bar and music. The final reason why we chose South Coast is because of their Sushi on the Sand restaurant. We LOVE sushi. Pre dinner sushi, post dinner sushi, dinner sushi. You name it, we are there, so that was a big draw for us! I can’t wait to get back to Sandals South Coast as it’s exactly what I picture when I think about a Caribbean resort. Oh, I miss the cats too!"

PS- Do YOU love the Sandals kitties? Follow along @catsofsandals for fun videos and pictures of what these cats are doing while always living the vacation life! ;)

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With reopening dates spanning from mid-November to mid-December 2026, these three resorts are redefining the luxury all-inclusive experience in Jamaica.

Whether you are drawn to the lively energy of Montego Bay, the offshore charm of Caribbean Cay, or the private serenity of South Coast, now is the time to plan your next escape. Availability is expected to be limited as travelers want to be among the first to experience these "2.0" transformations, so reach out to our AMAAB travel advisors today to secure your slice of paradise!

We'd love to help you decide if these (or the other resorts) fit your travel style. For more information, or to view all of the Sandals (and Beaches) properties, view their website and discover all the potential destinations you can visit.

Once you decide (or find you need help choosing the right fit), reach out and start working with our AMAAB advisors who will be happy to share their firsthand tips to make your vacation even better. Jamaican Me Crazy and I'm ready to start planning!

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