October 18, 2026 — Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay is coming back under a new name. It reopens as Sandals Caribbean Cay on December 18, 2026, with 84 new rooms and an upgraded private offshore island. Reservations are open.
What is happening
Caribbean Journal reported on October 18 that the Sandals Royal Caribbean name is being retired and that the renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay will reopen on December 18. The resort is part of Sandals’ “Sandals 2.0” program in Jamaica, a transformation of three resorts that Sandals put at about US$200 million.
The resort has been closed for an extended period. Travel Industry Today reported earlier that Sandals moved the resort onto a longer improvement timeline after Hurricane Melissa, with a May 30, 2026 target at the time. December 18 is now the confirmed date.
| Detail | Sandals Caribbean Cay |
|---|---|
| Former name | Sandals Royal Caribbean |
| Brand / parent | Sandals / Sandals Resorts International |
| Location | Montego Bay, Jamaica, with a private island (Sandals Cay) reached by boat |
| Status | Closed for renovation; reopens December 18, 2026; taking reservations now |
| Rooms | 291 in total, including 84 new rooms |
| Type | All-inclusive |
| Nearest airport | Sangster International (MBJ), roughly a 10-minute drive |
What is new
- New Swim-up Suites and SkyPool Suites with private plunge pools.
- Oceanview Butler Suites, which Sandals said in June would arrive the following June (expected June 2027; exact date TBA).
- New restaurants and bars: Suppa, Keynote Rum Bar and Heart & Sol.
- A new fitness centre.
- Overwater Butler Villas and a refreshed scene on Sandals Cay, the private island a short boat ride offshore, which Sandals calls “a second beachfront setting.”
Booking offer
The resort is part of Sandals’ “Great Jamaica Comeback Sale.” TravelPulse reported up to $1,500 in instant credit and up to $500 in air credit, plus a free excursion for two on stays of five nights or more. Book by November 2, 2026 for travel through December 31, 2028. Savings vary by resort, length of stay and dates.
What it means for airline travelers
- Search the new name: Look for Sandals Caribbean Cay when you book. The Royal Caribbean name is being retired.
- Short transfer: The resort is about 10 minutes from Sangster International (MBJ), which keeps arrival day simple.
- Holiday timing: The December 18 reopening falls at the start of the holiday travel rush. If you are flying standby, leave a spare day or two at each end of the trip.
- Some rooms come later: The Oceanview Butler Suites are not expected until 2027. Confirm your room type is open before you book it.
- Rates: None of the sources mention travel-industry or airline-employee rates.
Sources
- Caribbean Journal — Sandals Is Reopening Three All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica — and Renaming One
- TravelMole — Sandals Resorts reveals the next phase of Sandals 2.0 in Jamaica
- TravelPulse — Sandals and Beaches Resorts Launch New Limited Time Savings Deal
- Travel Industry Today — The Latest on Jamaica Hotel, Sandals Re-openings
- Honeymoons.com — How Far Are Sandals Resorts From The Airport?
Get NonRev Travel News by email
A weekly recap newsletter, sent out every Sunday, with the airline, airport, cruise and travel-warning news that matters to airline employees and retirees. Free.
Subscribe free
