Jamaica’s north coast is about to get a spectacular new addition to the all-inclusive scene — and families who have been eagerly watching for years finally have a confirmed arrival window. Beaches Runaway Bay is expected to open in late 2026, and based on what Sandals Resorts International has revealed so far, it looks poised to be one of the most exciting new resort openings in the Caribbean in years.

What Is Beaches Runaway Bay?

Beaches Runaway Bay is a brand-new all-inclusive family resort being built on the site of the former Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort in St. Ann, Jamaica. The property sits midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay on Jamaica’s legendary north coast — one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of Caribbean shoreline.

Sandals Resorts International, the parent company of the Beaches brand, acquired the site as part of its ambitious plan to nearly double the Beaches footprint, backed by nearly $1 billion in new investments across multiple properties. Beaches Runaway Bay is the crown jewel of that pipeline.

According to Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the resort is coming “at the back end of 2026,” giving families something major to look forward to as the year winds down.

What Will Beaches Runaway Bay Offer?

A Waterpark Unlike Anything Beaches Has Built Before

Adam Stewart has teased that Beaches Runaway Bay will feature a signature waterpark “like you have never seen.” Given that Beaches Turks & Caicos already has one of the most impressive waterparks of any all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean — a sprawling 45,000-square-foot complex — that’s a bold promise. Sandals is clearly setting the stage for something that will raise the bar for the brand and for Caribbean family resorts in general.

Golf Included — Designed by Greg Norman

Here’s something no other Beaches resort offers: a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman, the legendary “Great White Shark” and one of golf’s most celebrated course architects. Guests at Beaches Runaway Bay will have access to the Runaway Bay Golf Club — and the greens fees will be included in the all-inclusive package. For families where the adults want to hit the links while the kids splash in the waterpark, this is a game-changer.

Georgian-Style Architecture

Every Beaches resort has its own distinct personality. Beaches Runaway Bay is going with something entirely fresh: Georgian-style architecture, with formal, elegant design cues that will give the resort a look unlike anything else in the brand’s portfolio. Paired with the lush backdrop of Jamaica’s St. Ann countryside, it promises to be visually stunning.

Brand-New Amenity Firsts for Beaches

Beaches Runaway Bay isn’t just a new property — it’s introducing several all-new amenity categories that have never existed at a Beaches resort before:

  • Dedicated wellness areas — spa-forward programming built into the resort experience
  • Bike trails — explore the property and surrounding grounds on two wheels
  • A climbable treehouse — the kind of adventure element kids (and adults) will never forget
  • Skateboarding — a first for any Beaches property, reflecting how the brand is evolving with younger guests

Dining will also take a new direction, with organic farm-to-table cuisine expected to be a signature of the resort’s culinary program — a nod to Jamaica’s incredible agricultural heritage.

Rooms for Every Family Size

Beaches Runaway Bay is expected to offer approximately 400 suites, including four-bedroom options specifically designed for multi-generational travel. Whether you’re booking for parents and young kids, or planning a bigger family reunion with grandparents in tow, the room mix is designed to have you covered.

Why We’re Excited About Beaches Runaway Bay

The Beaches brand has always been the gold standard for all-inclusive family travel — unlimited food and drink, an incredible kids’ club, water sports, entertainment, and the peace of mind that comes with a fully inclusive price. Beaches Runaway Bay takes everything the brand does well and layers on firsts that address what modern families are looking for: more active adventures, wellness options, and the flexibility to accommodate large groups.

The location is also a significant bonus. Runaway Bay sits in the heart of a part of Jamaica that’s been largely underserved by premium all-inclusives. Families who want to explore Dunn’s River Falls, Nine Mile, and the Blue Mountains without a long drive from Montego Bay will find Runaway Bay an ideal home base.

Steve’s Take

“Beaches Runaway Bay has been on the radar of Sandals specialists like us for a while now, and it’s shaping up to be something special. The combination of a Greg Norman golf course, a next-level waterpark, and some truly new amenities for the Beaches brand makes this one we’ll be recommending to multi-generational families right away when it opens. The late 2026 timeline is still coming into focus — we’ll keep you updated as booking windows open. If you want to be among the first to know when reservations go live, reach out to us at Pixie Vacations and we’ll make sure you’re first in line.”

Book Your Beaches Jamaica Vacation

Ready to plan a Jamaica all-inclusive trip? Whether you’re eyeing Beaches Runaway Bay when it opens or want to book an existing Beaches or Sandals resort in Jamaica now, Pixie Vacations is your Sandals Specialist. We book Beaches and Sandals vacations at no extra cost to you — and we know these resorts inside and out.

Want to see what Beaches Jamaica looks like in action? Check out the Griz All Inclusive YouTube channel for honest, firsthand video coverage of Sandals and Beaches resorts.