Quick answer: Three Sandals resorts in Jamaica remain closed after Hurricane Melissa and are being rebuilt as part of a $200 million renovation Sandals is calling “Sandals 2.0.” Sandals South Coast reopens November 18, 2026, and Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean both reopen December 18, 2026. The five other Jamaica properties — Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Beaches Negril — are already open and welcoming guests.
If you’ve been trying to nail down when the closed Sandals resorts in Jamaica reopen, you’ve probably seen conflicting dates. Earlier estimates pointed to a spring 2026 return. Those dates have changed. Here is the current, verified timeline as of June 2026, plus what’s actually being rebuilt — and whether it’s worth waiting for.
I’m Steve Griswold. I’m a Sandals Platinum Elite advisor and I’ve personally stayed at all 17 Sandals and Beaches resorts, including every Jamaica property on this list. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Which Sandals Jamaica resorts are open right now?
These five are open and taking guests today:
- Sandals Ochi (Ocho Rios)
- Sandals Dunn’s River (Ocho Rios)
- Sandals Negril (Negril)
- Sandals Royal Plantation (Ocho Rios)
- Beaches Negril (Negril) — the family option
If your travel dates are this summer or fall, you can book any of these now and travel as planned.
Which Sandals Jamaica resorts are still closed — and when do they reopen?
| Resort | Status | Reopening date |
|---|---|---|
| Sandals South Coast | Closed for renovation | November 18, 2026 |
| Sandals Montego Bay | Closed for renovation | December 18, 2026 |
| Sandals Royal Caribbean | Closed for renovation | December 18, 2026 |
These three flagship properties have been closed since Hurricane Melissa struck in fall 2025. Rather than simply repairing storm damage, Sandals chose to reinvest and rebuild — a $200 million project across the three resorts.
What is “Sandals 2.0” and what’s actually changing?
Sandals is using the rebuild to reimagine all three resorts rather than restore them as-is. Confirmed upgrades across the properties include:
- New arrival and check-in experiences
- Additional accommodation categories (more suite and butler-level options)
- Redesigned pools
- Refreshed social and lounge spaces
- Expanded dining and bar concepts
In practical terms: when these resorts reopen in late 2026, you’re not getting the old resort with patched-up rooms. You’re getting a substantially newer product — which matters a lot when you’re choosing between booking now at an open resort or waiting.
Is it safe to visit Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa?
Yes. The open Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica are fully operational, and the island’s tourism areas are welcoming visitors. The three closed resorts are closed by Sandals’ choice to renovate, not because the destination is unsafe. Flights, transfers, excursions, and the open resorts are all running normally.
Should you book a Jamaica Sandals for late 2026 or go somewhere open now?
Here’s how I advise clients on this exact question:
Book one of the open resorts now if you want to travel before December, you want a guaranteed experience with established reviews, or you’re flexible on which Jamaica resort you stay at. Sandals Dunn’s River is the newest of the open options and consistently rates near the top of the entire chain.
Wait for a reopened resort if your dates are late December 2026 or 2027, you specifically want Montego Bay’s location or Royal Caribbean’s private offshore island, and you want the brand-new “2.0” rooms and dining. Just know that opening weeks at any resort can have minor first-run hiccups as new restaurants and spaces ramp up.
One more tip: reopening dates on major renovations can shift. If you book a stay close to a reopening date, build in a backup plan — and book with an advisor who will be watching the dates for you and can move you proactively if anything changes.
Frequently asked questions
When does Sandals Montego Bay reopen?
December 18, 2026, following a renovation that’s part of the $200 million “Sandals 2.0” project.
When does Sandals South Coast reopen?
November 18, 2026 — the first of the three closed Jamaica resorts to return.
When does Sandals Royal Caribbean reopen?
December 18, 2026, the same day as Sandals Montego Bay.
Are any Sandals resorts in Jamaica open right now?
Yes — Sandals Ochi, Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Negril, and Sandals Royal Plantation are open, along with Beaches Negril for families.
Did Hurricane Melissa close all of Jamaica’s resorts?
No. Several Sandals and Beaches resorts reopened within weeks. Only the three flagship properties being fully renovated remain closed.
Planning a Sandals Jamaica trip?
As Platinum Elite Sandals advisors who’ve stayed at every Jamaica resort, we’ll match you to the right property for your dates, watch reopening timelines for you, and apply every current promotion — at the same price as booking direct.
- See current Sandals offers (up to $1,500 off + $750 air credit, summer 2026): sandals.com/offers
- Get a free, no-obligation quote from Pixie Vacations: pixievacations.com/get-a-quote
