Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Celebrates Official Grand Opening as the Caribbean Riviera’s Newest Ocho Rios Hotspot
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica – Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Sandals Resorts’ largest and Jamaica’s newest resort and the next big thing in the all-inclusive experience, marked its official grand opening with a star-studded celebration Monday night, June 1, 2015. Following a multi-million dollar renovation project, the completely redesigned resort debuted a fresh, modern design aesthetic along with seven uniquely new Gourmet Discovery Dining options, a fresh, trendy Ochi Beach Club, reinvented resort entertainment, upgraded luxurious accommodations and more.
“We are thrilled to share the new Sandals Ochi Beach Resort with you,” says Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. Speaking to government dignitaries, travel industry superstars, worldwide media and vacationing guests, he added, “What we’ve accomplished here is a game changer for the all-inclusive resort experience in Jamaica, solidifying Sandals Ochi as Jamaica’s most comprehensive resort in the region. We’re leading the next generation of resorts in Jamaica, and while others may try to follow, we will continue to do what we do best: exceed guest expectations. This resort never lets me forget where I began and where I come from and what is possible here in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.”
The proceedings began with a performance by the Tony Wilson Dance Company, performing Calabash: A Kaleidoscope of Beauty, Passion and Power. The evening continued with a moving rendition of Jamaica’s national anthem by local singers. Speeches were given by government officials and dignitaries from Jamaica including formal addresses by The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, ON, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica and Shahine Robinson, Jamaica’s Opposition spokesperson for Tourism and Cruise and Shipping.
Speaking about Sandals Resorts’ impact on Jamaica and Caribbean region overall, Prime Minster Simpson Miller said, “Sandals’ story is a well-known one in these parts and most of us here in Jamaica and throughout the region have watched with interest as Sandals has embarked on a meteoric rise to becoming one most well-known brands in the world. [They] are dedicated to investing in their product and their people, our people, and it has propelled them onto a different level.”
Photo Credit: Ferry Zievinger
Following the official blessing of the resort, a ribbon cutting marked the official grand opening with Stewart joined by CEO Adam Stewart, General Manager Ramel Sabrino and dignitaries. The evening proved the resort’s standing as the region’s newest and chicest hotspot with an after party at the Sandals Great House Pool, featuring an impressive fireworks display, carnival dancers with vibrant costumes and rhythms and beats by acclaimed DJ Tracy Young, American electronic dance music DJ, producer, remixer, radio personality and entertainment correspondent known for her work with artists such as Janet Jackson, Madonna, Toni Braxton,Britney Spears, Pink and Cher. The star-studded after party was capped off by an electric performance by Shaggy, Jamaican-born American reggae fusion singer and deejay who delighted the crowd with his hit classics “Boombastic”, “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel”, as well as his new hit, “I Need Your Love”.
Throughout the grand opening event, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort welcomed a host of star-studded guests for the weekend’s festivities including Dancing with the Stars star, Mark Ballas, and The Bachelorette’s Desiree Hartsock. Both enjoyed drinks and live entertainment at one of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort’s newest Gourmet Discovery Dining options and the Caribbean’s first Speakeasy, The Rabbit Hole. Grand opening attendees, which included nearly 50 media from around the world and more than 100 top travel agents and tour operators, also took time out of their VIP weekend to enjoy an Island Routes Catamaran Cruise, setting sail during the brilliant Caribbean sunset and to join the Sandals Foundation at Boscobel Primary School in Ocho Rios, Jamaica for a Dedication Ceremony of the New Computer Lab.
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