MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Spanish investors in the adults-only Excellence Oyster Bay, one of the most luxurious resorts along the north coast corridor, are set to expand their investment in Jamaica’s tourism industry. They will triple the property’s room count over the next ten years.
The expansion will commence immediately with a major increase in its very popular Beach Bungalows by the end of 2026. Concurrently, the Spanish investors have committed to ensuring the property has a team of highly trained and satisfied staff. Ultimately, they plan to recruit a general manager from Jamaica.
Excellence Expansion Plans
An elated Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, shared the news Sunday (February 8) after a tour of the 300-room resort just outside of Falmouth and private discussions with the investors. He then announced that Excellence will be adding another four hotels in the area. Specifically, this will “bring some 2,000 rooms all told into the next ten years of our development.”
Minister Bartlett said he was also “excited about the policy for the workers. We had a strong discussion about training and developing the capacity of our workers, not just to offer better service but to increase their credentials so that they can offer their services not only in Jamaica, but anywhere in the world as professionals.”
Emphasizing the importance of staff social security, Mr. Bartlett was pleased with the initiative already underway to retrofit an office complex into 60 rooms for workers by the end of this year at a cost of about US$8 million. Staff accommodation will be expanded as the resort undergoes further development.
Simultaneously, this increases the number of employees. The Excellence staff members will also have their own playfield and other social amenities.
Endorsing Minister Bartlett’s comments, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Excellence, Antonio de Montaner, said: “The most important thing for Excellence, not just here but everywhere in the world, is the employees; they have to be comfortable; they have to be in a good place.” He also stressed the importance of having a well-trained staff, as the finest of hotels cannot function on their own.
“We are so proud to be here in Jamaica; we are in paradise,” he expressed, adding, “Jamaica is something amazing, and we have to make it more and more amazing, and people have to know Jamaica.”
Excellence Oyster Bay Reopening
He was happy about the hotel reopening within six weeks after Hurricane Melissa caused US$50 million in damage. Mr. de Montaner said the staff stayed employed, and the hotel now has over 60% occupancy. The repeat guest rate is 42%.
“We’re going to continue working hard to bring people to Jamaica,” he pledged even as he expressed appreciation to the government of Jamaica for its support.
It was outlined that the plan is to open 50 more rooms on the 200-acre property with 45 additional villas by the end of this year and an additional investment of US$25 million. These exclusive private villas will have 24-hour guest services. Each also comes with butler service, kayaks, private beach area, private swimming pool, and a mini bar.
“It’s another step for us and for Jamaica. To do this, we’re going to need good employees, which we already have, but we’re going to train more of them,” said Mr. de Montaner.
Though Excellence Oyster Bay is adults-only, by late 2028 or early 2029, Mr. de Montaner said they plan a change. They want to bring in a new brand called Finest, which is a family brand.
