Beaches Ocho Rios to Close May 2025 for Major Renovations

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica – Sandals Resorts International has announced that Beaches Ocho Rios will officially close on May 31, 2025, to facilitate major renovations by the resort’s third-party owners.

While the closure marks a significant transition for the property, the company has confirmed that over 300 of the 400 staff members have already been reassigned to other Sandals and Beaches resorts across Jamaica and at Beaches Turks and Caicos, minimizing job displacement.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to offering even more exceptional experiences for our guests,” the company said in an official statement, noting the closure comes amid a US$1 billion investment in the Beaches brand.

The renovation decision was made by the third-party owners of Beaches Ocho Rios—the only resort in the Beaches portfolio not owned directly by Sandals Resorts International. Sandals has indicated the possibility of resuming the partnership after renovations are completed.

Jeremy Jones, regional managing director for Jamaica, acknowledged the emotional impact in a letter to team members on Thursday, stating:

“Beaches Ocho Rios holds a special place in our hearts… our team members are our priority.”

Jones said the company is also offering additional support, including employment opportunity events, resume writing workshops, job interview training, and a grand job fair to assist staff during the transition.

The closure forms part of Sandals’ broader regional expansion plans, which include new Beaches resorts in Runaway Bay (Jamaica), Exuma (Bahamas), Barbados, and the Treasure Beach Village in Turks & Caicos.