Sandals Resorts International has announced plans for a significant expansion in Jamaica, that will see it add three new properties in the Caribbean island destination.

Sandals Resorts will transform two all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica acquired last year – the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark plus a prime parcel of beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort, into three distinct experiences under the Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts brands.

The expansion plans return one of Jamaica’s most storied resorts, the Dunn’s River property in Ocho Rios, back to the Sandals family as Sandals Dunn’s River, the same moniker as when it was originally added to the portfolio in 1990.

The new Sandals Dunn’s River will receive a top-to-bottom renovation with the adjacent ocean-front land transformed into an additional brand-new resort: Sandals Royal Dunn’s River, a modern luxurious escape featuring approximately 250 rooms and suites.

The sister hotels will operate very much like the concept SRI developed between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, offering generous exchange privileges between the resorts in Barbados.

The Runaway Bay resort, a renowned Jamaican property hotel located midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will also undergo extensive redevelopment to become Beaches Runaway Bay Resort.

At its completion, the hotel will feature an estimated 400 expansive one, two, three and four-bedroom suites. Guests of Beaches Runaway Bay also have access to Runaway Bay Golf Club and its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course.

“Jamaica will always play a critical part in our plans to grow and innovate Caribbean hospitality. There is tremendous opportunity here and a ripe moment, as travellers are choosing to return to the places and brands that they know and trust,” said SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

Sandals already has six resorts in Jamaica including Sandals Montego Bay (pictured above), Sandals Ochi Rios and Sandals South Coast Whitehouse Jamaica.