“This was my father’s philosophy and what would become the mantra for the standard of hospitality excellence,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, remembering Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s guiding vision.
Sandals Resorts was founded by his late father, and Adam is only the second Chairman in the company’s 40-year history. He assumed the role after working alongside his father for more than 2 decades, serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International and, most recently, Deputy Chairman, leading the brand’s transition to its now Luxury Included® signature and overseeing a period of great expansion that also introduced the region’s first over-the-water accommodations and adding resorts in the new destinations of Curaçao and Saint Vincent.
“I can honestly say that it’s because of this mindset, and the dedication and excellence of the World’s Best team, that we have continued to elevate and lead the all-inclusive resort space.
“More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovations are created in the Caribbean.”
“Butch” Stewart blazed trails in the hospitality industry, and it all began with one resort and a big dream. Forty years later, he turned that dream into the World’s Only 5-Star Luxury Included® Vacation. Today, there are 20 Sandals and Beaches Resorts on 10 islands across the Caribbean — in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, and Saint Vincent.
Adam concluded: “We wrap up Sandals40 – a multi-layered celebration of 4 decades of innovation, trust, and love that all stemmed from this philosophy – while also reflecting on our milestones within the past 12 months – from the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of Sandals Royal Bahamian; the opening of Sandals Royal Curacao, a stunning new resort in a new destination; Caribbean-inspired uniforms for our team by the legendary Stan Herman; our Sandals Foundation’s 40 for 40 initiatives for our communities; and our launch of Future Goals in partnership with AFC Ajax – demonstrating our commitment to out-performing ourselves, with my dad’s DNA on everything we touch.”