Sandals Resorts International (SRI) broke company records at this year’s World Travel Awards’ Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony, held October 19th in Montego Bay, Jamaica at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island. The company garnered 11 awards – the most awards ever won by SRI and a reflection of the continued evolution of the brand and its resorts.  In addition to this distinguished feat, Sandals Resorts International also received the notable accolade of Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 18th year in a row.   The Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, was on hand, along with several of the company’s top executives, to accept the awards.

“It is a true testament to our brand, and the team that supports it, to have won the highest number of awards in Sandals Resorts’ history during our 30th anniversary year,” Stewart, said. “We continue to invest in our product so that each year we can be proud to say we are Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand.  Our number one priority remains to provide the best product and experience for our customers and we look forward to continuing to do so.”

With a total of 11 trophies, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts rose above other highly acclaimed hotel brands. The Caribbean resort company’s top honors included: 

• Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand: Sandals Resorts International (18th consecutive year)
• Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive: Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
• Caribbean's Leading Family All-Inclusive: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, Turks & Caicos 
• Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Resort: Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa (2nd consecutive year)
• Antigua & Barbuda's Leading Resort: Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa 
• Bahamas' Leading Spa Resort: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island 
• Jamaica's Leading Hotel: Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa (2nd consecutive year)
• Jamaica's Leading Resort: Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort 
• Jamaica's Leading Spa Resort: Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa
• Saint Lucia's Leading Resort: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort (2nd year)
• Saint Lucia's Leading Spa Resort: Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa

Capping the impressive showing, the World Travel Awards further honored Sandals Resorts when it presented Chairman Stewart with the organization’s first-ever Tourism Pioneer Award. Recognizing individuals whose passion, commitment and trailblazing vision significantly improve the tourism industry, the Tourism Pioneer Award honors those who set a new standard, paving a new path for generations to follow.

“It is an interesting thing to be hailed for doing something you love and that you believe in and so it is with a humble and grateful heart that I accept this award,” said Stewart.  “Since we began this company, we were determined to exceed expectations, to show the world what is possible in the Caribbean and to get better at serving our guests, our partners and the destinations where we operate every single year.”

SRI has not only gained a reputation as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector, but also is known for its commitment to creating timeless vacations through exceptional services and amenities.  In order to stay ahead of the curve, SRI has undertaken large scale renovation projects at several of its resorts to leverage the guest experience to new heights. These renovations are part of a $500 million plan to expand and enhance the company’s offerings in the Caribbean over the coming decade.  

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 for the express purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry.  This year’s voting campaign reached a total of 183,000 travel professionals worldwide in more than 160 countries.  Nominations for this year’s World Travel Awards were based on the previous year’s voting.