When Sandals® Resorts set its roots on the island of Jamaica, not only was the company concerned with revolutionizing Caribbean hospitality, but also transforming the hospitality industry as a whole. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Founder and Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, set out to transcend the norm and exceed his guests’ wildest expectations by conceptualizing the first swim-up pool bar in the Caribbean, which debuted 35 years ago at the company’s flagship resort, Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Now a signature centerpiece at all Sandals Resorts, the swim-up pool bar was just one example of the company’s early commitment to continuous innovation. “Thirty-five years later and the swim-up pool bar is an iconic cornerstone of our brand. Not many people know that Sandals invented the swim-up pool bar – but we were only getting started,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart. “Since then, we have continued innovating by introducing many firsts beyond the swim-up pool bar to the Caribbean – from Swim-Up Suites, to the iconic Over-the-Water Villas and Bungalows, overwater bars, rooftop and infinity pools, a speakeasy, a gourmet donut shop, and even a four-lane bowling alley – all at an all-inclusive resort.”
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sandals Resorts inventing the swim-up pool bar and delivering game-changing innovation in the all-inclusive category for nearly four decades, the company is commemorating its remarkable story and celebrating the first day of summer with the “Swim-Up to Sandals Suite-Stakes.” Sandals Resorts will randomly surprise one lucky winner every Friday starting Friday, June 28 and culminating Friday, September 20, with a complimentary 5-night/6-day getaway for two adults to a Swim-Up Suite at select Sandals Resorts.