Sandals plans US$45m investment for St Vincent tourism expansion
By Val Matthias. Updated 8:22 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Sandals Resorts is set to invest approximately US$45 million in new tourism developments in St Vincent and the Grenadines, with projects expected to add hundreds of jobs and significantly expand the country’s hotel room capacity.
The investment plans were outlined during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday, senior government officials and executives of Sandals Resorts, according to a joint press release issued on 9 June.
The discussions focused on future cooperation between the government and the resort chain, including tourism development, economic growth, community development and capacity building.
Among those attending the meeting were Tourism Minister Dr Kishore Shallow and Attorney General Louise Mitchell. Sandals was represented by Board Director Gervase Warner, Chief Financial Officer Conor Lawler, Chief Administrative Officer Jordan Samuda and Regional Managing Director for the Eastern Caribbean Winston Anderson.
The prime minister was briefed on a series of ongoing and planned investments by the resort group, including expansion works at Buccament Bay and the future development of Beaches St Vincent and the Grenadines at Mount Wynne.
According to the release, the first phase of the current expansion programme is already underway with the construction of 22 signature Rondoval Villas at Buccament. The second phase will include the development of 20 Hillside Sky Suites, also at Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Buccament.
The two projects represent an immediate investment of approximately US$45 million and are expected to increase the country’s stock of high-end accommodation.
The Rondoval Villas are scheduled for completion in November 2026, while the Hillside Sky Suites will open afterwards.
Sandals is also moving ahead with plans for Beaches St Vincent and the Grenadines, a major new resort development at Mount Wynne. Design and preparatory work are expected to follow the current phase of investment, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.
The company said environmental sustainability would be a key consideration in the Beaches project, with attention being given to sea turtle habitats, reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity at the site.
Prime Minister Friday welcomed the investments, describing them as an important contribution to tourism development and the wider economy.
He said Sandals had already generated benefits through increased employment, tourism growth, enhanced airlift, foreign direct investment and broader economic activity.
“The development of St Vincent and the Grenadines requires continuity, partnership and a shared commitment to the national interest,” the prime minister said.
“My government looks forward to working collaboratively with Sandals to ensure these projects create opportunities for Vincentians, support local businesses, generate employment and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”
Sandals executives also expressed confidence in the country’s tourism future.
Chief Administrative Officer Jordan Samuda said the company was committed to continuing its investment in St Vincent and the Grenadines and expected future developments to create hundreds of new jobs while generating economic activity across the country.
When completed, the Rondoval Villas, Hillside Sky Suites and the Beaches resort development are expected to add nearly 400 rooms to the country’s tourism sector.
The projects are also expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate long-term economic benefits for St Vincent and the Grenadines, according to the joint statement.
END
About the Author:This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]
