BEACHES Boscobel Resort and Golf Club, the newest addition to the Sandals family, will welcome its first guests today.

The former Boscobel Beach Resort which was acquired by Guardian Resorts Jamaica Ltd, a subsidiary of Guardian Holding Limited, has been refurbished and expanded at a cost of US$18 million. The resort, which will cater to singles, couples and families vacationing with children is being billed as the most family-friendly resort on the island.

The Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart chain of luxury resorts will operate the facility under a 10-year management contract, with the option for renewal.

Set on 22 beautifully landscaped acres of land, the 224-room resort that was previously managed by the SuperClubs Group has been closed for over two years.

Stewart says Beaches Boscobel is a strategic complement to the Beaches brand in the Greater Ocho Rios area.

Guests at Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club will be able to take advantage of full exchange privileges at the other Beaches Resorts with the exception of Beaches Royal Plantation. Golfers can take advantage of the championship 18-hole golf course at the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club where complimentary green fees and round-trip transfers are provided for all resort guests. Visitors to the resort will also be able to enjoy a variety of water sport activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and hobie carts, four tennis courts and aqua trampoline. There are also three fresh water pools and jacuzzis and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, which features Cybex and day spa.

While adult guests are soaking up the sun and fun at Beaches Boscobel, the young ones 0-12 years can be left at the Kids Kamp where they will be supervised by certified nannies. They will be able to enjoy the kiddies pool with water slide, the high-tech video game centre which will feature the latest video games and the teen disco. There will also be a petting zoo where children can interact with birds and other animals from the wild.

Beaches Boscobel brings to 20, the number of resorts now under the Sandals umbrella, and seven under the Beaches brand. The first Beaches Resort opened in 1997, welcoming singles, couples and families of all ages. Beaches Royal Plantation is the signature resort in the Beaches collection. The others are: Beaches Grande Sport; Beaches Sandy Bay and Beaches Negril in Jamaica, Beaches Negril in Jamaica, Beaches Turquoise & Caicos in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos and Beaches Varadero, in Cuba.