THE 65-room Negril Gardens in Westmoreland, a member of the Sandals Resorts chain, has announced that it has been temporarily closed since August 30, 2006 for refurbishing.

Guests booked to stay at the resort have been upgraded at no extra cost to other Sandals/Beaches resorts in the chain, the hotel said.

“All eighty (80) employees will receive a percentage of their basic pay during the period of closure and will continue to enjoy medical and other staff benefits. A skeletal staff drawn from all departments will be retained at the resort during the restructuring,” the announcement said.

Where possible, staff will be re-deployed to other Sandals/ Beaches Resorts, the hotel added. Employees at the line, clerical and management levels were being encouraged to take all outstanding vacation during this period of closure.

“In keeping with the Sandals policy of continuously driving standards to new levels, continuously improving service quality to retain their competitive edge and showcasing their staff as the best trained in the Caribbean, the enhancements will definitely add new meaning to luxury when the resort reopens later this year, the hotel said in a press statement.

Negril Gardens, promoted by Sandals as “the cutest resort on Negril’s 7-mile beach.” offers “beach-side” and “garden-side” rooms only steps away from the beach. Its “The Orchid Terrace Restaurant” offers local and international cuisine and the hotel’s entertainment package features live reggae bands, water sports, tennis or volleyball, among other activities.