MONTEGO BAY, St James — More than 1,500 returning guests headed to 14 Sandals Resorts across the Caribbean to celebrate the luxury-included resort chain’s 19th Annual Reunion Week.

As a part of Sandals’ returning guests rewards programme, the Sandals Reunion Week 2012, held April 9 – 13, boasted welcome-home cocktail receptions and nightly themed parties; off-resort excursions; gala dinners and complimentary vow renewal ceremonies designed to recognise the company’s remarkable 40 per cent return guest clientele.

The returnees, known as Sandals Select Rewards Guests (SSGs), also participated in specially arranged Sandals Foundation outreach activities in Antigua, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Jamaica.

“Returning guests are an integral part of the Sandals business and the Sandals Select Rewards programme gives us the perfect vehicle to recognise and thank these guests directly for their continued support,” says Melissa von Frankenberg, Sandals’ senior manager for loyalty programmes. Other rewards for the SSGs included welcome gift bags, a double rewards points exclusive offer and prizes, including complimentary stays towards future travel.

Bob and Renee Larance, multi-repeat guests celebrated the week-long event at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios and marvelled at the extent of the activities.

“We had an amazing time. Once again Sandals outdid itself. The activities, particularly a visit to Laughing Waters, just never get old,” they said. “This year has been extra spectacular. We appreciate the effort that Sandals puts out for its guests, making us feel special and right at home. We definitely feel a part of the Sandals family.”

In Negril, the highlight of the week for visitor Kimberly Resch was the Sandals Foundation volunteer experience.

“It has been an excellent and adventurous occasion,” said Resch. “Not only were we pampered and treated like royalty but we were also afforded the opportunity to give back, and that was huge for me. The visit to the Lucea Infirmary gave me the chance to interact with those I consider so wise and that will always be one of my most treasured moments.”

Other Foundation activities for resort guests included the popular Reading Road Trips which allows guests to visit schools to promote literacy and environmental preservation outings.

SSGs staying at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas took along computers for donation to a local school.

Sandals Reunion Week is also highly anticipated by resort staff.

“We do this to celebrate our clients who keep coming back year after year, and to show them how much we value their business,” said Andre Dhanpaul, general manager at Sandals Negril. “While telling them thanks, we use each Reunion Week to share our rich Caribbean culture.”

According to von Frankenberg, this year’s activities were upgraded to provide a fresh and exciting itinerary in line with the exciting renovations and enhancements that have taken place across the resorts over the last year. The addition of an ultra-chic all white party complemented new features such as the beach cabanas, fire pits and stylish lounge areas.

Among some of the resort specific additions to the Reunion Week programme were a high tea party at Sandals Royal Bahamian; an Island Routes Cruise for guests visiting Sandals Carlyle; a tour of the Auchindown ruins at Sandals Whitehouse; a breakfast on the beach for guests at Sandals Grande Riviera and Sandals Royal Plantation; a Managers’ talent and fashion show at Sandals Royal Caribbean and a special church service in keeping with the Easter festivities at Sandals Montego Bay.