HUNDREDS of teachers across Jamaica are returning to the classrooms this morning still basking in the memories of the recent Teachers’ Day treat they were gifted by Sandals and Beaches resorts.

The world-renowned brand made Teachers’ Day 2025 extra special for 162 educators with grand events offering local delicacies, boat cruises, rib-tickling entertainment, and complimentary vacations.

In a heartfelt tribute to the teachers shaping Jamaica’s future, Sandals South Coast hosted a sensational celebration that combined luxury, laughter, and lots of love.

Teachers from Culloden Infant School, Whitehouse Early Childhood, Kings Primary and Infant , Bluefields Infant, St John’s Infant and Petersville Infant School were treated to a cruise along the island’s southern coast, where they danced and enjoyed island delicacies.

In addition, many walked away with coveted prizes, including weekend stays for two, day and night passes, candlelight dinners, spa treatments, and many more.

Approximately 400 teachers from St Ann and St Mary enjoy their treat put on by the Sandals resorts in the two parishes in partnership with the Urban Development Corporation at Pearly Beach to mark Teachers’ Day 2025.

In the meantime, teachers from Mountainside Primary School, Mearnsville Primary School, and Nain High School were welcomed to the resort for exclusive day passes, adding to the spirit of appreciation.

“This was truly one of the best experiences of my life,” said Petersville Infant School Principal Simone Quest-Osullivan.

“To be recognised like this, pampered, and celebrated for what we do — it’s an incredible feeling. Sandals South Coast really made us feel like royalty,” added Quest-Osullivan.

In partnership with the Urban Development Corporation, the resorts in the St Ann and St Mary region hosted approximately 400 teachers from both parishes at Pearly Beach, treating them to a beachside extravaganza featuring authentic local cuisine, side-splitting entertainment, and the ultimate surprise — complimentary luxury vacations, with six deserving teachers awarded weekend getaways for two at a Sandals resort, drawing cheers from their elated colleagues.

“Teachers are very important to our society, and as such it was a pleasure for us to treat and engage them,” said Sandals Royal Plantation General Manager Omar Robinson.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our educators, and this Teachers’ Day event was just a small way of saying thank you,” added Robinson.

Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril hosted 80 teachers for an invigorating sunrise breakfast boat cruise in collaboration with Island Routes.

Principal Paula Hanson (centre) of Springmount Basic School is flanked by teachers Monique Teape (left) and Shonique Gooden-Martin while taking in the scenery on a luxurious, all-inclusive Island Routes catamaran cruise on Teachers’ Day. The educators enjoyed an afternoon of celebration courtesy of Island Routes and Sandals resorts in the Montego Bay region.

The teachers had a whale of a time out on the open sea, where they danced, sang, snorkelled, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the resorts’ culinary teams.

To add to the excitement, several teachers were awarded complimentary day and evening passes to the resorts after participating in a variety of fun on-board activities.

“The Sandals team’s professionalism, warmth, and willingness to accommodate our needs exceeded our expectations. The hotel’s facilities, the opportunity to set sail, and the services provided an ideal setting for our teachers to relax, recharge, and bond. Thank you for your generosity and support. We appreciate your contribution to our teachers’ well-being and look forward to future collaborations,” said veteran teacher Helen Clarke of Happy Heart Early Childhood School.

In celebration of their unwavering dedication and invaluable contribution to nation-building, 118 educators from 15 schools across Montego Bay were celebrated by Sandals Resorts in that region.

The special recognition event featured a luxurious, all-inclusive Island Routes catamaran cruise, where educators were invited to unwind and enjoy an afternoon of celebration.

The experience included a host of exciting giveaways, ranging from Sandals-branded merchandise and classroom essentials, to grand prizes of two-night, three-day getaways for two at any Sandals resort in Jamaica.

In addition to the cruise, several educators were treated to an immersive luxury experience at Sandals Montego Bay where they enjoyed the resort’s signature amenities and world-class hospitality.