WHEN Dr Andre Foote took on the formidable challenge of refurbishing Foote Prints on the Sands — a Negril resort property his family had operated for almost 40 years — he’d put the budget at $450 million and thought it would take nine months to complete.

He was wrong.

Work began in May 2024 and among the major challenges the contractor, Novus Building Systems, had to overcome was a shortage of skilled workers, a crippling drought that pushed the owners to add underground water tanks, and periods of rainy weather that stopped work and made it obvious the entire property would benefit from a new roof. But with the July 24 reopening of the new-look Footeprints Negril now behind him, Dr Foote is very pleased with the results.

Nestled on a stretch of Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, the three buildings that had welcomed thousands of guests over the years now boast modern, clean lines along with cosy nooks that make it easy to relax and unwind.

“It was great to see the transformation taking place. Small details made a huge difference in the final product. Sittol Architects, a young, local firm, did an extremely good job. The vision that was laid out to them, they got it in bringing it to reality,” Dr Foote told the Jamaica Observer’s Real Estate on the Rock.

“They were given three old buildings to work with — and that is even more difficult than taking it from the ground up. They were hands-on, their style was modern, and, as a young firm they were invested. It meant a lot to them,” he added.

His brief to the firm, he said, was that he wanted a hotel that embodies Negril, “where guests can come and feel like they’re still on the beach when they’re in their rooms”. The answer was large windows that offer breathtaking views of blue waters and sun-kissed sand. The massive floor-to-ceiling wooden door that leads into a welcoming reception area, spacious en suite bathrooms and statement-piece finishes and fixtures throughout Footeprints Negril give credence to Dr Foote’s assertion that it is the only luxury boutique hotel on the Seven Mile Beach.

What used to be a 38-room property has now been reduced to 32, including two oceanfront suites with balconies and king-sized beds.

“Normally, people increase when they renovate because they want to pack in as many rooms as possible, but it was important to us to make the place more comfortable and, of course, more luxurious. We were always thinking about the guest experience… Based on the product that we want to offer, we had to go with fewer rooms to let the guests be more comfortable,” Dr Foote explained.

New features include a spa, a pool that is mere steps away from the beach, an elegantly appointed Gatsby’s Restaurant, as well as a more relaxed Blushy’s Beach Bar & Grill that offers a quick bite near the water during the day. There is also a skywalk from which guests may watch the sun set over the water, and a US$30/$5,000 day pass — a discounted rate for locals and a strategic move to position Footeprints Negril as a place to enjoy great food whether you are a guest or just passing by.

Dr Foote is also determined to make excellent service a hallmark of the hotel. According to him, he personally interviewed about 90 per cent of the hotel’s staff, which numbered 50, as at August 1. That day the hotel was a tick above 30 per cent occupancy, with expectations it would’ve been at 50 per cent in two days’ time as it was a holiday weekend and a popular event was on in Negril.

When the hotel is fully booked, the staff complement will be 70. The training, according to Dr Foote, will be ongoing as they create a culture of discipline, service, and love.

“It’s hospitality, and we’re doing it with a lot of love. You have to market internally to your team first. If you’re not happy inside, you can’t spread the love outside. The worst thing is to have a beautiful building and the food nuh taste good, and worse, the service sucks. You’re not gonna get that here. What we’re going to sell to the world is this product wrapped in excellent customer service,” he vowed.

“We want this to start the rebirth and the revival of Negril. We can call it Negril 2.0 — when you come to Negril and feel you’re at a beach and town second to none. This place is world famous and it comes at a price that you’re happy to pay, because you appreciate it,” he told the Sunday Observer.

Stays are now available starting from an introductory price of US$209 per person. Dr Foote anticipates that the prices will eventually be between US$259 and US$390 plus tax, fluctuating based on occupancy levels and seasonality.

He admits that it is now the most taxing aspect of the transformation as shareholders wait to recoup on their investment.

“A plane, when it’s taking off, that’s when it burns the most fuel, but the plane is full of fuel. As a hotel, we’re burning cash now at the end, when you are exhausted and marketing takes a little while. We’re finding that right now it is the most challenging, so we have to be very focused and patient and ensure that our financial partners are fully on board to ensure a smooth lift off, because we’re confident of the product,” Dr Foote said.

“We’re moving by faith because we are a family of faith, and we look forward to welcoming all those who used to grace us with their presence — because we have been around for a long time — as they return to find a new and improved product. We’re at the same place, same address,” he added.

A section of the original Foote Prints on the Sands hotel

The original entrance to Foote Prints on the Sands hotel

A pool is among the new features at Footeprints Negril

This beachfront room offers a stunning view.

Blushy’s Beach Bar & Grill, which offers a quick bite near the water during the day, was named after Don “Blushy” Foote, the visionary behind the original Foote Prints on the Sands hotel.

Gatsby’s Restaurant is described as the place where casual fine dining meets Caribbean flair.

There is a strategic move to position Footeprints Negril as a place to enjoy great food, whether you are a guest or just passing by.

Guests watch the sun set over the water from the skywalk.