IN a celebration of Jamaica’s cultural landscape, Sandals Resorts has announced an exciting new collaboration with the island’s premier performance group — The Ashe Company — further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting local talent and the creative arts.

The engagement, launched at Sandals South Coast, saw The Ashe Company’s first performance at the resort’s highly anticipated Echoes of the Island — a weekly event loved by guests for its immersive showcase of Jamaica’s rich musical and dance heritage.

From the pulsating beats of reggae and dancehall to the timeless rhythms of ska, mento, and more, the show takes audiences on a captivating journey through the sounds, movements, and stories which define the spirit of the island.

Fusing dynamic artistry with cultural storytelling, the group’s high-energy performance offers guests a unique opportunity to experience pieces of Jamaica’s history, language, and traditions. The one-hour musical journey invites guests to sing and dance to their hearts’ content, making for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Echoing the sentiments of many in attendance, returning guests Mark and Kathy Nemec shared that, though they’ve visited the island and other Sandals resorts many times, this performance stood out as a true cultural experience.

“The show was amazing, for a whole hour there was non-stop singing and dance. We were amazed by the talent and energy on the stage. It felt authentic and a great way to learn about the culture and history of the country,” said Mark.

General manager at Sandals South Coast, O’Brian Heron, who spent much of the evening engaging with guests and welcoming their feedback, expressed pride in the joint venture,

“We are proud to collaborate with The Ashe Company in presenting Echoes of the Island, a powerful celebration of Jamaica’s rich heritage and cultural spirit,” said Heron.

“This production beautifully weaves our music, dance, and storytelling traditions into an unforgettable experience for our guests, while honouring the artistry and resilience of our people. Collaborations like these allow us to share the true heart of Jamaica with the world,” added Heron.

While The Ashe Company is an independent contractor, its long-standing reputation for artistic excellence and cultural authenticity made it a natural choice in Sandals’ vision to elevate Jamaican culture on the global stage.

This strategic relationship exemplifies Sandals Resorts’ continued investment in home-grown talent and creative entrepreneurship, ensuring that Jamaica’s stories are told passionately and authentically by its own people.

Ashe, renowned for its vibrant performances and dedication to using the arts as a vehicle for social transformation, welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with one of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brands.

“Ashe is delighted to partner with Sandals Resorts to showcase the best of Jamaican talent to visitors and our own countrymen. It’s something we have proudly done in the past with hotels along the North Coast, and this relationship brings us full circle in sharing our culture,” shared Conroy Wilson, executive director of The Ashe Company.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the collaboration, Wilson added, “The excellence for which the Sandals brand is known, and the creative excellence of Ashe, makes this a perfect match and one that augurs well for Jamaica and for tourism.

“This relationship across Sandals properties in Jamaica and potentially throughout the Caribbean is a powerful opportunity to present the Jamaican and Caribbean brand at its highest form to audiences from around the world.”

While Echoes of the Island has already garnered glowing reviews as a standout night-time experience, the cultural journey begins long before sunset. Guests can immerse themselves in daytime activities that spotlight Jamaica’s vibrant history and traditions.

The day’s programming begins with a deep dive into the island’s rich storytelling legacy, highlighted by a special performance from “Auntie Malvern”, a fictional character inspired by the real-life community of Malvern in St Elizabeth.

In a heartfelt homage to rural Jamaican life, Auntie Malvern shares the poignant tale of marrying and relocating to the United Kingdom for 30 years before returning home. Through her vivid storytelling, she paints a warm and nostalgic portrait of growing up in St Elizabeth, celebrating the enduring influence of Jamaican dance, music, language, sports, and food.

Guests are also treated to interactive cooking demonstrations featuring authentic Jamaican flavours, along with opportunities to explore hand-crafted items from local artisans, offering them the chance to take home a tangible piece of the island’s culture.

Together, Jamaica Day and Echoes of the Island promise to become signature experiences at Sandals South Coast, offering guests an unforgettable, day-to-night cultural journey. It’s a shining example of how hospitality and artistry, when united, can create something truly magical.

Sandals Resorts repeat guests, Mark and Kathy Nemec shared they had enjoyed learning about Jamaica at the night-time entertainment through music and dance.

Performers from The Ashe Company in full flow at Sandals South Coast in their first performance at the resort’s highly anticipated Echoes of the Island.