It was very much a family affair 36 years ago when Sandals Montego Bay opened its doors. Indeed, founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, his then wife Penelope Jane Stewart, and design specialist Betty Jo Desnoes took on the design challenge of Sandals Resorts. The trio would travel to the United Kingdom to order fabric and furniture to create the perfect resort.

The design team has grown exponentially and, according to Sarah Hartman, director of interior design, “We now have a design office of more than 30 people all working to create and maintain the family business.” It’s no idle boast! Keeping chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s ‘top notch’ vision alive demands utmost dedication and an eye on the future.

“A perfect example of this,” continues Hartman, “is our debut of the Over-the-Water Suites. Sandals Resorts International CEO Adam Stewart says it perfectly: “We are committed to giving only the best and it’s a formula that never fails.” Innovation = a great investment for the business… innovation with constant improvement will always be the way forward.”

The over-the-water suites, complete with a private dock and concierge, have resonated with the market. Close attention to every detail in the suite — the guest is met on arrival by their butler and it’s smooth sailing thereafter. The design of the suite is dedicated to the guest experience, butler’s pantry, indoor and outdoor bathing experiences, top-of-the-line linen bedding, hammocks, over-the-water swings, and swimming platform. Glass floors for the viewing of sea life and a butler on call for 24 hours a day.

Sustainable materials were used to build the suites and the wood used is environmentally friendly rice husks.