There are levels and there are levels! And then there are openings. Most, alas, leave guests nonplussed! SO is still reminiscing about the seismic shift that took place on Friday, May 19, as the all-new Sandals Dunn's River opened the 17th resort in the award-winning Sandals Resorts portfolio.

The team pulled out all the stops! It was, after all, a site originally handpicked by legendary hotelier and Sandals Resorts International (SRI) founder, the late Gordon "Butch" Stewart. "Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family's most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once-unimaginable dream into one of the world's most well-known hotel brands," said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of SRI. "Today, we celebrate innovation and a commitment to excellence as we unveil the next generation of Sandals Resorts in our home country of Jamaica. I cannot think of a better way to honour his legacy and acknowledge the incredible future of our brand than to welcome our very first guests to Sandals Dunn's River. It's great to have you home."

The spectacular unveiling, complete with fireworks, revealed the 260-room luxury all-inclusive resort. The more comes in the form of a Sandals "Firsts" on resort include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel-edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests checking in to Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools will find Sandals' iconic stand-alone circular villas have been thoughtfully reimagined with vast open-air rooftops from which to bask under the Ocho Rios sun and stars. Luxurious Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites速 feature expansive balconies that overlook the sea with privileged sunset views, and Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms are named after the well-known Dunn's River Falls' giant, natural limestone steps. Beautifully appointed rooms and a luxurious resort require team members outfitted in similar style and they are, thanks to a special partnership with legendary fashion designer Stan Herman who collaborated with resort staff to develop a collection fit for the Caribbean.

Editor's Note: Tune in to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart on the Sandals Palmcast as he introduces Sandals Dunn's River and welcomes the Caribbean's newest dream destination to the Sandals portfolio here. For more information and to reserve your stay, visit: https://www.sandals.com/dunns-river/.