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What is happening to Sandals Emerald Bay?

I’m sure many people are wondering, “What is happening with Sandals Emerald Bay?” It’s been speculated for a few days that it would be closing, but I did not want to discuss it until an official announcement was made. First, who am I? Hi, I’m Amy. I’m a Sandals Travel Agent and Gold Certified Sandals Specialist (meaning, I book a lot of Sandals Resorts!), and I keep you updated on all things Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts on the blog. What is happening to Sandals Emerald Bay? If you’d like to book your trip through a certified Sandals Travel Agent, contact me! I guarantee that I can add more value to your trip! Likewise, you can contact me if you’d like more information. You can even hold your Sandals room for free while you decide! travel agent for Hawaii honeymoon Now, let’s talk about Sandals Emerald Bay, one of the Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas.

Is Sandals Emerald Bay closing?

Yes, Sandals Emerald Bay is closing on August 15, 2024. It will be re-opening as a Beaches Resort, Sandals family brand. It will open under the name Beaches Exuma. Here is the official announcement from Sandals. You can read it and check for any official updates here:

“Sandals Emerald Bay Will Close on August 15, 2024 to Make Way for the New Beaches Exuma.

Sandals Emerald Bay is closing to guests to undergo a comprehensive transformation that will bring the beloved Beaches Resorts brand to The Bahamas. The same dreamy beach and spectacular golf course, reopening its doors for the entire family! Thank you for being a part of our Sandals family and we can’t wait to welcome you at the new Beaches Exuma.”

Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas While this is sad for those who love Sandals Emerald Bay, it’s a safe guess that they will make this a large resort with adult-only areas; you can read more below.

Why is Sandals Emerald Bay closing?

As a Sandals travel agent, I can only speculate. I can tell you that there have been increasing complaints over the past couple of years at Sandals Emerald Bay. It is a beautiful resort, but there have been some issues with the resort itself and staffing. Which Sandals Resort has the best beach Also, Sandals NEEDS more Beaches Resorts, which is Sandals Resorts family brand. You can learn more about Beaches Resorts here:

There are only (currently) three Beaches Resorts located within the Caribbean. Those locations include Negril and Ocho Rios in Jamaica and Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. Sandals Turks and Caicos is an incredible family resort, one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean. However, flights to Turks and Caicos can be expensive. The Beaches Resorts in Jamaica aren’t rated as well as Turks and Caicos (with Negril being considered substantially better than Ochos Rios), so as you can see, a new Beaches Resort is needed. Seeing a Beaches Resort so close to the US will be great! Are Sandals Resorts kid-friendly?

Beaches Resorts have so many wonderful family-friendly amenities, like water parks!

When will Beaches Exuma open?

We don’t have an opening date for Beaches Exuma yet, but I’ll update here when we do. My guess is late 2025 or 2026. I also know that Sandals owns the land next to the current Sandals Emerald Bay, so it’s likely that Beaches Exuma will be much larger than Sandals Emerald Bay and hopefully have adults-only areas like Beaches Turks and Caicos.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, check out Do you need a travel agent for a Sandals Destination Wedding?