Montego Bay, Jamaica. Pristine white-sand beaches, breezy green palm trees and lush gardens running along a deep blue sea are the signature landscapes of the Caribbean – and of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Guests who stay at any one of the 16 extraordinary properties can be sure that each resort takes every measure possible to conserve the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Sandals Resorts recognizes that the travel and tourism industry has the potential to contribute significantly to environmental preservation and is fully committed to this effort. “Green” business is good business in the tourism industry. Progressive green programs, which incorporate environmental protection measures into the management of each property, are implemented at every Sandals and Beaches Resort. Environmental managers at every property oversee the integrity of the programs, which reduce energy and water consumption, improve solid waste and wastewater disposal, prevent air pollution, protect marine life and foster strong bonds with local communities.

Within the resorts, Sandals combats waste management with a number of programs designed to reduce the amount of garbage that the properties send to landfills. This includes composting, paper recycling, offering drinking straws only upon request and recycling many items, including kitchen grease, cardboard boxes and bottles. Sandals also takes measures to conserve fresh water and energy by pouring and refilling water only upon request, installing water-efficient showerheads and aerators in guestrooms and using energy-efficient light bulbs and solar water heaters.

“At Sandals, we take the environment very seriously and make sure that our operations do not disturb or negatively impact it in any way,” said Richard May, Group Director of Environmental Affairs, Sandals Resorts. “Our environmental health and safety programs are deeply embedded into our culture and daily operations, and it makes all the difference in protecting the environment, allowing our guests to enjoy the Caribbean for all of its magnificence.”

Protection and conservation of marine life is also a top priority. Sandals resorts have been the local representatives of the Coral Reef Alliance – CORAL – in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, and Antigua. Each resort conducts beach-cleaning activities at least twice per year in their respective communities. Additionally, the company has partnered with numerous organizations to study and reduce the impact of coastal erosion on the natural beauty of the environment.

“We care very deeply about our ocean environment and its inhabitants,” said May. “That is why we make sure that every resort is represented on the board of the Marine Park Management body in order to protect the turtles, dolphins and coral reefs that make the Caribbean such a spectacular place to vacation.”

In 1998, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa was the very first all-inclusive resort to earn the Green Globe 21 Certification, the worldwide benchmarking and certification program for sustainable travel and tourism. The process and systems Green Globe 21 evaluates for certification require a hotel’s serious commitment to its environmental program, including establishing unwavering standards and developing a sustainable environmental management system. Sandals successfully modified their water systems and energy requirements, adjusted their waste management program and bolstered their already-strong social involvements within the community to earn this important certification.

Within three years, the remaining 15 Sandals and Beaches Resorts all earned the venerable award, catapulting Sandals to a level of extraordinarily superior standards, not only in guest services, but also in environmental responsibility. To uphold certification, Green Globe 21 re-evaluates each property annually to ensure its environmental standards are up to par. Every year, a team of environmentalists will engage in a three-day audit, including detailed inspections and interviews, before issuing re-accreditation. Sandals Resorts environmental stewardship continues to excel year after year.

Additionally, several Sandals and Beaches properties have been honoured with the Green Hotel of the Year award at the American Express Caribbean Environmental Awards. In 2006 Sandals Resorts’ stellar flagship property, Sandals Montego Bay, was honoured in the large hotel category for its dedication to preserving and protecting the environment and for being on the cutting edge of social and environmental responsibility. Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa was named large Green Hotel of the Year in 2003, and in 2004, both Sandals Inn and Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club were awarded the coveted award in the small and large hotel categories.

As part of its environmental health and safety program, Sandals is also heavily involved in community development. All of the hotels adopt schools, and in some cases, entire communities, on the islands where they operate to ensure that the message of environmental concern is filtered throughout all levels of the community. The hotels also participate in forestry department activities such as tree planting, tree carving and nature tours for wildlife and flora preservation.

A champion of the cause, Sandals and Beaches continue to be environmentally active, dedicating the necessary time and resources to create worthwhile programs. Guests can enjoy the best ultra all-inclusive vacation on the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, knowing that Sandals is committed to protecting and preserving the land and natural resources of each island for decades to come.

Sandals Resorts:

Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing couples with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 12 Sandals properties located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled water sports including the Caribbean’s largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons® and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. Coming in June 2007, the five-star, all suite Mediterranean Village will debut at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, offering couples in love the ultimate romantic getaway.
Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for luxury all-inclusive vacationing and has been voted the World’s Best at the World Travel Awards for 13 years in a row. For more information, call your local travel agent or 1-800-Sandals (1-800-726-3257) or visit
www.sandals.com. Sandals is represented in Canada by Transat Holidays, ensuring excellent prices for Canadian travellers.

About Beaches – A Place to Play in the Sand:

When it comes to family vacations, no other resort company in the world offers more than Beaches Resorts. With four spectacular locations on the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate family getaway and the most comprehensive vacation available in the Caribbean including gourmet meals, premium brand drinks, luxurious accommodations, even tipping.

Fun for the whole family means outrageous water theme parks, Xbox® Game Oasis Video Game Centers, and exclusive Kids Camps with a full schedule of age-appropriate activities and childcare provided by expertly trained Ultra Nannies.

As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches offers another exclusive for families- the Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favourite friends from the Sesame Street gang. Beaches Resorts is also the national sponsor of the 2006/2007 Sesame Street Live tour.

With additional amenities including Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering, Red Lane® Spas with services and treatments inspired by the region, and the WeddingMoons® and FamilyMoons® programs to make that special day just perfect, Beaches offers something for everyone.

Beaches Resorts is part of the Sandals’ family, the Caribbean’s largest operator of luxury, ultra all-inclusive resorts and has been voted the World’s Best Family All-Inclusive Resort for nine years in a row. For more information about Beaches Resorts, call 1-800-BEACHES (1-800-232-2437) or visit the Web site at www.beaches.com.