Sandals Resorts International’s surprise acquisition of the former Almond Casuarina Beach Resort, now operated by its Jamaican rival Couples Resorts, is causing a stir.
The DAILY NATION learnt that the all-inclusive hotel chain is to be refunded $6 million it spent refurbishing the Dover, Christ Church property it has managed for just four months, and from which it will be forced to leave early next month.
However, following last Friday’s announcement of the Sandals deal, there are early signs of displeasure from Couples, with its management saying it was “terribly disappointed” at the “sudden” turn of events.
The company is now offering people with reservations at the Barbados hotel a $1 000 discount to switch to one of its four properties in Jamaica.
Some unhappy travellers who either stayed at Couples Barbados, or were planning to, now say they would stay away from the island because they did not like Sandals and posted their feelings on Couples’ Facebook page.
