Turks & Caicos manager to head new Sandals hotel in Jamaica

Thursday, February 5, 2004

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: General Manager at Beaches Turks & Caicos, Jeremy Jones, is leaving the property to head a new Sandals property in Jamaica.

A press release from Sandals, which noted that Jones was "creating waves within the Sandals group", confirmed that five years after being appointed head of the largest resort in the chain, he is heading to his native Jamaica from February to take charge of Sandals' newest mega flagship resort on the island's south coast. 

The new 360-room Sandals Whitehouse, is scheduled to open this October and will feature three distinct French, Italian and Dutch villages.

It will boast one of the widest array of amenities of any modern luxury resort and all rooms will be oceanfront. 

The resort is complete with jogging trail, a golf course and will be the only hotel in the chain to offer horseback riding. 

The resort has been billed as a general manager's dream, and Jones' selection to head-up the hotel is being viewed in Sandals circles as a major vote of confidence in his management abilities.

"His appointment confirms the view that he is a rising star within the chain," the Sandals press release stated. 

Sandals Chairman Gordon Butch Stewart, who made the announcement, said Jones has been exceptional in driving the operational standards and service levels of Beaches Turks & Caicos to new levels. 

"Under Jeremy's leadership, Beaches Turks & Caicos has become the standard by which all-inclusive family resorts are judged,'' Stewart said.

He said that the experience gained at Beaches Turks & Caicos, eminently qualifies Mr. Jones to carry the Sandals flag, as the chain plays a pioneering role in making Jamaica's south coast the island's next tourism destination. 

Jones, who took over at the helm of Beaches Turks and Caicos in April 1999, has been credited with transforming the resort from an ordinary hotel, to one that has been voted the world's best family all-inclusive, five years in a row. 

During his tenure, the resort's room capacity has been doubled. The new French village is the toast of vacationers looking for a family getaway. 

Jones is also credited with leading the thrust to attain Green Globe certification for the resort; the international symbol of environmental friendliness. 

He has also led the resort's ongoing community outreach efforts that span projects in education, sports and health care throughout Providenciales. Mr. Jones is currently a vice-president of the Turks & Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourist Association and a two-term member of the Island's Tourist Board.

Meantime, Josef Zeliner, another high-flyer in the chain, is replacing Jones at Beaches Turks & Caicos. 

No stranger to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Zeliner joined the Beaches Turks and Caicos team in June 1999 as executive assistant manager with special responsibility for the French Village.

He was promoted to the post of general manager at Beaches Grande Sport in October 2000, a position that he held until his latest transfer.

Mr. Stewart notes that the changes are timely, as both men have performed with distinction and are ready for new challenges and responsibilities within the group.

He said the changes will provide impetus for further strengthening of the Beaches brand in Turks and Caicos, as well as advance the process of spreading the group's good corporate citizenship. 

Sandals acquired the former Royal Bay Resort in 1996 with 164 rooms. Through a series of expansions, including the construction of a French Village, Beaches Turks & Caicos now boasts 450 rooms and suites, making it the largest resort in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

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