Recently, Sandals Resorts leaders from across the Caribbean gathered for an enthusiastic session filled with celebrity guests and an electrifying atmosphere, celebrating the incredible talents of team members.
During the event, two standout team members were awarded US$10,000 for creating the jingle that has officially become the anthem of the brand’s Service DNA. This “Service DNA” represents the core values that shape the mindset, behaviors, culture, and systems behind the signature Sandals experience.
The importance of this theme was emphasized earlier during the company’s first group-wide town hall of 2026, led by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
At the town hall, Stewart provided key updates, including progress on hurricane recovery efforts and several exciting new developments within the Sandals portfolio. As anticipation filled the room, he set the stage for the finale of the company’s inaugural Resort Riddims competition, held recently.
This group-wide initiative invited team members to write and perform an original song that encapsulates the values embodied in the company’s DNA. The response was remarkable, with over 100 entries from Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members across the Caribbean showcasing incredible talent and fostering a spirit of friendly competition.
Following thrilling preliminary rounds at each location in the nine countries where the company operates, the competition culminated in a vibrant live show in Jamaica.
The top performances hailed from Grenada, Jamaica, and The Bahamas, as the grand finale turned the conference area of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort into a full-scale performance studio, complete with big screens, colorful stage lighting, and sparkler fountains.
The atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable evening of music, camaraderie, and competition, made even more memorable by celebrity appearances from reggae/dancehall singer Christopher Martin and Soca star Alison Hinds, who joined the Executive Chairman as judges.
After captivating performances from the finalists, the dynamic duo of Brent McMeo and Ahkim Baptiste from Sandals Grenada stole the show. Their feel-good Caribbean song, “The Sandals Way,” won over both the judges and the audience, earning them the grand prize of US$10,000.
“This winning song is now our official Service DNA anthem—a rallying call for every team member who shows up every day to create Caribbean moments that last a lifetime,” said Jamie Green, Corporate Manager of Employee Experience.
Following the applause, the evening took a heartfelt turn. Sandals’ Executive Chairman rewarded all finalists for their artistry and effort with an unexpected gift: “What amazing talent each of you exemplified! For that, we think it is fitting that each of you receives a Sandals holiday with your loved ones, including airfare, where you will be treated as you deserve. We will VIP you all the way. You’ll be in Butler suites, and we want to remind you how appreciative we are. I am grateful for this entire journey. You’re all rockstars,” Stewart expressed.
Beyond the excitement, the competition also served a deeper purpose. Resort Riddims was an initiative developed by the company’s Experience Department, alongside its twin divisions: Customer Experience (CX), which enhances the guest journey, and Employee Experience (EX), which empowers the team members who bring those moments to life.
“That’s what Service DNA is all about—equipping our teams with clear, measurable tools that celebrate the individuality and warmth of Caribbean hospitality. It signifies a cultural reset for our brand, reinforcing our commitment to returning to our foundational values while enhancing how we deliver genuine Caribbean moments to our guests and to each other,” said Kareema Plummer, Regional Manager of CX for Jamaica.