Sandals Caribbean Cay (Formerly Royal Caribbean): What’s New for the December 2026 Reopening

Quick answer: Sandals Royal Caribbean is reopening on December 18, 2026 as Sandals Caribbean Cay — the new name for the beloved Montego Bay resort and its private offshore island after a $200 million “Sandals 2.0” rebuild. Expect roughly 84 new rooms, an expanded private-island experience, and refreshed dining. If you want opening-season dates over the December holidays, book early — the first weeks are already filling.

Few Sandals resorts have a fan base like the old Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica — largely because of its private island, reachable by a short boat ride, with an over-the-water restaurant and a laid-back second beach. So when Sandals announced the resort would close for a top-to-bottom transformation and reopen under a new name, longtime guests had one big question: is it still the resort I loved? Here’s what we know, and our honest take as advisors who have stayed at all 17 Sandals resorts.

Why did Sandals Royal Caribbean change its name to Caribbean Cay?

The rename is part of the wider “Sandals 2.0” reinvestment across three Jamaica resorts. Sandals is leaning into the resort’s single most distinctive feature — its private island, or cay — and the new name puts that front and center. It also quietly removes a long-running point of confusion: “Sandals Royal Caribbean” was often mistaken for the cruise line Royal Caribbean. “Sandals Caribbean Cay” is cleaner, more on-brand for the island experience, and easier to search for.

Important for returning guests: this is the same property and the same private island in Montego Bay — not a new location. Think of it as a renovation and a rename, not a replacement.

What’s new at Sandals Caribbean Cay

Sandals has shared a first look at the reimagined resort. Highlights include:

• About 84 new rooms and suites, expanding capacity while keeping the intimate feel.
• An expanded private-island experience — the signature draw, with more to do once you take the boat across.
• New and redesigned dining concepts as part of the brand-wide 2.0 culinary refresh.
• Updated pools, public spaces, and landscaping in line with the sister-resort transformations.

Final room categories and restaurant names are still rolling out; we update this page as Sandals confirms details.

When does Sandals Caribbean Cay reopen?

The reopening date is December 18, 2026. That lands it right at the start of the peak Christmas and New Year’s travel window — which is wonderful for a fresh-off-renovation stay, but also means the earliest dates carry peak-season demand and pricing. If a December 2026 or early-2027 opening-season trip is on your radar, it’s worth locking in sooner rather than later.

Caribbean Cay vs. the other reopening Jamaica resorts

Caribbean Cay is one of three Jamaica resorts reopening as part of Sandals 2.0. Here’s how the trio lines up:

Five other Jamaica Sandals — Ochi, Dunn’s River, Negril, Royal Plantation, and Beaches Negril — are already open if you want Jamaica before the reopening trio comes back online.

Should you book the reopening? Our advisor take

Opening-season stays at a freshly rebuilt Sandals are some of the best value in the portfolio — everything is brand new, and the team is at its most attentive. The trade-off is that a debut over the December holidays is peak demand, and the very first days after any reopening can carry a little “settling-in” risk as staff learn a new building. Our usual advice: if you love this resort and want to be among the first back, book the opening window; if you’d rather a fully broken-in experience, aim for a few weeks after launch. Either way, book with a specialist who watches the confirmed dates and the current Sandals offers so you don’t overpay.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandals Royal Caribbean closed?

Yes — it closed for a full “Sandals 2.0” renovation and reopens December 18, 2026 under the new name Sandals Caribbean Cay. It is the same Montego Bay property and private island.

What is Sandals Caribbean Cay?

It’s the rebranded and renovated Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The name spotlights the resort’s private offshore island (“cay”) and ends the long-standing mix-up with the Royal Caribbean cruise line.

When does Sandals Caribbean Cay reopen?

December 18, 2026, at the start of the peak holiday season. Opening-season dates are limited and in high demand.

Is it worth booking the reopening?

For fans of the resort, opening season means a brand-new product and a highly attentive team. Book early for the debut window, or a few weeks later for a fully broken-in stay. A Sandals specialist can match you to the right dates and current offer.