WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO — Sandals Resorts is getting all spruced up for its 40th anniversary celebrations, with brand new uniforms commissioned by U.S. fashion designer Stan Herman.
Designed as a tribute to Sandals’ team members who the company describes as the “soul of the guest experience,” the inaugural ‘Anniversary Collection’ first made its debut at the June 1 opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao, which marks Sandals’ entry in the Dutch Caribbean.
“A new island to call home within our sweet Caribbean, along with a next-generation resort reflective of its unique hues and diverse landscapes, is a celebration in and of itself during this landmark year,” said Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart. “As we commemorate this special moment in time, we are honouring the team members at the heart of our operation with a modern collection that is as chic and sharp as it is comfortable for the Caribbean. Most importantly, we want them to feel as much pride in representing Sandals as we do to have them along for the journey.
On Sandals’ new partnership with Herman, Stewart added: “From the moment we met with Stan, introduced him to the team and watched the magic of his ability to turn their ideas into tangible designs, we knew we had found a cherished partner.”
At Butch’s Island Chophouse, the namesake restaurant of founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, aprons blend with a bold stripe shirt, a nod to his legendary look.
After spending many hours in destination conversing with Sandals team members, Herman curated uniforms for a wide range of categories and venues, from the guest-facing team at the front of house, to culinary venues and the house team behind the scenes. Updated fibers and recycled materials have been incorporated throughout several pieces, in line with Sandals’ commitment to sustainability.
Fabric colours selected for Sandals Royal Curaçao were mean to feel sun-washed with a soft fade to reflect the natural and weathered appeal of island style. More modern touches are scattered throughout the collection, including bespoke silver ‘S’ pins to represent Sandals and a signature printed pocket square with Curaçao’s iconic colours. The many restaurants on site at Sandals Royal Curaçao each have their own fashion identity, such as Island Crimson, the prominent colour of Butch’s Island Chop House, the namesake restaurant of founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. Additional nods include small ruffles on the shirts at Latin-themed restaurant Zuka, and rich aqua jackets at the Japanese-inspired Gatsu Gatsu.
“From day to evening, from check-in to the beach, they are pieces that guests might even envision in their own personal wardrobes,” said Herman, a three-time Coty award winner. “We sought to evolve beyond traditional hospitality looks to reflect today’s luxury travel aesthetic, just as Sandals has done in their approach to the brand’s own evolution and ingenuity.”
The Sandals Resorts collection will eventually roll out across all SRI hotels through a phased approach over the next two years. Plans are already underway for entirely new designs to be featured at the new Sandals Dunn’s River, opening in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 2023. Uniform collections are also coming to sister brand Beaches Resorts.
To read more about Sandals Resorts’ 40th anniversary, check out the company’s newly launched special anniversary edition of Travelweek here, featuring exclusive interviews, feature stories and tips and resources for Canadian travel advisors.
