Caribbean Mourns Fallen Hotelier

The Cupid of the Caribbean, Sandals Founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart Dies at 79

From one single brand resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, came 24 properties scattered across 16 Caribbean locations. The notable Sandals and Beaches brands came from one man known as Gordon “Butch” Stewart, also known as the “Cupid of the Caribbean” and “King of All-inclusive Resorts”, the chairman and founder of Sandals. He died on Monday 4, January 2021.

His death was confirmed in a statement from his family, who did not give a cause or say where he died, other than to say that he died in the United States.

Born in Jamaica on July 6, 1941, he progressed along in the business world very well, working as a sales manager for a Dutch-owned Curacoa Trading company which led him to his very first hotel which he bought on one of Montego Bay’s largest beaches in 1980. In seven months with millions in renovations he transformed an old hotel into Sandals Montego Bay, the flagship of an extremely popular award winning, Luxury Included, resort chain. Butch Stewart set a new standard when it comes to all-inclusives, establishing two of the most successful brands in that category, Sandals and Beaches Resorts. 

“Our family couldn’t be more proud of the legacy you have created and the incredible life you lived. You approached everyday to change the world, nothing was impossible. A Jamaican boy turned entrepreneur with a heart as big as his voice and a personality that nobody could contain” wrote son Adam Stewart on Instagram.

“Butch Stewart is survived by his wife, seven children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Read Caribbean Journal Article Here

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