Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has launched a $500 million series of large-scale renovation projects at its resorts in several Caribbean countries, part of a plan to “expand and enhance” the company’s resorts during the decade, said company officials. Jamaica’s Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort will receive a $60 million upgrade to create three separate resorts in one facility -- the Riviera Great House, Riviera Villas and the Riviera Seaside by the beach. The resort will also feature seven new and redesigned restaurants, plasma TVs and iPod docking stations in all rooms, and newly outfitted bathrooms.

The projects also include a renovation of guest accommodations at the 144-room Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, including new Travertine tile replacing the previous carpeting, plus new 42-inch plasma televisions, bar areas and refrigerators. Also, 42 ocean-view rooms will receive new, enlarged balconies. Renovated bathrooms will feature stained mahogany vanities with porcelain basins and Carrera marble tops, backlit mirrors, and white beveled subway tiles with glass accent tiles. An additional five ground-floor rooms will now become walk-out rooms, providing direct access onto the new concrete pool deck.

Jamaica’s Sandals Montego Bay will feature upgraded common areas and enhanced dining outlets including a new beach bar, a new pizzeria and grill, and a new lounge set on the beach.  Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa in Westmoreland, Jamaica will receive three new outdoor lounge areas. The Red Lane spa at Jamaica’s Beaches Negril Resort & Spa will receive an enhanced fitness center with new aerobic equipment, upgraded locker rooms and a new whirlpool. For more information, call 800-726-3257.