MONTEGO BAY — In a landscape dominated by international hotel chains, S Hotels Jamaica has established a remarkable presence on the island, distinguished not only by the high standards of its properties but also by its commitment to community support.
At S Hotel Montego Bay, carpenters are hard at work in the parking lot, constructing prefabricated shelters. These units, part of the hotel’s initiative, are destined for communities in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, which were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We might not be building full houses, but we are providing small shelters that offer those who have lost everything a temporary roof over their heads,” says General Manager Andrés Cope.
The initiative, dubbed the ‘S for Shelters’ program, is an ambitious venture undertaken by the S Hotels Foundation, the philanthropic arm of S Hotels Jamaica. This program enables guests from all around the globe to participate actively in community support during their stay. Sojourn highlights how modern travel experiences increasingly emphasize social responsibility and engagement.
Workers assemble shelters at S Hotel Montego Bay for those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Many guests have expressed concerns about vacationing in Jamaica while local communities are still recovering from the hurricane’s impact. “With ‘S for Shelters,’ visitors can enjoy their holiday while actively supporting families in need,” added Cope. A total of 60 10-by-12-foot shelters are slated for construction, supported by a budget of JMD$21 million (approximately CAD$181,000). Guests staying for seven nights or more will see a shelter donated in their name to a local family. Additionally, shorter-stay visitors can contribute US$1,000 or more, with the hotel matching this amount to facilitate the construction of the shelters.
Scenic beach views at S Hotel Montego Bay.
Community Support and Charity Initiatives
Situated directly on the beach in Montego Bay and close to one of Jamaica’s main commercial corridors, S Hotel Montego Bay is well-known for its charitable work. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, we provided about 40 of our rooms free of charge to individuals who had lost their homes,” Cope reported. The hotel itself experienced minimal damage during the hurricane and was one of the few properties in the area to remain operational.
A Unique Hotel Experience
Opened in 2019, S Hotel Montego Bay is a modern, solidly built property that is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and operates independently from other brands. “In Jamaica, large international hotel corporations, predominantly from Spain and America, account for much of the market. It’s invigorating to see local entrepreneurs also making a significant contribution,” said Cope.
The hotel has become a preferred choice among Canadian travelers, available through major travel platforms such as Air Canada Vacations, which highlights the growing interest and trust in Jamaican-led hospitality initiatives.
