Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, has received the distinguished 2025 Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year award from Caribbean National Weekly (CNW). The regional publication commended Stewart for his exceptional leadership within the hospitality sector, substantial investments in Caribbean tourism, and his comprehensive crisis management approach during a period marked by both significant accomplishments and formidable challenges.
CNW’s recognition highlighted Stewart’s professional milestones in 2025, including industry accolades, announcements of multimillion-dollar expansions across his luxury all-inclusive resort brands, and an invitation to join the exclusive Wall Street Journal CEO Council. However, the publication emphasized that his influence transcended conventional business achievements.
The defining test of Stewart’s leadership occurred in late October when Hurricane Melissa inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart orchestrated a transparent communication strategy with international travel advisors, partners, and staff while making an unprecedented commitment: guaranteeing full payroll continuation and Christmas bonuses for all Sandals and Beaches employees, including those at temporarily closed resorts undergoing restoration. The company additionally allocated over US$3 million in staff recovery assistance to support families impacted by the catastrophic storm.
Under Stewart’s guidance, the Sandals Foundation achieved record levels of community involvement, delivering targeted disaster-recovery support across healthcare, livelihood restoration, and environmental conservation initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.
In accepting the honor, Stewart expressed profound humility, stating the award represents collective effort rather than individual achievement. He credited his teams and partners for their dedication to community service and their belief in business as a catalyst for positive social change. Stewart specifically acknowledged the Sandals Foundation for creating sustainable impact through education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship programs.
About Sandals Resorts: The family-owned hospitality group operates 17 adults-only, all-inclusive beachfront resorts across eight Caribbean nations. Sandals pioneered the region’s all-inclusive vacation concept, offering authentic Caribbean experiences through local cuisine, butler service, signature suites including Overwater Villas, and innovative programs like Island Inclusive dining and MINI Cooper island exploration. Through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, the company demonstrates tourism’s transformative power on local communities.
About Beaches Resorts: This family-focused resort brand operates three Caribbean locations specializing in all-inclusive family vacations. Beaches Resorts feature extensive dining options, water sports, live entertainment, and expansive water parks. The properties offer unique partnerships with Sesame Street characters, kids camps, teen programs, and certified nanny services, providing multigenerational family vacation experiences.