Lynch Comments on Sandals Mediterranean Antigua Delay

Guests booked into Sandals Resorts Mediterranean Village, a new build at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in Antigua, will either have to wait until June 1 or accept being relocated into another Sandals Resort. The Mediterranean Village was scheduled to open this month, but according to John Lynch, executive vice president of sales worldwide for Unique Vacations, worldwide representatives for Sandals & Beaches Resorts, "The British contractor let us down. There were some structural faults in the building, primarily the cement work." Lynch says much of the interior work is completed, and it's hoped that the contractor will fulfill its obligations to assure the June 1 opening. Lynch notes that the delay in the $70 million 180-suite Mediterranean Village expansion doesn't affect the rest of the 193-room Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa's operation. Throughout the delay, travel agent commissions are protected. Guests with bookings of less than six nights at the Mediterranean Village will receive two free nights for a future stay at the Sandals Grande Antigua; for bookings of six or more nights, three free nights are offered. The free-night offer is valid for one year. Clients traveling through April 19 also receive up to $300 per person to cover airline change fees. For travel from April 20 to May 31, the offer is $150 per person. Sandals compensation policy provides a $250 resort credit for guests relocated to another Sandals resort.