The Sandals Resorts team collect the award for Best Caribbean Hotel Group from legendary Olympian Daley Thompson. Pictured, from left to right, are: Karl Thompson, Managing Director, Sandals UK & Europe; Janice Perry, Market Development Manager, Sandals Resorts UK; Daley Thompson; Patrick Drake, General Manager, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island; Amanda Wills, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays; and Gerald Christ, General Manager, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.

Sandals Resorts has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the 2011 Virgin Holidays Awards, held at London’s legendary Battersea Power Station on the eve of World Travel Market, Sunday November 6th 2011. The Caribbean’s leading Luxury Included® resorts received the Best Caribbean Hotel Group award and the Partnership Award for Sustainable Tourism, marking Sandals’ continued efforts to deliver excellence in product, service and sustainability.

“We are honoured to receive these accolades from Virgin Holidays, the UK’s largest transatlantic tour operator,” said Karl Thompson, Managing Director of Sandals UK & Europe. “Now in our 30th year, Sandals remains the front runner in the Caribbean all-inclusive sector. Our product is unsurpassed and we continue to innovate every day – not just with our Luxury Inclusions but also in the way we strive to do business in a more sustainable way. These Virgin Holidays Awards are a fantastic recognition of the work our teams have done, and continue to do.”

The annual Virgin Holidays Awards were themed around London and Rio in homage to the London 2012 Olympics and 2016 hosts, Brazil. It was a night of fun, magic and just a few sparkles – hosted by carnival Princess herself, Amanda Wills, Managing Director of Virgin Holidays – to celebrate in true Virgin Holidays style, and award industry partners for their continued support over the past year.  With an array of spectacular costumes, everyone danced the night away to the samba, with the lights and sounds of Rio’s legendary carnival.

Spotted mingling in the crowd were athletes, with Olympic legend Daley Thompson making a special appearance, London Beefeaters, Pearly Queens, Carnival dancers and even the “Queen” herself!