More than two dozen workers were on site at Sandals Royal Bahamian today, jackhammering a pool deck larger than a football field, beginning work on a spa that will undergo a full transformation, starting work on beach villas and beginning an extensive plumbing overhaul.

It was the second day since the hotel closed its doors temporarily for extensive renovations that Bahamian contractors were on site from 7 am as the hotel management attempts to compress six months’ work into a 10-week time frame, aiming to re-open in mid-October for what it hopes will be its best season ever.

“No hotelier ever wants to close a property, displace staff and relocate guests,” said Jeremy Jones, Director Corporate Services, Sandals Resorts International. “But we had no choice given the engineer’s findings and report that there was no way around closing in order to effect such major repairs that extend from the depth of the underground to the pool and spa that guests would not be able to access.”

Contractors already identified include Island Manufacturing Company, Storm Frame Windows, Life Style Construction, Rejuste Construction and Maintenance Services and I.J. Electrical. Odley Artis, TOP Builders Ltd., and architect Gerard Higgs are also engaged.

The sound and sights of construction covered the 22-acre oceanfront property.

Workers began jackhammering up two pool decks. Long PVC pipes were draining two of the seven pools. In the basement, workers had opened ceilings covering plumbing that needed repair and were pulling down drenched insulation, exposing rusty pipes with leaks in numerous places. Ballrooms were set to be renovated. Furniture was being pulled from guest rooms and painters were setting up.

“We wanted to accomplish the work in the shortest period of time so as the last guests departed, the heavy equipment moved in,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of the award-winning hospitality brand. “We were committed to bringing Sandals Royal Bahamian up to the grandeur and style she deserves and delivering the standard which our guests have come to expect. We will have a grand re-opening in October and look forward to our best season ever.”