A Journey of Opportunity and Growth at Beaches Negril

For nearly three decades, Belinda Henlon has built her career at Sandals and Beaches Resorts by embracing every opportunity to learn, grow and take on new challenges. Today, as operations manager for the rooms division at Beaches Negril, the Trelawny native draws on that wealth of experience to lead with a deep understanding of hospitality, adaptability and the people who make the guest experience possible.

Henlon first joined the Sandals family in 1998 at Sandals Montego Bay, beginning her journey in guest services before moving into sales, concierge and eventually operations. Those early experiences exposed her to different sides of the hospitality business and helped shape the leader she would eventually become.

Rather than remaining on a traditional operations path, Henlon accepted an opportunity in retail, becoming gift shop manager at Beaches Negril. What began as a change in direction evolved into one of the defining chapters of her career. Under her leadership, the department earned multiple Department of the Year awards while consistently exceeding performance targets, reinforcing Henlon’s reputation as a results-driven leader who also knew how to develop people.

Her impact, however, extended beyond numbers. Henlon became someone team members could turn to for guidance. Her ability to identify challenges, offer solutions and advocate for her colleagues did not go unnoticed. After years in retail, she was encouraged to return to operations; although she initially hesitated, having never worked directly within the rooms division, she accepted the challenge, trusting that the same adaptability that had defined her career would carry her through once again.

Today, Henlon oversees the operations of nearly 200 guest rooms at Beaches Negril, drawing on almost three decades of experience and a leadership philosophy built on respect, accountability and teamwork.

“I want to make sure that whatever level they [team members] are at, whatever work they are doing, they feel appreciated, they have the tools they need and they know that we are here to support them,” Henlon said.

That philosophy is reflected in the way her team describes her. For Room Attendant Shauna Powell, Henlon’s leadership is very hands on. “She is always a jovial person, and she really checks for us; if we ever truly need a hand, she jumps in to help, even by making the bed.”

Geo-Patrick Lewis, linen room controller, describes Belinda as a dependable leader who is committed to maintaining high standards, while Room Attendant Supervisor Dwight Waite highlights the positive impact of her leadership on the housekeeping team. “Having Belinda as part of the team has helped us to grow the housekeeping department. She creates opportunities for feedback and ensures that issues are addressed before they are seen. That extra level of oversight has really helped the department to improve,” Waite said. 

While Henlon admits that operations can be demanding, one aspect of the role keeps her motivated: the opportunity to make a difference.

“I like that you impact lives,” she said.

Years after first putting on a Sandals uniform, Henlon still measures success not by the titles she has earned but by the people she has helped along the way. Her career stands as a testament to the opportunities that exist within Sandals and Beaches for those willing to embrace change, lead with humility and continue learning.