Sandals Dunn's River: NBC TODAY Broadcasts Live from Jamaica Resort in March 2026

Sandals Dunn's River in Jamaica became the backdrop for two nationally televised episodes of NBC's TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle this March, bringing the all-inclusive resort's oceanfront setting into millions of American homes. The special broadcasts, which aired on March 28, 2026, marked co-host Sheinelle Jones's first major trip since officially joining Jenna Bush Hager on the program earlier this year. Sponsored by Sandals Resorts International and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the episodes featured segments filmed across Jamaica's north coast, highlighting the destination's cultural offerings and natural attractions.

NBC TODAY Chooses Sandals Dunn's River for Live Broadcast

Sandals Dunn's River set the stage for NBC's daytime programming shift from studio to Caribbean shores. The two-episode special filmed at the Ocho Rios property showcased the resort's beachfront location and surrounding Jamaican landmarks. Production crews captured footage along the resort's private beach and at several destination hotspots throughout the area. The broadcast collaboration between NBC Universal and Sandals Resorts marks a significant promotional moment for Jamaica's tourism sector, which welcomed 3.7 million stopover visitors in 2025 according to Jamaica Tourist Board statistics.

Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones Feature Jamaica Culture

The co-hosts immersed themselves in authentic Jamaican experiences throughout the broadcast segments. Jones, who joined the TODAY franchise this January, experienced her inaugural Caribbean destination trip alongside Bush Hager. The programming showcased local music performances, culinary demonstrations featuring traditional Jamaican cuisine, and interviews with island artisans. NBC producers structured the episodes to highlight Jamaica's creative industries and cultural heritage, presenting the destination as more than a beach getaway. The shows aired during prime morning hours, reaching TODAY's average weekday audience of 2.8 million viewers.

Sandals Resorts Partnership with Jamaica Tourist Board

This broadcast partnership represents a coordinated marketing effort between Sandals Resorts International and Jamaica's official tourism promotion agency. The Jamaica Tourist Board has invested $50 million in 2026 marketing initiatives aimed at North American travelers, with broadcast media partnerships forming a key component of the strategy. Sandals operates six properties across Jamaica, including the Dunn's River location which opened in 2023 near the famous Dunn's River Falls natural attraction. The resort features 260 rooms and suites, 12 dining venues, and direct beach access along Mammee Bay. Industry analysts note that televised resort features typically generate measurable booking increases within 30 days of airing.

Ocho Rios Destination Highlights Featured in Episodes

The broadcast crew filmed segments at several Ocho Rios area landmarks beyond the resort property. Dunn's River Falls, located approximately two miles from the Sandals resort, appeared in outdoor adventure segments. The production team also captured footage at local craft markets and along the north coast's scenic shoreline. Ocho Rios serves as Jamaica's second-busiest cruise port after Montego Bay, processing over 900,000 cruise passengers annually. The town's proximity to Kingston (67 miles) and Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ) makes it accessible for American travelers, with average flight times from U.S. East Coast cities ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort Broadcasting Trend

National morning shows increasingly feature Caribbean destinations through sponsored travel segments. NBC's TODAY show has aired from various Caribbean locations since 2018, including broadcasts from Turks and Caicos, Aruba, and the Bahamas. These segments typically combine destination marketing with entertainment programming, introducing resort properties to broad television audiences. The all-inclusive resort model featured at Sandals properties appeals to U.S. travelers seeking budget-predictable vacations, with industry data showing 68% of Americans prefer all-inclusive options when booking Caribbean holidays. Sandals Resorts operates 16 properties across six Caribbean destinations, exclusively serving couples at most locations.

Jamaica North Coast Tourism in 2026

Jamaica's north coast region, spanning from Negril through Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, accounts for approximately 75% of the island's tourism infrastructure. The corridor features major hotel brands, boutique properties, and all-inclusive resorts serving diverse traveler demographics. Current airlift to Sangster International Airport includes non-stop service from 15 U.S. cities on carriers including American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines. Jamaica welcomed 250,000 U.S. visitors in January-February 2026, representing a 12% increase over the same period in 2025 according to preliminary Caribbean Tourism Organization data. The TODAY broadcast timing coincides with spring break travel season, traditionally Jamaica's second-busiest period after winter holidays.

Broadcast Details	Specifications
Air Date	March 28, 2026
Network	NBC Universal
Program	TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle
Location	Sandals Dunn's River, Ocho Rios
Episodes	Two special broadcasts
Sponsors	Sandals Resorts International, Jamaica Tourist Board
Average Viewers	2.8 million per episode
Resort Capacity	260 rooms and suites

What This Means for Travelers

Booking Surge Expected: Televised resort features typically drive 20-35% booking increases within 30 days. Travelers interested in Sandals Dunn's River should check availability for spring and summer 2026 travel dates soon.
Package Deals Likely: Sandals typically releases promotional rates following major media exposure. Monitor the resort's website and authorized travel agents for limited-time offers in the weeks following the broadcast.
North Coast Accessibility: Direct flights from major U.S. cities to Montego Bay (MBJ) take 2.5-3.5 hours, with resort transfers to Ocho Rios requiring 90 minutes. Allow adequate connection time when booking.
All-Inclusive Value: Sandals properties include meals, premium spirits, water sports, and entertainment in base rates. Budget $3,500-$5,000 per couple for five-night stays depending on room category and season.
Experience Highlights: Request beachfront rooms for direct ocean access featured in broadcasts. Book Dunn's River Falls excursions through resort concierge services at least 48 hours in advance during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sandals Dunn's River located in Jamaica? Sandals Dunn's River sits in Mammee Bay, Ocho Rios, on Jamaica's north coast, approximately two miles from Dunn's River Falls and 67 miles east of Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport. The resort occupies beachfront property with direct Caribbean Sea access, positioned between Ocho Rios town center and the St. Ann's Bay area.

What airlines fly to Sandals Dunn's River in 2026? American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United Airlines, and Delta operate non-stop flights from 15 U.S. cities to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ), the gateway for Sandals Dunn's River. Ground transfers from MBJ to the resort take approximately 90 minutes via complimentary Sandals shuttle service or private car arrangements.

Does Sandals Dunn's River accept families with children? Sandals Dunn's River operates as a couples-only, adults-only property exclusively for guests 18 years and older. Families with children should consider Beaches Resorts, Sandals' sister brand, which maintains a separate property in Ocho Rios accommodating all ages with identical all-inclusive service standards.

When did NBC TODAY broadcast from Sandals Dunn's River? NBC's TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle aired two special episodes from Sandals Dunn's River on March 28, 2026, featuring segments filmed across the resort property and surrounding Ocho Rios destinations. The broadcasts showcased Jamaica's culture, music, and natural attractions to TODAY's average audience of 2.8 million viewers per episode.

Related Travel Guides

Complete Guide to All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica 2026

Ocho Rios Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Hotels

Best Times to Visit Jamaica: Weather and Seasonal Guide

Disclaimer

Information based on reports from NBC Universal and Sandals Resorts International as of March 28, 2026. Broadcast details verified through NBC TODAY program schedule and Jamaica Tourist Board promotional materials. Resort amenities, rates, and airline schedules subject to change. Travelers should verify current offerings directly with Sandals Resorts and airlines before booking. Travel requirements including passport validity and entry documentation should be confirmed through official Jamaican government sources.