Sandals Dunn’s River took centre stage on national television as NBC’s ‘TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle‘ traded the studio for the resort’s oceanfront setting, airing two special episodes that showcased Jamaica’s vibrant culture, music and natural beauty to millions of Americans.
Filmed at iconic destination hotspots and along a stretch of the resort’s beach, the shows captured the co-hosts’ first trip since Sheinelle Jones officially joined Jenna Bush Hager earlier this year.
Sponsored by Sandals Resorts and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the hosts were welcomed to an immersive celebration of the island’s rhythm, flavour and creativity, all set against the shores of Jamaica’s north coast.
Throughout the two-day series, Jenna and Sheinelle were joined by some of Jamaica’s most celebrated talents, who helped bring to life the island’s unmistakable spirit.
Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph opened up about her Jamaican roots and the island’s enduring charm and resilience. Music icon Shaggy joined the trio for a lively game of ‘It Wasn’t Me’ before diving into a conversation about the island’s global cultural influence. Together with a troupe of dancers, superstar Sean Paul gave the duo a crash course in Jamaican dancehall before watching them perform their newly learned routine to his latest track, ‘Ready for the Ride’ featuring Stalk Ashely.
Award-winning Jamaican chef Andre Fowles and The Rousseau Sisters brought forward the flavours of Jamaica through cooking segments that celebrated the island’s bold cuisine and rich culinary traditions. A celebration of Jamaican creativity also took centre stage with a fashion segment featuring designer Mina Robertson, spotlighting local women designers and the vibrant style and artistry shaping the island’s fashion scene.
The adventure extended beyond the beach as Jenna and Sheinelle experienced some of the region’s most iconic sights with Island Routes. Setting off by speedboat from Sandals Dunn’s River, the hosts journeyed along the north coast to the legendary Dunn’s River Falls, where they climbed the captivating cascading limestone terraces that have drawn travellers to the island for generations.
Their exploration continued with a visit to Mystic Mountain for sweeping rainforest views and bobsled thrills, followed by lunch at beloved local restaurant Miss T’s Kitchen, where Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and a local mento band welcomed the duo to a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.
“Jamaica has always been a place where music, culture and hospitality come together in a way that resonates far beyond our shores,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It was a pleasure to welcome Jenna and Sheinelle to Sandals Dunn’s River and see them experience the island alongside so many incredible Jamaican artists, chefs and performers who bring our culture to life. Watching people fall in love with Jamaica in real time is always special, and we were proud to share that moment with the world.”
The episodes unfolded before a live audience of Sandals Resorts guests, including the winners of a contest that invited two lucky viewers to travel to Jamaica to experience an all-inclusive trip firsthand, sharing the Jamaica love with Jenna and Sheinelle.