Dana Kurtz, former civil rights attorney turned resort owner, is ready to move on from her beloved Blue Skies Beach Resort on Negril’s famous seven-mile beach. Having poured her heart into creating this intimate getaway, Kurtz is now selling the resort for US$3.995 million (JMD 627 million), as she returns to Tulsa to be closer to family and provide her daughter, Reanne, with the family-centered experiences she cherished growing up.
Kurtz’s journey from the courtroom to a life of hospitality began after a successful legal career that culminated in one of the largest sexual harassment verdicts in the U.S. After spending decades in Chicago, she chose to follow her dream of owning a beachfront resort, deeply connected to the island she’s adored for over 30 years. In 2019, she opened Blue Skies Beach Resort, a boutique retreat known for its world-class service and welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
The resort offers 16 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, known for their personal touches and attention to detail. With an emphasis on relaxed luxury, Blue Skies attracts guests with its unique offerings, including intimate live reggae dinner shows, a beach bar with swings, and stunning sunset views from its second-floor lounge.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort thrived by serving local visitors who were seeking safe outdoor experiences. This resilience helped establish Blue Skies as a standout in Negril’s growing tourism scene. Kurtz’s devotion to the property is evident in her day-to-day involvement with staff and operations, ensuring the resort’s impeccable standards remain high.
For prospective buyers, Blue Skies is not just a thriving, turnkey business but an opportunity to expand. The property comes with approved plans for additional rooms and upscale amenities, including a pool, spa, workout room, and a two-bedroom villa, promising strong future revenue potential. The ongoing development in Negril further enhances the allure of the area as an up-and-coming tourism hotspot.
Kurtz’s decision to sell was driven by her desire to reconnect with her family as they grow older. “It’s bittersweet to leave a place I’ve built with so much love, but I want my daughter to have the same kind of family experiences I did—where holidays and milestones are shared with loved ones,” she explains.
While the sale is underway, Blue Skies Beach Resort remains open and operational, continuing to serve guests while maintaining its high standards. Kurtz is hopeful that the next owner will not only care for the property but also keep the loyal staff she’s worked hard to build. “The team here has been my greatest asset, and I hope whoever buys this place will treat them like family,” she adds.
For those interested in making Blue Skies their own, there’s a unique opportunity to join the ownership structure through a crowd-funded approach, allowing multiple investors to take a stake in this tropical paradise.
As Dana Kurtz prepares to close one chapter of her life, she remains optimistic about the future of the resort. “I hope Blue Skies continues to flourish, and I’d love to return one day to see it expanded and even better than before.”
