All Travel Zone: Sandals Resorts

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Grand Opening Sale @ Sandals Emerald Bay Resort

Save up to 50% Off & receive 1 night FREE on stays of 7 nights or longer!

Book by January 7th and experience a new Luxury Included vacation at the newest Sandals Property in Great Exuma, Bahamas.

Unfolding like a grand estate, Sandals Emerald Bay is a 500-acre resort set along a one-mile stretch of white sand beach on Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. This all butler-service resort will offer a selection of 183 magnificently-appointed, luxury accommodations with styles that range from beachfront villas to charming bay house settings. Unique to the Great Exuma property is a stunning 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, reputed to be among the best in the Caribbean as well as the 17-acre Marina Emerald Bay, the first-ever marina at any Sandals Resort.

ALL RATES INCLUDE:

All accommodations include exclusive Butler Service
All meals, snacks and unlimited drinks including Beringer® house wines
All land and water sports including scuba diving†
Roundtrip airport/resort transfers*
Resort tax and service charges
Red Lane® Spa options††
Entertainment and much more!

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS:

Three pools, including a 1 acre infinity entrance pool
Five gourmet restaurants
Five bars, including a swim-up pool bar and piano bar
Red Lane® Spa with 21 indoor treatment areas and 4 outdoor sanctuaries
10,000 square feet of meeting space
A marina with 150 slips that can accommodate yachts of up to 240 ft. in length
18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course**

Book you Sandals Resort's Deals Today!

say it isn't so

Sandals to discontinue management of Dunn's River Resort

Sandals and Sagicor Life Jamaica have decided to part ways. Sandals next July will cease managing the 256-room Sandals Dunn's River Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann. The two companies issued a joint press release on the decision. Sagicor is actively seeking a hotelier to manage the property, whose official lease to Sandals ends on May 31. The announcement brings to nine the number of hotels being operated by Sandals in Jamaica under the Sandals and Beaches brands.

In local Jamaican press reports Sandals is denying that the move was made in response to the current economic situation by pointing out that the company recently acquired Emerald Bay in the Bahamas from Four Seasons. Sandals also cited other investments in existing properties, such as the new River Suites at Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean. In addition, the company is constructing Sandals City in Kingston and renovating the Dragon Bay Resort in Portland. Located on Jamaica’s northern shores, the hotel has been in operation since 1959 and has undergone several name changes, modernizations and renovations subsequently. Sagicor purchased the hotel in 1989 and in 2006 invested $15 million in renovations.

“After 15 years of successful partnership and in an amicable arrangement, Sandals Resorts International has decided to terminate its lease with the owners of the Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa property in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on May 31, 2010,” Sandals said. “Sandals Resorts International chooses an ownership strategy as a whole, and as such the Sandals Dunn’s River lease no longer fits our current business model. We continually strive to improve our products for consumers and therefore require the flexibility to implement changes without restrictions and to improve, upgrade and maintain our resort product on an ongoing basis. This was not possible under our current lease terms at Sandals Dunn’s River and was the guiding reason behind our decision.”

Guests scheduled to stay at Sandals Dunn’s River following July 31, 2010 will have the option to change their booking to any like accommodation at other Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean without penalty or change fees. Airline change fees may still apply if guests change to another destination or change travel dates. Call 866-498-3218 or visit Sandals Website.

Meet Sandals & Beaches Resorts Culinary Consultant

I just returned from a fantastic trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos. There are plenty of new upgrades at the resort, including a higher-end feel to many of the menus and cuisine quality. When I inquired as to why, I learned that Sandals & Beaches Resorts employs a famous Culinary Consultant.

Walter Staib is the Culinary Ambassador to Sandals & Beaches Resorts and founder of the Caribbean Culinary Federation. How cool is that? Being one that will do almost anything for a fine meal, I immediately researched Mr. Staib... a name I had heard, but could not place. Mr. Staib has had a long career in hospitality cuisine, consulting for many of the worlds finest hotels and restaurants. He is has contributed to many cook books and made appearances on the Food Network. Read more about him here and book your next culinary vacation to Sandals or Beaches Resorts!

Coming Soon... Sandals Emerald Bay

Mark your calenders for January 2010! That's when the brand new Sandals Emerald Bay will welcome its first guests. I first told you about this hot new hotel in July, and the grand opening has finally been announced: January 22, 2010. See you there!

Sandals Fans - Check out Adam Stewart's Blog

Are you a fan of Sandals Resorts? If so then stay tuned to CEO Adam Stewart's Blog. Mr. Stewart is a hands on leader and his blog reflects how deeply involved he is with every major company decision. Be sure and check out the pictures of Sandals Royal Bahamian's newly expanded beach!

Breaking Sandals Resorts News...

Every now and again I scour the web for fresh press releases on Caribbean topics. In a 24 hour period, I have come across two HUGE Sandals Resorts related newflashes...

1. Martha Stewart Omnimedia has parented with Sandals Resorts to offer Sandals Destination Wedding clients signature Martha Stewart Wedding Packages starting January 1, 2010. Packages available for purchase starting this October. Martha Stewart craft classes are coming to Sandals in 2010 as well. Read about it here.

2. Supposedly, Sandals Resorts has contracted to buy the former Four Seasons Resort property in Exuma, Bahamas. Read about it here.

Make a Difference - The Sandals Foundation

Its been a while since I featured a "Make a Difference" campaign, but now more than ever, Caribbean charities need our help. So take a look at all that is good about the Sandals Foundation.

The Sandals Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. It is the culmination of three decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean.

By definition, our responsibilities to family reflect our corporate social responsibilities. We believe things can be better and we want to make them better. We believe we have contributed much to the Caribbean over the years but we want to do more. We know that as World’s Best it’s our plans, hard work, skills and innovations that put us there – but we have a responsibility to put them to work beyond our resorts too.

The Sandals Foundation is our way of better enabling us to take on more of what needs to be done in the islands where we operate by making the Caribbean the best that we can be. It is not just about gathering and spending money. We also harness our passion, energy, skills and brand power to tackle issues under three broad headings; Community, Education, & Environment.

To learn more or DONATE, please visit their website.

Sandals Resorts up to 60% OFF!!

This sale is huge - GINORMOUS! It seems Sandals Resorts are always having some sort of sale... 35% off - or a free airfare credit - or 40%... but folks, rarely, and I mean rarely, do they discount by 60%! So this is H-U-G-E! (Some of the prettiest rooms ever at Sandals Antigua...)

Book any 3 night stay or longer at Sandals Ocho Rios or Sandals Antigua and receive 60% off the regular rate. Valid on travel for anytime from now to December 26, 2009. That's right... this great rate is even valid for Christmas 2009! What a steal!

Interested in another Sandals Resort? Well, they are discounted too - ask me all about it!

Sandals has it all... beautiful bedrooms and the best beaches!

Bahamas Part 2 - A Private Island & A Perfect Day

Sandals Royal Bahamian has a gem of an amenity... a Private Offshore Island for Sandals Guests only. The ferry runs between the hotel and the island every 30 minutes to an hour. We hopped on around noon and found plenty of room on the beach and our own little private palapa. After a few hours on the beach, we grew restless and decided to explore the island. (Restless is what happens when you are a snorkel enthusiast and realize there are no masks and snorkels to be rented on the island - the unofficial word is you must bring your own.)

There are so many serene seating areas all over the island, on the beach, and near the pool. My favorites were these Balinese settees randomly placed along the treeline:

We were intrigued by the zen-like vibe (who knew?) of the spa and decided to check it out:

Random settees, random water features... I love this place!

The muted colors of the spa mimicked the island's natural beauty... the turquoise sea and crimson sunsets:

The outdoor showers were open-faced to the sea:

There was an abundance of nature on this tiny spec of an island... loving pink sea fans:

I can't remember what these are... I'll have to ask Mr. Sangster:

There were about a half-dozen of these cabanas, flush to the ground and built of polished teak with red cushions that were the perfect contrast to all the island's blues and greens:

Each one seemed to have the same amazing view and proved the perfect place to relax pre or post massage:

Lying down and looking at the roof... admiring craftsmanship:

Mr. Sangster at the end of the island taking time to reflect on what was a perfect day: (Actually, he was likely really wishing he had his mask and snorkel.)

After spending the day on the island, we enjoyed dinner with friends at Ichiban Sushi in downtown Nassau: Mr. Gilbert Ward, his lovely wife Angela and Mr. Sangster, Me. Mr. Ward is the step-son of the Bahamas past Governor-General Gerald Cash. The Bahamas is a commonwealth of the UK and the Governor General answers to the Queen.

I love my handsome husband:

Bahamas Part 1 - Where We Laid Our Heads at Night

Sandals Royal Bahamian. I send many a faithful client on Sandals Vacations and have visited every property - except this one. So it was an easy choice. I like the resort chains new, updated look. I find the Chairman, Gordon "Butch" Stewart to be a charming and motaving leader in the Caribbean Travel Industry, and I love it that the new CEO is his son and in his 20's. All of it is inspiring.

The first thing I noticed was the abundance of my favorite flower, hibiscus:

Then I smiled upon the decidedly British touches of an authentic post drop:

And phone booth:

As any good vacationista would do, I made my way to the nearest bar. A sea-weathered swim-up bar stocked with all the top-shelf brands Sandals is known for.

It was a cloudy day... being September after all and Hurricane Kyle was looming out there somewhere. Yet still, the large pool, that from the right angle seemed to melt into the ocean, was alluring for many:

The clouds blew in and out and cozying up under this umbrella with my book was tempting:

But I had my eyes on grander sites, the offshore Private Island: (more on this later)

Back on the main (is)land and here is Mr. Sangster doing what he does best, ordering up our favorite cocktails: (Him - Appleton VX & Pepsi, Me - Vodka & Tonic - both of these only IF mojitos are not available.)

And yours truly - resting on this potted plant, not for a poised look but because my feet have grown unaccustomed to wearing heels in the 10 months since the birth of my son. I spend my days in flats chasing him all over the place. And the dress... a darling attempt at belting a maternity number:

Sandals Resorts New Honeymoon Policy Rocks!

Sandals Resorts is now offering honeymoon perks to every honeymoon couple that stays with them as long as they pre-register their stay on Sandals website at least 3 days prior to their arrival. The perks are fabulous:

Bottle of chilled sparkling wine
First night turn-down service, including fresh flower petals
One Special breakfast-in-bed

Need help deciding which Sandals Resort is best for your honeymoon? If a romantic suite is top on your list, the new Honeymoon Rondovals at Sandals Antigua include zero-entry private pool and outdoor shower in a lush garden setting:

If your honeymoon dreams include an endless stretch of white sand beach and calm, crystal clear water, then check out Sandals Whitehouse - the beach is 2 miles long and ALL rooms have ocean views:

If the look and feel of the guest room is tops, and your budget can't quite swing a higher-end category or suite, rest assured even the basic Deluxe Rooms at Sandals are lovely with muted earth tones and royal mahogany furnishings:

And if you're looking for something innovative, with access to a great pool and fabulous beach, then the new River Suites at Sandals Negril are it:

And last but not least, if view is most important, then the cliff side suites at Sandals Regency in St. Lucia are tops:

Adults Only Caribbean Resorts

Lately, the most frequent question I hear is "What resorts in the Caribbean are for Adults Only?" Below is my short list of faves and you can view more on my website! Picture is from one that always tops my list of recommendations, Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica.

ALL Couples Resorts in Jamaica
ALL Sandals Resorts, Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, St. Lucia
Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Galley Bay in Antigua
Dian Bay in Antigua
Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados
La Source in Grenada
Grand Lido in Negril, Jamaica
The Caves in Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Grand Lido Braco in Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Le Sport in St. Lucia
Rendezvous in St. Lucia
Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines

Check back for a list for Mexico's Playa del Carmen and Mayan Rivera!

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