SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN

I would like to share with you my experiences while visiting the ten resorts I visited while in St. Lucia.  The first I would like to share with you is Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort.  This exceptionally beautiful 5 Star Diamond property is perched on a peninsula kissed by the warm Caribbean waters on both sides and offers dramatic views of the sparkling bay, majestic mountains, and the shores of neighboring island Martinique- an unforgettably exotic location for your wedding, honeymoon, gathering, meeting, or incentive trip.

The breathtaking three story open-aired lobby is a fitting introduction to this tropical paradise, situated within walking distance of the historic and picturesque Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island nature reserve.  Guests will feel completely at ease in any of the 302 magnificently furnished and luxurious rooms and suites, all offering spacious verandahs revealing breathtaking oceanfront views- 24 of the rooms are unique lagoon pool suites that allow you to swim right up to your patio!  Check out the photo:

Relaxation is the only requirment at the 5 Star Diamond European spa, Red Lane Spa, which boasts a host of restorative and relaxing treatments to synchronize mind and body.  A world of indulgences, delivered with Sandals' signature friendly, personalized, and attentive service makes St. Lucia's newest luxury resort absolutely unforgettable.

Meetings will progress smoothly in over 20,000 square feet of purpose-built, fully equipped conference space, which includes the island's largest ballroom.

 

The culinary experiences are just as extraordinary, with 5 award-winning restaurants presenting discerning palates with a tempting blend of global flavors.  And full exchange privileges at neighboring Sandals Halycon Beach and Sandals St. Lucia Golf Resort and Spa give guests access to even more luxurious amenities and a total of 14 exceptional dining options from which to choose- all for one all-inclusive price that makes budgeting a breeze.

 

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort..... where the views will steal your soul and the staff will steal your heart!

ACCOMMODATIONS

*Rooms in a choice of categories including luxurious suites

*All rooms include: A/C, king size bed, hair dryer, in-room mini fridge, telephone, amenity kit, safe, clock radio, satellite TV, coffee maker, iron and ironing board

*All  suites include same inclusions as Concierge rooms plus sitting area, four poster bed, full bath, in room bar, robes and daily NY Times fax

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

*5 gourmet restaurants offering from Caribbean to Italian cuisine

*Beach grille for anytime snacks- which is phenomenal!

*Continental breakfast for all room categories

*24-hour room service on select suite categories

*Authentic English Pub

*Nightly entertainment

RECREATION FACILITIES/ HOTEL SERVICES

*Golf course at nearby Sandals St. Lucia

*Tennis courts

*Fitness center including aerobics classes

*Full-service European spa- priced separately from resort charges with 2 steam rooms

*Watersports including scuba (with resort, PADI, and NAUI certification available at the resort), waterskiing, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaks and paddle boats

*Indoor game rooms

*White sand beach

*Piano bar

*Lawn chess, table tennis, volleyball, shuffle board, croquet, snooker table, billiards

*5 freshwater pools with signature swim-up pool bar, 4 whirlpools, 2 saunas

*Business center

*Full exchange privileges at nearby Sandals St. Lucia and Sandals Halcyon Beach expanding dining options to 14 restaurants and choice of activities

*6 bars

*Weekly late night chocolate buffet, daily champagne breakfast, nightly turndown service for all rooms/suites and an a la carte service grill

*20 minutes to shopping in downtown Castries

*Sandals Grande St. Lucian has a "NO TIPPING" policy for all Team members

*For lasting and memorable photography and videography, visit Snapshots by Sandals- right at the resort!

*Special occasion options: private candlelight dinners, romantic room escapades, special occasion cakes, champagne, specialty wines, and lots more!

*Laundry and dry cleaning services are available

*Internet service- high speed internet access is available 24 hours at the business center located near the lobby, wireless access is available in the lobby, and dial up access is available in all rooms

PARTNERSHIPS

In an effort to offer ultimate guest satisfaction, Sandals Resorts has entered into a number of partnerships.

BERINGER VINEYARDS: Sandals and Beaches Resorts have become the first all-inclusive resort company to partner with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards, bringing wine country to the tropics.  Guests enjoy a selection of complimentary house wine bottled exclusively for Sandals and Beaches Resorts.  Additionally, great new wines from Beringer's portfolio partners (originating from other countries) are available through an enhanced Manager's wine list.

BEVERLY CLARK: Sandals' partnership with Beverly Clark allows WeddingMoon Couples the opportunity to create and capture their wedding memories from a selection of bridal accessories.

PRESTON BAILEY/ SYLVIA WEINSTOCK: Sandals Resorts has partnered with celebrity event planner, Preston Bailey, and celebrity cake designer Sylvia Weinstock, in the creation of unique wedding packages, available exclusively at Sandals Resorts.

THE GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH BUTLERS: Sandals and Beaches Resorts have partnered exclusively (in the Caribbean) with the Guild to provide training and constant evaluation of the butlers who are assigned to attend to the needs of the guests in the highest categories of accommodation at Sandals' Resorts.

  

B B TRAVEL & CRUISES: YOUR SANDALS SPECIALISTS

CALL STEVE OR SUE TODAY @

(781) 281-0619

LET'S BOOK THAT WEDDING OR HONEYMOON THAT WILL BE TALKED ABOUT FOR YEARS TO COME!

STAY AT ONE, PLAY AT THREE!

FOR A QUICK LINK TO THE SANDALS WEBSITE- CLICK ON THE BOX AT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN ON THE HOME PAGE OF B B TRAVEL & CRUISES

Share

|

Read more...

HAVE YOUR WEDDING IN ST. LUCIA

St. Lucia has won the Honeymoon Destination of the Year Award from the World Travel Awards nearly consecutively since 2002.  It proves to be the ideal low-key honeymoon and destination wedding site for couples from all walks of life.  Just this year, former Playboy playmate Kendra Wilkinson and hubby, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett, honeymooned in St. Lucia.  While my wife and I visited the island, two weddings were taking place the day after we left.  After talking with both wedding parties, we were able to get a good idea of what the requirements to get married in St. Lucia are.  You must reside in St. Lucia 3 (three) working days prior to the day of the ceremony.  Items that you'll need to have with you: passports (valid for a minimum of 6 months), birth certificate, two witnesses (stand ins can be arranged), deed poll certificate (if your nme has been changed), parental consent by way of affidavit if younger than 18, death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if you've been widowed), decree absolute (if you've been divorced), and all of the aforementioned documents must be originals or certified documents.  All of the legal documents should be faxed to the resort you are staying at in order to start the legal process.  Documents in a foreign language will require some form of authorized English translation.  The following fees were based on the prices from 2009- which are all in EC (Eastern Caribbean) dollars {one US dollar = $2.65 EC dollars}:  marriage license: $335.00 (seven days before marriage), special marriage license: $540.00 (less than seven days before marriage), registrar fee: $160.00, and the actual marriage certificate $8.00.  All of the resorts I have visited in St. Lucia do specials for wedding parties and provide them with numerous extras to make their occassion beyond memorable.  Call Steve or Sue from B B Travel for more details at (781) 281-0619.       

Share
|

Read more...

Our Flights- A Little Tip

My wife and I flew American Airlines to St. Lucia. Leaving from Boston during the off-season, we were going to have to connect in Miami. Arriving in Logan (Boston's Airport), we were directed by an agent to check in using the automated kiosk. I was unaware that this option was available to me for a couple of reasons: 1. We had luggage to check and 2. We were flying internationally. The friendly agent assisted us with getting the bags checked at the kiosk and at one point, the kiosk prompted us the option of upgrading our seats. I know that American Airlines and Delta have business class seats which they will sell upgrades to other passengers on that flight (I realize there may be other airlines that have business or first class seating options as well- and they probably do the same). So for $135.00 per seat more, we chose to upgrade our seats. I will admit, this decision was already made before we even made it to the airport. I told my wife what Delta does and we both wondered if American did it as well- no agent could give us a straight answer. My wife had never flown business class and she long desired for the opportunity. We paid for the upgrade and had a beautiful breakfast included in the first leg of our journey. Arriving in Miami, we tried the same thing. I was unable to find a kiosk so I went to a gate agent. The gate agent told us that we would have to pay the difference between what we paid and the actual cost of the business class seats- resulting in a $1400.00 difference. We both immediately said no and noticed that 7 business class seats went unused for the trip from Miami to St. Lucia. The return trip was going to be close to the same- there were 10 unused business class seats and even though I asked (and informed them that I am a travel agent), we were unable to change our seating. We arrived in Miami, went through customs and the such and then went to the gate agent again to check about the change in seating. This agent smugly told us the same that the last Miami agent told us- we were going to have to pay the difference. We both looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders and I said, "We tried." The wife and I continued over to the food court to grab a quick bite. And then it hit me- on the other side of the food court was a re booking counter consisting of 2 agents at computers and 4 kiosks. My wife asked me what I was up to and I responded, "No good!" I went to the kiosk and started to check in the way we had in Boston, using the passport to swipe through the machine and the system pulled up the itineraries. The computer now prompted us if we would like to upgrade our seats for $135.00 more. Needless to say, does a bear _hit in the woods? We paid the upgrade and headed towards the gate to board with our new tickets. The agent who had been quite smug with us was collecting the tickets for the priority access lane. Her jaw dropped as we walked through with the business class tickets and my wife says, "$270.00 not $2000.00!" We continued to have a great flight home with great dinners, drinks, and fresh baked cookies. My wife then turns to me and thanks me for being me- If I don't get the answer I am looking for, I persistently look elsewhere for the answer I seek. All I ask is that you learn from this:

1. If you get to the airport early, like we did, and there is a huge line waiting there, get in line to use the self service kiosks- even if you are flying internationally. You will save yourself the headache and be one of the first in line. The kiosk is set up to accept your passport- you will swipe it and it will pull up your itinerary. This line moves MUCH quicker!

2. If you have the opportunity to upgrade your service on the flight, do it without hesitation. There will be an additional charge, but it is well worth the charge for the extra spacious seats, unlimited beverages, and meal you will receive.

3. If you talk with a gate agent and they happen to NOT give you the answer you're looking for, go to the self service kiosk- it has more answers than the gate agent does!

Read more...

Arriving in St. Lucia- UVF Hewanora International Airport & Almond's Smuggler's Cove Resort

As I told you in the previous entry, my wife and I just got home from St. Lucia. I am going to share with you my travel experiences and some insider tips. Being the "rainy' season, of which it only rained for about 4 hours the entire time we were there, there are very few direct flights going in and out of St. Lucia. All international flights fly into Hewanorra International Airport on the southern part of the island known as Vieux Fort. I was excited as we were beginning to land because we flew over most of St. Lucia before the plane started to really make its approach. It was beautiful- the tropical paradise I had imagined it would be. Brightly colored homes and buildings and very little activity- for the majority of the action and resorts are on the northwestern side of the island. The plane finally comes to a stop and there we were- departing a 757 from the tarmac, something I had never done before in such a large aircraft. We took time to take some pictures and use the restrooms before we ventured into the terminal. What a mistake this turned out to be. Upon entry into the terminal, you are to go claim your luggage and then proceed to stand in line at St. Lucia's customs. If you tend to do this in not such a timely manner, you will be one of the last people to get through customs. We arrived in St. Lucia at 1405- 2:05 PM Atlantic Time and did not meet up with our driver until 3:50 PM. Now came the fun part- the journey north. We meet our driver, Hilary Moise, who operates numerous taxis for Hilary Moise Transportation Services. My wife and I could not have asked for a better ambassador to help answer all of our questions and to give us a tour along the way (I will give you his contact information at the end of this entry). We finally leave Hewanorra about 4 PM and start the trek northbound. Hilary pointed out to us that the road is not going to be this smooth the entire trip. During administration changes, apparently the road had never been completed being repaved. You see, a work crew started from Castries in the north and a work crew started from Vieux Fort in the south and they were supposed to meet up in the center. The administration change took place and the road repaving took a back burner- something we Americans know a lot about, but why digress. So there happens to be a gap in the paving about 10 miles- with the road being in such disrepair and winding, if you get any kind of motion sickness, take your dramamine BEFORE you leave the airport. The ride at the point where the pavement ends is fascinating. This is just about the entrance into the rain forest. Along the way, you will pass by the Olympic Stadium the Chinese Government built for the St. Lucians and Dennery, one of the busiest fishing villages on the island. St. Lucia gets almost half of its fish from the fishermen in Dennery. Then you enter the rain forest. Majestic towering palm trees, bamboo trees, and rows of banana trees line the road through paradise. Hilary points out to us that the blue bags over the bananas are placed there to protect them from both insects and weather. Now, I need to share with you my misconception. As I did my homework before we left for the trip, everyone is telling me that it will take me at least an hour and a half to go from the airport to the resort area. I laughed it off every time because I knew better because I am a professional driver, or so I thought: why is it going to take so long to drive an island that is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide? There is one major road in St. Lucia. It goes from Viuex Fort all the way past Smuggler's Cove in the northern section. Along the way, you go through the capital city of Castries and numerous other villages. Everyone uses this road. Everyday. So, you have an island that has 160,000 residents with at least one vehicle per resident- makes for a very busy major street especially once you get to Castries and into the northern section of the island. I then found out fairly quickly why it was going to take so long. And one of the largest factors, as you pass through Castries, if there is a cruise ship(s) docked in the harbor. The harbor holds up to 9 cruise ships and can make the one major street come to a complete standstill with thousands of cruise ship passengers trying to take day trips. But getting around the island is quite easy. You have two choices: taxis or bus. And it is really easy to tell them apart. Taxi license plates are blue and begin with the letters TX. Watch out for "pirate" taxi drivers who throw a taxi sign in the windshield and pick up passengers- of which the license plate does not have a TX nor is blue. The bus system is great as well. These "minivans" have set routes and go all over the island. Their license plates are green and begin with the letter M. My recommendation: If flying into UVF or Hewanorra International Airport, go out to the front of the airport and hire a taxi to take you to your resort, provided that your transfers are not included in the price of the resort. Do not be afraid to barter with them and specifically ask if they have an operational A/C which will be turned on. I found people to pay $100.00 to $155.00 one way to their resort from Hewanorra. You may say, "Steve, I did my homework- I'll just fly into the other airport on the island." George F.L. Charles airport is just outside of Castries BUT only smaller, inter-island flights land here due to the size of the runway. If you are connecting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you more than likely will be on one of the smaller planes flying into Castries. We finally make it to our resort, Almond's Smuggler's Cove Resort. The time: 5:45 PM. We check in and find that the sun is getting ready to set- and set quickly! The once renowned Club St. Lucia, renovated in 2007, Almond Smuggler's Cove is a beautiful village-style resort located on a secluded bay and 60 acres of lush, tropical gardens. Families, couples, and singles can enjoy the lavish grounds and unique setting while charting courses for adventure. All-inclusive and always inviting, Almond Smuggler's Cove features four tempting restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals can be casual and family friendly, or you can choose an adults only atmosphere and share a culinary masterpiece created just for two. There are eight bars on the property that welcome those with a taste for everything from beer and wine to frozen libations. Whatever is on your menu, bring your appetite for fun. When you are ready for an unforgettable journey, navigate the cove's waters on your very own kayak or pontoon sailboat. Then take a banana boat ride just to say you did. You can snorkel, ski, or simply watch the tide roll in. Seven tennis courts and a squash/ hand ball court is available. Five fresh water pools and a state of the art fitness center offer even more ways to play. The younger guests also get their chance to play at the Smuggler's Cove Kids' Club. This is a great way for children of all ages to take part in exciting, educational activities designed just for them. Playgrounds, kiddie pools and entertainment centers will keep them busy for hours on end. Do what you want, when you want- or do absolutely nothing at all! Almond's Smuggler's Cove Resort has everything you are looking for in a resort plus 18 hole golf nearby, sports bar, and conference facilities. My wife and I stayed in a beautiful 1 bedroom suite close to everything. The one level buildings host 6 individual suites or rooms- about 98% of the rooms being garden view. The grounds are kept immaculate for such a large property- 60 acres and 360 rooms. It is very quiet and peaceful at Almond's Smuggler's Cove Resort. Definitely a place to regroup and get away from it all.

Hilary Moise Transportation Services
P.O. Box Choc Bay 8123
Castries, St. Lucia, W. I.
cell: (758) 584-5222
home: (758) 452-8552
fax: (758) 458-4113
email: moisehilary@hotmail.com


Almond Resorts
877-202-9632
http://www.almondresorts.com/

Read more...

St. Lucia- Belle Helene: The Beautiful Helen of the West

Saint Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. Its size is 238 square miles (620 square km) with an estimated population of 160,000. Its capital is Castries. Saint Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, named for Saint Lucy of Syracuse- lucia having Latin roots meaning "light". It was first visited by Europeans in about the year 1500 and first colonized successfully by France who signed a treaty with the native Carib peoples in 1660. Great Britain took control of the island from 1663 to 1667 then went to war with France over it fourteen times, and finally took complete control in 1814. Because it switched so often between British and French control, Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies." Representative government came about in 1924 (with universal adult suffrage from 1953) and from 1958 to 1962 the island was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. Finally, on February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island nation celebrates this every year with a public holiday. It is also a member of La Francophonie. 21 % of the population of Saint Lucia live on less than $5.00 a day.

My wife and I just returned from 10 fun filled days in this Caribbean paradise to which I have been eagerly awaiting writing about our adventures and stories. I was also able to visit 10 resort properties on the island and I plan to do a write up on them as well. I have so much to say about this tiny island, rich in history and culture, I will do it in installments. I look forward to giving you my best interpretation and hope that someday you as well will be able to experience the St. Lucians as I have. Much respect.

Read more...

Another Great Article on Why To Use a Travel Agent

Vacation Planning - The Benefits of Working with a Travel Agency

By: Mevish Jaffer a writer for @list.com

Whether you want to plan a fun and exciting family vacation or a relaxed and romantic getaway for two, consulting with a qualified travel and tourist agency can prove to be extremely beneficial. Travel agencies essentially work as your travel guides so no matter where in the world you wish to go, they can help you get there. In fact, not only are travel agencies experienced in the top destination “hot spots,” but they can also take care of any important details related to all of your vacation planning needs.

Why You Should Utilize the Services of a Vacation Agency

In today’s modern era of technological advances and the rise of “dot-com” vacation planning sites, some people tend to question the need of working with a travel agency. Yet, many travelers still prefer to go through a travel or vacation agency as they provide them with security and peace of mind on their travels. For example, when you book online, you can’t exactly call anyone in the event you discover that the hotel room you reserved doesn’t exactly measure up to your standards or anyone else’s for that matter!

On the other hand, a travel agency can usually work to rectify any problems you may encounter during your vacation. Some of the specific reasons that compel most people to utilize the services of a travel agency include customized service, expert guidance and customer support. The bottom line is that the Internet is often unable to provide customers with the kind of personalized attention that a travel agency can.

Stress-Free Travel

Unfortunately, most people can only afford to go on vacation once a year, if that. So after working hard and dealing with life’s everyday challenges, it helps to be able to plan a stress-free vacation, where you can simply relax, unwind and enjoy your surroundings. However when your travel arrangements fall apart, the vacation of your dreams can turn into an absolute nightmare! This is yet another reason to use a travel agency for planning your vacation.
A travel agency can usually take care of all your accommodations. From booking airfares and hotel reservations, to arranging for transportation and destination tours, a travel agency can practically handle every detail of your trip. Additionally, if you’re on a tight budget, remember that travel agencies are almost always privy to exclusive information regarding many vacation packages, which can include great deals and discounts as well as special promotions on plane fares, tours, modes of transportation and a whole lot more!

Selecting a Travel Agency

When it comes to choosing a travel agency, one of the most effective methods is simply asking around. In most cases, friends, family and coworkers can provide you with referrals you can check out for yourself. You can also select a qualified travel agency through the various clubs and organizations you may be a member of. Many of them are known to offer travel services exclusively for their members. Companies also tend to have well established relationships with travel agencies, which their employees can often use for vacation planning purposes.
Remember that a reputable travel agency will generally ask you a few pertinent questions about your travel plans, such as where you’re going and why, how long you plan to stay at your destination, how you would prefer to travel and what your budget is. Most travel agencies can provide you with a sample itinerary and estimated costs for your entire vacation, including accommodations, transportation etc.
So whether you want to take a fun-filled vacation with your family and friends or escape to an exotic getaway with your significant other, a travel agency can help you get there without having to worry and stress about every little detail!

Read more...

Are You Coming to the Northeast?

Do you have a group that's looking to come to New England and the Northeast? No matter what time of year, let Steve and Carole at B B Travel & Cruises put together a trip of a lifetime. With over 45 years in the travel industry combined, let our connections and experience take the weight off of your shoulders. Steve still drives for a phenomenal motorcoach company part time and has access to gorgeous 45' Prevost H3-45 newer model buses at a moments notice. Are you looking to come to New England for a fall foliage tour, Tour of great Eastern Cities- Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Tours of Eastern Canada- Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Cherry Blossoms in D.C., A Historic and Educational Tour of Boston, Lexington, Concord, or just a day trip to Western Massachusetts- beautiful Route 2, a visit to the Yankee Candle Factory and Headquarters, the Berkshires and numerous places for a great meal- we are the people to turn to. We cater to all groups- all sizes- no job too big or small. Let us show you the hidden gems in our own back yard. E-mail me at swbbtravel@comcast.net - let me know what your dates of travel and points of interest are and we'll get you there!

Read more...

End of Summer Sale- Escape to Barbados with up to 50% off!

Getaway to Barbados

Suites now up to 50% off, enjoy candlelit dinners, walks on the beach at sunset, yoga at sunrise or simply relax under a palm tree. Almond Resorts is all For You. About You.

Almond Beach Club All-Inclusive 3-night stay in a One Bedroom Suite from $619*(USD) per person(Above price is a land package only) Book: Now - August 31, 2009 Travel: Now - December 20, 2009

Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados with its new look and newly designed rooms & suites makes it a great choice for an adult-only all-inclusive vacation!

Almond Resorts All-inclusive Package:

-Naturally beautiful tropical accommodations
-Romantic dining in gourmet Italian restaurant at Almond Beach Village followed by a cognac in the piano bar at Almond Beach Club
-Enjoy all meals including gourmet, a la carte or room service for those quiet evenings
-Get a work out together at the all new Fitness Center
-Learn to water-ski, play tennis, golf or simply relax poolside
-Go snorkeling in the Caribbean turquoise waters
-Sip a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the horizon

For more information and reservations, contact your preferred Travel Professional at B B Travel (781) 281-0619 or Almond Vacations at 800-261-8634 www.almondresorts.com


*All bookings must be reported by August 31, 2009 in order for this offer to apply. Save up to 50% off. Special savings vary by property. Rate is based on a One Bedroom Suite pool view at Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados and is a land package only. Actual rates may vary based on the date of travel. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. Additional room categories are available at a surcharge. All bookings must be noted as SUMOFF2009 in order for this offer to apply. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Offer applies to new bookings only. Offer valid on US contract rates only.

Read more...