JenniferSS

Quote: Originally Posted by capt2bspv Thank you so much. I was Sandals all the way until I have done so much research, and now have realized I need to only do my honeymoon here, b/c I have children coming to my wedding, and singles (not allowed at Sandals). So honeymoon at sandals it is. thanks for all your help. Glad to help out! Just an FYI though- singles are allowed at Sandals! Children can attend the wedding but the reception has to be indoors or the children have to leave right after the cerempony and a coupel of pics! I look forward to assisting with your honeymoon!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tina5978 I'm happy you made the right decision for you and your FI. I just did the same thing this week. I was booked at Beaches Negril and although I loved all they included the fact that I could not customize the wedding to my likes and desires completely discouraged me, especially not being able to have the photographer I desired. So we've decided to get married at Iberostar Suites (since I have children) in Montego Bay. The reviews, TA and forums on here have all solidified my decision. I'm so excited. Not trying to chnage your mind but just so that you know- you can have your own photographer at a Beaches or Sandals resorts- they just need to stay at the resort for the 3 nights!

Your welcome- sorry I didn't have additional details but when I do I'll let you know!

An Internet hotel booking company in Tampa has filed for bankruptcy protection to stop room suppliers from canceling customer reservations. Irish-owned 1800Hotels has a dispute over debts it owes to several companies for hotel rooms it resells to travelers online. On Sunday, 1800Hotels learned that two suppliers, Gullivers Travel Associates and Tourico Holidays, had canceled as many as 3,600 reservations. On Wednesday, Bankruptcy Court Judge Caryl Delano agreed to a temporary restraining order prohibiting suppliers from canceling reservations after the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing Monday, said Steven Berman, who represents 1800Hotels and parent Happy Duck Limited in Dublin. Dubliner Graham Peakin founded 1800Hotels in 2003 to sell discount hotel rooms to Irish travelers. The company expanded to Tampa in 2008 with the website 1800Hotels.com for the U.S. market. The two sites employ about 65 in Dublin and an office on N MacDill Avenue, Berman said. Florida corporate records identify Peakin as managing director with a South Tampa address. On Thursday, a message on 1800Hotels.com notified customers of the filing and had no booking service. The Irish website said the company had been forced by two suppliers into bankruptcy. It advised customers with reservations to contact their hotel directly. The U.S. and Irish operations owe suppliers between $8 million and $9 million, said Berman. Gullivers Travel, the major supplier, had given 1800Hotels extra time to pay for rooms bought by its customers, then suddenly insisted on the faster payments spelled out in their contract, he said. The websites generate about $7.7 million in monthly sales and were valued recently at $25 million, Berman said.

I just had clients come back from their wedding / honeymoon at Sandals Antigua- they absolutely LOVED it! Which side depends on what appeals to you the most as the two sides are quite different- one is the original section of the resort- very lush, Caribbean feel, tends to be quiet and tranquil and some of the suites are fairly close to the water ! The Med side is very modern, sits back from the ocean (there is a huge pool between the suites and the ocean) and can be a little more active! Feel free to contact me if you need additional help!

The TA's on facebook are just regular TA's- no different than any other Certified Sandals Specialist nor do they have any special insider knowledge that any other Ta wouldn't have access to. The staus level of Gold, Silver, or Platinum Sandals agent just reflects how many bookings they have had over the course of the last 15 years or so. Personally I am a Platinum agent but it is more of a designation within Sandals so I do not use it to advertise my services. Basically ANY TA can get on the Sandals Facebook page and answer questions-I haven't as I am busy enough here. It is likely that they missed the announcement or haven't attended their yearly training yet to get the news~! At any rate Sandals announced that they are spending a boat load of money doing upgrades and rennovations at Beaches Sandy Bay and at Boscabel- they haven't elaborated any more than that at this time. They have not announced exactly what the rennovations and upgrades will be, if it will include major or minor rennovations- in the rooms, public spaces or it could even be something behind the scenes such as kitchen rennovations or adjustments to comply with theiroing green initiative- nor have they provided a timeline. All they have said is that they have delegated lots and lots of moolah for both sandy Bay and also lots & lots of moolah to boscabel! Yes, as with all resorts, there are soft good refurbishments continually but with the $$ amounts that are being discussed my guess would be that it would also include some larger projects- again I am not sure what the projects may be as of yet! What I personally would like to see at sandy bay - new bathrooms in the rooms with jetted tubs, family suites like at Beaches Turks & Caicos(!), a brand new childrens facility...... just to start . Just to ease your mind though I can share that typically when they do any major work they adjust it so that guests are not inconvienanced or they upgrade them to the sister property- ie Beaches Sandy Bay could be upgraded to Beaches Negril, or if they are an adult couple, possibly Sandals Negril. I would advise for your TA to keep tabs on the situation and be sure that all of the guests are noted as your wedding guests. Sandy bay is set into room blocks and my assumption is if they are doing anything large scale they would close out certain blocks to work on just as they did when they worked on Sandals Halcyon in St. Lucia last year. They also blocked everything off so that it did not look like a construction zone! Boscabel is a large enough and a tiered property that rennovations in one section would also be easy enough to do. Please keep in mind that this is my assumption IF they plan on doing major work- which I really really hope that they do !

Quote: Originally Posted by *Meagan* They give you a room key for your room and then a Beaches "credit card" for onsite purchases. Two separate things! No wristbands. I stand corrected and I apologize-not sure where my head was at with that one! With everything included I've just left it in my safe as I've only used it once in all the times I've been to the resorts over the years-for batteries! The item you use for onsite purchases is small like a credit card with light lamination ( so that it doesn't get wrecked if it gets wet!) and paper thin. When you check in you present your "real" credit card and Sandals/ Beaches places a hold on it - usually 400.00. They then issue their "card" for your use on the property! A nice system as it proptects your card- not as many people having access to your numbers and you don't have to carry cash around with you!

Quote: Originally Posted by kimberly333 Hi Jenifer, When are the renovations expected to be done at Sandy Bay? They didn't give us a timeline- I'm sure I'll hear more over the next few months! I know that typically rennovations are done in the fall during the slower months but it apperas that this may be a really large project soooooo it's hard to say whenther they will be taking out entire room blocks at a time or just doing a floor at a time!

Hi Kimberly, There are alot of differences between all of the properties that you mentioned regarding rooms, food, beach & service! It would be impossible due to the amount of time it would take to do a full comparision and exploring the differences and why Beaches is priced where it is ! But to provide a quick over view - the price differences reflect both quality of the food & beverages, included amenities and convienance - such as not having to make reservations for dinner at an a la carte restaurant each morning or having to tip at each bar & restaurant! Also there is a huge difference in staff to guest ratio and the "elbow" space per guest at each of those resorts. The Riu's, Bahia and Iberostar are newer resorts and really are beautiful but to get the price point where they are at there are certain convienaces and quality that you give up as compared to a Beaches property. It really comes down to what matters most to each bride and their guests!

Quote: Originally Posted by Michelle-2 We were told by the TA (and by a Beaches customer service rep) that we needed to book a Concierge level room for at least 6 nights to get the BB wedding free and to also waive the $700 Gov't fees as well. Michelle- this is just not true at a Beaches resort- all you need to book is the Premium room or higher to get the fees waived! At Sandals it is a concierge room or higher! So we booked the Govener's 1 Bedroom Honeymoon Suite (one night free with this catagory) for $6954. You WILL love this suite though- having the extra room to get ready in plus the stocked mini bar and robes will REALLY make a difference in your overall wedding & honeymoon experience! My parents are booked in the lowest catagory room for $4,800 for the week. When people hear this, they tell me I could take a two week cruise to Europe for less than that! But the extra expenses that a cruise has- beverages, gratuities, excursions, watersports, taxi's ect- that two weeks cruise price will triple! I know April is Spring Break and the prices are slightly higher, but this is when my daughter has a track out break from school. I seriously considered taking her out of school and moving the reservation to May when the prices are lower, but I was told by the Beaches Cust Service Rep, that the $700 Gov't fees are NOT covered for weddings held in May, Sept or Oct. no matter what catagory you book. Again - totally not true! There is now a special ( think it started in July) that in those months it doesn't matter what room category you book- the goverment fees are covered. So you can book the lowest room category and have Beaches pick up that 700.00! So again, that drives the price right back up again. Besides venting, I just want to know that I am not going to be disappointed with Beaches T&C after spending this amount of money. I know a few of you have shared your amazing wedding stories and you seemed to be very happy with your choice. Would you do it all over again, and spend the extra money to have it here? All of my Beaches Turks & caicos brides have come back gushing about how great everything was!! I truly believe that you will be thrilled!

The key card is also what they use to make purchases, makes it easy as they don't have to juggle a bunch of items! For day pass guests for any purchases they will need to either placea cash deposit with teh front desk or use a credit card-the credit card is easier and faster! Sandals & Beaches are wristband free! Once you are on property you have full access to all bars & restaurants!

Sandals is estimating that the OTW bugalows won't be ready for at least a year and a half to two years so unfortunately it won't work for next May . Islandbride- The two resorts are like night & day! Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is far more active and vibrant and attracts peopel of all ages. It tends to be a bit more casual. Sandals Royal Caribbean tends to be much quieter, catering to couples that are more to themselves and older. It's not stuffy but definately more reserved.

Quote: Originally Posted by islandbride317 First of all, TAJennifer.... I would like to offer you a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on making it through your speech in front of all the Sandals bigwigs....I can only imagine how nerve-racking it must have been, and you should be so very proud of yourself for digging deep and pulling through beautifully! (And I've had to do a little public speaking myself, so I know that crazy-shaky feeling all too well; you just prayed no one noticed, right? I just hold the glass with both hands, drink from it like a toddler, and hope not to spill any on myself!) Hee hee- I did try that and I was shaking so bad that it didn't work!! And I am really VERY excited to hear about the over-water improvements to the St. Lucia property -- how cool! I just watched "Couples Retreat" (filmed at the St. Regis in Bora Bora) and those types of suite looked absolutely out of this world, but you're right, the cost I can imagine would be too extreme for "real people" to afford.....so glad to hear that my new husband and I might have a future dream anniversary destination that is within reach! I loved that movie - aren't they just amazing! As always, EXCELLENT work and thanks for all that you do! Thank you

Glad to help! The OTW bungalows are scheduled for Sandals Grande St. Lucian! Sandals is also in talks about having them at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica! Those, if approved, will still several years out!

Ok and now- the OTHER BIG NEWS! Sandals / Beaches are going to build a brand new Beaches, similiar in layout to the Italian Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos right next to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica! This is still about a year and half out or so before they break ground but will be amazing and offer so much to that area! PLUS they are adding a golf course for the guests of the resort !

At any rate- the updates ! Lots and lots of rennovations going on! Beaches Sandy Bay and Beaches Boscabel are having millions sunk into them in the form of rennovations! This will be fantastic for destination weddings! look for butlers in the near future! Sandals Grande Ocho Rios- Big, big plans in the works for rennovations, updates and upgrades! This will no longer be a lead in resort for Sandals! Sandals Dunns river Villagio- still not being renewed. Rumors are that the septic system needed major work and the owners were not willing to do the needed repairs and upgrades-such a shame. Now for the BIG NEWS!! They are breaking ground for amazing Over the Water bungalows in St. Lucia! there will be ( if I remember correctly) 24 and 4-6 of those will be on the very end and have private pools and hot tubs! All of the suites will offer fish viewing windows in the living rooms just like in Tahiti! I am sooo very excited about this as sooo many of my honeymooners want that experience in Tahiti but the cost of the airfare, exchange rate, flight times and that they are not all inclusive mean that many don't go! These offer the best of both worlds and with St. Lucia being referred to as the Hawaii of the Caribbean it'll be just breathtaking!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks with lots of Sandals trainings and events going on! I had my yearly 4 hour classroom training 3 weeks ago, then the next week off to Chicago for the Sandals dinner with Adam Stewart CEO of Sandals and the chairman Butch Stewart! I was called up on stage to speak- I don't know how many of you were around last year but that was my first time speaking to an audience and I was petrified! Well this was ,my second time and yup- I am still pretrified! I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I had something prepared but it was a, "BTW your next" and off you go! My husband said I did well, just was really quiet. Honestly I don't remember but two words of what I said! The funny thing is my throat was soooo parched and when I sat down and reached for my glass of water my hands were shaking so bad that I couldn't take a drink! I survived though and I am really proud of myself that I did it! Then last week we were invited onboard the "Lady Sandals" yacht for dinner and more training! She's a beautiful ship- it's nice to see how the other half live! Check out Sand and Sun Vacations facebook page for pics! A little history on the yacht- Mr Stewart sold it to Nicolas Cage, who then made some modifications and enjoyed till he had some financial issues -he then sold it back to Mr. Stewart! I suppose it's as close to the rich & famous as I'll ever get LOL!

Quote: Originally Posted by MissSimone Thanks for the review. RP might be one of my choices. Love to help you out if you do decide on RP!

Just a bump for newbies!

Quote: Originally Posted by mdb Tell them to look on Cheap Caribbean for cheaper prices. Funny you should say that- We priced out a wedding today at Excellence Playa mujures and found that Cheal cariibean was at 4209.87 for a couple for a week- our supplier 3538.00. That's quite a big difference! We also found that: Expedia was 3710 Travelocity was 3710 Could go on & on but you get teh idea!

Hi Lauren! Welcome to the forum! I just had a couple get married at Sandals Antigua the 2nd week of June- they & their family loved it! This is what they sent the day after they returned! Jennifer, Our wedding and honeymoon were beyond unbelievable!!! Sandals exceeded all of my already high expections, I could not have asked for a more perfect vacation. Thank you so much for all your help in making it happen. Everything from the flights to check in and check out went super smoothly!! Thanks again, you're awesome M & J

Welcome to the forum Ginger! The cost will depend on what island you will be getting married at (those are the goverment fees and vary according to island). You will also need to put a $200 deposit on the wedding. Of course if you want to upgrade anything such as the wedding, reception ect that all comes with an additional cost. With the basic Beautiful Beginnings you get the bride & groom plus two guests additional guests will be for the Standard Cocktail Reception for $15 per person* This is what you get with the standard cocktail reception- Cocktail Area for 30 Minutes Bride and Groom and 2 guests are free (included in WeddingMoon package) Theme Wedding Cake Champagne Toast A Selection of Chef inspired Cold Hors D’oeuvres *This fee applies to all Sandals & Beaches guests and is in addition to any day passes.

I also wanted to add that we have a limited number of sponsorships for the contest

That's a shame that your TA can't answer your questions- it just makes it really stressful on the both of you- TA & bride! I'll help out a bit as I have a few minutes! 1. You pick your location at the resort - don't worry. BTC is quite large and they only do 1 wedding an hour so you'll have your choice of teh entire property ( please keep in mind that they will not shut down any public spaces such as a restaurant that is scheduled to be open just for your wedding/rehearsal/reception) 2. There are several decks out by the water that would be able to accommodate your group! You could also usr the roman gazebo looking thing out by the French Village pool- that would be very private and pretty! 3. There is a fairly set menu for the reception- although they may be able to work with you on some of the items. Just let Monica know that you would like to see the menus. You can book & pay for this at any time- preferably being all set & paid at least 45 days prior so they have time to order everything in! If they are just small favors & menus you can have someone place them on the tables for you after they are set up & there will be no fee. (That is as long as it isn't something messy that they have to clean up after! ) 4. The rehearsal isn't a traditional run through if teh wedding- however th night before many brides chose to have everyone get together and have dinner together. If you have a group or group code and meet the minimum # of rooms you get the rehearsal dinner for free for those booked under the code or group. HTH!

Bumping again for the newbies!