JenniferSS

Another unique place closer to Playa is Paraiso De La Bonita. Very boutique and has only 90 suites. It is such a beautiful resort and the suites are georgeous! It is adults only - so if you have kids coming it probably wouldn't work unless you have enough guests to take over the property! TA Jennifer

I sent you a PM! Each resort has a different vibe- let me know what you envision and I can suggest which resort would fit the best. May is one of the rainiest months on the island. The beginning of December has fantastic weather and typically is lower in price. TA Jennifer

Sandals does allow same sex couples couples. It used to not allow it but changed the policy a couple of years ago. Jamaica is not terribly gay friendly. In tourist areas people should be fine as long as they are not overly amourous as that is frowned upon. There are a few resorts that have gay groups go to Jamaica regularly such as Hedonism. The violence is primarily directed at gay Jamaicans. For such a beautiful island it's a really horrible thing. Acutually, many Caribbean islands are not gay friendly to varying degrees- I remember hearing about a cruise ship that was chartered by a gay group that was turned away in Grand Cayman a few years ago. Hope that helps! TA Jennifer

Welcome to the forum! If you'd like a TA's assistance feel free to Pm me! I work with Sandals a lot and also the caribbean side of Mexico! In Jamaica Sandals Dunnes River Viallagio has a golf course close by and the greens fees are part of your all inclusive! In St Lucia at Sandals Regency the golf course is right on property! TA Jennifer

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome and congratulations! You will love the forum and quickly become addicted! Keep checking back as I think we are going to give Riu Ocho Rios it's own heading and sub topics to make it easier to search! TA Jennifer

Welcome! My vote is for Dreams Cancun! It's amazing!

Hello Amanda Gracie- I understand your frustration and I would havbe gladly provided some points if you needed them but you never responded back to me. You had pm'ed me asking for photo's of Sandals gazebos and I pm'ed back that I would have to email it to you as it's an adobe attachment and too large to place on the website or provide via pm'ing. I also asked if you needed assistance choosing between resorts and locations. But I never received a response......

I would have to agree about Windjammerbeing the better choice- Almond is building additional suites and there is concern that the beach area will not be large enough to accomodate all of the guests once the suites are finished.

Cotton Bay Village may meet the mark once it gets all of it's growing pains out, they are luxury villas ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms(some with private plunge pools and butlers- and the price tag to boot!) but for the time being I would say that Windjammer is your best bet on St. Lucia for a good family AI! If you need any help with any of the accomodations in St. Lucia feel free to PM me! It is one of my favorite islands- just stunning! TA Jennifer

When travel arrangements go bad Written by John Frenaye Every year, I hear more horror stories of travel arrangements gone bad. Look at any of the online blogs and you will see what I mean. Our own favorite travel ombudsman, Christopher Elliott, is busier than ever, and my colleague Anita Dunham-Potter recently told a travel horror story about a group of 73 would-be cruise vacationers who were left stranded when their so-called “travel agent†abandoned ship. Bad travel arrangements don’t have to happen to you. Just keep these four pointers in mind as you plan your next trip. The Internet is not God Savvy travelers know that the Internet is nothing more than a huge brochure for travel. Before they rely on any online information, they make sure they can trust the source. Do you expect your local restaurant to divulge that cockroaches routinely scurry across the floor or that mice are snuggled up in the cutlery drawer? No? So why would you expect such information to be disclosed on a travel supplier’s Web site? So-called “third-party†or “consumer-reviewed†sites are not necessarily any more reliable. Trip Advisor is one of the largest travel Web sites on the Internet, but unfortunately a lot of its content is now suspect. Why? Because savvy hotels have started hiring people to post positive reviews. Just look at Craigslist.org and see how many “pay for review†jobs are out there. Lesson? Take what you find on the Internet and double-check it with several different sites, a travel agent or perhaps a neighbor or friend who has been to the part of the world that interests you. If it all jives, you are probably good to go; if not, move on. Yes, diligence is time-consuming, but negligence is more so – as you will learn when you try to fix your ill-considered trip. Your travel agent may be untrained Lately I have seen an unprecedented increase in what I call “travel-agent-in-a-box†programs. For a $500 fee, these programs offer mostly-useless credentials, promises of perks that seldom materialize, and travel discounts that rarely offset the expenses. But the real issue is that they are infesting the travel industry with untrained, unmentored and unsupervised “agents†all trying to sell you travel — or, in worst cases, the opportunity to join them in their dubious enterprise. Those 73 cruisers would not have been left high and dry had their group leader, Jerry Wilkinson, been dealing with a professional. Travel suppliers are slowly taking notice of these quickie-agent operations, and are refusing to do business with them. Both Royal Caribbean and IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, have terminated relationships with several such companies, including YTB, Your Travel Biz. If you are interested in reading up on these scams, I covered them in a prior column, or you can read the informative, adversarial – and controversial — blog called MLMs and Travel: A Bad Mix, which discloses all the downsides. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Ask your prospective agent these questions: * How long have you been selling travel? * Are you bonded? * Do you have errors and omissions insurance? * Can you connect me to some clients who have traveled with your company in the past? * Are you a member of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents? And then verify the answers. You would not trust your legal needs, accounting needs or financial-planning needs to an amateur. Why risk it with your travel arrangements? Price is not the most important thing Sure, price matters. In today’s economy we are all watching our pennies. But remember that when you purchase travel, you are purchasing an experience — not a product. You are looking to lie on the beach with the soft Aruban breezes flowing over you while a waiter refills your piña colada and adjusts your umbrella. You are not looking to just sit on a pile of sand. See the difference? So, when comparing prices (and I recommend that you do compare prices), make sure it is apples to apples. All too often a client will insist that someone else offered the same experience at a much cheaper price. Usually that is not so. A $299 weekend in the Bahamas including airfare from Baltimore is a bargain, alright — until the bedbugs take over and you find yourself saddled with a $1,200 Bahamian hospital bill. When you see a price that seems too good to be true, be skeptical. I’ll bet there’s a reason it is so low. Common sense will serve you well Having a great vacation experience is not rocket science. Unfortunately, some people get so wrapped up in the planning that they let their guard down. Jerry Wilkinson let his guard down and it cost his group $21,000. Had he been skeptical of the price, used some common sense, and dealt with a professional agent, he could have avoided the whole mess. Sure, I’m biased. I’m a professional travel agent myself, and I generally recommend booking with a qualified agent for all but the simplest travel plans. That way you are guaranteed that someone is looking out for your best interests. But if you have an easy trip in mind and you are comfortable going it alone, go ahead and book your travel online. Just make sure there is someone to personally contact if a problem surfaces. If you do book online, book direct with the airline or hotel (my first choice) or with one of the established online agencies like Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com or Expedia.com. Don’t get suckered in to any travel deal. There are too many agency scams operating today, and it can be hard to tell the good from the bad. Look before you leap. published on February 29, 2008

I was going to post that 80 guests will be a large number for Coyaba! You could always look at it like you have the whole resort for just your wedding ! Perhaps you could negotiaite an agreement that if the resort did fill to max. occupancy with your guests Coyaba would waive the day pass fees for people to come in for the wedding activities. Ta Jennifer

You'll enjoy Coyoba- there was such a great relaxed vibe there! Good luck with getting everything left done and let us kow if we can be any help! Ta Jennifer

How about a cabin in the Smoky mountains of Tennesee- there are some great cabins with jacuzzi's on the deck over looking the mountains. The bacins can be as simple or lush as they'd like and the mountains are just amazing! You can go hiking, have a picnic by a waterfall, horseback riding and a slew of other activities!

It's hard as we don't have any details to go on but here's a few other suggestions- Saratoga Springs, New York- Saratoga is a neat little town (Rachel Ray is from there!) and really livens up during August as it's horse race season. Can fly into ALB, drive up the Northway ( about 35 minutes). I'd stay outside of Saratoga Springs though as to stay in the twon will be expensive. If he's a history buff there are alot of Battlefiels and Ft. Ticonderoga is a day trip along Lake George. This is located in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Traverse City, Michigan- can be affordable and take a day trip to Mackenaw island. Beautiful lake frontage, lots of little towns along the coast to explore and also several vinyards.

While not necessarily cheap Mackinaw Island in Michigan is really nice, relaxed and beautiful! Mackinac (Mackinaw) Island Tourist Information - accommodations, rates, events

More bad news girls (and guys!) US Airways announced that it will begin charging $25 for a second checked bag for travel purchased on or after Feb. 26, for travel commencing on or after May 5. The new policy will apply to all flights within the US, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Passengers may continue to check one bag free of charge. In addition, the airline will waive the fee for its most frequent customers: all Dividend Miles Preferred members; confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check in; Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members as well as active military personnel (in uniform with ID), unaccompanied minors and those checking assistive devices. The policy is similar to a move made recently by United Airlines.

Beaches will roll out a “WonderFALL†promotion in September and October at its family-friendly resorts, including new Sesame Street shows and discounts. Beaches will add a 180-suite Italian Village unit at its Turks & Caicos property, a new 21-and-under club at the Negril property, and an expanded water park at its Boscobel resort. TA Jennifer

It's insane what the airlines are allowed to get away with! There was one client that I kept getting changes for- about 3 a day for two weeks- each change was only about a minute to 15 minutes- back & forth, back in forth! Talk about driving you nuts- I had to check each change to be sure we didn't have a disconnect......oh vey, the things our clients don't know that we deal with behind the scenes! TA Jennifer

Happens- a lot-all airlines! I just had to rebook clients because Air Jamaica stopped all flights to St. Lucia. The airline's will provide a full refund-sometimes with a nudge, but basically tell customers- oh well! TA Jennifer

Hey Lila - I'll send you a Pm but any questions you have regarding Sandals feel free to ask! We are also doing a Sandals BDW Bridal Faire in October- may be a good opportunity to get down there and do a site visit! Unfortunately, Sandals doesn't have a message board like Couples ( keep in mind the Couples board is great for info but HEAVILY moderate!) At least on BDW forum we can answer all of your Sandals/ Couples questions and tell it like it is!! The two resorts in Ocho Rios are quite different- SGOR is more lively but I recommend staying the the ocean side of the resort as the rooms are waaay nicer, the manor side really needs updating (although Sandals is going through all of the properties and doing refurbishment- may be complete by 2009!) Dunns River is more upscale and has a nicer beach. Rooms here are all quite nice. This resort is a touch more laid back! Thanks for the shout out Jamaica Bride! Ta Jennifer

I hope no one minds me jumping in here ! Each Sandals & Beaches properties are slightly different from each other and there are differences from Riu Ocho Rios to keep the thread from getting too long I'll focus on the family properties Beaches Boscabel & ROR! Riu is a larger (846 rooms), new, moderate resort- family oriented with a children's program that provides activities for kids 4-12 years old. There is a party vibe here, great beach and the rooms are fairly spacious. Prices fairly good. In room mini bar & liquor dispenser. Includes sailing, windsurfing, kayaking & snorkeling for non motorized wattersports. Quirks- need to wear a wristband, keep towel cards, make reservations for dinner that night early in the morning ( may not get the restauraunt you want). Food is good but not gourmet (you won't go hungry though!). King beds are actually two beds pushed together. pretty sure they water down the alcohol. Beaches- Boscabel. Mid sized property (223 rooms). This property will cost more but overall it delivers a lot more also! Property has a family vibe but delivers a really good time for the twenty-something crowd. Childrens programs are broken up into age appropriate with certified nannies-Camp Sesame ages 2-5; Pirates & Mermaids 6-7; Survivors 8-12; the Teen Scene 13+ ( this group is the hardest to keep happy and Beaches has organized activites like karaoke, beach xtreme games, bonfire parties, teen only clubs, theme parties ect)There are also the Sesame St. characters, XBOX game oasis, waterpark and kids Golf clinics. These activirties are not limited to just the kids-ok well maybe the baking cookies with Zoey but you get my drift! The food quality ranges from snacks to adult only gourmet dining. Food quality ranges from pretty good to incredible. No reservations needed except for the adult fine dining. Pretty sure they do not waterdown the alcohol ( not that I know from any personal experience that I am willing to admit LOL!) Have rooms that can accomodate up to 5 people. As far as water sports there is scuba diving ( not just a class - if you are PADI certified your dives are included), snorkeling, sailing, glass bottom boats, hobie cats, kayaking, windsurfing, Aquatrikes. Outside of watersports there is golf ( caddies are mandatory in Jamaica and cost extra). No towel cards. All gratuities are already added in ( this can really add up at Riu!). Quirks- older property, only upper category rooms have minibar. The beach here is smaller than the Riu but perfect for the size of this property. The rooms are older and may need some sprucing up ( although Beaches & Sandals is undergoing an overhaul to all of the properties.) A few factors to consider- If your guest are price sensitive (just graduating or recently got married, whatever..) or are only going for a couple of days then all of the extras that are included at Beaches will go to waste and I'd recommend the Riu. BUT if they are going longer, you want to have a late night reception (and need sitters for the kids) or have kids that are usually high maintanence and need to be entertained (or some of the grown ups for that matter hee hee!) I'd recommend Beaches! Hope that helped some! TA Jennifer

I would also like to caution to keep meticulous copies of all payments if you booked directly with Couples. They have a fantastic resort, beautiful location and the onsite staff is fantastic but....their internal accounting leaves a bit to be desired and I will only book them through certain tour operators so that I know my clients will not encounter any accounting headaches. I booked directly once as they had pricing available earlier than my suppliers and my couple was anxious (yes, it was a DW!). The sister & her husband was going and they charge her debit card- 2X as much! When I called in to get it fixed they charged again-2X as much. caused all sorts of havoc with the accounts, they didn't want to take responsibility and wouldn't even offer an apology. I was flipping-the couple were even more so as there was over $400 in overdraft fees> After hours and hours on the phone all the way up the chain of command I got it fixed, plus the fees and a letter of apology and a $100 spa credit for both her & her sister I hate to hear that the other WC is gone- she was fantastic and really took care of her brides! As I said- I love the resort and wouldn't hesitate booking a bride there (i've booked many weddings/vow renewals with Couples) but I just know to use a supplier as opposed to going direct! Good Luck and I really hope it all works out! TA Jennifer

One other item about AI vs non AI. It seems like almost every family has a set of relatives or friends that are better off than the rest and then there are also the show off's who like to throw the money around. An AI levels the playing field, everyone receives the same package of activities, food & beverages. It makes everyone feel more comfortable and thus have a better, relaxed time! TA Jennifer

Hey all! Sandals offers a 20% discount to active military personel! This can be used with current promotions! I thought this was a fantastic savings! If you are interested in further details send me a PM! TA Jennifer