It isn’t easy to blow a travel agent’s mind but Sandals and Beaches has done just that to our Flightie, Nicole Haslam. Join Nicole as she takes us for a stroll through the chain’s luxurious Caribbean collection of properties that first wowed then stole her heart.
Soon after I sold my first Sandals/Beaches vacation, I realized that I needed to see them for myself. I was eventually lucky enough to experience Beaches Negril, Sandals Negril and Sandals South Coast (formerly Sandals Whitehouse). Unable to get enough, I also visited Sandals Grande Antigua and Beaches Turks and Caicos shortly after, and can I just say – Wow.
I loved all these properties so much that I’ve since sent four family members to Sandals Grande St Lucian and Sandals Negril for a honeymoon and anniversary trip, and as many of my sun-starved clients as possible, knowing all would return with glowing reviews.
The Experience
Every Sandals experience is unique, no matter how many times you visit. They offer so many different resorts and room categories, an array of incredible restaurants and activities and the best service you could ever ask for. They also constantly revamp and upgrade their properties to keep the client experience growing, even for those returning to the same property.
When you first step on to a Sandals resort, you are greeted by the warmest welcoming staff, with the most beautiful verdant backdrop you have ever seen. The cold towel and welcome drink at check-in immediately puts you in Caribbean mode.
The most amazing room I have ever stayed in was at Sandals Negril. I ended up in a two story suite with a tranquility soaking tub on the balcony. I almost fainted when I opened the door and had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. It was a lovers’ dream room!
Over-water Bliss
My overall favorite property however is Sandals South Coast. This magical resort is set on 50 lush acres and is part of a 500-acre nature reserve in Jamaica’s less touristy south west. As tropical as its surroundings are, it looks as if they took a small European village and just dropped it in the middle of the Caribbean.
The resort just opened their new over-water bar called ‘Latitudes’ and are putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated and super-romantic over-water bungalows. For those looking to get married at Sandals South Coast, there is even an over-water chapel!
All Sandals and Beaches resorts have one thing in common – breathtaking beaches. It’s clear that Sandals will only ever build their properties on the most pristine and calm stretches of beach and that was evident at each of my stops.
Family Fun
Beaches Turks and Caicos is absolutely stunning. It’s a massive resort situated on the most beautiful white sand beach and even has a local wild dolphin names ‘JOJO’ that swims right in front of the resort! The food, entertainment, rooms, spa and children activities were all impeccable and warranting a return. If you’re looking for the ultimate resort for everyone, Beaches Turks and Caicos fits the bill for the entire family – adults, teens and kids alike.
Exchange Privileges
Sandals has three properties on St Lucia, one of the Caribbean’s prettiest islands – Sandals Grande St Lucian, Halcyon Bay and Regency La Toc. As part of their brilliant exchange privileges, you are welcome to explore all other properties on the island if you are staying at one – free of charge (transportation between properties included). What better way to see where you may want to go next year! If you decide on Jamaica, there is a total of seven different properties to take advantage of.
When we stayed at Sandals Negril, we went over to Beaches Negril for the day and had lunch there, used the pool facilities, the gorgeous beach and had a few drinks.
Oh, the food!
I can’t end without mentioning the food, which is by far the best I have ever eaten at any all-inclusive resort. From an array of restaurant options, each with its own special location and charm, to the dishes themselves, prepared by top chefs from around the world, the entire eating experience is top notch. The choice, execution and presentation of every meal I had was absolutely exquisite, on par with any luxury restaurant.
Sandals and Beaches resorts are properties where I know I can pretty much guarantee a perfect vacation, and if something were to go wrong, the amazing Sandals staff would do everything they could to make sure it was resolved. If you have not experienced a Sandals or Beaches yet yourself, I highly recommend it. A trip of a lifetime and the most memorable Caribbean experience can always be found at Sandals and Beaches.
While Sandals resorts are exclusively for couples, Beaches is for everyone. To find out more or to make a booking, contact Nicole directly at 1866 643 4104 or by visiting her at our Flight Centre Broadway and Ash store in Vancouver.
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