Sandals Montego Bay Resort – Jamaica

Jamaica is home-base to Sandals Resorts.  It's where Mr. Butch Stewart got started with the purchase of his first property, Sandals Carlyle in Montego Bay.  Montego Bay is home to three SANDALS properties - The Carlyle, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals Royal Caribbean (with private island).  There are also properties in Ocho Rios - Beaches Ocho Rios (a family resort), Sandals Grande Riviera, and Sandals Royal Plantation (an all butler suite resort also home to Villa Plantana). Two more in Negril - Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril.  The ninth resort in Jamaica is Sandals Whitehouse.  I haven't had a chance to visit the properties in Negril, however, I have been to the other seven.

This blog will focus on Sandals Montego Bay.  You will need a passport to visit Jamaica.  I left Newark Liberty Airport on a direct United Airlines flight of about 4 hours. PLANNERS NOTE:  Be very mindful of the size of your carry-on luggage.  The regulations changed in June 2014.  My bag was taken from me at the gate because it was about 1" too long.  Check your airline's website for their regulations for carry-on luggage.

Before landing each passenger is given an immigration card to complete (bring a pen).  Upon landing follow the crowd to immigration.  Present the completed card and your passport (they're going to give you the stub back - DON'T LOSE IT) and then head to baggage claim to pick up your luggage.  From there proceed to the SANDALS lounge to check in.  An attendant will take and tag your bag according to resort and level of room category.  It's the last time you'll touch your bags until they are brought to your room at your chosen resort. The lounge is air-conditioned with clean bathrooms.  There will be complimentary cold beverages (adult and non-adult) available while you wait. Once they announce the shuttle to your resort you'll be asked to identify your bag(s) for transport to the shuttle.  PLANNERS NOTE:  All Sandals and Beaches Resorts have a no tipping policy (except for Butlers and Nannies) once on property.  Prior to getting to the property you should be prepared to tip the baggage handlers at the lounge who take your bags to your shuttle and your shuttle driver as neither are SANDALS employees.

Sandals Montego Bay Resort is about 15 minutes from the Montego Bay airport by SANDALS provided shuttle. Upon arrival you are greeted with cold towels and drinks.  Someone else takes your name and escorts you to the proper check in location.  You might notice that the resort entrance is across the street from the airport departure runway.  As the planes take off all the employees wave good-bye.   While concerned at first the sound didn't bother me after the first 15 minutes. They don't take off all night and you might not even hear the first one in the morning depending upon room location.

Once checked in and a credit card is left of any incidentals (purchases at the gift shop, spa appointments, etc) you will be escorted to your room.  At the room you will be given a brief tour of all the amenities including blow dryer (check the closet) and stocked refrigerator.  If you didn't call ahead with requests now is the time to speak up about what you'd like to see in there during your stay.  I was given a Oceanfront Honeymoon Walkout Club Level Room (category WW) in the Almond Village.  A few steps away from my patio door was a hot tub and deck overlooking the ocean that was very peaceful.  The room was spacious and well appointed.  A plate of chocolate chip cookies greeted me along with a fridge full of bottled water, juice, beer, wine, and champagne.

The Sandals Montego Bay resort is the ONLY Sandals resort with a chapel on property.  If you want a destination wedding with a true Catholic ceremony, one that will be recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, then this is the resort for you!  There are many other locations on the property for wedding ceremonies and receptions including the beach and various patios.  On site wedding coordinators will help you with every detail including the official paperwork for your marriage license!

Our first evening the group met for dinner at Cucina Romana. The service was excellent and the food delicious.  Several in our party ordered more than one appetizer, more than entree, and more than one dessert.  Go for it!  It's all included.   The restaurant is located upstairs and there is no wheelchair accessibility.  If your table is by the windows you have a beautiful view.   There are eight dining options onsite not including a weekly resort beach party that included a Caribbean BBQ buffet, rousing entertainment, and games on the beach.  You can make reservations for candlelight dinners on the beach or pier at an additional charge.  Our 2nd and last night in Montgeo Bay we ate at Oleandar.

The next morning after breakfast at the Bayside Restaurant (buffet with made to order egg station) we toured the property which includes entry level rooms in the Oleander Building with views of the garden, dining terrace, pool deck or tennis courts (category DL) all the way to the Beachfront Hideaway Prime Minister's One Bedroom Butler Villa Suite (category PM) which includes transportation by private luxury car from the airport literally to the door of your villa.  The amenities at this villa are amazing including a balcony so big you could host a cocktail party on it.  PLANNERS NOTE:  No matter what category your room is you're still enjoying the same beach, the same swimming pool, the same food, the same entertainment, the same drinksm and the same water sports as everyone else.

The beaches at the resort are all soft white sand with Caribbean blue water.  There are private raised thatched huts with beds to rent that can include breakfast and lunch service.  There are several piers for private candlelight dinners or wedding ceremonies.  An item that is unique to Sandals Montego Bay is a round orange "raft" that had a mesh bottom.  They were quite comfortable and couples were in and out of them all day.  You can see one in the background of the photo above.  There is also a gym and a Red Lane Spa.  I can attest to the magic fingers of their massage therapists.  Book before you go if you can!

BTW - if you've never done scuba diving but want to try - they will teach you.  Certified dive instructors are on staff and single tank dives for certified divers are included. While lounging at the pool  I saw an instructor take a guest one on one for instruction in the swimming pool because the guest was having a panic attack while trying to breathe with all the equipment underwater.  The instructor was very patient with the guest and after about 20 minutes got the guest to the point where he was comfortable and ready to join the rest of the group.  I can still hear the instructor saying "are you with me mon?" to the guest.

If you're looking for honeymoon or destination wedding resort with beautiful beaches and ease of access from the airport then Sandals Montego Bay could be the resort for you!  ASK ME for details.

September 18, 2014

Wedding Planning – It IS What you Know!

It IS What you Know!

Today I arrived in Indianapolis to attend my first Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Fall Conference.  My seat mate on the plane was a very nice man who is an education consultant to school districts throughout the US who have more students that are failing then are passing.  His career includes 22 years as a classroom teacher and he told me that he stills reads and studies constantly. "Every good teacher " he told me "is always learning." After observing in the classrooms, he works out a plan that is specific to each district, then he guides the team of teachers and administrators through the implementation process for his action plan.  In one of his districts the 7th graders went from having the lowest math scores in the district to among the highest.

As we were getting off the plane I realized that our work processes are very similar. Granted, I'm not raising the education level of our nation's youth, however, guiding clients through the process of planning their wedding is truly a milestone in their lives. After a consultation with my clients I put my education and 25+ years of experience to work. An action plan is formulated which is then implemented by guiding my clients and their family and friends through the process.

I still get a thrill when I learn something new. That will never get old. I'm looking forward to taking advantage of all this conference has to offer and to participating in other conferences, classes, and networking opportunities as they become available throughout my career as an event planner.  The more I can bring to the table for my clients, the better!!

November 8, 2009

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort

I have been a Certified Sandals Specialist since 2005, however, I had never actually been to a Sandals property.  When the offer came to update my certification at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort I jumped at the chance.  Three days in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort - count me in!

My previous vacation trips to the Bahamas had been "OK" experiences so I was prepared for this trip to be just OK as well.  Having been a traveler when I had a corporate job and having been on my share of vacations I know not to get too excited before I reach my destination as you never know what you're going to find at a place you've never been.

Let me tell you why this trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian was more than just OK and why I'll be renewing my Sandals certification at a different resort each year!

Upon arrival at the airport you'll go through Immigration (the flight attendants will give you a form) then pick up your bags before going through customs.  From there proceed to the Sandals desk on the baggage claim level (HINT:  keep the page they give you in a safe place - there's a safe in your room - you'll need it when you leave). At the desk they'll tag and take your luggage (you won't see it again until you get to your room) and point you towards the shuttle to the resort. They drive on the opposite side in the Bahamas so don't freak out during the 15 minute ride! Shuttle drivers are not Sandals employees so please consider tipping them.

When we got to the resort we were greeted by a bell captain who took our names and indicted where each of us should go for registration (there might be a colored dot on your luggage tag to help with that process). Once on site you don't touch your luggage - it will be brought to your room once it's ready.  (HINT:  Bring a carry on with your bathing suits, hats, and suntan products <3 oz or smaller> or get them out of your suitcase before you go to registration - if your room is not ready they have places to get changed so you can relax while you're waiting). A lovely woman offering a glasses of champagne or rum punch came around seconds later.  About the same time

we arrived a Rolls Royce pulled up with newlyweds who were smiling from ear to ear!  The Mercedes and its well dressed driver were just sitting there waiting to run to the airport. (HINT:  The Rolls Royce and Mercedes are available to Butler Service level guests. This level of service comes with lots of perks including your own private butler, dinners at Gordon's on the Pier, and 24 hour room service).

While at the airport I was VERY fortunate to meet Kay - a Sandals booking agent based in Miami.  She couldn't have been nicer and gave me a complete run down of the property before we arrived. I followed her like a puppy!

She took me to lunch while we waited for our rooms to be ready (check in is usually at 3:00pm and we arrived at about 12:30pm). She asked me where I'd like to eat as there are several choices. I chose the Cassanova Buffet Restaurant over the Bella Napoli Pizzeria (where you can make your own pizza and eat it overlooking the beach) or the Royal Cafe (where you can get salads or grilled items). Cassanova offered a wide variety of foods including a made to order pasta station and lots of fresh fruit. Wait staff brings your beverages.

After lunch we went back to registration and our rooms were ready! As we walked over to The Windsor Building (vs The Manor Building or The Villas)  Kay started to explain to me about all the different types of rooms and I can tell you that you want a Club level or higher room.  Club rooms come with a full bar (at no extra charge), room service, and beautiful views.  My  suite on the 5th floor was very spacious with a soaking tub in the bathroom, separate seating area, armoire with TV (most channels are based out of Miami) and great views of the pool and the ocean.  We were left on our own until our first group meeting at dinner in the Crystal Room later that evening.  Since I had a 6:00am flight out of Newark I was tired (and full) and took a nap!

We were a diverse group of ABC members from NJ, TN, LA, IN, FL and 3

wedding planners from the Bahamas.  A nicer group of people you'll never meet.  Dinner was delicious - the menu had been chosen for us and it did not disappoint. Crab claws, shrimp, conch and oysters for an appetizer; steak and lobster tail for dinner; and bananas foster for dessert. Wine service was continuous and I understand the Goombay Smash was a refreshing drink. Our wait staff was very attentive and we could see that the dining room was full of happy couples. (HINT:  Long pants and collared shirts are required for the men in some restaurants.  Ladies are expected to dress accordingly. Always bring a sweater or shawl - the AC does get cranked up at times).

The next day started with breakfast back at Cassanova's before our training session - it's my opinion that this resort has the best breakfast of all the Sandals resorts.  A fresh omelet/eggs to order station AND a French toast station along with the standards. I was thrilled to find bagels (along with a toaster) and lox - one of my breakfast favorites to go along with my egg white and spinach omelet!

After training we took  a walking tour of the venue.

While the Royal Bahamian Resort is a large property it doesn't take long to walk to anywhere you need to go.  The gardens are lush and the main pool is huge with a swim up bar. Comfortable lounge chairs are available as are beach sized towels. Some of the activities that are included: tennis, volleyball, a gym, snorkeling, day time scuba diving, kayaks, Hobie Cat or Sunfish sailing, and aqua-trykes. The beach has recently been made larger (in response to guest input) and also has lounge chairs and umbrellas.

From the pier you can take a shuttle boat to Sandals Cay a private island that offers beaches on either side of the island, a restaurant (open several evenings for dining), and a zen garden and spa.

Speaking of food - there are 10 different places to eat at the resort including an authentic English Pub and Kimonos - a sushi and tepanyaki style Asian restaurant.

Still need to ease the stress of your wedding away?  Try any of many services offered at the on-site Red Lane spa including free use of their steam room and spa pool.

Dinner for our group that evening was served out on the patio overlooking the ocean. Again the menu was chosen for us but I'm not complaining! Zucchini risotto with seared scallop, green salad with crumbled cheese and caramelized walnuts, champagne sorbet, rack of lamb and red snapper for the main course ending with fruited pound cake & wedding cake!

Check out and return to the airport was as stress free as my arrival (HINT: Put your suitcases in the hall the night before you leave if you have an early morning flight to avoid the 5:00am knock at the door). My bag and the shuttle were waiting for me when I got to the entrance and it was an easy ride back to the airport for check in. You'll go through Immigration again and then US customs before you leave the Bahamas so you don't have to go through customs when you get home.

While on site I was surprised to see couples of all ages. While there were many shiny new wedding rings there were also couples of varying ages such as a couple from Spain celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with friends from England.

WeddingMoon destination weddings at a Sandals (or Beaches, or Grand Pineapple) resort are easy to plan YOUR way. Each resort has an on-site wedding coordinator.

If you're interested in booking your honeymoon at any Sandals resort you can do so on your own through the ATB website or call me!  I'll ask you some questions and then hook you up! If you're the parents of the bride or groom don't you think you deserve a vacation after all the wedding hoopla is over??  Or how about a girls trip - there are BFF trips  or I can help you plan your own! (HINT: You need to be 18 or older to stay at any Sandals property.  The Beaches resorts  are for families with children).

Having been to the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort for a very short time I can still truly say - "It IS better in the Bahamas!"

October 5, 2009

Destination Weddings – Part I

My husband and I have just returned from a wonderful week in Aruba. Warm (ok sometimes hot) weather, soft sand, and beautiful blue water. We stayed in the high rise section and the hotel was packed. If you weren't at the pool at 7:30am you weren't getting a chair. It was a little easier at the beach but then we weren't there during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's where we heard that there were fist fights on the beach over chairs......

I've been to Aruba the "happy island" before. We went with friends in September 2004. We specifically picked Aruba because it's not in the hurricane zone. We landed the day after the worst storm the island had seen in 50 years. It got hit by the tail end of Hurricane Ivan. A 20 minute ride from the airport to the hotel took 2 1/2 hours. The island was a mess the entire week we were there. Some roads were so flooded that people were walking up to their shoulders in water. Inland homes looked like lakefront property.  Some hotels and restaurants were closed for months afterwards as they struggled to rebuild.

We've all seen the ads in the travel sections of the local papers advertising the different hotels and prices. How do you know, if you've never been to a location, which hotel is the best one for you?

I've seen the shows on TV that show couples taking off for destination weddings at locations where they've never been before and I wonder "if you wouldn't think of booking a reception site here in the US without visiting it first and tasting their food why on earth would you pick a destination site for your wedding without visiting it first???"

I guess the reply to that is "because it's an added expense" and destination weddings can expensive depending on the location. On Aruba (or any island), everything has to be brought in by airplane or ship. Food is expensive especially at the bigger hotels and the nicer restaurants. To give you an example - my husband and I went to Hooters for lunch one day (trust me Hooters was not my choice) and it cost $50.00. That's right - $50.00 for a hamburger, fries, buffalo wings, two beers, tax & tip.  Dinner each night for the two of us averaged $100 (and I don't drink) and I would only go back to one of the restaurants. We did find a lovely restaurant downtown right on the water for lunch as we were driving to the airport to go home that had good food at reasonable prices. Who do you rely on if you've never been there before?? Trip Advisor? Yelp?

If you come to All the Best Weddings & Celebrations for help with a destination wedding, and I've not been to the location before, we're taking a short trip so we can see the location, taste the food, and choose your vendors.  If I've never been there and you can convince me that you know the location like the back of your hand I might reconsider.

Things to keep in mind include bringing your own vendor (like a photographer) if you can't find one at your destination that you like. Also, some islands have their own "time" which means that they operate "close" to the designated time but not necessarily "on" the designated time (Hawaii comes to mind). While this should not be a problem at a name hotel it might be at a smaller property. Also regardless of the size of the property if you're there during a holiday (ours or theirs) you can expect things to be even slower and perhaps more expensive. Cell phone and internet service (or lack thereof) could also be an issue.

If you think the details of a wedding at home are stressful think about doing that same thing at a location far, far away. There are a lot of logistics involved but the payoff could be the wedding of your dreams in warm soft sand at the edge of a turquoise ocean during a sunset that will blow you away.....

January 14, 2008