Sandals Grand St. Lucian

 Last month my husband and I traveled to St. Lucia. It was our first time visiting this island. In the recent year, I have had many requests for couples wanting to vacation there. I needed to experience this island myself. Sandals Grand, St. Lucia was the resort we decided on. There are three Sandals properties on the island each of them beautiful in their own way.

Pictured: The main pool and swim-up bar 

It was a one and a half hour drive from the airport to the resort. There was a constant view of the ocean, mountains and the locals - even driving thru part of the rain forest. Upon arriving to a new destination, I love just taking it all in.

 

This island is full of many activities to enjoy such as zip lining, catamaran cruises, a tour around the Pitons, hiking, volcano, the Botanical gardens and so much more.

 

Right away, I fell in love with the size of this resort - not too small but not too large. It offered just the right amount of amenities for you to enjoy during your stay there.

 

The dining was very enjoyable and everything we had was great. This resort offered dining options that were more casual. The pub for lunch right on the beach or for a more formal experience, the Italian restaurant or their Butler exclusive restaurant called Gordons.

Pictured: Outside the Rondoval Suite, very private! 

We started our week in a Lagoon View Concierge room, which offered room service, a full mini bar, balcony and a sitting area. The last two nights we were upgraded to a Rondoval Suite with private pool and whirlpool. This room was amazing and not missing a detail.

 Pictured:Inside the Rondoval Suite

 

 Picture: Caoncierge Lagoon Room

 

 Pictured: View of resort from the water

 

 Pictured: I enjoyed Paddle boarding everyday!

 

The included water sports were endless: kayaking, hobie cat sailing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving, water skiing and a glass bottom boat tour. You could experience something new every day. For me, I enjoyed paddle boarding every day. It was my first time and loved it!

 

All good things must come to an end and this time our Butler walked us

to our private transfer in a BMW, all guests enjoy this service when having a butler.

Pictured: My husband and I.

 

Pictured: The hotel from a mountain view. This is a neat feature of the resort

ocean on both sides. 

I will be back one day to visit this island as it really made an impression. When I think of my clients visiting this island, it is great for so many: the outdoorsy person, beach lovers, honeymooners and destination weddings. I am excited to help you plan a vacation to St. Lucia!

Back to where it all started . . . .

Sandals Negril is located on the Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica

The main pool offers views of the beach and a swim-up bar Consider the Millionaire Honeymoon One Bedroom Suite with Private Plunge Pool Off the bedroom in the Millionaire Suite is a living room and large bathroom The resort is set on the 7 mile beach, which not only offers a white sandy beach but amazing sunsets. Or Consider staying in the Swim-up Crystal Lagoon suite, it offers zero entry access into the lagoon pool.

We all remember that one vacation that we will never forget. It maybe the one you experienced something new, fell in love with an amazing beach, or will never forget that one special dinner.

For me that was my Honeymoon 10 1/2 years ago we stayed at Sandals Negril based on a recommendation from friends. There are a few reasons it was an unforgettable vacation, one just being our honeymoon, the resort was amazing, and I would say the people of Jamaica they just made us smile.

A few weeks ago I was able to re-visit Sandals Negril. Let me just say is was everything I remembered! From the moment I arrived it just felt like home. I can tell you this we will be returning to Sandals Negril and I hope sooner rather than later!

Sandals Negril offers you 24 hours dining food service at 6 restaurants, 5 bars, 3 pools, and endless avtivities such as scuba diving, water skiing, racquetball, and tennis courts. You can always find an entertaining area to enjoy or a quiet relaxing area to just enjoy each other. Do not for get the many accommodations for you and and your loved one to select from!

What was your unforgettable vacation?

Nichole Winter

In 2010 I became Sandals Certified Specialist, and am excited to help you plan your next Sandals or Beaches vacation! Call today-320-241-0355

Sandals Royal Bahamian . . . impressive in every way

Sandals Royal Bahamian

Spa Resort & Off Shore Island

in the beautiful Bahamas

Sandals Royal Bahamian is located minutes away from shopping downtown Nassau and a quick 10 minute ride form the airport. I love arriving to a resort that I have not been before, because a 1st impression last a long time. Sandals always greets you with a cold towel to freshen up with, which I love. Then I proceed to check out their lobby and court yard, it reflects the "old world charm", and decorated in bright blue colors to match the waters.

The main quiet pool.

I truly felt at home while here, it was a perfect size. There were three sections. The Royal Village, this area was in a lush garden and in the gardens were 3 small private pools. Now these rooms do not offer ocean views but much privacy. The two other areas are their towers, Manor House and the Royal Windsor Tower which both were amazing and full of endless sea views.

Pool and swim up bar on Sandals Cay.

This resort also features a private island, Sandals Cay, it hosts a fresh water pool with swim up bar, Cafe Goombay, and Spa, I loved the back side of this island so relaxing and private. when I enjoyed a wak around the island I saw couple all alone done at the end, it was like heaven.

The back side of the island so private and relaxing.

Patio off the Royal Village Deluxe Room.

A view from the Royal Windsor tower looking towards Sandals Cay.


The water sports here are plenty full, one being the diving. did you know that you can dive up to twice per day at Sandals. Also they offer Hobie cats, Kayaks, Water trikes, windsurfing, and daily snorkeling excursions. They are all included in your package. One thing I always notice when I am at a Sandals resort is that all these activities you can do right off their beach,(you do not have to travel) and they truly make the available for you to enjoy.

Activity pool

The Royal Bahamian offers 2 large pools, 3 in the Royal Village, and 1 on Sandals Cay. a 24 hour

fitness center, on site entertainment, 9 gourmet restaurants and many bars also very fun theme nights.

Manor Beachfront Patio Walkout Concierge Room

Courtyard in the Entrance

This resort is couples only, and great for honeymooners, couples seeking a romantic vacation,

divers and travelers that love water sports.

Call today for your help to plan your next amazing vacation to the Sandals Royal Bahamian.

ask for Nichole Winter 320-241-0355

My Minnesota Wedding Show

On Saturday I spent the day meeting couples at the My Minnesota Wedding Show in Monticello. It may have been snowing but is did not stop many couples to come and meet the areas Top Wedding Professionals. I love to see a little snow never stops a true Minnesotan.

Throughout the day I met many great people, and of course talked weddings and honeymoons all day. Some of the hot destinations brides were thinking about were, Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico and Hawaii. With all the snow falling it was really easy to think about that dream honeymoon. Not only destinations were on the top of our conversation but so was all the extraordinary resorts to offer.
A few of the hot resorts: Sandals
Couples
El Dorado
Secrets
Palace Resorts


You may hear me say that this vacation will be one of the most memorable vacations you two take together as a married couple. With that in mind are you searching on your own? Where to go and what resort to select, all the options can be over whelming, consider having a travel expert help you with all the large and small details. I love to start our relationship with a few questions, this will help all of us.

Here is a thought to get you started;
Describe you Honeymoon in 3 to 5 words? Each of you do this, that will show you if you are on the same page of what style of honeymoon you both want.

Budget, this is a big word for some. Do not let it scare you, this maybe your first vacation on your own as an adult, in reality how are you to know what to budget. This again is where I will step in and advice what might be that typically budget for the style of honeymoon you want and from there we will see if that is a COMFORTABLE budget for the two of you.

Adam Welz was also there, the President of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association. He spent the day handing out the Bride Guide. If you do not have one and would like one please email me and I will mail you one.

email: destinationvacationtravel@gmail.com

Check out page 76 for the Honeymoon Travel Tips; written by Nichole Winter.

Then check out our ad on page 78.

Here are some great wedding planning websites:

www.idoido.org

www.myminnesotawedding.com

www.destinationvacationtravel.com

I look forward to help you plan your dream honeymoon . . . . Nichole Winter

One of my Favorite Spots . . . Jamaica

One of my Favorite places to Vacation is Jamaica, you may have heard me say this before, but I cannot say it enough.

Jamaica is full of beautiful beaches, landscapes, wonderful people and memorable excursions. Jamaicans really know how to make you feel welcomed. Once you have visited Jamaica a time or two they always say "Welcome Home".
One time I was walking a bit fast to get something from my room, and was asked

"Whats your hurry ma am' you are on vacation, slow down?"

I often think of the question I was asked. I try to remind myself of that when I am home. We live such a busy, a rushed life, and forget some of our best moments in life or the one we stop to enjoy. I think that is one of my favorite things about my vacations is that the computer, cell phone, work load and even the house work do not come along. I know when I am at home I am always on the go but there is nothing like the moment arriving to a beautiful resort with someone handing you a cold beverage and a smile on their face Welcoming you!


It is not to late to start planning you Warm Winter Vacation and take your break from it all!

As they say in Jamaica . . . .. Once you go, You know
Jamaica is full of wonderful resorts, Sandals, Couples, Beaches, Riu, and so many more.


Right now thru Feb. 6th you can save with Delta Vacations on your Jamaican Vacation.

You will save:
$75 on vacations of $999 - $2,999
$150 on vacations of $3,000 - $4,999
$250 on vacations of $5,000 or more

Call us today, Nichole 320-241-0355 or Stefanie 763-262-0188

What is one of the most memorable Vacations you can take?

. . . Your Honeymoon

One of my specialties as a Travel Agent is planning Honeymoons. However I have yet to discuss that as any of my blog entry's. For those of you who do not know me well, I have been in the wedding industry for the last 10 years from being a bridal consultant to owning a custom wedding stationery company.

When I look back at my wedding one of the biggest memories of them all was getting on that plane with my new husband, swimsuit packed and nothing planned all I knew was we were in need of some serious relaxation (after a wedding of over 400 guests).
Planning our honeymoon we did what most couples do is talk with friends and got referrals. From there the decision was made, SANDALS NEGRIL was the choice.

Now it is 9 years later, as a married couple we have traveled to so many destinations, but in the end we still talk about our honeymoon and that being the vacation that will always be on top of the list.

When it comes to planning your honeymoon remember a few things. . .

1. It will be your first Vacation as a married couple make it special.

2. It will be needed to relax from that pre-wedding stress.

3. It is a time for you two to really enjoy each other (alone).

4. It does not matter the destination it is just that you go!

5. It is never too early to start planning.

. . . My husband and I are planning to visit Sandals Negril for our 10 year!

Continue to visit for more articles on Honeymoon destinations, resorts, and tips.

New Travel Discounts

There are some great new discounts out, for your winter travel !

Save up to $300 on Northwest World Vacation air and hotel packages to ALL Destinations with NO BLACK OUT DATES! Call in Fast this Sale Ends December 20 (Travel Between Jan1- May31,2008)

Save up to $250 on Worry Free Vacations to the Stunning Riviera Maya, Book by December 31,2008. (Travel between Jan1-April 30,2008)

Travel to Jamaica, Stay at the amazing resort Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort, and receive a $250 spa credit when staying in the 2nd room category or higher. Book by December 22 (Travel between December 1 - August 14,2009)

Call today, I would love to help you receive one of the mentioned discounts or the many more that are offered.

Nichole 320-241-0355