Misc Sandals vacations - Page 4

Mr. Plow · 09-01-2008, 06:28 PM

Wife & I were initially going to try for Hawaii, but long story short, not sure that we are going to do that now. So, we've been looking into the Sandals all inclusive vacations. I've got a few questions for those that have been:

#1 - What are your resort recommendations? We have looked at Sandals Grande St. Lucian & Sandals Royal Bahamian. Pricing is roughly the same. They have a $450 credit per person for airfare & 30% discount if booked before 9/4....so it's kind of a "rush" decision.

#2 - Neither my wife or I have been to any Sandals location, but my understanding is it is "all inclusive" - meaning room, all food, all drinks (alcoholic as well) are included. Is that right? Anything else included that I should be aware of?

#3 - Any hidden costs that we should be aware of? Other than any shopping, etc that we decide to do.

#4 - Anything in general that we should be aware of? We are looking to go in May 2009 - is that a good time or do you recommend any "good weather" times? Not going during hurricane season, that's for sure.

I know that this has been discussed in some other threads, but searching didn't really give me much....so repost me all you want.....this thread is here to say.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Simply Red · 09-02-2008, 05:36 AM

been to St. Lucia stayed at the Sandals. Nothing hidden, that I recall.

**petegz28** · 09-02-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

You guys have got me curious about the drinks......is there a variety of drinks or 1 beer, 1 wine, etc. that is included?

In Nassau we had a huge selction from Kalik to Budwesier. All kinds of liquors too. Didn't drink much wine though so can't say.

Remembr Nassau is the closest of the Sandals so the selection is great. Also there is plenty to do off-property like, Stuart's Cove, Atlantis Hotel and Casino and the "Straw Market" which is where all the cruiseliners dock and people shop.

Tons of fun. 5 days was not enough!

HC_Chief · 09-02-2008, 06:51 AM

Skip the Sandals and go with Iberostar. Trust me, you won't regret it.

MIAdragon · 09-02-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

Not at Sandals - there were about 2 beers from which to choose.

Where did you go? I know I had quite a few choices.>>

Simply Red · 09-02-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Skip the Sandals and go with Iberostar. Trust me, you won't regret it.

wouldn't surprise me.

SPATCH · 09-02-2008, 09:40 AM

let me guess... you're a really big fan of Lou Bega

**KC Dan** · 09-02-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Skip the Sandals and go with Iberostar. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Agreed, This is where we went. Fabulous

http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Cancun-h...-Mar_3_71.html#

HC_Chief · 09-02-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Dan

Agreed, This is where we went. Fabulous

http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Cancun-h...-Mar_3_71.html#

I went there last month, but we stayed at the Grand Paraiso. Very nice... like the Bellagio on the beach. heh, the Mexican Bellagio, if you will.

RaiderH8r · 09-02-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

Wife & I were initially going to try for Hawaii, but long story short, not sure that we are going to do that now. So, we've been looking into the Sandals all inclusive vacations. I've got a few questions for those that have been:

#1 - What are your resort recommendations? We have looked at Sandals Grande St. Lucian & Sandals Royal Bahamian. Pricing is roughly the same. They have a $450 credit per person for airfare & 30% discount if booked before 9/4....so it's kind of a "rush" decision.

#2 - Neither my wife or I have been to any Sandals location, but my understanding is it is "all inclusive" - meaning room, all food, all drinks (alcoholic as well) are included. Is that right? Anything else included that I should be aware of?

#3 - Any hidden costs that we should be aware of? Other than any shopping, etc that we decide to do.

#4 - Anything in general that we should be aware of? We are looking to go in May 2009 - is that a good time or do you recommend any "good weather" times? Not going during hurricane season, that's for sure.

I know that this has been discussed in some other threads, but searching didn't really give me much....so repost me all you want.....this thread is here to say.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The wife and I did Sandals Grande St. Lucia and loved it. It is all included and we never had any problems. Their "mini bar" is a couple bottles of booze in your room and they had no problem switching out for whatever we wanted. If they had it we could get it. They only have two beers on tap, Heineken and a local brew called Piton. Piton is fine and gets the job done. The restaurants were good and because there were 3 Sandals on the island you could go to any of the restaurants at any of them for free.

As for "hidden fees" that was mostly just the services we contracted with. Sandals had a concierge service where they would book whatever you wanted to do on whatever day you wanted to do it and put the bill on your tab because they were working with local merchants. We did a wonderful snorkeling tour around the island, had a blast on zip lines through the jungle, scuba diving was fun as well. Other than that no problems, their employees are strictly prohibited from taking tips.

The locals in St. Lucia are great people, poor but very nice. They recognize the value you, as a tourist, bring to their island. They do a weekly street party in the capitol city and it's a blast. You can pay a local cab driver about $50 bucks to take you down, give you the tour, and hang out. I thought it was great. If anyone even looks like they might mess with you the local dude will straighten them right the f out. I didn't feel like it was necessary but it was the same dude that gave us another tour of the island and we got along great so I had no problem throwing the guy a little work to support his family.

You can strictly be-bop between the three resorts on the island and have a fine time that way simply relaxing.

If you have the means reserve a room with the swim up option to your deck and concierge service. It costs a little more but they swing off your nuts a little bit and that's nice. And waking up to a little morning tumble, shower, and dropping straight into the pool for a quick swim is awesome.

The airport in St. Lucia is a little rustic but customs was quick enough. They'll have shuttle service ready to take you to the resort. Be warned: they drive on the left side of the road. The island is a volcano and has steep inclines and switch backs. If you or your wife has a propencity for motion sickness pop a dramamine.

Once you get to the resort it's an open air lobby where they greet you with champagne and cold towels and you just relax while they get you checked in. They take your bags straight to your room and you're free to unwind during the check in process. Again, the locals are very nice people and friendly to deal with and happy to oblige you if they can.

That's what I got for you. Happy to answer questions if you have them.

PS. I have a new political ambition, set up a US Embassy in St. Lucia. Get assigned there. My wife and I will be going back.

**007** · 06-20-2013, 05:13 AM

Just got back from a vacation at Sandals Whitehouse and was easily the best couples vacation I have ever been on. Would highly recommend it and will absolutely be going back.

ONe word of caution though, on the ride to the resorts, just bury yourself in a book and pay no attention to the driving.

Loneiguana · 06-20-2013, 06:14 AM

My wife and I went to a Couples All inclusive in Jamaica (Couples Tower Isle) All inclusive is amazing. We choose Couples over Sandals because Couples does not allow kids and seemed less like a less Spring break Party style vibe that we got from Sandals.

Overall though, Id wage any All inclusive resort is going to be a great time.

**007** · 06-20-2013, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loneiguana

My wife and I went to a Couples All inclusive in Jamaica (Couples Tower Isle) All inclusive is amazing. We choose Couples over Sandals because Couples does not allow kids and seemed less like a less Spring break Party style vibe that we got from Sandals.

Overall though, Id wage any All inclusive resort is going to be a great time.

Sandals does not allow children either. I didn't find it to be a spring break part style at all. Very laid back and relaxing. I'm sure each resort is different but Whitehouse was just great. The nice thing about Sandals is you don't have to pay a dime once you get there. I don't know if Couples is the same way or not.

**luv** · 06-20-2013, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

Just got back from a vacation at Sandals Whitehouse and was easily the best couples vacation I have ever been on. Would highly recommend it and will absolutely be going back.

ONe word of caution though, on the ride to the resorts, just bury yourself in a book and pay no attention to the driving.

So it really includes everything?

MIAdragon · 06-20-2013, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

So it really includes everything?

Yes even tips are frowned on.

**luv** · 06-20-2013, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

Yes even tips are frowned on.

Wow. I guess I think of them like I think of cruises. It's all the food and stuff, but you have to pay for soda or alcohol.

09-01-2008, 06:28 PM
Mr. Plow In Search of a Life Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $2017391	Sandals vacations Wife & I were initially going to try for Hawaii, but long story short, not sure that we are going to do that now. So, we've been looking into the Sandals all inclusive vacations. I've got a few questions for those that have been: #1 - What are your resort recommendations? We have looked at Sandals Grande St. Lucian & Sandals Royal Bahamian. Pricing is roughly the same. They have a $450 credit per person for airfare & 30% discount if booked before 9/4....so it's kind of a "rush" decision. #2 - Neither my wife or I have been to any Sandals location, but my understanding is it is "all inclusive" - meaning room, all food, all drinks (alcoholic as well) are included. Is that right? Anything else included that I should be aware of? #3 - Any hidden costs that we should be aware of? Other than any shopping, etc that we decide to do. #4 - Anything in general that we should be aware of? We are looking to go in May 2009 - is that a good time or do you recommend any "good weather" times? Not going during hurricane season, that's for sure. I know that this has been discussed in some other threads, but searching didn't really give me much....so repost me all you want.....this thread is here to say. Thanks in advance for any help.
Posts: 30,802

09-02-2008, 05:36 AM	#46
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	been to St. Lucia stayed at the Sandals. Nothing hidden, that I recall.
Posts: 71,691

09-02-2008, 06:51 AM	#48
HC_Chief That's just f***in' stupid Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: suburbia Casino cash: $3687107	Skip the Sandals and go with Iberostar. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Posts: 12,355

09-02-2008, 09:40 AM	#51
SPATCH birth of spatch Join Date: May 2008 Casino cash: $10006207	let me guess... you're a really big fan of Lou Bega
Posts: 4,569

06-20-2013, 05:13 AM	#55
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $14060126 VARSITY	Just got back from a vacation at Sandals Whitehouse and was easily the best couples vacation I have ever been on. Would highly recommend it and will absolutely be going back. ONe word of caution though, on the ride to the resorts, just bury yourself in a book and pay no attention to the driving. __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,554

06-20-2013, 06:14 AM	#56
Loneiguana In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Jefferson City Casino cash: $1712570	My wife and I went to a Couples All inclusive in Jamaica (Couples Tower Isle) All inclusive is amazing. We choose Couples over Sandals because Couples does not allow kids and seemed less like a less Spring break Party style vibe that we got from Sandals. Overall though, Id wage any All inclusive resort is going to be a great time. __________________ "Most of us can, as we choose, make of this world either a palace or a prison." –John Lubbock
Posts: 30,046