All posts by Barbara Ryan

Travel agent specializing in Disney vacation planning for Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Also specializing in Universal Studios, Cruises, and Sandals resorts. The benefits of using an authorized Disney vacation planner include saving time before and during your vacation with itinerary planning which can help save you hours of standing in line each day. Plus you won’t have to watch for promotions, research resorts, wake up early for dining reservations, or stay up late for FastPasses. The best part? It’s totally FREE! I’ll take away the stress and confusion (it's a big place!) of planning a Disney vacation!

Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Summer!

Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Summer!

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Save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 12-Aug. 25, 2016 when you book by June 10, 2016.

Awaken Summer MagicBand

Plus,  receive an exclusive “Awaken Summer” graphic MagicBand when you upgrade to a room and Theme Park package with a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way® Ticket. The MagicBand will activate a surprise sound and lighting feature at select touch points throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.**

Booking Window:
March 14-June 10, 2016

Travel Window:
June 12-Aug. 25, 2016

Rooms are limited, contact me soon to book your package for best availability.

Save

Refurbishments 2016

Disney World is constantly making improvements to its parks and resorts, it’s a never-ending process.

Here is what is happening in the coming year.

Magic Kingdom

Splash Mountain
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Liberty Square Riverboat
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Mad Tea Party
Jan. 10 – 14, 2016
Jan. 18 – Feb. 11, 2016
Jan. 18 – 22, 2016
Jan. 25 – Feb. 3, 2016
Feb. 22 – 26, 2016

EPCOT

Re-Imagination of Maelstrom
Soarin’
Oct. 15, 2014 – Apr. 30, 2016
Jan. 4, 2016 – Summer 2016

Hollywood Studios

Pizza Planet Jan. 11 – Late 2016

Animal Kingdom

Maharajah Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
Flights of Wonder
Jan. 4 – 21, 2016
Jan. 4 – Feb. 11, 2016
Jan. 25 – Mar. 17, 2016

Typoon Lagoon

Annual Refurbishment Jan. 4 – Mar. 12, 2016

Blizzard Beach

Annual Refurbishment Oct. 4, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016

Resort Hotels

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Bay Cove Pool Feb. 1 – March 18, 2016
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Surfboard Bay Pool Jan. 25 – 28, 2016
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Jambo House Soft Goods Rehab Jan. 1 – May 20, 2016
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Schoolyard Sprayground Jan. 3 – Mar. 11, 2016
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Soft Goods Rehab Jan. 22 – Aug. 17, 2016
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Exterior Repair and Painting Aug. 17, 2015 – May 5, 2016
Flying Fish Restaurant Feb. 1 – Sep. 30, 2016
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Guest Villa Renovations Through Spring 2016
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Old Port Royale – Path of Travel Impacts
Guests in some parts of Martinique and Trinidad North may experience some contruction noise.
Jan. 3 – Feb. 28, 2016
Jamaica Pool Jan. 6 – 8, 2016
Martinique Quiet Pool Jan. 11 – 13, 2016
Fuentes del Morro Pool Jan. 13 – 16, 2016
Trinidad North Quiet Pool Jan. 27 – 29, 2016
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Courtyard Pool Jan. 16 – 19, 2016
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Pool Slide Feb. 1 – 17, 2016
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Sandcastle Pool Jan. 4 – 6, 2016
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
General Construction
During this time, Guests will observe construction taking place and certain pathways and buildings may be unavailable.
Through Spring 2016
East Pool
Closed for enhancement. Guests may see or hear work in progress.
Now – Spring 2016
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Ol’ Man Island Pool Jan. 11 – Feb. 29, 2016
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Grandstand Pool Jan. 20 – 22, 2016
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas
General Resort Refurbishments
Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects, Guests will notice construction work in various areas. Noise may be overheard while this work is being completed, but construction will not begin until after 9 a.m. Certain pathways, including the nature trail, will be unavailable. The Hidden Springs leisure pool area (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), resort beach, playground, Marina and Recreation fire pit will be unavailable.
Through 2017
Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable Jan. 3, 2016 – Through 2017
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Stormalong Bay Slide Jan. 11 – 15, 2016

 

Disney Springs Transformation

Welcome to Disney Springs™, an immersive waterfront destination overflowing with sights, sounds and flavors inspired by Florida’s natural charm, all in a beautiful outdoor environment!

Showcasing a one-of-a-kind mix of brand retail and distinct Disney shopping, along with a stunning assortment of incomparable dining offerings, it’s an unforgettable plaworldofdisney_listce the entire family will enjoy—only made possible by the imagination of Disney. So get ready for the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history as Disney Springs transforms the area and doubles its shopping, dining and entertainment options.

New Retail Locations Now Open!:

The Art of Shaving offers premium grooming essentials for the modern man. The location also has a team of shaving specialists who offer advice to Guests on proper grooming techniques. Appointments for a haircut or shave are suggested.

Apex by Sunglass Hut is designed with the athlete, sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. This shop utilizes innovative technology, such as the Apex Smart Mirror, to help guests find the best choice in sport sunglasses.

Chapel Hats specializes in fashionable hats and headwear for Guests of all ages. The location carries just about any style of hat including fedoras, sun hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more.

Sanuk offers creatively inspired footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga-mats.

Havaianas provides the options to “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas.” This store features a large assortment of Havaianas sandals for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots.

Sound Lion has the latest technology in headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other digital sound and music products can be found in this shop. They also provide education in digital music applications that improve the listening lifestyle.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC will offer the same unsurpassed core vegan, gluten-free menu as its flagship bakery in New York City, and its sister bakery in Los Angeles. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter!), and other savory items daily.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s: Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

The Ganachery: Located in The Landing, The Ganachery specializes in custom-blended chocolates with the finest beans. Hand-crafted ganachery_detail_01onstage by a chocolatier, the shop features fresh batches daily, including dark (65 percent custom blend), hazelnut, chipotle and a custom blend flavored with the world’s finest spices. Beautiful custom packaging makes elegant take-home gifts. And there may even be some chocolate bars inspired by Disney characters!

New Dining Experiences Now Open!

The BOATHOUSE® – This upscale, waterfront dining experience will immerse Guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain’s piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. The BOATHOUSE will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – Tucked in between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, a new Disney owned and operated Food & Beverage offering is now open — an aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.

With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue features unique cocktails — such as the “Hovito Mojito” with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup — and small plates such as “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

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Ardent fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot. In the main room, Guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Morimoto Asia – Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known from his appearances on Iron Chef America, has opened a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination includes unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

      Also Coming to Disney Springs

Retail Locations
Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. Zara is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.

Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.

Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there.

UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.

PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.

UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.

L’Occitane en Provence: L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.

Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.

Dining Locations
STK Orlando – The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. will open STK Orlando in The Landing area of Disney Springs in early 2016. STK wdw_listOrlando will feature a unique ambience that blends the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge. At 14,000 square feet, the Disney Springs location will be one of the largest STK locations in the world.

Edison: Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature exceptionally good classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret and music.

Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings — all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine – Celebrity Chef Art Smith is bringing a taste of real Florida to a new restaurant opening in summer 2016. Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine will showcase the cuisine of Chef Smith, who was born and reared in the town of Jasper, Fla., on the Florida-Georgia border. With farm-to-fork cuisine that showcases the bounty of Florida, and design inspired by turn-of-the century Florida architecture of the late 1800s, Homecoming will feature traditional Southern favorites with sophisticated, chef-inspired creations. Inside, the “rustic-chic” restaurant will feature a glass-walled show kitchen and the Southern Shinebar that celebrates an era where characters might have created some homegrown spirits on their homesteads just beyond the springs.

Frontera Fresco: Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, will open Frontera Fresco in summer 2016. Frontera Fresco will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared with natural, locally sourced ingredients. The table-service restaurant also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails, craft beers and wine. Located in Town Center, the nearly 6,000-square-foot venue will seat 200 Guests.

Save Up to 25% on Rooms

Save Up to 25% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Spring!

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Save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14-June 11, 2016 when you book by March 31, 2016. Other great rates for stays most nights Feb. 22-April 13, 2016.

Plus,  receive 1 more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way® Ticket.

Booking Window: Dec. 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016
Travel Window: Feb. 22 – Jun. 11, 2016

Full list of offer exclusions : campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms.

Final Whirlwind in Jamaica

It’s been a whirlwind few days in Jamaica and now it’s Monday, our last full day. And it is a full day. We’re off touring in Ocho Rios today, but luckily everything is close by, no long drives.

We start with a tour of the resort we are staying at, Sandals OCHI Beach which I reviewed here.

01-IMG_2898Next, we hop on our bus to go next door to Sandals Royal Plantation, the All-Butler resort in the Sandals lineup. This is a small resort, only 74 all ocean view rooms tucked into a magnificent coral bluff.

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Royal Plantation features Villa Plantana, a private 3 bedroom villa with its own private pool and stunning views.

Sandals Royal Plantation offers many of the land and water sports as all other Sandals and full use to Sandals OCHI next door as well.

Afternoon tea service, private cove beaches, 5 restaurants and unlimited golf at Sandals Golf Club nearby. Roaming peacocks, manicured lawns and Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar make this the perfect romantic hideaway.

Back on the bus to nearby Beaches Ocho Rios for a tour of this family-friendly resort. Beaches is for everyone, single, families, groups, girlfriend getaways and family reunions.

Beaches Ocho Rios makes everyone happy! Grownups can unwind with margaritas at the pool while the kids play at the exhilarating waterpark. Unlimited play for everyone, even kids, at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club.

Beaches Ocho Rios offers all the inclusions of Beaches Negril, unlimited land and water sports, 7 restaurants, 3 pools, teen club, Xbox Lounge, etc…

We ended our tour with a lovely lunch and Sesame Street photo op.

After lunch, we were off to Sandals Golf Club for a brief visit before returning to Sandals OCHI Beach Resort for some free time to explore the resort before our farewell dinner.

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When dinner ends, a group of us head out to find the infamous Rabbit Hole speakeasy, we got the password earlier in the day. Jackpot! The Rabbit Hole is a great entertainment venue harking back to the 1920’s style, think HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Good fun and creative drink menu.

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Next morning it’s checking out and a trip back to the airport and the end of a great learning experience with Sandals Resorts. As they say in Jamaica…

We had lots of fun and learned a ton!

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Soon Come Back!

 

Join the party at OCHI

The Jamaica FAM Trip continues…after a lovely lunch on the beach at Beaches we boarded our bus for Ocho Rios. It’s almost a 3-hour drive from Negril to Ocho Rios, so we stopped in  Montego Bay for a brief rest at  Sandals Montego Bay.

It was close to 7pm and dark by the time we reached Sandals OCHI, formerly known as Sandals Grande Rivera.

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This Garden of Eden is Sandals largest resort…

Recently undergoing a 60 million dollar transformation, Sandals OCHI Beach Resort is the ultimate party and entertainment resort in Jamaica!

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OCHI is divided into the hillside and seaside sections, all with lush landscaping. 529 rooms, villas, suites offer fantastic mountain and ocean views and an exclusive all butler village on the hillside.  As with all the others,  this Sandals also offers Club Sandals and Butler Elite.

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The Hop is a shuttle that takes guests between the Seaside and Hillside and OCHI Beach Club. It runs continuously all day.

Gourmet Discovery Dining

With one of the largest assortment of dining options, you won’t go hungry at OCHI.

Hillside: Dino’s Pizzeria (pizza), Great House Cafe (Jamaican), Le Gourmand (French), Manor Houses (Jamaican), The Jerk Shack (Jerk), The Southern Table (buffet breakfast and lunch, American South dinner).

Riviera/Seaside: Bella Napoli Pizzeria (pizza), Kelly’s Dockside (grill – Butler only), Reef Terrace (pan-caribbean), Tapas on the Riviera (international), Valentino’s (Southern Italian), Vista/Sky (buffet breakfast and lunch, seafood dinner).

Club Level and Butler Level also have room service option.

Luxury Included…

As with all Sandals Resorts, a myriad of land and water sports are available, weekly events, entertainment, bars, 7 main pools and 22 hot tubs.

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OCHI features one of the best night spots, a genuine speakeasy that will take you back to the 1920’s! The Rabbit Hole offers wonderful entertainment, signature drinks and a  fabulous time. The thing is, harking back to the speakeasy time, you’ll need a password to get in and you have to find the place…there is no signage.

I’ll give you a hint…it’s on the hillside. That’s all I’m sharing. It’s well worth the effort of finding it, don’t miss out!

Complimentary green fees at Sandals Golf & Country Club including transfers.

Sandals OCHI is on a15 minute drive from Sandals Golf Club. Green fees and transfers are included which makes this resort a great choice for a golf group or avid golfers.  Designed by PK Saunders and rates 4 star by Golf Digest magazine. They offer complimentary “welcome to golf” clinics for adults and kids. Caddies are required for a small fee and club rentals are available and you can room charge.

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Available at an extra charge:

The Red Lane Spa offers a complete list of treatment options. (The Red Lane Spa offers a sauna and steam room and hot and cold plunge pools in the zen garden which are free for anyone to use.)Touring offered by Island Routes, laundry/dry cleaning available, private airport transfers, a photo shop, and special occasions options like a candlelight dinner on the beach.

*Sandals has a “no tipping” policy for all team members except Butlers and Spa Therapists.

Overall, this resort is lively and fun with lots going on all the time. A great choice for a group of couples vacationing together, active couples or golfers. Lots of excursions are available in the Ocho Rios area as well, including the famous Dunns River Falls waterfall climb.

Full photo tour on my Facebook page.

Beaches Negril Resort

Next we’re off to nearby Beaches Negril where we are treated to lunch on the beach! Beaches is the family version of Sandals, offering families the same amazing luxury inclusions couples enjoy at Sandals.

Beaches is located on the widest stretch of Negril’s seven-mile white sand beach!

It is very much tailored to kids of all ages, in addition to all the usual Sandals inclusions, Beaches offers Kid’s Clubs with all day supervision of children of all ages and lots of activities, including Pirate Island, and water theme park with 8 slides and a lazy river.

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Beaches is also in partnership with Sesame Street and Xbox. The Xbox Lounge is appealing to the older kids, as will be the Xbox in each room. You can ask them to remove it before you arrive if you prefer. 😉 Sesame Street characters make appearances at special times for a parade and a few other special things.

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A unique extra is having a Sesame Street character of tour choice come and tuck in your child and read them a bedtime story.

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Gourmet Discovery Dining

Arizonas (Tex Mex), Bar B Q Park (Jamaican), Cafe de Paris (cafe), Dino’s Pizzeria (pizza), Kimonos (Japanese), The Mill (International), Soy (Sushi), Stewfish (Jamaican Seafood), The Venetian (Italian), Sweeties (ice cream), Doggies (hot dog stand)

Accommodations

The architecture blends Caribbean influences with tropical greenery. Beaches Negril offers Concierge and Butler Level rooms.

Luxury Inclusions

All the usual water and land sports you can imagine! The beach, pools, Teen Center, Kids Camp, Fitness Center, Pirates Island Water park, weekly events..

Kids Camp is open from 9am to 9pm daily offering a wide range of activities supervised by trained Nannies. Xbox Lounge open from 9am to 11pm.

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Luxury Extras

Red Lane Spa treatments, beach cabanas, Scuba Certification, Island Routes excursions, laundry/dry cleaning, photo shop, special private dinners and more are available at an extra cost.

As always, there is a “no tipping” policy for all team members except Butlers and Spa Technicians.

Find a full album of photos of Beaches Negril on my Facebook page.

 

Sandals Negril Resort

Sandals Fam Trip continues Sunday as we leave Sandals Whitehouse and travel to Negril to tour Sandal’s Negril and Beaches Negril before heading to Ocho Rios, our home for the next two nights.

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The drive is about an hour from Whitehouse to Negril. Upon arrival, we are greeted with cold towels and a refreshing drink. We tour the resort and enjoy a goodbye drink, no alcohol, we’re working!

Sandals Negril offers some of best sunsets in the Caribbean!

 Dining

There are seven (7) restaurant options available: Barefoot by the Sea (beach dining), Beach Bistro (beach grill), Bella Napoli Pizzaria(pizza), Cucina Romana (Italian), Kimonos (Japanese), Sundowner (Jamaican), Bayside (buffet/French)

Room Service offers 24 hours for Butler guests and 7am-10pm for Club Sandals.

Weekly Chocolate Symphony on Wednesdays.

Accommodations

Sandals Negril offers swim up rooms, these are the Crystal Lagoon Butler Suites. And they overlook the beach and ocean.

There are 226 rooms spread over 14 categories including Club Sandals and Butler Elite. This property features the Millionaire Honeymoon Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary, along with other rooms listed in Sandals Love Nest class.

Luxury Inclusions

Nightly entertainment such as beach parties, talent shows, Caribbean night, etc… compliment the myriad of land and water sports. 3 freshwater pools, 1 dive certification pool and 3 whirlpools. Along with 5 bar/lounges.

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Luxury Extras

Red Lane Spa treatments, beach cabanas, Scuba Certification, Island Routes excursions, laundry/dry cleaning, photo shop, special private dinners and more are available at an extra cost.

As always, there is a “no tipping” policy for all team members except Butlers and Spa Technicians.

Find a full album of photos of Sandals Negril on my Facebook page.

 

Sandals Whitehouse

Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa is located on the south-west coast of Jamaica, about one hour and thirty minutes from the Montego Bay airport.

“The jewel on the South Coast.”

The resort offers a romantic elegant setting featuring three authentic architecturally designed villages; Italian, Dutch and French. Set on a beautiful two-mile beach.

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This was the first stop on our whirlwind fam trip. I arrived in Montego Bay and proceeded to the Sandals Lounge after getting my luggage and clearing customs. Sandals have a lovely lounge in the arrivals area for all their guests, you check in for your transfer and they have comfortable facilities to freshen up in after your flight. Nice restrooms, drinks, coffee, food available at no charge of course, it’s included! It was less than 15 minutes before our resort was called and we were led out to the bus for our transfers.

*You do tip the baggage porters at the airport, they are not Sandals employees. You should also tip the driver, not a Sandals employee either.

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The ride to Whitehouse is about one and half hours and it’s a winding drive through the mountains. The driver will make a rest stop about halfway. Upon arrival, we were led to a special area for check in since we were a group of agents. The couple on our bus, not agents, were led off for their Club Level check-in at the Concierge Lounge.

Once in my room, I had a few minutes to wander around and take some pictures before getting ready for our group dinner. After dinner, some of us made our way to Casablancas Martini Bar for a small taste before falling into bed to the sounds of the tree frogs.

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Another morning photo op walk, breakfast at Bayside with excellently made to order omelets and then our 4-hour workshop. After that, group lunch and a tour of the resort. We were done at about 4pm and finally had some free time. The hurricane outer bands made the ocean a bit rough so they had the red flags up, so no water sports going on. We hit the pool and hot tub for a bit before a downpour ended that. Dinner was on our own tonight, so small groups met up to try all the different restaurants. I had a lovely meal at Bayside, which is French cuisine in the evening and later we walked to the Italian Village and Bluefields for lobster.

All rooms and suites are oceanfront!

Sandals Whitehouse offers 12 different room categories including Club Sandals and Butler Elite level rooms and suites. There are thirty-two 1 bedroom Butler suites.

The Club Sandals Lounge is available 24 hours a day with concierge hours between 8am and 10pm to assist with reservations for spa, excursions, restaurants and anything else. Guests also get preferred check-in with chilled towel and champagne. Weekly hosted activities. Premium alcohol stocked in the room with stocked fridge and access to room service from 7am to 10pm.

Butler Elite Suites offer you a 2 person team of professionally trained Butlers to pamper you throughout your stay. Butler Suite guests receive a special phone to connect them with their Butler, ready to meet all their needs.

Gourmet Discovery Dining!

Sandals Gourmet Discovery Dining is a breeze with 8 choices for dining from elegant French or Italian cuisine or lobster by the beach. Or the authentic Jerk  Shack!

Bayside (French Brasserie), Bluefields’s Beach Club (Seaside Grill), Cafe de Paris (French Patisserie), Eleanors (Pan-Caribbean), Giuseppe’s (Italian), Jasmine’s (Pan-Asian), Neptunes (Mediterranean Rim), Jerk Shack (Authentic Jamaican)

Sandals prides itself on offering more luxury inclusions than any other all-inclusive resort. Besides the amazing dining choices, Club Level and above also have access to room service, 24 hours for Butler Level and 7am-10pm for Club Level.

Weekly events enhance the dining experience, including a chocolate buffet and special manager’s welcome party, Butler and Club Sandals cocktail parties.

Nightly Entertainment

Whitehouse offers nightly entertainment, from beach parties to shows in the cabaret. Of course, 6 bars are also available including a Martini Bar, the Cabaret Bar, Neptunes Beach Bar, and several swim-up pool bars.

Watersports are included!

A glass bottom boat, hobie cats, kayaks, wakeboarding, water-skiing, tubing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, snorkeling….all INCLUDED!

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Did I mention Scuba Diving? That’s included too if you are already PADI certified you can dive up to twice a day, either one 2 tank dive or two 1 tank dives. Not certified, no problem mon. Take the resort course and get certified. (*There is a charge for the resort course.)

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4 Freshwater pools and 4 whirlpools.

Land sports too. Pool, tennis, basketball, table tennis, bocce ball, volleyball, croquet…and more. Of course, fitness center as well.

Of course, there are resort shops, a departure changing facility, resort-wide free WiFi, money exchange, nurse on-site during the day, and complimentary airport transfers.

Available at an extra charge:

The Red Lane Spa offers a complete list of treatment options. (The Red Lane Spa offers a sauna and steam room and hot and cold plunge pools in the zen garden which are free for anyone to use.)Touring offered by Island Routes, laundry/dry cleaning available, private airport transfers, a photo shop, and special occasions options like a candlelight dinner on the beach.

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*Sandals has a “no tipping” policy for all team members except Butlers and Spa Therapists.

Overall, this resort is very romantic and quiet. This is where you come to rekindle the romance, relax and enjoy each other.

 

Whirlwind Sandals Resorts Fam Trip

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend a 4-night exclusive FAM (familiarization trip ) with my agency to Jamaica. We were invited by Sandals Resorts to learn about their fabulous product and become Certified Sandals Specialists.

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Over the next few weeks, I will review and recap the Sandals and Beaches Resorts that we visited while on our trip.

  1.  Sandals Whitehouse European Village (stayed 2 nights here)
  2.  Sandals Negril Resort and Spa
  3. Beaches Negril Resort and Spa
  4. Sandals Montego Bay (just a rest stop)
  5. Sandals OCHI (formerly Grande Riviera)(stayed 2 night here)
  6. Sandals Royal Plantation
  7. Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Spa
  8. Sandals Golf & Country Club (not a resort )

Yes! That is a lot of touring…this was definitely a working trip, including a 4-hour workshop to become a Certified Sandals Specialist, lead by the incredible (seriously, didn’t feel like 4 hours, went by very quickly) Iesha Hibbert.

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I absolutely fell in love with Jamaica. The people are so welcoming and friendly everywhere and Sandals Resorts are unparalleled. Luxury Included is the truth. Each Sandals Resort has its own unique vibe and there is a perfect resort for everyone.

I cannot wait to go back with my own family to Beaches, it’s moved to the top of our travel bucket list. And I cannot wait to help my clients plan their wonderful memory making trips, whether they be family trips to Beaches, a nice change from the theme parks. Or a romantic getaway for mom and dad for a complete change of pace.

Stay tuned for the reviews and see photo tours on my Facebook Page.

Contact me if you would like more information on planning your own visit to paradise. 🙂  barbara@atimetotreasuretravel.com

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