Tag Archives: review

Strong Water Tavern

December 2, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is a hidden gem and worth a visit even if you are not staying at this resort.

A wall of vintage rums, your own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole. Featuring tapas-style dining options with rum tastings, this is a true jewel at this very tropical island feel resort.

On a recent visit to Universal Orlando, I visited twice. The service was wonderful each time and the food delicious! It was impossible to choose drinks and tapas, but our server made suggestions and following those proved to be the right choice.

pj7p56G0TVeGN+s6OsWCZw — Fountain of Youth

cAtzA1+pSLytvTX42okKDw — Seafood Ceviche

6lN1ZkOlS62D8HWrYG68Fw — Florida Ceviche

My companion and I shared a few tapas, the Florida Ceviche and the Seafood Tostadas which were both incredible. Especially the Florida Ceviche which came highly recommended by our server. She was not wrong, we got it again on our next visit!

While they have anything you could want including wine and beer, Rum is their speciality as we went with rum drinks. Fountain of Youth the first visit for me and to accompany our Florida Ceviche on our second late-night visit, a Cayman Island Iced Tea.

The bar was full late afternoon on our first visit, pre-dinner drinks going strong, tables were plentifully available though. During our late-night visit, there were considerably more people, but we still were able to be seated immediately, it’s a very large space.

Next time you are at Universal Orlando, be sure to stroll over or take the water taxi over You can even walk to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort from Citywalk.

Strong Water Tavern is an absolute gem!

All Inclusive Resorts

Review: Sandos Cancun

November 18, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Sandos Cancun offers the perfect long weekend escape from reality! It’s right on a gorgeous stretch of beach in the hotel zone, just minutes from the airport.

A high rise compact resort, nothing is far away and while it’s not technically an adult-only resort, children will be few and far between because the resort does not cater to children. There are no kid’s clubs or activities for children.

BEACH

The white sand beach is exactly what you have been dreaming about. With beach service, you can enjoy a refreshing mojito without leaving your lounge chair. Located between the pool and the beach is the popular St.Trop restaurant serving up freshly baked pizzas straight from the wood oven. And the best fish tacos I’ve ever had!

SPA DEL MAR

Treat yourself to a well-deserved full body massage and a variety of health and beauty treatments. Service here is impeccable.

FITNESS CENTER

Stay fit or start getting in shape at the fully equipped gym, complete with treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, free weights, resistance machines, yoga mats, and everything you need for a full-body workout.

ACCOMMODATION

There are 5 different room options available with all the facilities and amenities you´d expect from a high-end all-inclusive resort in Cancun. Modern suites with jacuzzis and picturesque ocean views of the beach and blue waters of the Caribbean. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pillow menu, and more.

SUPERIOR ROOM

Superior Room sleeps up to 3 people in 450 square feet of living space and offers astonishing views of Cancun’s famous white sand beach and the rich turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. These rooms come with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, spacious bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub.

DELUXE ROOM

Watch the sunrise from the fully furnished balcony which offers excellent views over the beach or Nichupté Lagoon. The Deluxe Room sleeps up to 3 people in 450 square feet of living space.

LAGUNA SUITE

The two private balconies highlight the eye-catching views in this spacious suite: one balcony overlooking Nichupté Lagoon, and the other overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Laguna Suite features a calming master bedroom with a king bed, as well as a separate living and dining area with a well-equipped kitchenette.

SANDOS SUITE

The Sandos Suites provide 800 square feet of living space which is more than enough room for 3 adults. A highlight of the suites includes excellent views from the balcony.

CARIBE SUITE

Take in some of the best views the Riviera Maya has to offer from the luxury Caribe Suite which provides1160 square feet of living space. Caribe Suites have two spacious bedrooms with their own private bathroom, separate living and dining area with kitchenette, and modern decor. One of the highlights of this luxurious 2 bedroom suite is the huge furnished balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee with panoramic views of Cancun’s famous turquoise waters.

RESTAURANTS

Choose from 4 exquisite gourmet restaurants and dining options including the Seasons steakhouse, the chic Gaijin serving authentic Japanese cuisine, A La Carte Italian cuisine at Frattini´s, and Zangos international buffet. Delicious Caribbean dishes, traditional Mexican food, and a broad selection of snacks and delicious goodies will keep you going throughout the day. Don’t forget 24-hour room service to make that dream of waking up to breakfast in bed overlooking the Caribbean Sea a reality.

BARS

Stretch out and soak up the sun on the luxury sun loungers in the manicured gardens of the hip Bar Two positioned just in front of the white sand beach. Bar One is a sophisticated lobby style bar where you´ll find everything from exotic cocktails to a selection of popular wines and beer.

ENTERTAINMENT

Besides the beach, and three outdoor infinity pools that seemingly blend into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, there’s plenty of entertainment available at Sandos Cancun. Live the “Rhythm Experience” where you’ll enjoy a different genre of music each day of the week with themed events and extravagant shows. From 11am to 5pm the resident DJ sets the mood by the pool area and as the sun sets the party begins in Bar Two. Looking for a more relaxed ambiance, head to Bar One where you can zone out to the chilled out vibes set by the DJ.

Contact me to plan your next romantic getaway or friends weekend in Cancun at Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort.

Universal

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

November 11, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

As a lover of all things CHOCOLATE, I had to try out Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen for myself. I mean look at the milkshakes!!!

Toothsome is an impressive sight from across the water at Citywalk. It sits just outside the entrance to Islands of Adventure and appears to be a Willy Wonka’esque contraption rising from the water.

Inside, the theme is steampunk head to toe and it’s a fully immersive experience. The story of Penelope and how she created the Emporium to find her family is entertaining. Penelope and her chocolate creating friend Jacques wander from table to table chatting with guests. The building houses the restaurant, the foundry (milkshake shop), a pastry shop and a gift shop. And upstairs a small bar.

The restaurant offers more than just chocolate though. The menu has some eclectic choices and comfort food with a twist. The menu is expansive with everything from burgers, flatbreads, steaks, pasta and of course an amazing dessert menu.

We started with a chocolate drink of course!

On this particular trip, my companion and I shared a few appetizers.

The Totchos, fried tater tots, spicy green chili, crispy pork belly, andouille sausage cheddar cheese sauce.

Forest Mushroom Flatbread, Mushrooms, goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, white truffle oil

Both were excellent, the totchos were nice and crispy and the flatbread was simply divine.

After ducking into the parks for a bit to close them down, we returned to Toothsome for the icing on the cake, or whip cream on the milkshake, or something like that.

They taste as great as they look!

I chose the Chocolate X5 and it was delicious! Not gonna lie, they are a bit difficult to eat, but worth every messy napkin involved.

Finding a spot to sit can be difficult, but there is plenty of seating along the wall outside.

This is definitely on my return visit list. So many more things to try on the incredible menu and just a fun vibe. Have you tried a meal or a milkshake at Toothsome? I’d love to hear about it!

Universal

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

September 1, 2019 Barbara Ryan 4 Comments

Loews Sapphire Falls is a Caribbean themed resort located on the water path at Universal Orlando Resort. It boasts the largest pool on property and a laid back casual Carribean vibe.

This resort is beautiful!

Cascading waterfalls and views of the water, the lagoon on one side and the spectacular pool on the other really lend to the relaxed vibe at this hotel. The vast lobby houses The New Dutch Trading Co, which is a partial Starbucks and more quick-service type fare. Next to the showcase staircase, a feature of all Loews hotels is Strong Water Tavern. This place is a gem. With over 75 kinds of rum in addition to a regular full bar selection and incredibly tasty tapas and small plates. Service is impeccable!

A Universal Store with a great selection as well as a Fuel Rod kiosk and of course the Vacation Planning Desk with kiosks where you would print your package tickets.

Avis is the Universal car rental partner and there is a desk at every hotel. Complimentary WIFI is available throughout the hotel. Valet and self-parking, both for a fee. Room service operates 24 hours a day. A fitness center and game room/arcade is available on the second floor.

Amatista Cookhouse™, a full-service restaurant that offers scenic water views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spectacular Pool!

The largest pool at Universal at 16,000 square feet with 2 sand beaches, zero-entry area, a fabulous water slide, and water play area for the littles. Also by the pool are cabanas available for rent for a very special day by the pool. There is also a fire pit, movies by the pool in the evenings and complimentary life jackets.

The Drhum Club Kantine, a pool bar and grill offers a fresh seafood inspired menu and taste-tempting drinks.

Access to the parks

Easy access to Citywalk and the theme parks via the water taxi. At Universal, you will go through a security checkpoint on the boat dock which means no waiting in a long bag check line at the theme park entrances.

Exclusive Benefits of Sapphire Falls

Early Park Admission^† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and select attractions at Volcano Bay™ water theme park, one hour before the theme parks open (valid theme park admission required)
Complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses that take you directly to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and CityWalk™
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Complimentary access* to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk™ for the length of stay.
Start your day with a wake-up call from one of your favorite Universal Orlando characters
Golf Universal Orlando™ program offers an exclusive program for golfers that enables guests to take to the links during their stay. You can reserve a perfect tee time, arrange for complimentary transportation* to and from select courses and more. For more information please contact the Universal Orlando Ticket Center in the hotel lobby.

This resort has 1000 rooms including the most suites of any other Universal resort. A mix of hospitality, Sapphire and Kids suites. Rooms have all the amenities including a refrigerator, Keurig and a magic mirror!

The door that closes off the shower/toilet space is a sliding door and it does lack total privacy as there is a sliver of space left, it doesn’t quite close all the way.

We also go an exclusive look at a Kids Suite: A king bedded room with an attached 2 twin bedded room only accessible from inside the suite.

Loews Sapphire Falls offers incredible value for the amenities offered at the resort. With water taxi to the theme parks and the ability to walk to Volcano Bay via Cabana Bay across the street, the location cannot be beaten.

Contact me to start planning your Universal Orlando EPIC vacation!

Disney Cruise Line

Vanellopes Sweets and Treats

August 28, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Everyone’s favorite little spitfire from Wreck-It Ralph has her own Sweet Shoppe on the Disney Dream and Fantasy.

This is such a fun spot, colorful with scenes and characters from the movie everywhere.

Vanellopes’s treats are not included in your cruise price like the soft ice cream right outside. But it’s well worth it for a special treat. Here you will find bulk candy, pastries and of course ice cream, frozen yogurt and best of all, gelato!

The gelato selections will vary. Below is a sampling of what may be available.

Red Velvet ’N’ Cookies Gelato
Amarena – Cherry Gelato
Oreo Cookie ’N’ Cream Gelato
Key Lime Pie Gelato
Blueberry – Lemon Zest Gelato
Tiramisu Gelato
Candy Explosion Gelato
Strawberry Gelato
Cupcake Gelato
Cappuccino Gelato
Pistachio Variegate Gelato
Hazelnut Gelato
Mascarpone Cheese and Raspberry Gelato
Cherry Chocolate Chip Gelato
Mango Swirl Cheesecake Gelato
Pina Colada Gelato
Candy Cane Gelato
Pumpkin Gelato
White Chocolate and Roasted Almond Gelato
Mixed Berries Gelato

The ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt selections will vary. Below is a sampling of what may be available.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
French Vanilla Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
King Candy Ice Cream
Salted Carmel Ice Cream
Peaches ’N’ Cream Ice Cream
Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream
No Sugar Added Vanilla Chocolate Ice Cream
Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk Ice Cream
Midnight Cookies ’N’ Cream Ice Cream
Dulce De Leche Ice Cream
Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk Ice Cream
Cookie Dough Dynamo Ice Cream
Mango Citrus Sorbet
Raspberry Sorbet
Black Cherry Frozen Yogurt

Bulk Candy Selections

Crazy Bananas Candy
Hot Tamales
M&Ms
Milk Chocolate Raisins
Mini Jawbreakers
Reese’s Pieces
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (49 Assorted Flavor Mix)
Cry Baby Tears
Licorice Pastels
Sour Balls (Assorted)
Mike and Ike
Dark Chocolate Almonds
Tootsie Roll
Warheads Extreme Sour Candy
Gummy Sea Critters
Sour Patch Kids
Caramel Creams
Zotz
Mini Dark Chocolate Rainbow Nonpareils
Chocolate Double Dipped Peanuts
Skittles
Salt Water Taffy (Assorted Flavors)
Atomic Fireballs
Lemon Heads

The best thing about Vanellopes is you can order a special treat and have it sent to your dining location at dessert time. We tested this out on our recent cruise for my ice cream loving son’s birthday. That afternoon, I went to Vanellopes and ordered a race car sundae choosing the gelato and toppings. They fill out a form and then give you a small card with instructions to hand this card to your server when you sit down for dinner. Your server will then take care of calling up and having them make the treat and deliver it to them and they will bring it out. Worked like a charm!

Vanellopes is well worth the extra splurge!

Florida

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Shores

July 5, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

I searched long and hard for a place to stay for a few days before our Disney cruise. We were planning on spending 2 full days, 3 nights in Florida before the cruise and decided against Disney or Universal. Our kids had not been to the ocean since they were little when we went to Cape Cod so we decided on a few days at the ocean. In the end, I settled on the Residence Inn Daytona Beach Shores. This could not have been a better choice.

We had a little trouble arriving due to storms and came in a day later than planned losing a full day, but it wasn’t a great weather day so we didn’t miss too much. When we finally arrived, a full 24 later everything was ready for us and we even managed a meal and a little walk on the beach in the dark. The hotel had a restaurant and a bar and the bar opened to the pool outside for drinks during the day. The pool and hot tub overlooked the ocean.

Sunday was now our only full day to spend there and we rented chairs and an umbrella right from a truck set up on the beach nearby and enjoyed a day at the ocean. The weather was great. We also had a little friendly competition at Pirates Cove Mini Golf. Always fun, even with teenagers.

The hotel suited us nicely. Free breakfast buffet and a few restaurants right across the street. We had a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen which we didn’t really need, I wasn’t planning on cooking, but we did get takeout for dinner and the table came in handy. The nicest part was before being crammed into a tiny stateroom on a cruise for 4 days, we had space to spread out and the kids had their own room with 2 queen beds and we had a room with a king bed. Each with their own bathroom. From the balcony, we could see both the ocean and the bay and were looking towards Daytona Beach.

It took a little less than an hour to drive from Daytona Beach Shores to Port Canaveral Monday morning. It was a very easy drive, no traffic at all.

We arrived exactly at our port arrival time and followed the procedure, Disney is very efficient when it comes to organizing crowds. We were walking onto the ship within 45 minutes of arriving, including parking, security, checking in, etc…as soon as we checked in they called our boarding group.

Disney Cruise Line

Palo Dinner Disney Dream

June 16, 2019 Barbara Ryan 1 Comment

As is typical on most cruise lines today, Disney offers choices beyond their Main Dining rooms. Already not typical with rotational dining and 3 main dining rooms, Disney offers Palo and Remy. Palo is Northern Italian cuisine on all 4 Disney ships. Remy is French cuisine on the Dream and Fantasy only. Both are adult-exclusive.

Upcharges and dress codes apply to both restaurants, but Palo is a little less restrictive than Remy. For Palo dinner, the charge was $40 per person.

Dress to Impress

To preserve the elegant ambiance of this restaurant, you are asked to adhere to a dress code when dining at Palo. We recommend dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may also be worn if in good condition (no holes). Please no tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

On our recent cruise, we had dinner at Palo on pirate night, which was the 3rd night of our 4 night cruise and our Castaway Cay day. We weren’t terribly interested in pirate festivities, our children are teenagers and we would be done in plenty of time to see the fireworks. On the Dream Palo and Remy are next to each other on the top deck in the front of the ship with the Meridian Bar in between. When you arrive you are escorted into the bar to wait for your escort into the restaurant. We had a drink here and then were escorted to our table. All tables have a wonderful view of the ocean.

The service is nothing short of outstanding! We ordered wine, and then Mircea our server brought the bread service and then the antipasto cart and we watched as our server prepared a plate of “a little bit of everything” to try.

We ordered several Primi to try and share, Calamari Fritti, Gnocchi and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. So so good. Even the gnocchi, which are usually not great in restaurants when you are used to my father’s homemade version, was wonderful.

Next, was a palette cleanser…

Then the main course, Rack of Lamb for me and Osso Buco for my husband. Cooked to perfection.

The dessert course was next. When you order your main course they will ask you if you will be ordering the chocolate souffle, their signature dessert because it does take some time to make. I knew about this in advance and was definitely getting it. There are no words, it was heavenly.

And there was other stuff, including a Happy Anniversary plate.

The dinner was well paced and lasted about 2 hours, but didn’t feel long at all. The restaurant was quiet, there were several tables around us, but it wasn’t full by any means.

Palo is well worth the upcharge and can be prebooked in your cruise account when your activities window opens.

Have you eaten there? I would go back in a heartbeat and next time will try the brunch too, I hear it’s phenomenal.

All Inclusive Resorts

Resort Review: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

July 17, 2018 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

A truly unique resort in the heart of the Mayan jungle!

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort stands apart from the myriad of resorts lining the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya. What sets it apart? They didn’t clear land to build this resort, they built around cenotes, mangroves, Mayan ruins. It is literally built in the jungle.

All about the experiences!

This family friendly resort in Playacar boasts 40+ activities that you won’t find anywhere else by simply walking out of your resort room. Eco tours across suspension bridges where you learn about the wildlife and trees of the jungle around you. Snorkling in a beautiful large cenote, a river through a mangrove with various fun experiences, sensory experiences offered by the spa, exploring Mayan ruins, a waterpark, a lovely beach with all the usual water sports, tennis courts and several pools of course. The main pool has a swim up bar and another pool in the family section has entertainment and music during the day and the adult only section has a large quiet pool.

A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse  of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Especially associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings.

Wildlife!

The mission of this resort and the entire hotel chain is about preserving nature and the culture of the locations their resorts sit in. They built this resort in the jungle and the animals that called the jungle home, still do. In addition to the animals native to the land, spider monkeys, iguanas, birds, coatis, turtles and more… the resort rescues animals that are in danger. They have donkeys, pigs and other rescues. Helping the caretakers feed the animals is one of the activities kids can partake in.

Nature!

My favorite experience at this resort was swimming in the cenote. We took and snorkel tour then were able to just lounge in the cool water. This water is refreshing! The resort boasts 7 cenotes, but only 4 are considered swimmable. Honestly, you’ll want to stick with the main cenote off the lobby, it’s large and maintained to keep the water circulating. A sacred cenote is off towards the ruins and hidden away, the spa uses it, but we did find people in it one day. A cenote in the Select Club section by building 60 is also swimmable.

Culture!

The resort has entertainment nightly and is focused on the Mayan culture. You can watch fire shows and ceremonies and participate in a survival game too. It’s great for the whole family. For something romantic, couples can take a private boat ride in the Jade river or enjoy a couples massage surrounded by the jungle.

Accommodations!

You’ll find the best of both worlds at this resort with a family section and their adult only section called Select Club. On my trip, my room was in the Select Club close to the adult only pool and restaurant. There is also a Select Club area on the beach with some special amenities.

Newly renovated Eco superior and family rooms feature bunk beds and are very nicely appointed.

Royal Elite is family friendly, but offering perks as well with their own beach area and private pool and restaurant.

Time to Eat!

There are plenty of options for food at Sandos Caracol. The usual buffets, an Italian restaurant, Teppanyaki, Brazilian, Mediterranean, and a Steak & Fish restaurant. Of course the usual snack bars and options. A favorite of mine was the restaurant catering to the Select Club, great breakfast here too, mix of buffet or a la carte.

A special feature of this resort that is unique is their vegan restaurant. I am not vegan, nor will I ever be and normally would never have chosen to eat here, but I have to say, it was really good. It’s a great choice for something different and of course, it’s all-inclusive so you have nothing to lose. Don’t feel full, go somewhere else and eat more! I will say, this was a meal I did feel full from, more so than any other. It was surprisingly delicious. Give it a try!

Kid Friendly!

There is plenty for the kids to keep them entertained. A massive waterpark, all the animals and fun eco activities, a kid’s club, pools, beach… By the center of the resort, you walk through another great spot for kids to get to the main pool and beach. Here you’ll find a bar and pool tables, ping pong, tv’s with sporting events, etc… and while the kids are having the time of their lives…you can hit the spa!

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a truly unique resort where you can swim in a cenote, explore Mayan ruins and culture, view wildlife in the wild and still enjoy the usual all-inclusive resort benefits of the pools and beach and kid’s club, etc…It’s the best of both worlds! I am looking forward to bringing my kids here as I know they will love it.

Animal Kingdom

Flight of Passage

March 1, 2018 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

The latest greatest attraction in Orlando since the opening of Pandora, the World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in my opinion, Flight of Passage.

The lines are long with this one!

Flight of Passage is a thrilling ride (with a 44″ height requirement) on the back of an animatronic banshee wearing 3D glasses. It’s far from just another simulator ride though. The experience starts in the queue itself. It meanders through rock formations, past waterfalls, interesting landscapes and into what appears from the outside to be a gigantic rock. Inside it’s nice a cool and continues its meandering ways. There is plenty to look at and makes the long wait, not quite so bad really.

The two pre-ride videos explain that the conflict between the humans and the Na’Vi aliens has ended and now humans can experience this amazing thrill that is a rite of passage for the Na’Vi. The ride is a flight simulator perched in front of a 65-foot wide, 90-foot tall 3D screen. As you enter the flight room, after you’ve been matched with your banshee, you get your first glimpse of the motorcycle like contraction you’ll be riding. But this isn’t a motorcycle, it’s a living breathing banshee! Put on your 3D glasses and FLY!

The thrills are strong with this one!

You’ll fly through forests, past waterfalls avoiding animals and a tsunami! The wind blowing, the sights, and sounds. It truly is an incredible attraction.

It’s Soarin on Steroids!

I managed to ride this 3 times in one day on a busy September day. Arriving at park opening with the crowds all heading there, the line started right about where the sign is telling you what the wait time is. It said 2 hours. But the crowds were still filing in, filling in the queue and we pretty much walked steadily, slowly without stopping. It took about 45 minutes to get to the first pre-ride movie. The second time was with a Fastpass, took about 30 minutes even with the Fastpass. The 3rd time we just waited. The sign said it was a 90-minute wait and we had some time to kill. It took 60 minutes. But this time we got to see the entire queue which we skipped the first 2 times through.

Flight of Passage is definitely the best use of a Fastpass at Animal Kingdom, but even without one, with a little planning and some patience, it’s well worth the wait.

Memory Keeping

Whirlwind Sandals Resorts Fam Trip

October 16, 2015 Barbara Ryan 2 Comments

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.

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

Sandals Whitehouse European Village (stayed 2 nights here)
Sandals Negril Resort and Spa
Beaches Negril Resort and Spa
Sandals Montego Bay (just a rest stop)
Sandals OCHI (formerly Grande Riviera)(stayed 2 night here)
Sandals Royal Plantation
Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Spa
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.

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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