Reggae Marathon 2013

For many it's on their bucket list.  Others do it as a team, 150+ running strong. For me, it was all about coming for the run but staying for the fun!  The Reggae Marathon, held every year the first Saturday of December, has consistently been growing in number of participants; this year was no exception.  Almost 2000 fun loving, runners and walkers from all over the world with different skill levels gathered at Long Bay Beach for a 5:15am start. With reggae music playing live, it was hard not to get excited despite my internal alarm clock insisting I should be hitting snooze!  We stayed at Beaches Negril, so it was a quick 5 minute walk to the start line.  I was fortunate enough to be with the Sandals Foundation team proudly wearing our turquoise blue shirts.  

Festivities kicked off the night before during the World Best Pasta Party at Couple's Swept Away.  Even the most discerning palates were satisfied by the variety of food. Honestly, food was what brought us there, but the people is why we stayed.  Having connected with many on social media, we were simply online friends.  Here we made those face to face connections and reminisced about all the blogs, tweets, status updates and motivational tips we've shared leading up to this event.  Chris, Dan, Larry and Karen were there and Jen and I got to meet them after only knowing them by their twitter handles or cartooned avatars. Some met online only to find out at the pasta party they lived literally miles from each other! It's a small world after all!

Deep in a sea of rasta loving, excited and even some nervous souls, we all left the gates with smiles after the horn signaled the race start. I had my own cheering section; my family got up early to see me off.  Cute little messages in marker on my race shirt like, "Go Mom", helped me remember I had some of the smallest fans in stature waiting for me at the end!  With tiki torches, music and on lookers from the hotels and even locals lining the race course, this was sure to be one of the most exciting races I'd ever ran.  Before coming, I was terribly nervous of the heat.  After all, it was about a 100 degree temperature swing coming from Minnesota to Jamaica.  Surprisingly, I found 75 degrees to be cool  and comfortable with a light ocean breeze prior to sunrise.  My goal wasn't nearly time as much as it was to finish prior to sunrise when things really heat up quickly.

                                       

Without the aid of my iPod playlist, Garmin watch or even a knowledge of where it officially ended, I finished the 10K strong, yet I knew at the end I could've ran harder.  This in itself was a bit of a let down, but I try to not make excuses.  After all, I had just completed my first 10K before most of the world had even thought about getting up! And there was the largest beer tent awaiting me to celebrate my achievement and massage beds lining the beach to encourage me to relax and revel in the runners high and start planning a group for 2014.  Who wants to come for the run and stay for the fun?  I promise, it's like no other experience you've ever had!

                                      

As a Jamaican Specialist and Certified Sandals Specialist be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com or www.runmonrun.com 

A Caribbean Christmas

Christmas came early for us this year! The older I get I realize the cynicism within the Holiday season: I want this, I want that, whine, want and wail all the way through December.  Instead of filling the house with more and more stuff, we've always wanted to instill a sense of gratitude and thankfulness in our children.  It's not easy to do so in the land of gluttony we call USA, but we gave it a shot.  This year we asked the kids if they would prefer a tree full of toys for Christmas or a family vacation.  Hands down, they chose vacation!  

So with that, we chose Beaches Negril as our destination and began packing.  Not just packing our swimsuits and sunscreen, but we packed for a purpose!  The kids collected books from their bookshelves at home to friends' donations and even their school, Winterquist Elementary, library pitched in!  We filled a suitcase full and along with Sandals Foundation, brought it to the kids of Mt Airy school just outside of Negril.  

The day we came they were having a Christmas treat complete with Santa, gifts, cake and juice.  The kids ages 1st grade through 6th grade performed by singing and dancing and in exchange we served them cake, juice and gifts.  We toured their school, media center and library.  In the end, I'm not sure who was more blessed.

                                                             

                                           

As we return home two weeks before Christmas, we are rich in memories of our experience in the Caribbean.  Instead of running around buying gifts and stressing over the right size, color or even gigabytes, we can instead enjoy the season by relishing it, not hurrying through it.  This year we might have extra time for Christmas tea at Glensheen, Bentlyville tour of lights and perhaps a musical! 

If you are interested in making new traditions with your family that don't involve the latest and greatest toy or accessory but instead allow you to reconnect with the ones you love, consider a family vacation!  As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com 

I Don't Need No Rocking Chair!

Senior Travel by Jen Maki of Divine Destinations

Seniors.  Retired. Empty Nesters. These are just a few words used to describe people who are living in their “Golden Years”.  So, once in your Golden Years, what does one do?  Most of the retired people I talk to these days tell me they are busier now than they’ve ever been!  So then, what are they busy doing? Among many things, they are TRAVELING!  In this piece I’ll tell you about a few hot spots the Empty Nesters are flocking to!

There are many choices but for most Seniors I’ve found they like to “ease into” the Retirement mode.  For those Seniors that still don’t feel comfortable leaving the kids and grandkids for too long I have found a popular getaway is a quick 3-4 weekend to dry arid climates like Nevada or Arizona.  With nonstop flights offered out of Duluth on Allegiant & Sun Country, you can be in your Mukluks at Noon in Duluth and in your flip-flops by 2pm in Phoenix!  While in Phoenix you can golf to your heart’s content or rent a car and go to the Grand Canyon just three hours away.  Perhaps you would rather gamble? Packages are available starting most weeks for as little as $269/pp for a 3 day getaway or $299 for a 4 day escapes to nostalgic Laughlin!  Air, transfers, baggage handling and your room are all included in this price and it’s per person.  There’s a $50 single supplement fee if you haven’t yet found your own wanderlust buddy!

  

Bus Trip anyone?  What could be more low key, stress free and require no passport than a Bus Trip?  With several itineraries to choose from ranging from the Smoky Mountains to the Cherry Blossoms, there is always a new adventure awaiting you!  While most itineraries include the deluxe motor coach, hotel, taxes, a welcome reception the first night, most meals, [including a farewell dinner] you can’t leave your wallet at home or your bank account empty! 

Feeling generous? Want something more exotic? Have you considered the allure of Multigenerational travel?  Jet-set to the islands where you can have everything included! This is a genius way to perform a family reunion as well.  Everyone is contained in the same general area, no one has to cook or clean and you are free to do whatever!  They have pools, kids clubs, spas, fitness centers and even a nightclub ON SITE! As a bonus of traveling as a group there is special amenities we can provide at no additional cost such as: adjoining rooms, welcome gifts upon check in, group welcome reception, photo opp, picnics, farewell dinner with cake and even help you to arrange for special tours!  Can you imagine the memories you could make swimming with the dolphins or riding horses in the ocean with your kids and grandkids? 

Jen Maki of Divine Destinations delivers travel dreams on a daily basis to her clients.  She’s available to chat with you about your dreams and help you design your Divine Destination! 218/348-2825 or jennifer@4divinedeals.com 

Sandals Grande Antigua

    

In simply 15 minutes you can be transferred from the airport to the amazing Sandals Grande Antigua.  You can almost feel the tension and stress of daily life evaporate from your soul as you enter the open air foyer.  Although stately and grand, it's not aloof.  In fact, they sing to guests coming, going and passing by. I was staying in the Mediterranean Village so I had a grand view of the resort and the ocean.  My room also had an enormous balcony which proved to be a great place to enjoy a glass of wine while catching up with friends and family on social media and uploading photos my fans could covet! It also produced spectacular sunsets!

We spent most of our free time in the pool where we soaked up the South East Caribbean sunshine and indulged in frozen mojitos, dirty monkeys and Bloody Mary's complete with Scotch Bonnet, a common spice in the Caribbean which makes jalapeños seem like green peppers! While in the pool we met Honeymooners, Vow Renewal-ers, Wedding parties and other people like ourselves who were taking advantage of the great rates due to "hurricane season".  Some came from the Midwest while others were from the East coast and still others were local!

The food was always amazing; I was never disappointed.  From the pizza at Napolis to the seafood at Barefoot by the Sea, I always left saying that was the best dinner yet....until tomorrow of course!  After all of this dining, we headed over to the Drunken Duck pub where the DJs got us moving.  Dance lessons were given freely by the playmakers and trust me, this little white girl needed to take notes on some of the moves.  Those poor playmakers.....

For the explorer in you, St John's is only a 10 minute cab ride or you can rent a car.  We walked the beach and looked at local vendor's shops and even swung through the local watering hole.  It was fun to hang with the locals.  No discriminating.  No judging.  No worries.

Although not the easiest airlift from the Midwest, Antigua truly is the Gem of the Caribbean!  I would encourage you to consider a longer stay even a split stay to soften the jet lag of travel time.  All these details of course can be handled by myself, the Diva, who has afterall, been there done that. :) 

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations  is for booking! www.4divinedeals

Grand Pineapple Antigua

Grand Pineapple Antigua

     

Just a quick jump down the line of the British Virgin Islands lies the Gem of the Caribbean, Antigua.  Otherwise known for the fact it has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend months there, but for my three nights, I was quickly impressed!  

My first stop was Grand Pineapple Antigua, the easy slice of paradise.  We were greeted by an amazingly friendly and hospitable management team who quickly made sure we were comfortable by offering us the traditional lemongrass infused washcloth. After freshening up, we were off to see this resort and all it offered.  The different rooms were all so unique in their own way.  Some were close to the beach while others offered easy accessibility and still others boasted breath taking views of the electric turquoise ocean!  The beach was like sugar and white like snow. And for sissies like myself, I even dared to enter the ocean because of it's crystal clear waters!  They told me that the ocean is too warm for sharks but jelly fish can be common.  I figured every rose has it's thorn, so I took my chances! For those who want to sail, snorkel or even take out a hobie cat, this is the place to do it.  The water is mostly like glass and I could see why people flock from all over the world to take it all in.

For lunch we hiked up to the legendary Miss Mary's Outhouse and had a traditional BBQ lunch of ribs and chicken, but with a Caribbean twist! Here we got to see mongoose, birds, cats and the variety of trinkets left behind by past guests.  There were hats,  flags, license plates, flip flops and even handmade things from those who forgot to bring something from home. Regrettably, the famous Miss Mary wasn't there (I was told she's off Fridays and Saturdays) so I guess I will have to go back and try it again!

If you are looking for a ultra laid back easy going resort that is small but has a huge personality, Grand Pineapple is  your perfect choice! 

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations is for booking! www.4divinedeals

Regency La Toc

Sandals Regency LaToc

One of three Sandals properties in StLucia, Sandals Regency LaToc commands your attention! And what's not to notice from the Millionaire Suites set atop the bluffs complete with Butler service and 180 degree views to the 6'++ personal trainer, Therey who leads Pilates, Yoga & power walks each morning! With eight dining options, three freshwater pools, four whirlpools and just as many activities on the schedule, if you are bored here, it's your own fault!  On site is an Executive Golf Course where your greens fees are included.  If it's been awhile since you've had your links out, feel free to refresh your swing on the driving range or even sign up for a lesson.  Prefer to be under the sea? At Sandals, it's all included, even the water sports.  Try your luck at paddle boarding or take a kayak out with you and your sweetie and enjoy the serene landscape.  If you are looking to SCUBA, look no further than Sandals where you can get up to two tanks per day included in your stay. Averaging $100 per tank at other locations, this as you can see, is a huge value for our amphibian friends. 

Sandals has added a new luxury included concept called Discovery Dining.  Here you can select a variety of meal options and if you have special dietary requirements, you will have the opportunity to sit down one to one with the Executive Chef and discuss your options.  It's a miracle we were able to eat anything with the crazy blend of dietary requirements we faced within our group but each and every meal was pulled off without a hitch. In St Lucia you have 22 dining options not including room service, so on a week long stay, you can eat your way through your options and never have the same thing twice!  My favorite restaurant at Regency La Toc is hand down, Armondos.  I'm not sure if it was the variety of delectable delights or the attention to detail Fabrizio, the Chef, showed by sitting down with us afterwards to ask us how we enjoyed dinner. 

Do you like the finer things in life? Want something just a little more over the top than the next person? Or do you simply like to have options? Regency La Toc is sure to wow even the most discerning traveler.

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations  is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com 

Hawaii of the Caribbean, Sandals Grande St Lucian

Sandals Grande St Lucian

Hawaii is on many people's bucket list but St Lucia may not be.  As one who has traveled to Hawaii numerous times, I'm here to tell you that St Lucia is the Hawaii of the Caribbean!  From the turquoise water to the majestic views and abundant flora, not only does it look and feel like Hawaii, it is an incredible value!  And THAT is a bonus for engaged couples since St Lucia is known as the Honeymoon capital! Coming from the Midwest, it is a shorter flight. Once on island you'll find friendlier people. And when staying at the luxury included Sandals properties, your hard earned vacation dollars will go much further since love is all you need; the rest is included!

Once you arrive at Sandals Grande St Lucian, you will be awestruck by the open aired foyer that leads to the most stunning views of the ocean.  I felt like a tourist with the ridiculous amount of pictures I took, but I couldn't believe how beautiful it was and how much it felt like Hawaii; Maui to be specific.  I was greeted with a huge Caribbean hug from the Hotel Manager, Jacque, who proceeded to give me a tour.  He showed me the latest renovations and restaurants to the numerous pools including the "lovers pool" which is heart shaped. We toured the rondavol suites and dined at the infamous Gordon's on the Pier.  While only a business dinner for us, it was clearly the place to have that intimate dinner to pop the question or celebrate a milestone. He showed me how this resort is perfect for social groups with it's upbeat atmosphere. For those looking to tie the knot it boasts impressive ballrooms and has plenty of space to host incentive groups as well. Alternatively, this resort is also a nice fit for people who are loking for that stretch of white powder beaches to simply unplug and get lost in the Caribbean vibe while perfecting their tan.   There are eight dining options here and new to Sandals, the uber convenient Continental breakfast each morning. Again, being a part of the sister properties it's a shuttle ride away from the other Sandals  just 15-30 minutes down the road increasing your dining options to 22!

Something I found interesting was how they take Concierge and Butler guests on a little extra trip like hike up to the National Park complete with a picnic lunch. This is just another example of how Sandals has more inclusions than any other resort on the planet!

                                                                    

Whether celebrating your Honeymoon, Milestone Anniversary, special promotion at work or just want to get away to the exotics with your BFFs, Sandals Grande St Lucian is the place to be! 

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations  is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com