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 

The Garden of Eden in the Caribbean; Sandals Halcyon

Sandals Halcyon

Although one of the smallest resorts in the chain, it has the most charming personality which may explain why they have over a 50% returning guest rate!  Referred to as the Garden of Eden, it is a nice sanctuary away from the larger sister properties, Sandals Grande & Sandals Regency La Toc.  With buildings that are not any higher than a coconut tree, you can imagine the impeccable views.  I thought it had a Kauai vibe; small, relaxed and intimate.  The staff was friendly and welcoming too! From Melissa at the front desk to Deborah the housekeeper, they were always there with a huge smile and ready to assist if needed.

For the days where you wanted more action, a short 15 minutes shuttle got you to the larger resorts.  Feel like a round of golf?  No problem, again it's a short 15 minute transfer to the course where once there, the greens fees are included! One of the highlights of Halcyon surely was Kellie's Dockside restaurant.  Named after Sandals founder, Mr. Butch Stewart's daughter and voted one of the top dining venues in the Caribbean, quickly we realized why.  From exotic signature cocktails to the delectable entree of filet mignon and of course, dessert! After dinner there is no better place to relax with your loved one and star gaze but at the fire pits. Romantic and relaxing, it is the place to hang out before strolling to Sue's Piano Bar, the pool tables or back to your cottage.  

What's your resort style? If you like it small, relaxed and where everyone knows your name, then Halcyon is sure to please you!  I'm glad I had the opportunity to call it my home for a week.  Until of course I get the chance to "soon come back"!

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 

Global Entry in Action

Global Entry & TSA PreCheck

After traveling thousands of miles and standing in lines for hours this past year, I have finally had the opportunity to use my Global Entry pass!  While not beneficial for domestic travel, it can virtually eliminate any fears you may have of Customs agents, long lines and ultimatley, missed connections!  At only $20 a year it's the best investment I've made when it comes to travel (aside from my ZAGG keyboard which allows me to continue talking even at 10,000 feet!) Today I deplaned in San Juan and when I went through Customs, there was my entire flight in line waiting while I sauntered to the Global Entry line in true diva style! There was no one else there which meant no waiting; I was through customs in under five minutes!  Compare that to Miami last March where I spent almost three hours waiting in line!

Next stop: TSA.  You know what they say , "You can't see London, you can't see France until TSA sees your underpants!!" Well, one of the benefits of being a trusted traveler is to have a bright green check mark on the top of your boarding pass that signifies you are a goody two shoes.  With this stamp of approval, you get a designated TSA security line which again, I had all to myself.  This not only made it more comfortable, but I also didn't have to completely disrobe or go through the "pat down" process.  The only offense was to have my hands swabbed.  Within 30 seconds the machine told the agent I was clean, so off I went into the sunset of Concorse A to board my oversold flight!

Do you have Global Entry? What are you waiting for? If you have it, what do you like most about it?

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