Resorts

Imagine a sanctuary in the Bahamas so alluring the Duke and Duchess of Windsor made it their epicenter for high society as the famed Balmoral Club of the 1940s. Today, transformed into the Sandals Royal Bahamian, it remains an oasis of European grandeur where guests are still treated as royals. Voted “Top Spa Resort” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Sandals Royal Bahamian is considered to be the most elegant all-inclusive Nassau resort in the Bahamas. Seductive alabaster sand beaches and crystalline waters embrace tropical gardens and opulent suites—some the size of private villas—complete with every imaginable amenity, even your own butler. 
 

Authentic architecture embodies the warmth of the Bahamas islands, while the secluded Royal Village exudes an aura of peace, serenity, and ultra privacy.  Top-tier suite guests make an imperial entrance from their chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or Mercedes—our compliments. And only Sandals gives you two vacations in one: Included is an exotic escape to Sandals’ romantic offshore Island just minutes away with two secluded coastlines, a chic beach club, signature pool with swim-up bar, the exquisite Red Lane Spa*, and the region’s best seafood house. Culinary dreams come true in ten superb restaurants resort-wide. Sandals Royal Bahamian is the best of all worlds—European elegance and island romance all wrapped up in one unforgettable Bahamas vacation.
 

November 19^th, 2013 I visited this resort and was very impressed. This is the perfect getaway for a couple. The rooms were gorgeous as they are for any Sandals or Beaches. It is a smaller resort, but I liked that about it because it seemed very easy to navigate with its two pools and beach close by. There was also a very elegant feel to this property. One beautiful room for dining would be perfect for a small to medium wedding.
 

Also, this resort has its own private island, which is a few minute boat ride away. The island is a zen garden of sorts and very relaxing and peaceful. And if you are into more excitement, Nassau is full of tons of things to do from other beaches, casinos, and activities.
 

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Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting Beaches all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family. A 45,000 square-foot waterpark; four magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens, featuring Sesame Street® characters, the new Xbox 360® Game Garage and a sizzlin' teen disco, Liquid at Beaches-all located on one of the world's best beaches.
 

Now, I did not feel like this resort was just for kids. Yes, they have an amazing amount of activities for children to keep them busy. All I saw were smiling faces from all ages and even one little boy shouted, “This is the best vacation ever” as I passed by. It was a really cool resort.
 

I stayed in the Key West resort on November 17^th and 18^th. It was beautiful! My room was huge and had a nice size balcony. The bed was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in and the alarm is complete with a sound machine and the slow beeping wake up so you rise nice and calmly. I had some beautiful towel flowers and roses all over my bed and the attendants made my room like I first came every time I left. They also fully stock the bar with all your favorite drinks, and you do not have to pay or tip for anything.
 

Another interesting thing about the entire resort is that they have four bedroom cottages right near the beach, complete with kitchens and plunge pools. These are perfect for families and give them the sense of having their own place, but without all the hassle.
 

The resort has 19 restaurants, yes 19 of them! Each has a different style and ambience to them. I was able to try three of them and they were yummy. One of the buffet style restaurants even has a little room with small tables and chairs for the children. At night people meet up at the pub for karaoke and some good British style food and then off to the night club for some dancing. All of this, you do not have to pay for.
 

Activities… I am not even sure where to start. They have a water park with multiple slides, non-motorized water sports on the beach, or different other themed activities. You can do as much or as little as you want. I did the sunset catamaran cruise on the “kitty kat” and that was so much fun. We got to park at a secluded beach and take the slide down off the catamaran and explore. We saw iguanas, jellyfish and hermit crabs. On the way back we got to view a beautiful sunset.
 

This is a resort I would definitely like to go back to. I felt like it had something for everyone and would be a lot of fun and relaxation. Plus, Turks and Caicos was a beautiful island and the beach, surrounded by turquoise blue waters was gorgeous and refreshing.
 

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Deep within the idyllic waters of the Exumas, the brand new Sandals Emerald Bay brings unprecedented luxury to the easy-going rhythms of the Bahamian Out Islands. Here, a privileged enclave is designed to ensure you will feel as if you are the only ones there, where service reigns supreme and Bahamian-style architecture of elegant villas and suites harmonize with nature. 
 

Secluded within 500 tropical acres along a pristine, mile-long beach, civilized pleasure coexists with exotic adventures, from three impressive pools —including a half-acre, zero-entry pool with dramatic fire pit in the middle — to seven exceptional restaurants. Enjoy your golf vacation with a round of championship golf on a Greg Norman-designed course, voted one of the Caribbean's Best by Travel & Leisure Golf. Relax in the first-ever 29,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Dermalogica, an Exuma luxury spa. Explore impossibly beautiful turquoise waters renowned for their boating, fishing and diving. A unique blend of seclusion and sophistication, this exotic luxury all inclusive Bahamas resort is so easy to get to, so close to home.
 

I had the pleasure of visiting this resort on November 17, 2013. The rooms are very impressive and are not the typical “hotel” style décor. They look as if they came out of a luxury Caribbean home. The butler suites come with a English trained butler who will cater to all your needs, without being invasive. Some of the suites are located right on the beach where you can lay out or enjoy a nice lunch with a beautiful view.
 

There are two pools, one to meet fellow guests, play in the pool, or swim up to the bar for a refreshing drink and one to enjoy the quiet serene calm of the Caribbean sun. All non-motorized water sports are included and the helpful staff will be more than happy to help with any of the equipment. Island routes are there for off resort activities, such as sunset boat rides, swimming with sharks, or what I would like to do, swimming with the pigs.
 

I sampled some of the cuisine and it was very delicious. I especially loved the fish and chips of the Drunken Duck restaurant, and keep in mind that these places to dine are all inclusive, as well as your alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks. The restaurants range from quirky to fine for a range of dining options.  Or you can even have a candlelight dinner for two arranged right on the beach.
 

Overall, I really enjoyed this resort. It seemed more of a laid back resort where you could relax and re-charge your system. This is a great place for couples who are in need of a getaway or would like to spend their honeymoon away somewhere peaceful.
 

Please contact me today at 941-870-0691 or anna@cruisescouter.com and let’s get started on your next vacation for you and your loved one. 
 

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So, today was my first official day of cruise planners training. Yesterday I drove the 3-4 hours to Ft. Lauderdale and settled into the Renaissance Hotel and met some new people.

After a short slumber I headed off to breakfast and met some more people. The one thing I find consistent when it comes to the answer of "why did you join cruise planners?" was that there was a love for travel. I think passion is the key because without that, how can you share your knowledge of travel properly.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was the first presenter and I find joining their association as a key to being a great travel agent and am the world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. They constantly train and want you to succeed in what you do. Cella had a way of making what the customer's wants and needs to be what you would present to them in a cruise. She was very informative and I will make a point to join CLIA within the next coming weeks. I think that will be important to my clients, as well as myself.

Kirsten from Globus Family of Brands was next and made a very impressive presentation. On first thought you would normally think this is a high end vendor, and yes they are, but can fit all sorts of budgets. They have river cruises and tours in and outside of the United States. They have over 400 destinations in 70 counties. They have every sort of travel, from beach, cultural, city to cruises.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises was up next and Phil did a great job at showing up what an inclusive luxury cruise line could offer. One would think that they are more expensive, but if you look at the bottom lines the costs really are not much different because they are inclusive. Inclusive meaning that they include airfare, pre-night hotels, excursions, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, restaurants and more. If you are one who does indulge and likes the elegant casual small ship atmosphere, than this is for you.

American Express Vacations has an amazing reputation and awesome options when it comes to travel. They offer a bunch of options for every person, whether it is couples (perfectly paired) to families (destination family) with small children. There are ton of vacations out there with "cancel anytime" insurance plans.

Now who loves a romantic getaway or some place just for the girls? Sandals and Beaches all inclusive are the places to be. With many locations throughout the Caribbean, they offer packages that would win over any traveler. Jermain was so kind to explain how pristine and accommodation the resorts were. They seem like the perfect place for a wedding and/or honeymoon. Butlers from the "Guild of Professional Butlers" are even available and at not much more cost than a concierge. They have everything you would want from restaurants, activities and gorgeous beaches. It would be a shame to not allow yourself to indulge.

Which leaves me with a presentation from Lily regarding Disney Cruise Lines. I for one was not a fan of that cruise line without even knowing anything about it. I figured it was all children and would be no fun for someone like me, but I was wrong. Yes, there are no casinos, but there is a ton of other stuff that would keep me occupied. They have perks such as free soda and portable phones you can bring with you on the ship (no more walkies!). They have split bathrooms so more than one person can be in that room at a time. Connecting statements, no problem. Also, they have fireworks, shows and themed parties. It seemed like a great deal of fun.

Overall, it was a great day and I learned a ton. I like that there are so many options out there and that now that I have a more open mind be better at my career of helping others travel the world. That is what it is all about, making people who want to travel, want to travel, and love the experience.        

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Today I had the opportunity to attend a webinar relating to Sandals/Beaches Resorts. Sandals is for couples in love and is a great place for weddings, honeymoons, or just to get away with that special someone you love. Beaches are for everyone. Families, singles, groups can come and enjoy all the resorts have to offer.

Resort islands include St. Lucia, Jamaica, Bahamas, Antigua, and Grenada, all of which have something special to offer. For example you can go scuba diving for the first time and become resort trained and certified on just your second day of arrival. Candlelight dinners with that perfect partner.

Luxury is also another key point. Butler service is offered, which is a step above concierge and these butler's anticipate before they are asked. If you love the beach, expect to wake up to your own cabana with all your favorite drinks and other items.

And this is just the start when it comes to any Sandals or Beaches vacation.  So, please let me know if you want to know more information, because I am sure to learn more and find out about these great resorts.

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