Choosing an airline to get to a destination is a very important part of the trip planning process. In Canada we are fortunate to have many great options of airlines to choose from to get us to that sunny destination; I am proud to say that our partners, Air Canada Vacations are one of them!

Last month I had an experience that I want to share with you as it has left me speechless.  I was booked with Air Canada Vacations to travel from Toronto to Montego Bay; we completed the boarding process, ready to take off when the pilot announced that there was a mechanical problem and we wouldn’t be able to fly on that particular aircraft, we were asked to deplane and advised that they would have another aircraft ready for us within an hour. I’ve had this happen to me before with another airline when I was travelling to Europe and the mechanical problem ended up costing me to lose two full days of my vacations, this was not the case in this situation, Air Canada told us one hour and one hour it was! I am still amazed that they brought in another aircraft, reloaded our luggage and had us board the replacement aircraft all within one hour, all I can say is WOW!! I was in the air and onto the beach in no time!

Air Canada has 340 aircraft in its fleet; if there is a problem with one aircraft they immediately get a replacement aircraft to get people to their destinations in a safe and timely manner. This is very important to know when planning your vacation as the first step to an unforgettable vacation is getting there!

Cheers,

Gina

BFF Getaways are back and we are rolling out the red carpet for you and your girlfriends and we want you to join us at Beaches Turks & Caicos for some girl bonding!

The dates for our “BFF” Getaways are:

October 14 – 18, 2010

May 12 – 16, 2011

October 13 – 17, 2011

Join us on these getaways for exclusive BFF activities and you will receive a $200 Red Land Spa gift certificate, 10% discount voucher to our specialty gift shops, plus a free 5 x 7 picture and a welcome goody bag filled with gifts!

Exclusive BFF Activities:

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Skincare Classes

Island Dance Lessons

Beach Bonfire Pajama Party

Beach Yoga and Meditation

Sunset Catamaran Sail Away

Chartered Snorkeling

“Learn to Have It All” Classes

Farewell Dinner

For all brides to be this is the perfect weekend getaway to host your bachelorette party.  Jump on a plane with your bridal party and enjoy the exclusive activities that are meant only for bff’s and enjoy some quality time with them before the big day!

For more information on the BFF getaways please visit http://www.beaches.com/specials/bff.cfm

Cheers

Gina

A few weeks ago I experienced a journey where anything is possible except the word “NO”. I was in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, staying at the Villa Plantana which is located within the Royal Plantation Resort.  This villa is for anyone who is looking for profound privacy in a luxurious setting. Villa Plantana is a three bedroom estate which comes with a personal chef, a private pool, private beach and your very own personal butler who will ensure your stay is unforgettable.

This was my first time staying in this villa and I am still raving about my experience. We were treated like royalty; our butler was always one step ahead of us, he knew everything that we wanted before we would even had the chance to ask.  He was also full of surprises; one afternoon after spending many hours in the sun he came to me and told me that he had a surprise for me in my suite, as I walked into my suite there was classical music playing, candles everywhere and a bubble bath had been drawn for me, he even had a glass or red wine beside the tub! AMAZING!! This was personalized service at its gracious best!

There are so many things that I enjoyed but what I loved most of all was having the best of both worlds, our own private villa along with the option of using all the resort facilities at the Royal Plantation, it was perfect.  

One evening we had the opportunity to dine with the General Manager, Peter Fraser; before our meal Mr. Fraser met us at the C – Bar, the Caribbean’s only champagne and caviar bar where we witnessed a ritual from the days of Marie Antoinette which is called “The Art Of Sabrage”. Marie Antoinette’s generals used their sabers to slice open the bottles of Champagne that she gave them, this experience was impressive; in our world today  “sabrage” is usually done to celebrate special occasions such as engagements and of course weddings.  

There are so many aspects that made this journey to Jamaica unforgettable, the smallest details made the biggest difference. I have never been so pampered, the most difficult thing that I had to do while I was there was to check out of my villa and head back to the airport!

Cheers,                               

Gina       

I’m excited to share this post with you that Lori Pannia, Editor In Chief of www.TheRingBearer.ca wrote about her experience at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Whitehouse:

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of travelling with great people from Sandals on a media familiarization trip to Jamaica. The purpose of the trip was to show us the original Sandals resort “Sandals Montego Bay” and their newest resort “Sandals Whitehouse”.  Although both resorts were completely different, they both share the same incredible vacation experience Sandals is known for. I want to share with you the things you won’t find in the brochure, the extra special touches that I really appreciated on my Sandals tour.

Your vacation actually starts at the airport. As soon as you go through customs and pick up your bags you’re ushered to the Sandals waiting area. Your bags are tagged and you never have to see or handle them again. The waiting area is comfortable and appealing. You can have a drink, freshen up and then just sit down, relax and wait for them to call you for the ride to your resort.  

Pulling up at the resort is another delight. As soon as you exit your vehicle, friendly staff is waiting to offer you a cold refreshing towel and of course, rum punch … or two!

One of my favourite features of a Sandals resort is the personalized butler service. You’ll be brought to your room by a butler and given a telephone so that you can contact your butler anytime anywhere.  Talk about service! If you’re on the beach and you forget something in your room, all you have to do is call - before you know it your butler is there. You can have them unpack on arrival and pack on departure as well. On my last day in Jamaica, I called my butler to have breakfast delivered to the beach which was a fabulous way to relax and enjoy the last moments in paradise. Personal Butlers are hand picked by Sandals and sent through the ultra-prestigious Guild of Professional English Butlers, the world’s premier trainer of butlers for Five Star Hotels and the Royal Palaces of Great Britain!

Another great feature of Sandals Resorts is that you have the freedom to try different restaurants in your own resort as well as any of the neighbouring Sandals resorts. Guests can jump on a complementary shuttle between resorts and decide which one is their favourite. Thai, Teppanyaki, or Italian is all available and if you choose to, you can even go to the same restaurant every night. If you’re staying in Montego Bay, you have a choice of 14 dining options all serving premium brand drinks (i.e. Beringer Wines)

I observed guests at the resort and could clearly see that they were having a great time. The staff not only made guests feel important and welcome, they even memorize your name! The Sandals staff IS what makes the difference. They are polite, professional and most of all, fun.

LP

Last month I had the pleasure to escort a “destination wedding familiarization press trip” to the island where reggae music was born, Jamaica.  I travel a lot, basically, I live out of a suitcase and after 16 years of travelling as much as I do I must admit that I still get very excited when I land in Jamaican. Why?? I love the people (I have never met more genuine and hospitable people), the culture, the history, the food, the beaches, but who wouldn’t love the Island and birthplace of Bob Marley!?!

When in Jamaica one expects they will only hear reggae music...On the last evening of our “fam trip” I spotted a very special man, Rory Frankson. I met Rory back in 2005 in Ocho Rios, he has left a strong impression on me, actually, he leaves a strong impression on everyone he meets. Rory is the most talented artist that I have ever met; he has a voice that is so powerful and a voice you can’t forget. As this was the last evening of our “Destination Weddings Journey” I wanted to end the trip with a grand finale, I knew if I asked Rory to sing for my group my mission would be accomplished and it certainly was!  As we were sitting outside enjoying some cocktails I announced to the group that Rory was going to do a private performance for us...I knew they were all expecting to hear reggae but instead they heard opera...yes opera! To be honest, I have never been much of an opera fan but when I hear Rory sing something happens, his voice captures my attention, his songs are so powerful that they actually bring tears to my eyes, I was not the only one with tears; my group was in total “AWE” of him!  Words can not describe this mans voice... Lori Pannia from The Ringbearer said it best “GOOSEBUMPS”! I am so grateful that Rory gave us the perfect ending to an amazing journey!!!

All the best,

Gina

Here is a little more information on Rory Frankson:

 Rory Frankson began his Classical Singing career performing as an entertainer at Sandals, Beaches and Royal Plantation resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia, Turks & Caicos and Antigua. In 2008, SPI Entertainment produced Rory's 1st CD. On December 4, 2009 Rory released his CD during a concert at Beaches Turks & Caicos 2009 Star Awards. During the release performance, Rory dedicated "another Day In Paradise" written by Phil Collins, to Sandals Chairman Butch Stewart, the Stewart Family and the Sandals Foundation for their continued hard work to combat the afflictions of the poor in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. Rory plans to dedicate his career to "giving back". Rory Frankson can be contacted at 4 East Street, Montego Bay, Jamaica; or by email at roryfrankson@gmail.com. Telephone contact can be made at 876-856-2353 or Fax to 876-952-7264.

Meeting in The Islands Of The Bahamas has never been better. 

Now you have 10,000 different reasons to book your next meeting/incentive at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island!

Book a meeting or incentive group with us by 9/30/10, you could save up to $10,000 depending on the size of your group.* 

                       Receive $2,500 with 100 to 249 total room nights        

                        Receive $5,000 with 250 to 499 total room nights

                        Receive $10,000 with 500 to 749 total room nights 

Applicable only to new group bookings signed definite between 7/20/10 and 9/30/10 for travel August 1^st  through December 19^th, 2010 and June 1^st through December 18^th, 2011 and June 1^st through December 23^rd, 2012 and June 1^st through December 19^th, 2013. 

 Room nights – based on total paid rooms 

Incentive payable to the organization/company that actually signs the contract with the resort unless specified otherwise in writing to the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board by the individual signing the contract.  Copy of the signed agreement must be submitted to the Promotion Board by 1/15/11 for eligibility.   Incentive paid after the group has traveled, within approximately 45-60 days.   

The Promotion Board will send a letter to the individual who signed the contract acknowledging potential incentive availability after receipt of the signed copy of the contract by the deadline.  Incentive is payable after written verification by the resort to the Promotion Board of the actual room utilization.

 For full terms and conditions please contact me at 1-866-718-4546 / 416-223-0028 ext 4946 or gtsirmpas@uvisandals.ca   or call the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board Groups Department.

 Cheers, 

Gina

Exclusive Offer for Meetings / Incentive Groups

We’ve released some great new group rates for Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort.  These low group rates are for travel in 2010 and 2011.

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is perfect for a meeting/incentive group! First of all, there are so many daily flights from all Canadian gateways to Montego Bay, getting there is extremely easy. Meeting space is not an issue here as we have 4,000 sq ft of meeting space which can accommodate up to 430 people in theatre style seating.  Dining is also another important factor and this resort offers 11 dining options to choose from; if you have golfers in your group they will appreciate the complimentary green fees at the Sandals Golf and Country Club.

Not only do we have some great new LOW group rates we are also including the following:

-          One complimentary room for every 15 rooms paid

-          Round-trip Airport transfers included

-          Complimentary green fees on 18-hole championship golf course*

           at the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club

-          Private check-in with welcome beverage

-          11 restaurants for gourmet dine around

-          Private 1-hour cocktail reception with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres with open bar

-          Bottle of wine upon arrival and amenities for VIP rooms

-          One complimentary 3-night certificate, at a Sandals Resort

           (excluding Sandals Emerald Bay) will be raffled off at the closing

           event for every 50 rooms paid (not including staff rooms)

-          Meeting organizers/planners will receive a $250 meeting credit

           valid for future meetings held at resorts within the brand

-          One complimentary VIP upgrade for every 15 rooms paid

-          Complimentary hospitality desk with in-house phone extension,

            complimentary internet access, easel, flip chart and markers

-          20% off all spa treatments, manager's wine list, and attendee

-          Group rate available for 3 days pre/post group dates

-          No charge for meeting rooms and basic AV equipment

-          50% discounted rate for staff rooms per every 25 rooms paid

For more information or for a quote you can contact me at gtsirmpas@uvisandals.ca or 416-254-3470. I look forward to working with you on your next meeting/incentive!

Cheers!

Gina

We just released our latest “social group” offer - Let’s Get Together At Sandals’. Below you will find all the details:

The Let’s Get Together at Sandals package for social groups of 5-9 rooms will include:

• Ø Group portrait session  & a 5”x7” photograph (one photograph per room)

The Let’s Get Together at Sandals package for social groups of 10-20 rooms will include:

• Ø Group portrait session & a 5”x7” photograph (one photograph per room)
• Ø A cocktail reception with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and an open bar for one hour
• Ø A private group dinner for two hours
• Ø $100 Red Lane^® Spa credit per room for groups of 5-nights and longer* 

Travel Window:                       For Sandals Resorts in Jamaica: August 24, 2010 – December 20, 2010

                                                    For All Sandals Resorts:  January 3, 2011 – December 18, 2011

 Minimum Stay:                          3 Nights 

Booking Procedures:   

Ensure that this package is booked through our groups department.  You are also encouraged to book this package with your preferred tour operator via our groups department.

For more information on group packages please send me an e-mail gtsirmpas@uvisandals.ca.

*Offer is not combinable with any other promotion nor is it applicable to wedding, renewal of vows or incentive groups. Offer and inclusions are subject to space availability and blackout dates. Offer can be changed or withdrawn at any time. Let’s Get Together at Sandals spa credit supersedes any other spa credit and is not combinable with any other spa credit offer. Spa credit is only applicable to spa treatments and services (not to retail products).

 Cheers,

Gina

A Taste Of Thailand In Jamaica

Last week I had the pleasure to travel to Jamaica on a “Wedding Familiarization Trip” with the media. The purpose of this trip was to give them the opportunity to experience “Sandals Resorts” and to understand what we’re all about, since we are the “leaders” in the destination wedding market we wanted to show them everything that sets us apart and why we continue to be voted “World’s Best” year after year.

 On our first evening we went to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island where we were whisked away to “Sandals Cay” via a dragon boat.  Once we stepped off of the boat and onto the secluded private island oasis we could feel the magic of Thailand and the vibe of Jamaica all at the same time, Asian influences in the decor and Jamaican hospitality at its finest were noticed immediately. I am thrilled that we started our wedding tour here as it’s such an incredible place for couples to wed; couples can actually rent the entire island for their wedding and or their reception, this  unique experience was the perfect way to start our “destination weddings” journey.

Sandals Cay has many great features; one of them being the “Royal Thai” Restaurant where we dined. I enjoyed every aspect of the evening from the dragon boat ride to the incredible authentic Thai meal and of course the delectable dessert. The evening could not have been more perfect as our backdrop was the Caribbean Sea...Great food, exceptional service and best of all new friendships were made that evening. This was the perfect start to an incredible trip!!

Cheers,

Gina