Paradise Getaways Blog by Travel Designer Tami Santini

New and Exciting Destination Wedding Designer Tool

In my last article, I discussed the pre-designed destination wedding themes that are available to you when having a destination wedding at Sandals and Beaches all-inclusive resorts.  You now have more choices and control over the design of your destination wedding with the new and exciting Wedding Designer Tool. The wedding designer tool is an inspiration board that you can design all your own elements from the ceremony through the reception.

Are you thinking about doing a destination wedding at a Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive resort? There is so much information out there right now, it can make your head spin.  I have just finished some extensive training and wedding resort visits that have helped me understand all of the new changes and wedding programs available to have the best destination wedding packages available at Sandals and Beaches. 

Interviews and Two Resort Visits:

Today I am scheduled to interview Alexis, the head groups destination wedding manager for Sandals and Beaches resorts.  I am also scheduled to visit Beaches Ocho Rios, and Sandals Royal Plantation today.   My interview with Alexis, went very well and if you are interested in a destination wedding, you will want to check out my interview with her.   After the interview,  Lou and went to do a site inspection of the Beaches property in Ocho Rios.  Beaches is an all-inclusive family resort within the Sandals company.  Sandals is for adults only, while Beaches is for everyone.  On the way back to the Sandals Grande Riviera, we made a stop at the Sandals Royal Plantation.   This is an all butler resort with a very elegant and regal appeal.   Lou and I also got some great interviews, photos, video at these resorts as well.   I will be doing some separate posts on these resorts as well.

The Riviera Side:

The Riviera side is built along the beach.  This part of the resort is more active, and seems to have a lot of activities, both day and night going on here.  This area now has newly renovated cottages and rooms. The rooms are not as secluded or private, as on the Manor side.

Review of The Sandals Grande Riviera All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resort: 

Today was about enjoying our day at the resort.   The weather was absolutely perfect all day, and pretty good yesterday.   I can not promise you that there won’t be rain on your vacation, especially during this time of year.  August is a prime time of year for more rain and storms, which we did experience during the first few days of our trip.  If you travel during the tropical storm season, you should expect a little rain most every day for just a short time, but today and most of yesterday there has been clear blue skies.

Pleasantly Surprised!

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with Sandals Grande Riviera all-inclusive resort, in Ocho Rios Jamaica, especially coming directly from Sandals White House, a newer, more chic and modern Sandals resorts. Grande Riviera is an older resort, but has gone through a 60 Million dollar renovation, and that is one reason why I wanted to see this resort on my visit. 

Great Weather for Snorkeling!

Today we had the best weather so far, too bad this will be our last day here before we head to Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios tomorrow.  The weather was really good this morning, so we were able to walk the beach and then go snorkeling. 

Sandals White House All-inclusive Honeymoon Resort Review: Day 3

Rain, Relax, and Romance

Today, we had the three R's, of a tropical vacation, we encountered some afternoon rain, we were able to have a relaxing massage, and we ended the night with a romantic candle light dinner on the beach.  Lou and I had to accomplish some business work first in the morning, and then we were going to relax on the beach for a little while.  The weather has not been the greatest this week because of a tropical depression that went through the area on Sunday and Monday. The water is a little rougher and cloudier this week than normal.  The water is usually crystal clear blue and as calm as glass.  It rained a few times today, which does happen in the tropics during August.  With that said, this was a great day to go to the Spa, while it was raining.

 Tennis and Fitness Facilities At Sandals White House

Today, Lou and I were able to get up and play a great game of tennis today on the excellent tennis courts here at the White House all-inclusive honeymoon resort.  There are three really nice tennis courts and an area to borrow tennis rackets and balls.  The tennis rackets were very nice quality, but they need to stock more new tennis balls.  The fitness center has an assortment of professional equipment.  There are treadmills, ellipticals, dumbells, a smith machine with barbells, and some really nice circuit machines.  There are also fresh towels and water available as well.  We got in a quick workout, (I did)  Lou didn't want to stop, because he was trying to make up for all the good food and drinks we have been enjoying!  Here is a short video of the fitness and tennis facilities.

Authentic Resort Review of Sandals White House

Over the course of the next  4 days,  I will be doing an on-site blog review, with authentic video and photos of the Sandals White House all-inclusive resort in Jamaica.  As a honeymoon designer, it is very important that I regularly visit the properties that I use in designing my all-inclusive honeymoon packages.  If the resort does not meet my standards, then it is taken off my recommended list, until I am confident that the resort has made the necessary changes needed to provide an outstanding honeymoon experience for all of my couples.  I know that a lot of you still use and trust Trip Advisor, but what many of you don't know, is that Trip Advisor is now owned by Expedia.   I hope that Trip Advisor would still allow a bad review of a resort Expedia sells.  Only time will tell.