Our travel agency was one of only 15 agencies in the US chosen to participate in a special program recently - an all-expense paid trip sponsored by Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort to demonstrate their outstanding service and dedication to CDC protocols.
The tropical island nation of St. Lucia has taken Covid-19 protocols very seriously. All guests had to take a Covid test within 72 hours of arrival (Walgreens did a great job of doing the rapid test - we received an email with our test results before we got home from taking the test.) and present proof that we tested negative in order to enter the country. Before we were allowed entry into the country, we had to go through a medical tent, have our temperature taken and present proof of a negative Covid test and be interviewed by their medical staff. We felt very safe because of their diligence with the protocols throughout our stay.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian is an all- inclusive, adults only (must be 18), 5-star luxury resort. We fell in love with the gorgeous, lush grounds covered in hibiscus and bougainvillea and the turquoise blue water. The service was outstanding and we enjoyed getting a tour of both the very private and elegant over-the-water butler suites, as well as the lovely wedding chapel. During our stay, five couples got married and Sandals did a fabulous job meeting every guest's needs. We even saw a Sandals butler kindly and patiently escort the bride's elderly grandmother to the wedding venue across the property for the wedding and then back after the celebration. Very sweet.
If you know anyone who is considering a destination wedding or wants to renew their vows - Sandals does a great job in every price range. They even offer to do live video for those back home who can’t attend. Right now, the have a promotion for engaged couples to take a “test drive” to see if they want to get married at a Sandals resort. Couples pay a nominal amount for a weekend stay and, if they choose to book their wedding at Sandals, the cost of the weekend goes toward the cost of the wedding.
When you stay at a Sandals resort, everything is included: all meals, all snacks, basic water sports, entertainment, and alcohol (you can pay a little extra for premium brands if that is important to you- we did not and were very satisfied with the wines and spirits we tried). Every room come comes with a fully stocked mini frig and bar service- wine, beer, spirits that is restocked as needed. We loved our stay and plan to return as soon as possible.
Just FYI for those of you in the south, there are direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and from the Atlanta airport to the 2 Sandals resorts in Jamaica; you can be sitting under a palm tree, sipping a drink, and gazing at the peaceful ocean with your favorite person in just a few hours. What are you waiting for? Call us...we'd love to help book this great vacation for you and your favorite people.