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Tips On How To Pick The Best Spot For A Destination Wedding

By Patty | Published August 3, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Sandals Resorts, Tahiti & Fiji

Destination Weddings are on the rise and becoming more and more popular. Many couples just want to skip all the detailed planning at home and have a wedding consultant at a beautiful resort in a romantic location do all the work for them. I can’t say I blame them and destination weddings can take the stress out of wedding planning!

As a travel agent who has helped plan a lot of destination weddings throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and places like Fiji, there are several important factors to consider when selecting the perfect spot for your destination wedding.

The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you want/expect your family and friends to be a part of this special occasion. If the answer is yes, then you absolutely have to not just pick a destination and resort based on YOUR budget, but you should consider your guests and what you would expect YOUR GUESTS to be able to afford. Do any of your prospective guests have children? If so, then you will want to consider a family resort rather than an “adult only” or “couples only” resort like Sandals or Couples Resorts where often a destination wedding can be free even if no guests stay at the resort.  Along the lines of budget, you need to consider which cities most of your guests will be flying out of and look at how expensive airfare is to your destination of choice. The easier and more affordable you make it for friends and family to attend, the more will!! If you want to have a smaller and more private ceremony, then somewhere like the Fijian Islands is a fabulous choice providing you pick the correct time of year for weather.

Other factors to consider are the requirements in each destination for getting married there. Some destinations require 4 or 5 days residency before you can be legally married and they usually do not count the day you arrive, weekends or holidays. So if you have a limited timeframe, then you might consider somewhere like Jamaica where 48 hours is required and the day you arrive counts. Other factors to consider are requirements like blood tests (Mexico) and translation of wedding documentation in countries like Dominican Republic.

When I work with couples planning a destination wedding, I usually go through these factors right off the bat so we can eliminate spots that won’t work and get right to the best options that fit what the couple is looking for. Budget and time of year you want to get married are some of the other things that play a large role in finding the best spot for a destination wedding. We have three Royal Chairman’s Club Sandals Specialist in the office and we each have planned many destination weddings all over the world from Tahiti and Fiji to Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Give us a call if you need help picking the best spot for your destination wedding. We are happy to help take the stress out of the planning any way we can. You can reach us at www.totemtravel.com or call 1-800-321-7907 and ask for Patty, Sandi or Linda.

What To See And Do On The Island Of St. Lucia

By Patty | Published May 25, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean


Click here for more photos of my recent St. Lucia trip!

The island of St. Lucia is not only one of the most romantic and exotic islands in the Caribbean, but the island is full of sites and activities to see and do. Many clients I work with want some beach time, but worry about becoming restless and want things to do “off resort”. St. Lucia is a great destination for those who want it all – beach AND interesting excursions.

The most popular attraction on St. Lucia is the famous Pitons which just cannot be ignored even if you try. These volcanic plugs rise up above the rest of landscape in dramatic fashion. The Pitons are located on the southeast end of the island where upscale resorts like Ladera, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are located. There is even a local beer named after them. You can actually hike up the Pitons, but you must arrange this with a reputable tour or excursion company as guides are required. Gros Piton is the easier of the two to climb and most people take approx. 2 ½ hours to make it to the top.

Other activities available for adventurous folks are, zip lines, ATV’s, scenic trail hikes through the island’s rainforest and horseback riding. Another popular excursion on the island that I really liked, was one that included some snorkeling, a visit to the Drive In Volcano, sulphur springs, waterfalls and finished off with a nice authentic creole lunch served up in the hillside above the capital of Soufriere. You can book most of these tours through Island Routes.

On the Northern end of the island where a large majority of the resorts are located such as the three Sandals “Couples Only” Resorts,  you have town of Castries. The Gros Islet Street Party on Friday nights can be a lot of fun with music, lots of food like kebabs and fresh fish and of course vendors with local wares. Another interesting site to see is Fort Rodney. If you are staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the park is right next door. It’s only $5 USD to enter the park and the short hike up to the point features historic cannons, as well as AMAZING VIEWS.

We have three St. Lucia Specialists in our office and we are happy to help you with accommodations and activities. Just give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 or you can email me at patty@totemtravel.com.

Sandals Montego Bay Is A Great All Inclusive For Beach & Water Sport Lovers And Couples Looking For Fun and Romance!

By Patty | Published April 20, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts


Click here for more photos of Sandals Montego Bay

Sandals Montego Bay is a fun all inclusive “couples only” resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. If you are looking for a resort that is located on a great beach in the Caribbean yet don’t want to be bored by a quiet, stuffy resort that offers little to do, then Sandals Montego Bay is an excellent all inclusive choice.

At Sandals Montego Bay you can play all day in the sun and enjoy evening festivities as well. In addition to snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaks and other non motorized sports that are available and included in your stay, Sandals also has a Mastercraft ski boat at the property and waterskiing and tubing are included. If you haven’t gone tubing in the Caribbean, it’s a lot of fun! On a typical day at this resort, you have beach volleyball going on, several guests sailing offshore, the snorkel boat departs several times daily as does the dive boat and there are always those guests who just want to either hang out in the water or chill on a beach recliner with the drink of the day. The snack/beach bar allows you to eat and drink without leaving the beach, but if you prefer to get out of the sun for a bit, there are several nice dining choices for lunch or you can take in a spa treatment.

The fun continues in the evening and you can be entertained by sitting around the main stage in the lobby of the resort with the nightly entertainment provided or if you prefer a casual socially interactive time, you can hang out in the Cricketer’s Pint. There is also a piano bar where you can enjoy a martini and hang out with snacks like nuts and popcorn.

Many guests who vacation at Sandals resorts  rave about booking a butler category room and having a butler. There are fantastic butler room options at Sandals Montego Bay called the Bay Roc Villas and what I love about these rooms are their location. These rooms are located directly on the beach at the far end of the resort so you have a nice private quiet beach area in front of your room. You are still only a short distance from the Piano Bar and swim up bar/pool and the rest of the resort, but you feel like you have your own private spot. I also really liked staying in the Concierge level rooms in the Palms Building because they are also on the beach and have a nice oceanview. The bathrooms are very standard with the basic tub/shower combo, but the room itself is plenty big with a nice balcony or patio looking out at that beautiful blue Caribbean sea.

I am always asked which is my favorite Sandals All-Inclusive Resort.  It really depends on what type of experience and atmosphere you are looking for. If you want to have fun and be active in a more lively setting, then Sandals Montego Bay is an excellent choice for you. With the highest returning guest rate of all the resorts, you’ll feel right at home at Sandals Montego Bay. Give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 or email me at patty@totemtravel.com if you would like to escape to the Caribbean. We are Sandals and Caribbean Specialists and we would be happy to help you find the right all-inclusive resort for your budget and occasion.

Which is the best Sandals Resort on St. Lucia?

By Patty | Published April 6, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean, Sandals Resorts


Click here for a slideshow of Sandals Resorts On St. Lucia

As a Preferred Sandals Agency and Royal Chairman’s Club Agent, I sell a lot of Sandals Resorts and I often get asked which Sandals Resort do I like best on St. Lucia? Of course the answer is usually, that depends! Each Sandals Resort on St. Lucia is different and has unique qualities. Sandals Grande St. Lucian might be the best choice for one couple and Sandals La Toc might be the best choice for another couple. There are a few big differences between the three Sandals All Inclusive Resorts on the island and then there are some more subtle differences. Usually there is a perfect fit for each couple at one of the three resorts and figuring this out can be difficult when you are looking online.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian is on the nicest beach of the three resorts and features a large grand lobby. The resort features beautiful views of Fort Rodney and Rodney Bay giving you a very exotic atmosphere. So if you like the feel of a larger, grander resort like you would find in a destination like Hawaii, then Sandals Grande St. Lucian might make the best choice for you.

Sandals La Toc is the most unique of the three in that while this is the largest Sandals of the three of the island, the layout of the resort makes it feel romantic and intimate. While a good portion of the rooms are located in and around the main beachfront section of the resort, some of the resort’s accommodations can be found sprinkled halfway up the bluff and once up on the bluff, there are more accommodations on the bluff with commanding views of the Caribbean. The sunsets are amazing from up here and one of the best days of my trip was enjoying a cocktail at the Sunset pool while the sun was setting.

Many clients still prefer Sandals Halycon because it is smaller with more of a seaside cottage type feel to the resort. Sandals recently renovated quite a few of the rooms at this resort and they look fantastic. The resort even offers a butler category room now and dining at The Pier Restaurant is still a popular dining choice amongst even Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals La Toc guests.

There are also some key differences between room categories at each resort and depending on your budget, one of the Sandals offers the best entry level room categories, another offers better choices at the concierge level and at another, you have the most butler category rooms to choose from.

So if you are having a difficult time choosing which is the best Sandals Resort, you are not alone. We have three Chairman’s Royal Club Agents at Totem Travel, and we are happy to help you find the best Sandals Resort that fits the experience you are looking for based on our knowledge of the differences between the resorts. The choice is ultimately yours, but hopefully we can make it easier and clearer. Give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 and ask for either Patty, Sandi or Linda. Or you can ‘Get a Quote’ on our website www.totemtravel.com and we will get back to you by either email or phone.

Review Of The Royal In Playa Del Carmen from a Totem Travel Client

By Patty | Published February 10, 2012 | Posted in Mexico

In October 2010, I started planning my dream vacation, my honeymoon, to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!  My experience in Mexico vacationing was not extensive, the yearly mission trek with my church to Tijuana and three afternoon stops to various cities while on a cruise were the most I had traveled in Mexico. Patty at Totem Travel helped me plan this vacation every step of the way.  She was patient, efficient, responsive and had prepared us for our trip!

When we arrived at The Royal Playa Del Carmen Resort we were in awe.  The hotel looked exactly like the pictures and exceeded every imaginable dream and expectation we had for our honeymoon. The Royal Playa is an all inclusive hotel, something John and I had never experienced. The all inclusive service is outstanding. The food, alcohol, entertainment, pool/beach service, room service etc. was perfect on every level.  The staff was always available with a smile and at times we felt they knew what we wanted before we even asked!

The food was amazing and literally had every cuisine imaginable to choose from. My husband happily enjoyed steak every night for dinner, while I indulged in all of the tasty seafood dishes they offered.  The food was fresh, always hot and cooked upon order and served so beautifully.  The Pellicano Grill was our favorite restaurant to go to.  It was ocean front and had a casual feel at lunch, and semi formal feel during dinner.  The staff was always working hard and there was never a moment where you had an empty glass.  The bar staff at this resort always made sure you were having a great time and made incredibly strong drinks.  I recommend the Riviera Maya drink to anyone that visits this resort, fun and fruity, the perfect pair for a pool day!

Our hotel was right along the water and was in the middle of the infamous “5th Avenue” which is a pedestrian only walking town, full of amazing shopping and excellent restaurants. The colors, smells, and culture were exciting, new and fun to experience! Staying at The Royal Playa gave us endless access and options of things to locally! On our trip we visited the Mayan Ruin towns of Chichen Itza and Tulum and also visited Xel-Ha, which is an ecological water park. All three were so worth it and our hotel helped set these tours up!

We recommend visiting Playa Del Carmen and staying at The Royal Playa Del Carmen in a heartbeat.  Every single aspect of our trip was perfect, from the planning stages, to actually being there and now being home and sharing stories and forever holding the memories near and dear to our hearts! We can’t wait to plan our return back!

-Kathleen & John Kiefer

The Royal In Playa Del Carmen is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything from a luxurious rooms, good food, nice pools, beach and resort atmosphere yet also want to be centrally located so you can walk to shopping and other activities.  If you wish to book The Royal In Playa Del Carmen, you can either book directly online or give me (Patty) a call at 1-800-321-7907.

If you are looking for more of a private or remote resort in Riviera Maya, let me know and I’ll introduce you to some of our other favorite resorts in Riviera Maya. I can be reached by email at patty@totemtravel.com as well.  I personally specialize in Mexico as well as other fabulous destinations which you can learn about by visiting our website at www.totemtravel.com    We are happy to help you get away to the perfect spot in the destination of your choice!

Where To Stay If Beaches All Inclusive Resorts Stretch Your Budget And You Want An Authentic Caribbean Family Vacation – Grand Pineapple Antigua

By Patty | Published January 13, 2012 | Posted in Caribbean


Click here for a slideshow of Grand Pineapple Antigua

Vacations at All Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean can be very expensive for families and some of our favorite resorts, Beaches Resorts, can really stretch a lot of budgets.  I just returned from the island of Antigua and think I might have found a fabulous authentic, Caribbean option for families on a tighter budget.    Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer a more moderate rustic all inclusive option called Grand Pineapple on the beautiful island of Antigua.

Grand Pineapple is located on one of the nicest white sand beaches on the island of Antigua.  The beach at this resort is amazing and because of the resorts location in Long Bay, there is very little beach traffic at all if any!  Some of the rooms are located directly on the beach so you can simply step out of your room and hit sand within a few steps or you can fall asleep at night to the sound of the ocean below in some of the rooms.  There are also oceanview rooms nestled into the hillside if having that commanding panoramic view is important to you.

Grand Pineapple is one of the nicer rustic and authentic Caribbean style resorts I have seen especially since its recent renovation.  So if you are looking for clean, Caribbean style accommodations with authentic Caribbean cuisine on a beachfront setting and you don’t want to spend extra to have the fancy pools with waterslides, XBOX garage and Sesame Street characters, Grand Pineapple might be a great option for you as it prices out about half the cost of Beaches Negril  in Jamaica.

I recommend booking either one of the Beachfront Rooms which are situated directly on the beach (also available as inter-connecting rooms) or the Tropical Waterfront Rooms place you right above the water with the sounds and sights of the sea right outside your balcony.  All of these rooms have been renovated unlike the garden view rooms which are set back quite a bit and are in need of renovation.  The resort has two pools and offers a couple different restaurant choices from Topaz buffet to Chef Pietro Italian style beachfront dining or you can reserve a spot at the Pineapple Grill which offers inside International and Caribbean cuisine WITH air conditioning.  For lunch a must stop is up the hill at The Outhouse (only good old fashioned air conditioning up here) where truly authentic BBQ pork or chicken is served up on the bluff and you can relax in the shade with a nice breeze and enjoy a good meal, beer and views of the Caribbean.  Islander Miss Mary has been cooking and serving her homemade specialties at The Outhouse for 20 years.

Stay tuned to our website as there is a strong possibility that the Sandals Family may turn this lovely little rustic resort into a Beaches Resort and add some of those infamous Beaches Resort amenities.  But for now, this resort IS what it is and that is a clean, comfortable, cozy, friendly and authentic Caribbean resort on a FANTASTIC beach.    If you want to learn more about this resort or other Caribbean resort options, please send me a email at patty@totemtravel.com. I am happy to help!

Review of Uprising Beach Resort,Fiji from a Totem Travel Client

By Patty | Published December 30, 2011 | Posted in Tahiti & Fiji


Click here for a slideshow of Uprising Resort

Uprising Beach Resort recently added some fantastic Commodore Villa Bures located both on the beach and in the gardens.  These villas are spacious with big bathrooms and outdoor showers while retaining a authentic “Fijian” atmosphere.  The resort offers budget to moderate accommodations and is on one of the nicer beaches in the area.  Uprising Beach just might be the best value dollar for dollar in Fiji and because the resort is located in the Pacific Harbour area on the main island of Viti Levu, there are many off resort activities at your disposal in addition to activities on the water.  Here is what my family of four (2 adults and 2 teenage sons) wrote about their 7 night stay at the end of August 2011.

Patty,

It was a wonderful trip and Uprising was much much better than the reviews.  The bures were great and the one we stayed in very new and right on the beach.  The beach was very very nice sandy and could walk right in and still sand.  Some of the other beaches we went to very nice but rocky.  We walked to Pearl and there really is no comparison in fact a couple of folks from Pearl walked down the beach and saw Uprising and moved to it so that they could have Bures right on a beach.  We were in the newer bures and some folks preferred the older ones since more traditional but either way they are both nice.

The service was great and people were very nice.  The food was good and well priced.  It is low key since not a lot of bures but the boys still had fun especially since the “Experience Fiji” for 18-23 age folks goes through there every couple of days so interesting crowd from different places (Chicago, London, Ireland etc).  Also walking distance to different places.   We did the Kayak all day trip and the boat excursion to one of the islands and it was very nice.  We especially enjoyed the kayaking since included a village visit, waterfalls hike, water boat.  The village we went to at the time was hosting the monthly province meeting of chiefs so very interesting and lots of Chiefs/Kava all around.

The staff during the day tries to have entertainment like a big barbeque, another time coconut and historical uses of it presentation, live bands, bon fires, free catamaran trips so overall they make it interesting. 

We definitely would go back.  You were right the Fijians are very very nice people. 

Thank you for all your help in setting everything up.  Will be posting pictures soon.

-Nancy

At Totem Travel, we specialize in various destinations and we have two Fiji Matai Specialists in the office to help you find the best spot in Fiji for either the perfect family vacation or special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary vacation.  We travel to the islands every year and know them well.  Give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 and ask for either Patty or Linda.

New Iberostar all inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico opening soon

By Patty | Published October 28, 2011 | Posted in Mexico

One of our all time favorite family friendly all inclusive resorts is opening a new location on a gorgeous beach in Cancun Mexico and there are villas and suites for a family of five!  The Iberostar Resort chain purchased the former Hilton Cancun Hotel property and has been busy renovating areas such as the lobby, restaurants and other areas to get them to “Iberostar” standards for the December 2011 grand opening.

The quick facts are this resort sits on a nice big beach and features rooms, suites and villas. There are seven infinity pools, tennis courts, soccer field, spa and gym facilities on site, as well as a 18 hole golf course. There will be 4 specialty restaurants including, Japanese, gourmet, steakhouse and Mexican. They will also be adding a kids club with small water park and youth program area. There will be 426 ocean view rooms, 23 suites and 82 private villas to choose from

For those of you that have experienced Iberostar Tucan or Quetzal or the Iberostar Paraiso complex south of Cancun, this resort will offer the same high standard of service, food quality and clean rooms and environment. The main difference besides location will be their Cancun resort is in more of a modern style complete with sleek infinity pools and more modern interiors in the rooms. And for those of you who have run into the problem as a family of five and having to book two separate rooms at the other Iberostar Resorts, there are private villas at this resort as well as interconnecting suites. This will be a fantastic option if you are a family of five or a family with teens who need more space.

We have sent hundreds of clients to the Iberostar All Inclusive Resorts with great feedback and are excited to have another fabulous Iberostar for families. If you would like help planning a family vacation to the new Iberostar in Cancun or one of their other resorts in Riviera Maya, Jamaica or Dominican Republic, give us a call at 1-800-321-7907. I can also be reached by email at patty@totemtravel.com

Review Of Couples Swept Away – Negril by Totem Travel Client Travelled 6/27/2011

By Patty | Published September 29, 2011 | Posted in Caribbean


Click here for more photos of Couples Swept Away

Hello Patty!!!

So Couples Swept Away… I cannot say enough about this resort. We had the time of our lives. The staff was PHENOMENAL. We LOVED our room – Beachfront Verandah Suite on the 3rd floor (thank you again for putting those requests in!!). For future clients, I would highly recommend paying a little more to be in the newer buildings (at least they seemed newer – but maybe just renovated). These are all the Beachfront and Oceanfront buildings (if you’re looking at a resort map, they are on the right part of the resort). Not only are these buildings nicer, but they seemed larger too. They have TVs, which we wanted. Even though you don’t think you’ll watch much TV, it’s nice to have while you fall asleep or get ready for dinner. They are also NOT by the road, which we heard was quite noisy. So overall, we were extremely happy with the room choice we made!

One of the reasons we chose Negril was for the beach. It did not disappoint. White sand and crystal clear water every day. There were always plenty of lounge chairs available, as well as drink flags. There are also several hammocks up and down the beach that were wonderful to lay in.

The food options were amazing. We have done all-inclusive before and the food here was light-years better than the other places we have been. Feathers restaurant was our favorite place – we ate there two nights. The Thai place was probably our least favorite – but we are very picky about our Thai. I think we are spoiled in Seattle! Patois was delicious… especially the Banana-stuffed french toast at breakfast! The view from Patois was also incredible – you look out over the pool and beyond that to the
blue blue ocean! The other restaurants were also wonderful. We always had stellar service too.

The Catamaran/Sunset Cruise that we got free with the resort was probably our favorite activity!! It took us from our resort, all the way down the coast past Rick’s Cafe to the Lighthouse, turned around, and then stopped so we could swim in caves and go off the slide on the side of the Catamaran. So much fun!! We also took advantage of the other all-inclusive benefits including sea kayaking, snorkeling, glass- bottom boat tour, sailing, etc. We did not scuba dive but it was offered.

The last thing I will say about the resort – if you have clients who are fitness enthusiasts, this is the place to be. Their 10-acre fitness complex is the largest on the island and has everything you can imagine – tennis courts, squash courts, racquetball courts, basketball courts, a huge lap pool, fitness classes, a running loop with cross training stations, an open-air workout room with state-of-the-art machines, billiards, ping pong, a lounge area with TVs, and a rejuvenation bar with energy drinks, smoothies,
infused waters, teas, etc. The spa is also located here and we took full advantage of our free couples massage! Heavenly!!

Thank you again for everything,
Kirsten

Couples Swept Away Negril is a fantastic choice for a honeymoon or special anniversary trip especially if you are beach lovers, as Negril is one of the most amazing beaches in the world. We also specialize in Sandals “Couples Only” Resorts which also offer a romantic honeymoon experience. If you are drawn to a more unique, small, boutique type experience, perhaps The Caves just outside of Negril would fit what you are looking for. We will help you find the right spot and always guarantee the lowest prices. Give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 or you can email me patty@totemtravel.com

I am happy to help!

Sandals Carlyle Inn – The Most Affordable of 13 Sandals Resorts

By Patty | Published August 12, 2011 | Posted in Sandals Resorts


Click here for slideshow of Sandals Carlyle Inn

The best deal for an all inclusive Sandals vacation may be Sandals Carlyle Inn which is the most affordable of 13 Sandals Resorts located on five beautiful Caribbean islands.  Carlyle Inn offers the lowest price for a Sandals Resort and you get full access and resort hopping privileges to the other two Sandals Resorts in Montego Bay included in your stay.  So you’re getting three resorts for the price of one!

Sandals Carlyle Inn is perfect for you if you are looking for an affordable all inclusive vacation and you want a smaller resort with a comfortable “bed and breakfast” feel yet you still want to have access to a large amount of nice dining options.  These features make Sandals Carlyle Inn the perfect choice.   The resort has been recently renovated and the rooms while simple are quite nice and comfortable.  Economically, you really get a lot of resort for your dollar as you still have all your scuba diving, snorkeling and even water skiing and tubing at Sandals Montego Bay at your disposal – all included!!

You have full access to the other two Sandals Resorts giving you a total of 17 restaurants for your meals via a complimentary shuttle which runs between the resorts every half hour.  Perhaps you want to dine at the Thai Restaurant on the private offshore island at Sandals Royal Caribbean, simply shuttle over and without any wristbands or hassle you will be enjoying scrumptious Thai food on a tiny island with the resort lights of Sandals Royal Caribbean twinkling in the distance.  Or perhaps you want to go snorkeling and have lunch, simply shuttle over to Sandals Montego Bay and you can snorkel and participate in a wide variety of water activities, then grab a bite to eat – all included!  Sandals Resorts are known to have the most inclusions and there is no easier way to take advantage of everything Sandals has to offer without the extra cost then to stay at Sandals Carlyle Inn.

If you are interested in a Sandals Resort, just give us a call at 1-800-321-7907 or email us at linda@totemtravel.com We are a Preferred Sandals Agency and have been to them all.  We will make sure you get the best vacation experience at the lowest possible price!

 

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