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When I arrived at Sandals Grande St. Lucia couples only all-inclusive resort, that is actually the first word that came to mind- Grande. Not in any ostentatious way, but it is a Grande resort and perfect for a honeymoon. Starting with the lobby which is large and welcoming, it has comfortable couches for relaxing after a long flight rather than standing in line to check-in. After being greeted with champagne and a cool cloth you can forget the hours it took to get there and this is just the beginning!

As with all 12 Sandals Resorts, Sandals Grande has lots of different rooms categories to choose from, starting with a standard garden view room, to ocean view and beach front, to swim-up lagoon rooms and on up to a round room called a Rondoval Suite with private plunge pools and outdoor Jacuzzis, you can find the right room for you.

The pool areas are massive and include 5 swimming pools with swim up bars and a pool used just for scuba. There are 4 huge whirlpools and for those who enjoy swimming in the ocean, a beautiful white sand beach with easy access and water toys aplenty such as sea kayaks, water tricycles and hobie cats. There are also snorkel and scuba boats and waterskiing if you please.  

After a long day in the sun you might be hungry, but don’t fret, there are 8 restaurants and 6 bars to choose from with such options as Italian, French Crepes, International buffet, Caribbean style, an English Pub and Grilled Specialties or Seafood. The Italian is a bit dressy and resort formal while the Seafood is served at Barefoot by the Sea and is more casual.

If none of that sounds good, please remember that you have full exchange privileges at the other 2 Sandals resorts on the Island, Sandals Halcyon has 4 restaurants and 7 bars while Sandals Regency LaToc offers 8 more restaurants and 9 more bars, in a week’s time you’d be hard pressed to try them all!

The Grande also offers a Spa where all the facilities are included in your cost, however if they touch you they charge you, so there is an extra charge for massage and facial etc.

Any way you look at it a vacation or honeymoon at Sandals Grande is a good choice for a great deal in the Caribbean. If you’d like more information about Sandals Grande please call Jennefer, a Gold Sandals Specialist at Totem Travel, (800) 321-7907 or shoot me an email at Jennefer@totemtravel.com.

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That’s what travel to Scotland in the year of 2009 in will bring. As a SCOTSmaster and Scots agent I hope to visit in April, but the festivities start in January with the Robert Burns’ 250th Anniversary weekend and don’t stop until end of November and the Finale Weekend packed with all kinds of celebrations across the country.

March starts with the International Comedy Festival in Glasgow or you can travel to Stanza for Scotland’s Poetry festival. We also have Aye Write! It’s The Bank of Scotland Book Festival.

In April throughout East Lothian is a new festival celebrating the life and legacy of John Muir, he is the ‘father of modern conservation’ and one of the most influential people in the worlds environmental movement.

May is Whisky Month and throughout Scotland distilleries open their doors to visitors and locals alike. You could choose a short tasting session or opt for a 3 day whisky course. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival starts off May 1-10 and Islay’s annual Malt and Music Festival will close out the month.

June is meet your ancestors month in Clackmannanshire, the Royal Highland Show west of Edinburgh and it’s the beginning of the world renowned Edinburgh Film Festival.

July brings The Gathering 2009! Join with clan members and witness Scotland’s largest ever Highland Games! They are taking place in Holyrood Park, along the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Visit the clan tents, listen to live music, watch the hill runners, the Highland Dancers and the Clan Parade on the Royal Mile.

August brings the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle; over 12 million people have experienced this event and 40 countries have been represented over the years, so get your tickets early! August also brings Piping Live- Music of the Clans in Glasgow and the Johnnie Walker Golf Championship at Gleneagles.

September brings the International Youth Tattoo, the Cowal Highland Gathering, the Angus & Dundee Roots Festival, the ‘Clan Scott’ Society gathering and the Isle of Bara Whisky Galore festival.

October brings ‘Beautiful Journey’ that is focusing on Glasgow’s future by launching a new ship every night along the River Clyde and a celebration across the highlands for a fortnight with a series that explores and celebrates the way the Scots have shaped countries and communities around the world.

November brings another whisky week throughout Scotland along with St. Andrews festival 2009, the Scots Music awards in Dumfries and celebrations galore across the country during the Finale Weekend. In December all Scots will be resting!

If you’d like to attend any of the events above or find out about traveling to Scotland call Totem Travel and ask for Jennefer, 800-321-7907 or email Jennefer@totemtravel.com. I have been a SCOTSmaster for over 7 years, traveled there multiple times and can help make your trip to Scotland all you dreamed and more.

At this year’s STAR awards held at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, Totem Travel was designated “Best of the Best” and the top Sandals travel agency in 12 western states. Totem Travel has three Sandals Specialists on staff and has been a Preferred Sandals Agency since the program’s inception.

As a travel agency specializing in honeymoons and destination weddings, the agents at Totem Travel have been to all of the Sandals Resorts and return to the Caribbean every year to maintain their knowledge and expertise.

They have also been to every Beaches and Royal Plantation Resort including Foul Caye, a new private island resort in the Bahamas. Beaches all inclusive resorts are great for a family vacation while Sandals all inclusive resorts are for adult couples only and perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

Every Sandals and Beaches Resort offers a free wedding package and if you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll receive extras with as few as 5 rooms booked through a PreferredSandals Agent.

There is no extra charge to plan your honeymoon, wedding or vacation with a Preferred SandalsAgency and you’re guaranteed the lowest price available, so call or book online with Totem Travel, “Best of the Best” and top Sandals travel agency in 12 western states.