As a top Sandals travel agency we are constantly asked “Which is the best Sandals Resort?” and our travel agents always answer “That depends”.   Why?  Well let’s take a few examples -

Couple #2 is looking for a tropical destination where they can relax and get some sun.  She wants to work on her tan by a beautiful pool, but he is worried he’ll be bored.  Their budget has already been stretched by the wedding so they are hoping to spend $2-3K on a honeymoon including accommodations, meals and drinks.  If they can get a room with an oceanview or private pool all the better, but if push comes to shove they’d rather splurge on a private beachfront dinner or swim with the dolphins.

The best Sandals Resort for this couple would be Sandals Grande Ocho Rios or Sandals Dunns River.  Both have beautiful pools with swim up pool bars.  There are many complimentary activities at the resort such as golf, sailing, kayaks, snorkeling, rock climbing and tennis.  Nearby activities include ziplining, mountain biking, horseback riding and swimming with the dolphins.  There are resort hopping privileges between the two resorts so there are lots of restaurant choices and prices start around $2200 per couple for 6 or 7 nights including everything you can eat, drink and do at the resorts.

Couple #3 is all about the beach.  They want to waterski, take long walks with bare feet on the sand, snorkel every day and play in calm, warm turquoise water.  In the afternoon they’d enjoy a hammock for two or book by the beach and at the end of the day they’d like to dine under the stars near the ocean.  Sandals Negril, Sandals Whitehouse or Sandals Grande St Lucian would be the best Sandals Resort for this couple.

Couple #4 wants to go somewhere exotic.  They’ve been on a Caribbean cruise and stopped in the Bahamas and Jamaica so they’d like to try something different.  They’re also worried about the weather because they are getting married in August and heard that is hurricane season.  They both saw pictures of Bora Bora but don’t think they have the budget for an overwater bungalow.

For this couple the best choice might not be a Sandals Resort and we’d want to discuss the option of a Tahiti or Fiji honeymoon.  However we might also suggest one of four Sandals Resorts on St Lucia or Antigua.  Both islands are farther south and less likely to be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.  Plus the island of St Lucia looks a lot like Bora Bora with dramatic mountain peaks called the Pitons and lush tropical rainforest fringed with long stretches of pristine beach.   And while no Sandals Resort has an overwater bungalow (yet) you’ll find Rondovals with private pools and villas with spectacular views at Sandals Regency St Lucia, Sandals Grande St Lucian and Sandals Grande Antigua.

Couple #5 is limited on time but wants to be pampered with a few days in the sun.  They both enjoy gourmet food and a bit of nightlife.  She’s into spas, he’s an avid scuba diver.

The best Sandals Resort for this couple might be Sandals Royal Bahamian.  There are nonstop flights from many U.S. gateways so travel time is minimized.  There are numerous restaurants and dining options range from the elegant Baccarat and Crystal Rooms to an authentic Bahamian restaurant on a private island and wood fired pizzas by the pool.  Nightlife at the resort includes a lively pub, theme nights and a piano bar plus there are big name entertainers performing at the Atlantis Resort and other nearby casinos.  The Red Lane Spa offers everything from wraps to signature massages to aromatherapy and the Bahamas are known for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

So which is the best Sandals Resort for you?  We believe that you are couple #1, the one and only couple that matters when planning your honeymoon or vacation!  With 13 Sandals Resorts on 5 islands and prices ranging from just over $2K to more than $10K for a one week vacation, there are a lot of variables in the product.  But there are even more differences between the couples that will enjoy an all inclusive Sandals vacation!

Our Sandals Specialists have been to every resort and go back every year.  There is no absolutely no charge for our services and there are lots of fabulous specials going on right now.  So call us, then book online or through an agent.  We want you to have the BEST Sandals vacation or honeymoon ever!

P.S. Check out our blog post and pictures for the newest resort - Sandals Emerald Bay

Click for Slideshow

When I returned to Fiji recently, I had the pleasure of exploring the northern islands including Taveuni, Vanu Levu, Qamea and Mantangi. These islands are less known and less populated than other Fiji islands and they are absolute gems!

The islands are lush and green with dramatic mountains, tropical rainforests and pristine beaches. The water is clear, warm, lovely shades of blue and you’ll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving anywhere in the South Pacific. You’ll also find some of the best resorts in Fiji!

If you’re looking for privacy, fabulous views, gourmet food, top notch service and an outstanding spa, it would be hard to beat Namale, one of Fiji’s few adult only, all inclusive resorts.

I stayed in a luxurious honeymoon bure with cushy furnishings, stocked in room bar, oversized jetted tub, indoor outdoor shower, spacious furnished deck and private stairs to the lovely beach below. Room service is offered at no extra cost and, according to my host, many guests never leave their bure. I can understand why!

If you do venture out, most activities are included at Namale such as waterskiing, tubing, horseback riding, tennis, boating and snorkeling. There is even a bowling alley, pool table and movie theater on site. As a life long scuba diver, I spent my time underwater at a nearby dive site called Purple Garden which had hundreds of fish and lots of colorful corals.

After a light lunch on a lovely deck overlooking the ocean, I took a quick peek at two of the villas with private pools (gorgeous!) then headed down to the beach for a long walk around the bay.

I celebrated sunset with a coconut scrub foot massage and champagne at the gorgeous oceanfront spa then was off for dinner. Yet another indulgence, with gourmet food beautifully prepared and presented and served to me in barefoot comfort in traditional Fijian fashion…

This is a life I could get used to!

Alas, my Namale stay was brief and I was off to see more wonderful resorts on the northern islands of Fiji. I hope you’ll check back for posts on Matangi (until then, check out this slideshow), Jean Michel Costeau and Paradise Taveuni. Plus I’ll give you an update on the fantastic new Jungle spa at Qamea, another pick for best resort in Fiji!

Totem Travel and Savvy Traveler are sponsoring Tartan Day on Saturday April 11 in Edmonds.  In past years the festivities have drawn a big crowd and this year should be even bigger with Homecoming Scotland events scheduled throughout 2009.

Savvy Traveler is known for its full range of travel products and accessories with everything from money belts to drip dry in an hour underwear to lightweight luggage.  The store is located in downtown Edmonds and open six days a week for your convenience. 

Jennefer at Totem Travel has been a certified Scotsmaster since 2001 and will be naming her top 10 things to see and do in Scotland.  She’ll also review some of the best escorted tours available and provide tips and tricks for planning independent travel throughout Europe.  Totem Travel has been a top travel agency in the Seattle area for more than 20 years. 

Call or email jennefer@totemtravel.com for more details on Tartan Day activities and brush off your plaid.  The bagpipes are coming!