Island Hopping!

Just to take a break from running, I wanted to tell everyone about my recent resort training trip with Sandals Resorts.  Just a couple of weeks ago, Oct 11-13th, I was able to take a familiarization training trip to Sandals and Beaches Resorts to three magnificent locations, Nassau, Bahamas; Providenciales, Caicos; and St Georges, Grenada.

As a travel agent, I get to help others plan their all inclusive vacation stays at the many different resorts, but I've always been worried, that not having been to the resorts, I wouldn't know which the client would enjoy more.  There is always a difference between seeing and experiencing the locations and events.

After this trip, I must admit, they are definitely worth visiting and experiencing.

The trip began with my friend and owner of the Travel Agency, Shane, picking me up at the house, and driving to Atlanta International Airport.  We had to be at the airport by 5:30 am, so we left around 4:30.  We arrived and found the international terminal, meeting with about 135 other agents and Sandals representatives.  There was a Bahamas Customs agent traveling with us, so we had our passports and customs forms completed before we flew, to expedite our travel to the resort once we landed.  We loaded up on a chartered flight, Flair Air, to Nassau Bahamas.  Flair Air is a division of Air Canada, so all the crew instructions and safety demonstrations were given not only in English, but also in French.

Picture of plane, taken at St Georges, Turks & Caicos.

It took a couple of hours to reach Nassau and we were served snacks on board. We were handed customs forms for the Bahamas.  Upon arrival, we were treated like VIPs' with separate lines to exit the airport (forms and passports already checked) and boarded the buses to the resort.  As a British Commonwealth, the direction of traffic was on the opposite of American roads.  

The drive wasn't overly scenic and was through some poorer neighborhood areas.  We arrived through a guarded entrance to splendor. There were drummers and dancers welcoming us and staff handed us cooling towels, before our guided tours of the resort rooms, facilities, dining, and recreation areas.

The resorts had various levels of concierge to Butler service, sizes of rooms and different layouts.  This resort was for adult couples only.  We stayed here till about 3:30 pm, and then boarded the buses back to the airport to fly to the next destination.

We were handed our travel forms on board the chartered flight and were excited to be arriving at Turks & Caicos, for a couple of nights stay at Beaches family resort.  Upon our arrival, we were told that we were forbidden to photograph the outside of the airplanes, airports. We were told that if we were caught with cameras or cellphones outside of the airport, we would have them confiscated and fined.  We landed and walked out onto the runway.  We were led into the airport where we were told we had the wrong customs forms.  We had to complete new ones inside.  The Security staff here were not friendly or welcoming.  Customs agents after the security check were.  We boarded vans for the ride to the resort.  I noticed yield signs that read "Give Way", for some reason, thought they were funny.  They had neat speed bump signs as well.

We arrived at Beaches and were met by Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie.

                                      

 We had a welcome reception, and then given our room assignments.  Each of the agents were assigned rooms in the different themed village areas of the resort; Caribbean, French, Italian, and Key West Villages.  I was assigned French Village and Shane had Italian Village area.  My room was basic with two beds and no balcony.  Shane had a two bedroom Concierge level with large King master and a second room with bunk beds (children's).  There were over 19 restaurants on site.  We had dinner and toured some of the night clubs open late.

The next morning began our property tours with welcome presentation.  We split up into smaller groups of 10-15 and walked the entire property, viewing the daycare center for small children, teen clubs, water park, spa areas, dining bars and restaurants, and every village with different room options.  This resort was enormous.  All the staff were courteous, welcoming, and helpful.

View from top of Key West Village

Example of Italian two bedroom with children's bunk beds and pull out trundle

Elmo surprised us during the property tour

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The last night in Turks & Caicos

 On Monday morning after a very early breakfast, we left the resort for the hidden gem of Sandal's resorts.  St George's, Grenada.  We had another two and half hour flight south to Grenada  We had a Grenada customs agent with us and we had our passports and forms completed before landing  Here were able to take pictures and were welcomed with smiles.  We took a short less than 5 minute ride out of the airport to the resort entrance.  We could have walked it as it was so close.

It was absolutely beautiful!  I did notice though, it was hilly.

We were welcomed to the resort with music and dancers.

We were given drinks from fresh ground sugar cane, mixed with island spices.  

This beach was simply incredible. With the rocks, it gave the beach a relaxing tranquility.  I'm sure they were there to keep the beach from eroding, but the water was crystal clear and inviting.  I made sure after the tour to get in and enjoy the water.

Off in the distance, I noticed the Disney Cruise Line had arrived.  It was diverted due to tropical storm in Antigua.  Grenada is now a port for the Southern Caribbean Cruises. 

Welcomed also with ice cold fresh Coconuts.  I drank a couple of these and they were quite refreshing!

We had lunch at Butch's Chophouse. This one required reservations and we were able to be worked in.  The meal was wonderful.  You will want to try the Nutmeg Ice Cream as well.

With all adventures, they come to an end.  We were met with the Director of Tourism for Grenada and thanked for visiting.  The friendliness and hospitality of the people I met, definitely want me to return, to visit and explore the rest of the island.

We boarded our flight and headed home.  We stopped in Turks & Caicos for refueling and crew change. We said goodbye to a wonderful group of ladies and welcomed another crew.  This one was not so friendly.  We had experienced some poor weather and people were waiting for restrooms.  To get airborne, we had to be seated.  I almost thought there would be a mutiny.  The crew were so scheduled and punctual, they didn't want people to get up for restroom because they had to serve dinner and beverages.  They conceded and we worked around them.

I should have skipped the chicken dinner because after landing, I encountered food poisoning.  It took me several days to recover.  Looking back though, I'm very glad I made the trip and I'm looking forward to future ones to come.