When you think of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean what comes to mind? Luxury accommodations? Your pick of fabulous restaurants to dine at? Swim up pool bars? All water sports included? Kid\u2019s clubs to keep the children busy? A fitness center with great views? A spa to get pampered in?<\/p>\n
Well today\u2019s guest is here to tell you that the properties he represents have all that and more! That\u2019s right \u2013 I recently sat down with\u00a0Joe Vanderhoff<\/strong>\u00a0who is my local\u00a0Sandals and Beaches rep<\/strong>\u00a0here in the Austin and San Antonio area to get the scoop on these two fabulous all-inclusive brands. Grab a tropical drink, put your feet up and read on for a virtual overview that will have you ready to book your next getaway!\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n **************************************************<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Brands:<\/strong>\u00a0So, the parent company \u2013 Sandals Resorts International \u2013 is home to several different brands \u2013 but today we are focusing on\u00a0Sandals 5-Star Luxury Included\u00ae Resorts<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Beaches Resort by Sandals<\/strong>. Both of course are all-inclusive, but each caters to a different type of traveler. Sandals is an adult only, couples only resort with a romantic vibe \u2013 while Beaches is geared toward family and group travel.<\/p>\n Both Sandals and Beaches are luxury five (5) star all-inclusive resorts and are considered high end. And they are the only one of their kind. Here you can decide how pampered you want to be – even opting for a butler or concierge service!<\/p>\n Destinations<\/strong>: Between both brands they cover seven different Caribbean destinations \u2013 each unique and beautiful in its own way. It is important to note that some of these properties are on islands that are not as populated or busy as other destinations – making it even more attractive for social distancing \u2013 they include St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Barbados. Another bonus with these four destinations is that they are situated lower in the Caribbean and typically see less hurricane activity.<\/p>\n Beaches<\/strong>\u00a0boasts three properties located on two different islands:<\/p>\n Sandals<\/strong>\u00a0has an impressive fifteen resorts in its portfolio \u2013 across six different islands:<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Both Beaches resorts in Jamaica are next to or very near the Sandal\u2019s resorts. This is convenient if your family is there for a destination wedding \u2013 you can stay at Beaches and attend the weddings at Sandals with the children \u2013 then return back to Beaches after the reception. Another plus? If you are staying at Sandals you can utilize all the amenities at Beaches \u2013 including the water park!<\/p>\n Activities: \u00a0<\/strong>Both brands include all water sports in the price \u2013 think snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking and more. And yes \u2013 when they say all water sports – they mean ALL water sports \u2013 both motorized and non-motorized! And if you stay at a Beaches property you can also frequent their on-property waterpark! Yup they have their own waterpark \u2013 Pirate Island Waterpark to be exact. Some feature a fun lazy river, others a surf simulator (they vary by property) but all have waterslides, kid friendly pools and swim up soda bars!<\/p>\n Not a fan of the water? They have land sports too \u2013 all included in the cost as well. From golf to tennis to volleyball to shuffleboard and much more \u2013 you are sure to find a sport you enjoy!<\/p>\n And Beaches resorts ensures that no one in your family or group will be bored as there is something for the everyone. If you are there with your kiddos and need some adult time \u2013 there are kid\u2019s clubs to keep them busy. An added touch is that all staff members that are with the children are certified in autism. And Beaches has partnered with Sesame Street so your always sure to bump into one of well-known characters for photo ops! As Joe shared \u2013 these all-inclusives give you the option of making your rounds for each course of the meal. For instance \u2013 you can start at one restaurant for appetizer of sushi, \u00a0then head \u00a0to the steak house or seafood restaurant for dinner! And you can have as much as you want with no surcharges!<\/p>\n All of the restaurants within each resort are included in the price with the only caveat that at one or two resorts you may have to make a reservations for your specified dining time at certain restaurants – \u00a0but \u00a0– they are still included in the price.<\/p>\n The resorts are all also very accommodating diet wise and will take care of your dietary needs as you wish. You simply fill out your preferences prior to travel and\u00a0 let them know ahead of time if you are a vegetarian, require a gluten free diet or whatever the case may be \u2013 and that information sheet will go to the culinary team at the resort \u2013 ensuring which ever restaurant you choose to eat at will be prepared to handle your special dietary needs.<\/p>\n Wellness:\u00a0<\/strong>Wellness has become a big part of both Sandals and Beaches resorts over the years. Most days you\u2019ll find a scheduled fitness event that you can sign up for \u2013 such as \u2013 yoga, power walks or stretching. And of course, each property has a state-of-the-art fitness center on site. Some with fabulous views \u2013 as per Joe the Sandals Royal Bahamian has their treadmill set up overlooking the Caribbean Sea \u2013 how\u2019s that for a workout with a view??? And should you want some one on one instruction there are always fitness instructors on hand for personalized training sessions if you would like.<\/p>\n You can also find the uber fabulous, award winning\u00a0Red Lane Spas<\/strong>\u00a0at each property – offering high end massages and facials \u2013 with some of the treatments included in the price and others not. I will be more than happy to assist you if you would like to pre-plan any treatments you desire or – for destination weddings – any pre-ceremony services needed for you and your bridal party.<\/p>\n Updated COVID-19 Information<\/strong>: As each property resides in a different destination please check with the Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health in the destination you are interested in visiting for up-to-date entry requirements.<\/p>\n For the CDC\u2019s most up to date information on COVID-19\u00a0click here<\/strong><\/a>. And for the most up to date COVID protocols at Sandals Resorts\u00a0click here<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and for Beaches Resorts\u00a0click here<\/strong>.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nGastronomy:\u00a0<\/strong>All of the Sandals and Beaches properties have great culinary options with world class dining in abundance. In addition to employing chefs from the destination you are in they also have a lot of chefs from the country of origin \u2013 meaning if you are eating in an Italian restaurant \u2013 chances are the chef is from Italy and you are have a truly authentic meal!<\/p>\n