All this talk about Sandals....I'm getting nervous!
 

Were getting married in December at the Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas. However, I've been reading alot negative things about Sandals. This is my "dream wedding" and now I'm thinking about cancelling!

What other options did you consider, Lisa?<BR>What's your budget?<BR>Why are you limited to RB?<BR>What research did you do before selecting it?

I've did alot of researching before I picked the Bahamas. <BR><BR>Because this is my "dream wedding", there's not really a budget. I don't want to go overboard either. I picked Bahamas because it's close, family can attend, the water/beach is what I'm looking for (as far as color). The resort was rated the "best". <BR><BR>I've looked into St. Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica. Out of all these, I've heard that the Bahamas was the nicest, upscale and clean. I've been researching for about 5 months before I've made my decision.

You have plenty of time to reschedule, Lisa. Don't panic yet.<BR><BR>If you did you research, you definitely know the pros and cons of Sandals. <BR><BR>Pros--weddings organized for you, all-inclusive<BR><BR>Cons--way overpriced, poor service, horrible food, tacky<BR><BR>I like the Bahamas, but have to tell you that the beaches there do not compare in beauty to other islands in the Caribbean. Water is not clear, and beaches are average.<BR><BR>If you are looking for somewhere near the US but with much nicer beaches, consider Turks and Caicos. All the resorts there are very nice, with the exception of Beaches resort which is loud and congested and has the worst stretch of beach.<BR><BR>As far as RB being "the best"--it may be the best *Sandals*, but that is not saying much. For that price, you can stay at a much nicer, much classier resort.<BR><BR>FYI I have stayed at a Sandals (not RB) and it was by far the worst trip I have had in the Caribbean. I felt completely ripped off. There are many other all-inclusives that are much nicer.<BR><BR>My recommendation would be for you to find an objective travel agent (not one with "Sandals" signs in the window).<BR><BR>Good luck!

Lisa: At least you can cancel without penalty since it's still early (or at least you should be able to). I agree that you should go somewhere else. Why take the chance. My biggest concern wouldn't be me, but my family and friends. I'd hate for them to feel they like they got ripped off or that they didn't have a wonderful trip. <BR><BR>Have you considered Mexico (Playa Del Carmen area). It's a quick plane trip, and some of the AI resorts are gorgeous at a fraction of the price as Sandals. There are some other great AI's in Jamaica as well, still a close destination.

Hi Lisa,<BR>I agree with both x and anon. They had good suggestions. Playa del Carmen is funky and laid back, and there's a lot to do all up and down the Mayan Riviera coast. It's also easy to get into Cancun from most US cities. I really love Turks and Caicos, but it's going to probably be quite a bit more expensive. It can also be cool there in December, but not nearly as likely as the Bahamas.<BR>Another option might be one of the Out Islands in the Bahamas. I don't stay AI though, so I can't recommend a place...<BR>Also something to consider, it can be quite chilly in the Bahamas in December. We were there once over Thanksgiving, and it was in the 60s during the day.<BR>Good luck, and relax, you have plenty of time to reschedule!<BR><BR>

take a llok at what I wrote on the post about sandals. We stayed there in Sept, came home Sept 10th, the night before 911. We did not care fpr the place. It is very run down and the staff was very rude. If you can get out of it I would!!<BR>I agree about Cancun, better value and much better resorts. I think Playa del carmen or the "mayan rivera" would have much more to offer you and your guests. You would also save a lot of money.<BR>The english pub had torn wall paper every where, the whole resort was filthy. They do not have an outdoor bar that you can go in the evenings, which is a real bummer. The evening entertainment was pathetic. We met a lot of fun couples to hang with but that is not worth paying all of that money for.

I would recommend Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay Jamaica--luxury property--celebrities often stay there. Beautiful setting and custom weddings are coordinated. <BR>The other property that would be very nice would be Blue Waters in Antigua--another luxury hotel-A-I-also coordinates weddings. <BR>You can read information using Google and typing our resort + island. <BR>Air Jamaica flies directly to Montego and Continental A/L flies to Antigua--depending upon your gateway.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'm going to sitdown with John tonight and discuss with him...Lisa

Regarding temperatures in the Bahamas (Nassau) in mid-December: the average daily low is 65, with highs in the mid-70's.<BR>I'm no big fan of Cancun (haven't been to Playa del Carmen), but it is warmer, with mid-December average daily high of 82.

Lisa,<BR><BR>You may want to try Maui. There seem to be quite a few weddings there, and on our most recent trip, we met a couple from Boston who had just gotten married. When we mentioned the distance that they had traveled, they shocked us by telling us that when they crunched the numbers, it was cheaper to get married in Maui than the Caribbean. They rented a private house for a day and had the ceremony and reception there.

I toured the Sandals in the Bahamas last August and found it to be very overpriced. Did not like Nassau at all. Have seen many other postings where people have dissed Sandals (overpriced, poor service, lousy food). Usually, where there is smoke there is fire. Don't chance your dream wedding, cancel now.

"Travelers Reviews" concerning resorts in the Caribbean at "Where2Stay.com". A review of a recent wedding at Blue Waters, Antigua is online at this site.

Lisa: If Nassau appealed to you because of its relative proximity, you can consider other options. One is Compass Point, the other is Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

I think the lot of you are nuts!!!! Sandals Royal Bahimian was ranked #1 spa in Caribbean. I think she would have a wonderful time and wedding there.

Melissa,<BR>You're nuts. Sandals is run-down and not considered a four or five star resort. <BR>Lisa,<BR>Please look at Turks and Caicos, Virgin Gorda, Playa del Carmen, Harbour Island, Tortola, and even Puerto Rico.

I think my main concern is the weather in Nassau in December.<BR>It was at Sandals Royal Bahamian several years ago in December and it was only about 60 degrees.<BR>There is a Caribbean Sale starting this Sunday. Check any of the 3 Grand Lido Resort or any of the 3 Couples Resorts. <BR>I definately Prefer them to Sandals.<BR>Beaches Royal Plantation (a Sandals Property) is also a good choice (much more upscale than other Sandals or Beaches.<BR>Playa del Carmen is also a Great Option.<BR>Contact a Travel Agent (find one who knows the Super Clubs, Couples and Mayan Riviera Resorts).<BR>

Melissa, Conde Nast Traveler's readers ranked the Royal Bahamian at the lower end of the Gold List.<BR>In fact, its rating was equivalent to that of the Westin in San Antonio (just to give an idea) and lower than most every hotel and resort in the US.<BR>Standards are lower in the Caribbean relative to the US.

Just a reply to Island Girl who suggested Compass Point or the Ocean Club. Be aware that that is like comparing cubic zirconias to diamonds, and in that order. I am familiar with both those properties.

While I believe Travel Professional gives some great advice, I am amazed at how often she/he capitalizes words that shouldn't be. LOL.

I taught hin in high school, I am so proud of him!

Oh gosh doggit, I mispelled him.

Capital Letter are used for Emphais in Travel Professionals posts. You know like changing your tone of voice while speaking.

hi lisa,<BR>i sayed at sandals royal bahamian in 1997 i had a great time the property was beautiful this was before the expansion the food was good the service was good and there was nothing tacky about it i wasn't that crazy about the bahamas but i loved sandals

Hi Lisa<BR>We have stayed at Royal Bahamian 6 times since 1996. We have had different experiences every time we stayed there.<BR>Sometimes the service was slow, sometimes the food was not great, lots of times they ran out of things (beer, some luncheon selections). Most of the times we didn't receive our fax copy of the NY Times (stayed in concierge) and many times our mini bar was never replenished. The overall picture is that we don't find this resort being consistent - either positive or negative - so we opted to try different places and not go back to SRB.

My suggestion is Sans Souci Grand Lido Resort Jamaica. It is a beautiful resort and has the most romantic setting for a wedding. We were there 2 years ago and witnessed many weddings. (We have been married 30+ years and we found the place to be extremely relaxing and romatic even for us "old foggies") <BR><BR>We enjoyed the upscale atmosphere, food and service.<BR><BR>I'm sure that your guests would not feel ripped off at this resort.<BR><BR>The dining in the Casanova restaurant is "white glove".<BR><BR>Sans Souci is a wonderful resort. First class all the way!!!

"X," you made this comment earlier: "I like the Bahamas, but have to tell you that the beaches there do not compare in beauty to other islands in the Caribbean. Water is not clear, and beaches are average." Obviously you haven't been to some of the "out" islands, especially the Exumas, where the water/beaches are even nicer than you can imagine!!<BR><BR>

Lisa, I think you should give some very serious consideration to The Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas! This place was simply made for weddings! St. Thomas itself isn't that great looking, but then again, neither is Nassau! You might also want to consider The Ritz in Cancun as well!

Dear Lisa,<BR>you have a computer right? there are many sites to look at to check your options try travelhop.com 360 ipix views of many hotels in carribbean. I tend to steer away from all-inclusives, as there are no real bargains in this world, espically in the vacations. You get what you pay for. If your looking for a dream wedding I would stay away from all Sandals, Beaches, Jamaica, St. Martin, Atlantis etc. My husband and I weere married in the carribbean and opted for a small resort on Virgin Gorda. It was beautiful and our wedding was perfect. I would think it over and choose another destination- you have plenty of time but only one chance to make it your "Dream Wedding"

Thank you everyone for your advice. However, I've discussed with John and his remark was, "I like beer, you like wine. "I like blue, you like pink" Meaning everyone has different likes and dislikes. So, with that note, I think I'm going to stay with SRB. However, I still have some time, so I'm going to do a little more research on Turks & Caicos. One of the reasons I've chosed Sandals is that the wedding is "free". I'm going to look into an AI in Turks & Caicos. Does anyone know of a resort that holds the wedding on their property?<BR><BR>Thank you again. Lisa

English Major: People capitalize the ENTIRE word for emphasis, not just the first letter. Travel professional likes to capitalize the first letter only. Just thought it was odd, that's all.

Dear, Dear Lisa: The wedding is not free. It really is included with the inflated Sandals rate. You can go to a much nicer AI, pay for the wedding separate, and still pay less than what you would at Sandals, and have a nicer time / wedding. I just hope whatever you choose, you're happy with the end result. Good luck.

To english major and anon: Why sale, travel agent, prefer, and option?

I FIND IT ODD THAT THE KNOW IT ALL EXPERT AND SANDALS BASHER RAMJET HAS NOT ADDED SOME MORE STUFF TO THIS POST...GUESS HE IS OUT SMOKING SOME HAPPY WEED

<BR>Lisa, I was in Turks and Cacicos last year. We stayed a Beachs which is owned by Sandals but allows kids. We went in May while the kids were still in school so the resort was not overrun by children. Obviously both my husband and I love kids or we would never have chosen this property.<BR><BR>We found it to be lovely and the service and food was very good. While we were there, they had several weddings. The beach and water make a great back ground for your picture. We even watched as one couple got married on the back of a boat and then were lifted into the air for a round of parasailing. It seemed like everyone was having a blast at all the weddings.<BR><BR>I'm sure that Beaches would have the same type of deal. The Turks and Cacios islands are very laid back with not much touristy stuff going on outside of watersports and boat trips. But to me thats the charm. I would go back in a minute.<BR><BR>Provo has quite a few lovely resorts if you didn't want to go the Beaches route. TCI has a website with a lot of info. Sorry that I can't remember the site name but you can get to it by going to google.com and typing in TCI or Turks and Cacios.<BR><BR>Remember what ever you choose will be special, because its your wedding. Try to relax and have fun.<BR><BR>

While I'm sure you'll hear many different experiences my husband and I truely loved SRB. To give a point of reference we've vacationed to Oahu, Maui, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica, St. Lucia (stayed at the Sandals Golf and Spa), and the Caymen Islands in addition to the Bahamas. While I like all of these places for different reasons my husband and I agree that the Sandals Royal Bahamian is our favorite and we will be returning in February. <BR><BR>There are 2 different wedding sites: one that's on the main beach and another on the private island. My opininon is that the private island was a much more secluded/romantic atmosphere than the main beach. <BR><BR>Service is "laid back", but acceptable. Yes the resort is expensive (some might say overpriced), but I think you'll be happy with your choice.<BR><BR>Congratulations and Enjoy!!!

Thanks Pam. I feel so much better now!!!! I don't have anything about the private island. I wonder if they charge additional for this ceremony site....Thanks again.<BR>Lisa

I'm also thinking of getting married in the Bahamas, or Grand Cayman and have started to do a lot of online research.<BR>From what I've heard about Sandals I don't think it's a great idea especially if you have guests staying there also, search for Bahamas Weddings and tons of wedding consultant sites come up. Some of the consultants offer very reasonable prices and you have more choices for a wedding location, etc. Also look at the other hotel review's on the Fodor's site to get a better idea of what other hotel options are out there.<BR>From what I read many nightclubs in the area are a lot of fun and they stay open late. <BR>Some ideas for activities to do while you're there: the Bahamas Powerboat Adventures looks like fun, encounering small sharks and feeding sting rays in shallow water. Touring the Exumas looks beautiful or swimming with dolphin's would probably be a blast.<BR>Just some ideas, good luck Lisa.

I had a friend who just got married in Playa Del Carmen and according to everyone who attended the wedding it was absolutely gorgeous. All the guests had a fabulous time as well.

sundals sacks and i aint kucking fiddin