Hi all, I spoke with one of our Sandals reps, and was told Sandals is now complete, an opened this weekend.

HI MELISSA,<BR> Your SANDALS REP., doesn't have a clue ! We returned on the 24th of October, from Cuba, spent 2 weeks at BEACHES next door to Sandals.My wife and I toured the new SANDALS on the 22nd,we were given the royal tour.Their were construction workers evreywhere,the facilities were NOT COMPLETED,in my opinion,the property will not be at full operation for at least another few months.<BR> The property will be very nice, when completed,but if you, as my travel agent, booked me into that place, we would end up in court.The lobby was weeks away from completion.<BR> They would only show us the garden suite,very ,very nice.No room has an ocean view.All buildings no higher than 3 floors.<BR> Once again, it's strictly my opinion,but this place,could not possibly be ready for occupancy.

Sorry Bill. You are not up to speed. I have just returned from Sandals Royal Hicacos.<BR><BR>We stayed for one week from 23rd to 30th October.<BR><BR>The place IS ready for guests and is VERY beautiful (though very quiet). If anyone is considering going then now is the time. As it is so quiet, sandals must be keen to get people in, and should be offering some good deals.<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Martin

My Sandals Rep said that they all went down for the weekend of Oct 26th. She said that the only thing that is not completed was the spa, and she said some rooms do not have furnature yet, but those rooms were away from the completly finished rooms. She said as far as the spa, they still offer most services. <BR><BR>

We saw all the travel reps! They just stayed for one night.<BR><BR>The spa opened on Saturday (I think). The only thing not working in the spa is the steam room. But why you need one in 33 degrees C escapes me!<BR><BR>Everything else is open. However the choice of places to dine was a little restricted due to small number of guests. Food excellent!<BR><BR>I'm a little puzzled by Bills visit on the 22nd and it not being finished as there were 200 Canadian Electrical Contractors there from the 19th for a week and it was definitely ready for us on the 23rd with a few small finishing touches being added while we were there. e.g. &quot;Ladies&quot; &amp; &quot;Gents&quot; signs on the public toilet doors and levelling of the path to the beach.<BR><BR>I know it was only &quot;just&quot; ready for the 19th so perhaps Bill was mistaken with the date of his visit?

I can't wait to see pics of the finished product. I think I was talking to you Martin earlier this year, and I said it looked awsome only half done.

HI MARTIN,<BR> Read your response,my dates were correct,my wife and I are completely baffled by your comments ! We are delighted that you had a wonderful time,but, I still vividly recall the finishing work that had to be done.You are correct,it is a beautiful property,but is was not ready when we saw it.<BR> Maybe, we saw a mirage..Take Care, Bill

It is definatly open and there are pictures posted on the web at: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/martin.dearnley/index.html<BR><BR>Along with a full trip report of people that went from the UK. It sounds great, not all the rooms were finished, but being that it is low season they don't need them all right now anyway. Hope this clears things up, and that it gives the people who are going soon a little peace of mind.

I've had to move that trip report. You'll now find it here:<BR><BR>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/martin.dearnley/cuba