When (and why) to use a Travel Agent

Posted on Sun , Jan 08, 2023

The Internet is not always your best option when it comes to booking your vacation. Find out when to call a travel agent... and why to call me. 

This could seem like a shameless plug, but rest assured, your level of knowledge on this topic is mutually beneficial to you and to me. In the age of doing everything online, there are times when working with a travel agent can save you money, time, stress and drama. 

Use a Travel Agent when the stakes are high

sandals-royal-caribbean-overwater-villa-steps-900x500Whether you are planning your honeymoon, a big anniversary trip, renewal of vows, or really any trip that you consider to be a significant financial investment, working with a professional can give you peace of mind. The Sand Lady is a division of Royal Travel, a full-service travel agency. We have been a family-owned, family-run, local business in Maryville, TN for over 20 years. Our name IS our business. Each of our agents is highly motivated to provide exceptional customer service. "My goal with every client, no matter the type of travel or size of package, is for you to return from your trip so excited and impressed that you tell all of your friends to call me," says The Sand Lady Robbie. The Sand Lady consistently receives excellent client reviews. There is never any cost to you for our services. This is not true of all travel agencies. The resorts train me and compensate me for the service I provide, and we guarantee you will not find a better price on a Sandals or Beaches Resorts package.

Use a Travel Agent when you are unfamiliar with the destination

Adventure Travel resized 600We spend weeks every year visiting the properties and destinations that we sell. I only recommend resorts that I have personally visited, and I maintain a personal relationship with the staff on resort. I expect that my clients will be treated as VIPs. I have stayed in or walked through the rooms I book. I have eaten in the restaurants, and I'll share with you my favorite drink from the bar. Since there is no cost to you to use my expertise, why wouldn't you let me customize your vacation and handle all of the details for you?

Use a Travel Agent when you are traveling with a group

Caribbean Scuba Travel resized 600I specialize in family reunions, golf groups and destination wedding groups, but I'll plan a trip for any type of group. I will do as much of the organizing as you let me do. First, I work with you to determine the destination and travel dates. Then you can invite the group, give them my contact information, and I will take care of customizing each individual's travel details. Many times, if the group is more than 5 rooms, I can get the group leader special perks or discounts.

If you do get in a bind, you have a well-connected friend.

In life, sometimes things don't go as planned! In the past 6 months, I have worked with my client's resort to extend their honeymoon at the last minute and no charge to them when their airline stranded them in Miami for 2 days. I have fixed problems with reservations that clients booked themselves online before calling me. (Although I love playing the hero, save yourself the tears and just let me book it the first time around!) 

SPAI have also advised countess clients when changing their travel dates by 1-2 days or "upgrading" their room to a nicer category would actually save them hundreds of dollars. I look at the promotions available on a daily (ok, hourly) basis, and I know how to combine promotions to get you the best deal. 

 You don't need a Travel Agent if:

  • You are only booking a flight - When you are headed to a friend's wedding or visiting your grandmother and all you need to purchase is your flights, it is generally just as simple and about the same price to book it yourself.

  • You want to use your miles - The airlines and credit card companies will not allow me to redeem your rewards for you. "If you are booking a package such as an all inclusive getaway in the Caribbean, while I can include flights with your package, if you prefer to use your miles to book flights, I can advise you on schedules and you can book the flights separately. Just let me know about your needs," says The Sand Lady Carlie.

  • You are using a timeshare - Timeshare companies manage their own timeshares. Travel agents do not book timeshares. Our agency generally does not book private home rentals except for a few very special properties in the Caribbean. 

  • You are dead-set on a super cheap 3-4 night cruise with a discount cruise line - You know which one I'm talking about. I'm not saying don't call me if you're considering this option. I talk to at least one person every week who doesn't realize the costs involved with cruising outside of the upfront advertised price. Most of them end up booking an all-inclusive resort with me, and they come back thanking me!

CuracaoThe bottom line is, no matter what type of travel you are planning, you want your trip to be as relaxed and stress-free as possible. Using a travel agent may be the key. Since there is no cost to you for my service, I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't let me handle it for you!

If you are planning a honeymoon, love to hear from you!

If you're ready to get started, click below to contact me!

Request a Complimentary Consultation

Topics: honeymoon, group travel, renew vows, golf getaways

Sandals Regency La Toc, St. Lucia

Posted on Mon , Nov 07, 2022

Sandals Regency La Toc St Lucia Map resized 600

Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia is one of the more sophisticated of the 15 Sandals Resorts. I love this resort for the food and the bluff views. Check out this video about the resort and then read on for more detail.

St. Lucia is a very lush and tropical island in the Eastern Caribbean. England and France fought for nearly two hundred years over beautiful St. Lucia. This dazzling Caribbean wonderland is a fountain of natural treasures - the fiery passions of an ancient volcano, the richness of a national rainforest, and the soothing waters of the glistening bay and sea.

Sandals Regency La Toc St Lucia relative mapThe island of St. Lucia has two airports. The larger Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is approximately 90 minute drive from the three Sandals Resorts.  The smaller George F. Charles Airport (SLU) is approximately 10-30 minute drive to the Sandals Resorts. Most clients fly into the larger, International airport. So climb aboard your air-conditioned bus and enjoy views of the island from your included round trip transfer.

St. Lucia - Hewanorra Airport

Sandals Resorts boasts an exclusive Arrivals Lounge at the Hewanorra Airport in St. Lucia.  The lounge has interior seating for 50 guests. Guests are welcomed into the spacious (1,800 sq. ft.), comfortable, air-conditioned Lounge after clearing Immigration and Customs, where they are offered a choice of rum punch, water, coffee tea and fruit punch.  There are also bathroom facilities and guests can relax in the Lounge by watching one of two 50” flat screen televisions while waiting for their bus transfer.  

   Sandals Arrival Lounge St Lucia  Sandals Arrival Lounge St Lucia 2

The stately palms that grace the mile-long entrance into the legendary La Toc Estate is the awe-inspiring prelude to your Saint Lucia vacation at the Caribbean's Most Glamorous Resort. Sandals Regency La Toc is recognized as the most sparkling jewel in the islands. The "Emerald of the Caribbean" glitters invitingly along the half-mile crescent shaped beach, cradling exotic coral bluffs, lush hillsides, and rolling fairways. This magnificent 210-acre estate features the  Sunset Bluff Village, a resort within the resort, flaunting breathtaking vistas from bluff-top villas with private intimate pools. Indulge in Five-Star Diamond French cuisine and other tantalizing cuisine from around the world at nine spectacular restaurants. Nestled in one of the most historic parts of Castries, Sandals Regency LaToc Golf Resort & Spa is a highly luxurious resort filled with adventure, romance and relaxation.

Sandals La Toc St Lucia beach resized 600

Sandals La Toc St Lucia bluff pool resized 600

Sandals La Toc St Lucia Fire Pit bluff resized 600

Why Choose this Resort?

If you like to be immersed in glamour in a setting that is as posh as a paradise movie set, you will love Sandals La Toc for your St. Lucia golf and spa vacation

Sandals La Toc St Lucia honeymoon suite sunset bluff resized 600

Sandals La Toc St Lucia fine dining resized 600

Resort Highlights

  • The epitome of luxury, the elevated Sunset Bluff Millionaire Butler Suites with Private Pool Sanctuary come with 180 degree views, rotating 46” plasma TV’s, a private Whirlpool and Infinity Pool and fully opened glass walls offering serenity bedroom views
  • Exquisite Honeymoon suites with private plunge pools
  • 9 hole golf course, which offers complimentary green fees
  • Three magnificent freshwater pools, fifty-five suites with private plunge pools and four Whirlpools.
  • Free WiFi for all guests occupying Club Sandals or higher categories of accommodation.
  • 23 Dining options with the Stay at one play at three exchange privileges
  • A magnificent Red Lane Signature Spa (spa services are at an additional cost)
  • Full exchange privileges with the nearby Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort and the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Beach Resort & Spa, which are approximately a 15-25 minute drive away. Complimentary transportation between these three Sandals resorts is provided.

Room Features

All rooms include Air conditioning, king-size bed, mini refrigerator stocked with bottled water, soda and juices, extra-large amenity kit, hair dryer, telephone, safety deposit box, private bath & shower, iPod clock radio, Cable T.V., tea & coffee maker, iron & ironing board.

Sandals La Toc St Lucia suite with private pool resized 600

Sandals Exclusive Personal Butler Service

Your wish is our command. With the uncompromising attention of a personal butler trained to the highest standards by the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers, you will be pampered throughout your stay in extraordinary ways. From unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving a glorious breakfast on your terrace, and many more surprises, a Sandals Suite complete with your own personal butler, is the ultimate indulgence. More on Personal Butler Service here.

 

Sandals La Toc St Lucia honeymoon suite private pool resized 600

The Golf Club at Sandals La Toc

Masters of the game and beginners as well will thrill to the lush landscape of La Toc's challenging golf course. Rolling hills and majestic fairways inspire performance at all levels, and complimentary green fees invite repeat plays at leisure. Short but sweet…this 3,300-yard course challenges you to sharpen your club-selection skills, and several holes demand laser-like accuracy to chart their tunnel-tight layout. On the 8th hole's par-3 downhill, for example, a mere fade or draw could land you in a jungle of white cedars, almond trees and bamboo.

Sandals La Toc St Lucia golf course

More on this Destination

Visa & Passport Requirements
All travelers will require a valid passport. No visa requirements when traveling an a passport issues by the United State. Please check for any other necessary visa or documentation requirements.

Average Temperatures
Caribbean temperatures are warm year-round. Daytime average: 82°F, 28°C. Nighttime average: 72°F, 22°C.

Dress Code
Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).

Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes are included in every room. Guests with jewelry and/or cash are advised to store all valuables in safe deposit boxes as Sandals cannot be held responsible

WI-FI Coverage and Internet Access
Most public areas of the resort offer wireless Internet access. So do many of the rooms. All guest rooms are wired with an in-room Ethernet jack for Internet access. Simply connect to the network and charge the service to your room. 

Scuba Diving
Top-of-the-line equipment for scuba diving is included for certified divers; however, you're welcome to bring your own. You must remember your diver certification cards to enjoy full diving privileges. If you have any contra-indications to diving you must have a doctor complete and sign the physician section on the medical questionnaire form before you will be allowed to dive at any of our resorts.

Late Departures
If your plane leaves in the afternoon or is delayed, you're welcome to enjoy the amenities at Sandals Regency La Toc St. Lucia. 

Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal Butlers & Spa Therapists. In the event you wish to tip your Butler or Spa Therapist, it will be greatly appreciated but under no circumstance will a tip be required or solicited.

Private Car Service
Private Car service from St. Lucia’s Hewanorra Airport to Sandals La Toc is available at an additional cost. Just ask me!

See more blog articles about Sandals La Toc

Or click below to request a complimentary vacation consultation with The Sand Lady:

complimentary vacation consultation

Topics: Sandals La Toc, Resort of the Month, golf getaways

You are Invited to Join our Golf Getaways to Paradise

Posted on Tue , Jul 10, 2012

golf getaways
January 23-27, 2013
Sandals Emerald Bay
Great Exuma, Bahamas

You are invited to join Scott Wilson, P.G.A. Professional, for an extended weekend of golf and vacation. Come experience the most beautiful Greg Norman Championship Golf Course in the Caribbean and relax and recharge with friends.


Golf Getaways
All-inclusive golf packages start at $1,969* per couple and include:

4 nights accomodations
All meals on resort including white-glove dinner service
Unlimited drinks including premium brand liquors, beer and wine
Group rounds of golf
Water sports including scuba and snorkeling
Land sports including tennis and top-of-the-line fitness center
Transfers to and from the airport
All taxes, fees, tips and gratuities

*airfare can be arranged

For more information, please Contact Us and let me know that you are interested in joining our golf group.

Click Here to download the flier.

Topics: group travel, Bahamas, Sandals Emerald Bay, golf getaways

Golf Jamaica: Play in Paradise's Most Exclusive Golf Tournament

Posted on Mon , Apr 30, 2012

Jamaica Golf Tournament resized 600
Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, invites Sandals Select Guests* to participate in The 6th Annual Chairman's Invitational Golf Tournament.

The tournament will take place at the beautiful Par 71, 18-hole Sandals Golf & Country Club championship course in Ocho Rios, Jamaica September 13-15, 2012. Participants will be treated to lunch on the course, a VIP Welcome Home Cocktail Party, and a chance to hold the winner’s title! This exciting, 2-day golf tournament is designed exclusively for our valued Sandals Select Guests and is sure to please with plenty of surprises, giveaways and gifts, an Awards Ceremony Dinner, and more!

Activities & Inclusions

2-Day Golf Tournament (days of play September 13 and 14)

Complimentary Usage of Golf Carts

Complimentary 5X7 Group Photograph

VIP Welcome Bag

Prize Giving and Awards Ceremony Dinner

A Chance of Winning 5 Complimentary Nights

FREE Nanny service for the kids if you stay at Beaches Boscobel (Up to 3 hours)

A variety of golf prizes and much, much MORE!

To book your stay at Sandals Grande Riviera, Sandals Royal Plantation or Beaches Boscobel and RSVP for the tournament, contact us today!

*Previous guests of a Sandals or Beaches resort are eligible for the Sandals Select Guest program and this golf tournament. If you have stayed at Sandals or Beaches and you aren't sure if you have joined the program, just contact us and The Sandals Lady will take care of the details for you!

Topics: Beaches resorts, Sandals resorts, golf getaways, Special Promotions

Sandals Emerald Bay: Chic and Sophisticated

Posted on Fri , Nov 04, 2011

Sandals Emerald Bay bahamas all inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay caribbean all inclusive

Once our workshop at Sandals Royal Bahamian had concluded, Robbie pulled a few strings and we were lucky enough to get to stay a night at Sandals Emerald Bay - the more recently acquired of the two Sandals resorts in the Bahamas. This was a TREAT! Sandals Emerald Bay is an exclusive resort on a small island - Great Exuma. Unlike Nassau, there is very little development on the island other than Sandals Emerald Bay. In fact, there are no stoplights on Great Exuma.

Sandals Emerald Bay's most notable features are a Greg Norman golf course, an untouched 2 mile stretch of beach, and the most impeccable service I have ever experienced.

Sandals Emerald Bay caribbean golf

The 18 hole Emerald Reef Golf Course boasts some of the most amazing views in the Caribbean - especially from a tee box. This is a well-kept par 72 Championship course designed by Greg Norman. The western end of the island is a long peninsula that curves in just a bit to form Emerald Bay. As you play through the first part of the back nine holes, you travel out to the tip of the island on the back side of the peninsula. Here, the waves crash against the rocks below, and you may catch a glimpse of the yachts in the 150-slip deepwater marina. As you play through the last few holes of the course, you will come around to the bay side, and you are greeted with a breath-taking panoramic view of the resort.

Sandals Emerald Bay all inclusive golf

Sandals Emerald Bay also offers 6 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts including a sunken stadium court. The tennis pro usually offers a complimentary tennis lesson to guests and is available to help coordinate matches. The magnificent Red Lane Spa facility includes separate men's and women's locker rooms and relaxation rooms, 16 peaceful treatment rooms and a state of the art fitness center. Yoga, aquacize and personal training sessions are available through the fitness center.

But you need not be a golfer or play tennis to find your perfect getaway at Emerald Bay. The resort's 2 miles of powdery white sand beach and the Bahama's signature turquoise water is any beach-lover's paradise. I highly recommend a room in one of the Beachfront Villas, which are painted to match the brilliant color of the bay. This is the true Emerald Bay experience. The rooms on the ground floor of the villas each have patios which step right off in to the sand. The beach here is so long, staying in the villas feels as if you have your own private beach. The rooms on the 2nd floor of the villas have balconies with gorgeous ocean views as well. My recommendation is the Prime Minister Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Suite. These are on the first floor of the villas and each has a private hammock, which is perfect for stargazing. Because this island has no city and very little ambient light, the stars are bright and fill the night sky. This is a very special vacation.

Sandals Emerald Bay best caribbean vacations for couples

The suites at Sandals Emerald Bay each have double marble vanities, glass enclosed walk-in showers, deep soaking tubs, and espresso machines. Some even have walk-in closets. The hotel facilities are new and fresh and beautifully designed. There are two pools on the property - a quiet one just past the zen garden and reflecting pool - and a more lively one - the Caribbean's largest zero entry pool at one-half acre. This pool is a destination in itself. It has a large swim-up bar, integrated hot-tub, and an elevated fire pit. Both pools are surrounded by pairs of cushioned chaise lounge chairs, some with umbrellas and others under draped cabanas. The larger pool even has ratton-style couches just in the water with over-stuffed cushions and pillows so you can sit with your toes in the water and admire the view of the ocean and the sky from the pool. If you are looking for a getaway to lounge by the pool and read a good book, spend time reconnecting with your loved one, or take a nap in the shade, this resort does it better than you can imagine.

Sandals Emerald Bay best caribbean vacations for couples Sandals Emerald Bay all inclusive caribbean vacations adults only

The culinary experience at Sandals Emerald Bay is unrivaled in the Caribbean. Whether you crave an evening of sophisticated conversation and fine dining, the barefoot elegance of oceanside dining, a refined afternoon tea, or a lively night at an authentic English pub, seven unique restaurants offer a cuisine and atmosphere to suit every mood. During our stay, we had a lovely, quiet breakfast at Bahama Bay, a casual dining setting that offers buffet dining experience three meals a day with nightly themed dinners. We enjoyed a Caribbean-style seafood lunch with our toes in the sand at Barefoot by the Sea, one of Sandal's signature restaurants. Sitting at picnic tables under thatched roofs on the beach with cloth napkins, we enjoyed delicious conch fritters and grouper sliders. When we arrived on resort, our butler secured an 8:00pm dinner reservation at Il Cielo, the Italian restaurant requiring reservations, on our behalf. So, in the early evening, we stopped at the Drunken Duck, the resort's English Pub, for hot wings and beer. I would not usually order hot wings in the Caribbean, but we had heard these were exceptional, and we were NOT disappointed. When we walked through the doors of the Drunken Duck, it was as if we had been transported to the UK. This pub is authentic from the British manager to the Guinness on tap and New Castle in the bottle. Once we'd had our snack, and enjoyed the sunset from the couches in the pool while we finished our drinks, we headed to our suite to get ready for dinner.

Sandals Emerald Bay fine dining

We were early - 8:00pm dinner is a little late for these East TN girls - so we had a drink in the Il Cielo bar while we waited. The ceiling in this bar a restaurant is at least 20 feet high and painted the color of the Caribbean sky. (Il Cielo is Italian for the sky.) The bar in this lounge is tall and mahogany with a marble top. The lighting is sophisticated and modern. We could tell we were in for a treat. Of course, once the hostess at Il Cielo knew we were there, she offered to seat us immediately. Our waiter was a proper but friendly young Bahamian studying biochemistry at the university on the main island. (The adult literacy rate in the Bahamas is 95%. Impressive.) We enjoyed a five course meal complete with a pasta course of the most amazing risotto I have ever had. If you've ever had risotto (or if you've ever watched Hell's Kitchen), you know, it is hard to do right. And as the daughter of travel agents, I've had the privilege of dining in fine restaurants in many countries. I know, this is a lot of sentences to cover a pasta course, but I want you to understand, this was Fabulous! And after that build-up, the entrée course was no disappointment, either. The Snapper tempura I had was very good. Robbie had Sea Bass, which she used the adjective "succulent" to describe. (She also noted that she is pretty sure she has never used the term succulent to describe food before.) After the entrée course, we knew we were experiencing something remarkable, and we asked our waiter to send our compliments to the chef. A few minutes later the handsome, young Chef Francesco of Bologna appeared at our table to thank us for the compliment. This is an important point that sets the Sandals resorts apart from their peers. Their themed restaurants are authentic from the decor to the menu because they are run by master chefs originating from the theme country. And last, of course, an extravagant dessert course was served, and we were apologetic that we only had room for a taste.

Other restaurants at Sandals Emerald Bay include La Parisienne - the French fine dining restaurant requiring reservations, and Café de Paris (pronounced like the French), which serves espresso, pastries and hand-dipped ice cream or gelato. Dino's Pizzeria serves made-to-order pizzas from a wood-fired oven for lunch and dinner, and room service is available to all rooms any time.

There are so many details I'm leaving out here, but you really need to experience this resort for yourself. If you are a golfer, a beach-lover, or if you just appreciate great service, this resort is not to be missed!

Are you Planning a Honeymoon? Click below to download the Sandals Luxury Included Honeymoon eBrochure:

Click me

Topics: honeymoon, Sandals resorts, Bahamas, Sandals Emerald Bay, golf getaways

The Sandals "Dude" is Off to Golf Jamaica

Posted on Wed , Sep 21, 2011

Sandals and Beaches Resorts is hosting the 9th Annual Travel Agent Golf Tournament September 21-25, 2011 at the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 

Ocho Rios Jamaica Golf

As a Preferred Sandals Specialist, I was honored to be invited to play in this exclusive tournament... but The Sandals Lady is not much of a golfer. So I sent The Sandals "Dude" (Mike). Lucky guy! He'll be spending 5 days at Jamaica's newest resort, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort. Yeah... I'm sure he'll be hanging out under one of those chic white cabanas at the all-new Riviera Beach Club after playing a round at one of the finest golf clubs in the Caribbean. Did you kow that when you stay at the Sandals Grande Riviera, golf is included?


all inclusive caribbean vacations adults only

If an all inclusive Caribbean golf getaway at Jamaica's most exclusive beach club sounds like your perfect vacation, contact me today!

Topics: golf getaways