A Quick Tour of Sandals Emerald Bay

I have been to the majority of the Sandals & Beaches properties. I know the resorts really well. However, Sandals Emerald Bay was one of the resorts that I had never been to before. I had the opportunity to visit it for a couple of hours (yes, I said hours) and check things out.

I have heard in the past that Sandals Emerald Bay, located on the Bahamian island Exuma, is very quiet. It used to be the Four Seasons until Sandals took it over. I can verify that, yes, the resort is on the quieter side. It isn't loud or a party resort, like Sandals Montego Bay. It is fantastic for older travelers that don't want to be bothered with the Spring Break type of crowd. Frankly, it is the perfect resort for me and my husband-- We aren't big partiers at all. Sandals Emerald Bay offers a serene location, beautiful beach, excellent food and high quality service. All of the rooms at Sandals Emerald Bay are either Concierge or Butler categories. The Concierge service is now called "Club Level" instead of "concierge." The club lounge is a great place to relax, cool off, and get some work done if you have to work while you are on your vacation. (Something I unfortunately know way too much about.)

Speaking of working while on vacation, Sandals Emerald Bay offers complimentary wifi throughout the resort for all of their guests. Previously, guests would have to pay $14.99 for a day of service if they wanted to access the Internet. This is only if you have basic internet and don't use live stream services, such as Skype. (Personally, I have no idea how they would know the difference...)

The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Emerald Bay is the largest spa in the Bahamas. I wish I had enough time to get a service done. They actually had models set up with services, so that we could look on our tour and be jealous. They had outdoor treatment areas as well as indoor, and it was split for men and women. The prices are a little more expensive than what you get at home, but so totally worth it. They use Peuvonia products in Red Lane. Since all of the rooms are Concierge and Butler, everyone has 24 hour access to the plunge pools, saunas, spas and so forth in Red Lane. Plus, guests can also take advantage of the fitness room and personal trainers on site.

Sandals Emerald Bay is the only resort in the Caribbean - and perhaps the world - where you can swim with pigs. (Yes, pigs.) While I didn't have the opportunity to take advantage of such a unique experience - and, even if I had the opportunity, I question myself as to whether or not I would - we were greeted by a Caribbean Junkanoo band. They played music for all of the travel agents that arrived and danced. It was a very lively greeting, and quite fun.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Sandals resorts, it is all-inclusive. Actually, Sandals calls themselves "Luxury Included" because the resorts include so much more than what you would get at other "all-inclusive" resorts: all food, all drinks, taxes, tips, fees, water sports, activities at the resort, snorkeling and even scuba diving-- two one tank dives or one two tank dive PER DAY. Where else can you get that? No where. Trust me-- I know. I've been everywhere.

Sandals Emerald Bay is a great place for a wedding or renewal of vow ceremony, especially for a second marriage because it is so secluded. While the resort is big -- 294 rooms -- it still feels quite intimate. There is no doubt as to how luxurious it is, either. Couples can get married on the beach and have their reception at the secluded reflecting pool and garden (pictured to the right). The Red Lane Spa has a salon where brides and her attendants can have their hair and makeup done. Weddings My Way gives brides the opportunity to design their own weddings based on their own tastes and styles. Or, if they prefer, they can choose a Martha Stewart theme and have everything chosen cot them in the specific package.

Overall, I like Sandals Emerald Bay. I think my husband would really like it. Because of the golf offered on property, I think my mom would really like it, too. If you are looking for quiet luxury in paradise, Sandals Emerald Bay is certainly a terrific option for you.

If you are interested in booking a vacation to Sandals Emerald Bay or anywhere else, please send me an email or call 850.DAY.TRIP and I will personally help you plan your vacation! That is, of course, when I return home from paradise myself...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

2013 Tour of Sandals

I'm not going to lie... It has been a few years since I have even considered booking Sandals due to personal reasons. I've taken the majority of my destination wedding business to Mexico, which I love. Let's just sum it up by saying that I had a personality conflict with someone at Sandals who is no longer with the company.

That being said, my wonderful Business Development Manager, Andrea, came to me with an offer I couldn't refuse:  A Bahamian tour of the Sandals properties plus two nights at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Now, I haven't been to Sandals Royal Bahamian since December 2004. I've never been to Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma. And I haven't been to Beaches Turks & Caicos since 2009.

So, I said yes, and here I am. I am actually typing to you right now from the Concierge Club Room at Sandals Emerald Bay. I don't have internet access since I don't have a room here. At this property, basic wifi is free to all guests. If you're going to stream on the internet (like Skype), there is a charge-- either daily or weekly.

I took a bunch of pictures, but they are all on my iPad. Tonight when I do a review of Sandals Emerald Bay, I will be sure to post my pictures. Right now, however, I don't have them. And to be honest, I don't want to write a blog entry without the pictures. I just wanted to let you all know what to expect over the next three days.

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Viva Mexico!

Okay, so I've really neglected this blog. I'm sorry. In my defense, I have been ridiculously busy. But, I should never neglect my readers.  This is going to be a short entry, just to let you know that I'm thinking of you, and I'm still doing destination weddings!

Joe & Theressa - 5/16/13

I have been in Playa del Carmen, Mexico since yesterday for the fabulous beach wedding of Joe and Theressa. Such a nice couple!! They were married today (May 16, 2013) on Pelicanos Beach at The Royal in Playa del Carmen. The staff at The Royal always does an amazing job, and this time was no different. Working with Elsa for the past several months through the Real Resorts Wedding Center in Cancun was fantastic-- She paid such close attention to detail, and was really easy to work with. Then working with the lovely and talented Lorena at The Royal itself was phenomenal. Lorena always does a great job, and Joe & Theressa's wedding was stunning... Pure Magic, and a whole lot of fun.

It is wicked late here, though, and I'm sunburned something awful. I'm going to turn in and write a whole lot more tomorrow-- I promise. Joe and Theressa are a great couple, and their friends and family were awesome. I look forward to sharing details and pics with you tomorrow.

Just call me "Lobsterwoman"

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is an IATA Certified Travel Agent and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Jacquie & Manny: Little Hiccup

Jacquie and Manny's wedding was absolutely beautiful. I'd like to say that there were no hiccups, but I'd lie. After all, every wedding has hiccups. Fortunately, these hiccups were only little and were barely noticeable. That is, AFTER the power came back on.

One Big, Happy Family (the night before the wedding)

Yes, AFTER the power came back on. The wedding was scheduled for 4:00pm. At about 2:30pm the power went off. It came back on pretty quickly in my building, but was out for a little while in the other two buildings. Ingrid and I were leaving to head to Jacquie's room and to meet the photographer anyway.

Mine & Ingrid's Room-- 5316

In Jacquie's room, her future sister-in-law Patty was applying her makeup. I sat on the couch with her other SIL Tess. Ingrid went to get Jorge, the photographer. None of us used the bathroom or tried to get any water. Jorge and Ingrid arrived, and he wanted to take pics of the wedding details-- rings, dress, flowers, etc. Tess called her boyfriend J.R. and asked him to bring over the rings.

The Lovely & Talented Ingrid

So, J.R. came to the room with the rings and I answered the door. he asked me, "Do you guys have running water?" I thought it was an odd question...but, I didn't know the answer. So, I flipped on the faucet. It gurgled, but no water. The guys were in building one, Jacquie was in building three and our room as in building five, so I suggested that I head over to my room to see if we had running water so that the guys could shower. J.R. thanked me, I handed the rings to Jorge and off I went to our room.

No tenemos agua!

Well, we didn't have any water, either. It was a resort-wide issue. NO WATER. None. Well, except for the pool and the ocean... I even stayed in my room with the faucet on for 10 minutes to see if it would turn back on. No dice. I headed back to Jacquie's room at 3:30. The guys improvides and washed hair and whatnot with bottled water. Fortunately, the women didn't have to deal with it. And you know what I always say... A happy bride means a happy wedding!

No water here, either...

Still, the guys made it to the ceremony on time. So did all of the guests. So did the bride and everyone else. More on the ceremony soon...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Jacquie & Manny: Rain, Rain Go Away!

When Ingrid and I landed in the DR yesterday, it was cold (well, for the Caribbean), windy and overcast. Immediately, we were nervous about the weather for the wedding. But, this isn't supposed to be rainy season in the Caribbean, much less the Dominican Republic, so we weren't that worried. The people that helped us with our transfer (with VIP Travel Services) told us not to worry-- Tomorrow would be raining in the morning, but would clear up after noon.

Overcast when we arrived to Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana on 3/7/12

Well, they weren't kidding. Ingrid and I woke up to what looked like a hurricane. Everything was SO wet everywhere! Men with squeegees moved the water around, trying to push it into the grass from the walkways. It was POURING. Ingrid and I went to breakfast when there was a break in the rain, but it was so windy. At least we won't have to worry about sunburns, eh?

Windy!

Yesterday at 4:00, there was another wedding (which I did not plan). Know what? The weather was BEAUTIFUL. Everything was set up perfectly and the bride looked fantastic. They say that rain is good luck on your wedding day... We're good with that, as long as it doesn't rain DURING the ceremony and reception!

Yesterday's wedding at 4pm

A beautiful & happy bride

 

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Jacquie & Manny: Greetings From The Dominican Republic!

A wedding set up the day we got to the DR

I have sent many clients to the Dominican Republic. I have had many weddings there, too-- including one of my independent agents, Jessica, last month. However, I have never had a client request for me to attend their wedding in the D.R. You see, everyone who plans a wedding with me has the option of having me attend their wedding. The ones that want to cut corners don't have me go, and my job is done before they leave. The ones that want to make sure they have me in their corner throughout their wedding ceremony and festivities usually know that they are going to bring me along immediately.

Such was the case with Jacquie and Manny.

First and foremost, I want to say that Jacquie should get the Bride of the Year award. Seriously-- I'm not pulling one of my sarcastic moments here Jacquie is amazing. Her husband, Manny, is one lucky dude. (That being said, Manny is also a terrific guy-- They're the perfect match.) Jacquie has been absolutely wonderful since starting planning her wedding in February 2011. She has been nothing less than wonderful... And she has actually apologized for being a Bridezilla! (We had a talk about what a bridezilla really is.) Jacquie even sent me a dozen cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake before she left for her destination wedding.

The first snag I hit was that NONE of the people that I usually travel with and use as my assistants were able to go. Ebony has a new baby she doesn't want to leave yet, Kira had a prior commitment, I'm using Christine next week in Vegas... The list goes on and on. So, I contacted the AFWPI (Association for Wedding Professionals International) and let them know that I would be happy to take someone to the D.R. with me if they wanted to learn how to do destination weddings firsthand.

Fortunately, Ingrid Wiggberg of The Party Makers sent me a private message pretty much immediately sent me an email saying she wanted to go. I knew Ingrid because she already took the AFWPI Destination Wedding Specialist Certification Course that I created and taught (and still teach). I was delighted that she was able to come. She even met me at the airport, and we flew together-- with an upgrade to first class!!

Candy & Ingred while checking in at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana

Well, speaking of my fabulous assistant, she just informed me that she wants breakfast. So, off we go to the bufffet here at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana. More coming soon!

 

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Exciting Events on Horizon

 I love Mexico. I have been a big fan of Mexico since attending Love Mexico in May of 2010. Sure, I had been to Mexico on my own vacations and booked clients there before then, but I really got to learn a lot about Mexico and meet some key people at the various Love Mexico events that I have attended since then. I have planned many different destination weddings in Riviera Maya and Cancun, as well as group trips to Los Cabos. I have personally been to Mexico more than a dozen times since October 2010.

Debi & John's wedding 7/30/11 at Gran Caribe Real (Photo by Cassandra Mooney)

The most recent wedding I created was at Gran Caribe Real in Cancun. It was AMAZING. I've got to give a "shout out" to my counterpart at Gran Caribe Real, Diana Rodriguez. If you happen to get married at The Royal Cancun or Gran Caribe Real (and you don't use my services), make sure you request Diana. The food was fantastic, the DJ was amazing, the bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and everything went off without a hitch. It was a magical wedding, and I can't wait to work with Real Resorts again to make someone else's dreams come true. (By the way, I am SO sorry for not blogging sooner.)

Photo Montage by Cassandra Mooney, Blue Sky Photography

The main reason why I like Mexico as a destination for weddings is because of the value that both couples and guests can get there. While Mexico has a bad reputation in the USA for being dangerous, people must realize that not going to Cancun because of violence in Tijuana is like not going to Disney World because of violence in New York. People, you're not having your wedding at a taco stand on the border. And bridal couples would NEVER put their guests in danger. Be rational and open your minds to having (or attending) a destination wedding in Mexico.

John, the groom - 7/30/11 (Photos by Cassandra Mooney)

Because there is such a stigma attached to Mexico, I came up with an idea to help tourism to the country, as well as enlighten and educate people about destination weddings in Mexico. What is it? My lips are sealed. I'll give you a hint, though... It is going to occur on 12/12/12. And it's going to be BIG. But, that's all I'm going to say for now...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Anita & Jason's Wedding: Could a Wedding Be More Perfect?

What a day. What a beautiful day. Today was the day that Anita and Jason became husband and wife. The weather could not have been more perfect. The sky was a brigt blue, to match the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. A breeze came every so often to cool off the wedding guests. There was no hint of rain. It was fantastic.

Our day started at noon, when Mechelle and I met Anita and her Maid of Honor Megan in the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Negril. Vinnett was going to do Anita's hair and makeup after both ladies had a mani-pedi. There was plenty of time to relax after the ladies were all done, so we went down to the beach grill and bar for some lunch. At 3:00, Jason headed down to his best man's room, and the four of us went to their gorgeous one bedroom loft so that Anita and Megan could get dressed for the wedding.

I have never seen a bride get ready so fast. She was all done even before the videographer got there! Once the videographer did arrive, Megan and Anita re-created certain aspects of getting ready, such as putting on Anita's necklacce and shoes. Fortunately, the videographer had been in the spa earlier and got tons of footage of Anita and Megan getting pampered and styled.

While Mechelle stayed with Anita and Megan, I went to the Sandals Negril Wedding Office to find the groom and best man. They had just met with the minister and gone over everything with him. I introduced myself to the minister, and then we all headed down to the beach gazebo to await Anita's arrival. I also had the mothers' wrist corsages for Jason to give to his mom, Anita's mom and Anita's step-mom. The wrist corsages matched the bouquets and Anita's hair fascinator, which were all made by Juliette Marotta, owner of Creative Edge Events. All of the guests were already assembled in the gazebo, which was beautifully yet simply decorated. A seashell aisle runner lined the path that Anita would walk with her dad to meet her future husband. Jason anxiously awaited the arrival of his beautiful bride.

Kenny G's "Songbird" started and Megan made her way to the gazebo, looking stunning in an orange Dessy cocktail dress. Soon, Anita and her dad made their way to the beach gazebo to Eva Cassidy's "Songbird." She looked gorgeous. Jason and Chris (best man) wore white pants and turquoise shirts, a terrific choice for a beachfront wedding in Jamaica.

Jason and Anita wrote their own vows. Jason's vows even reduced me - a wedding planner that attends more than her fair share of weddings - to tears. They were so touching and poignant, Anita barely got through hers. It was a very touching and romantic wedding.

After being pronounced husband and wife, the entire wedding party headed to the garden for the cocktail party and dinner reception. The guests had a marvelous time. The garden was the perfect choice-- It was beautiful, secluded, and there was a wonderful breeze blowing through every so often.

Congratulations again to the newlyweds. Thank you for allowing me and Mechelle to be such an intricate part of such an important day.

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

The Wedding of Anita & Jason: The Day Before

This weekend is the wedding of Anita and Jason at Sandals Negril. It has been a little over a year in the making. I’ll never forget the first contact I had with Anita—She sent me an email after reading an article I wrote about destination weddings, not expecting to hear anything in return. I emailed her back within minutes of receiving her email, as I had been online and received it immediately. We emailed back and forth a few times, and I told her that I would call her later that evening.

Anita expressed to me that she wanted to get married at Sandals Negril, but she had spoken with a few other travel agents who actually told her that she was not allowed to get married at any Sandals resort because they would not allow single people to stay at the resort. I nearly dropped dead when she told me this! Sandals would never turn away any clients, ESPECIALLY people that are coming for a wedding. Yes, Sandals is a couples only chain of resorts. Yes, they usually do not sell rooms to singles. After all, why would a single person want to come to a couples resort? All Sandals rooms at EVERY Sandals resort is double occupancy. No more, but you can certainly have just one person in the room. However, if there is one person in the room, you must pay the double occupancy rate. For example, if the room rate is $1000 for the weekend, that is for one or two people staying in the room. The rooms only have king beds (although some resorts do offer a pull-out couch in the larger rooms) and very few rollaway cots are available, so be prepared to share your bed with your roommate.

While sitting with Anita in the Red Lane Spa as she was having her trial hair and makeup done, I asked her what her advice would be to any potential destination wedding bride. “Definitely use a planner,” she replied. “I don’t know how I would have done this without you.” That made me feel SO good! I felt like Superman—“My work here is done!” Of course, it isn’t—Anita and Jason are getting married tomorrow, and I will make sure that everything runs smoothly, along with my assistant Mechelle and the Sandals Negril Wedding Manager Andrea, whom I had the pleasure of working with at another wedding a year and a half ago at Beaches Negril.

Vinnett did a fantastic job on Anita’s hair and makeup trial. Anita’s hair fascinator was made by Juliette at Creative Edge Events, with matching bouquet. Juliette also made the maid of honor’s bouquet and the wrist corsages for the moms. Anita happened to wear a dress that matched the fascinator perfectly. I brought a couple of spare flowers with me, in case Anita wanted to wear one for her rehearsal dinner or if the MOH Megan wanted one for her hair for the wedding.

After the hair and makeup trial, we went to Dino’s (the new restaurant at Sandals Negril) for the rehearsal dinner. I was able to meet all of the guests that I had arranged travel for and had corresponded with for months. It was very nice being able to put faces to names, voices and emails. After making sure everyone was happy, Mechelle and I left to get our own dinner and retire for the night.

Mechelle and I are staying at Beaches Sandy Bay, just a quick walk down the beach from Sandals Negril. Sandals Negril is so popular that it was sold out for Mother’s Day Weekend! In all sincerity, Sandals Negril is a fantastic resort, and is often sold out because of its fabulous location on an amazing beach. Seven Mile Beach is the second best beach in the world, and Sandals Negril sits right on it (as do Beaches Negril and Beaches Sandy Bay). If you are thinking about planning a destination wedding there, plan early and find a destination wedding expert to help you plan it—Especially one that is a Certified Sandals Specialist. (Candy Cain Travel, by the way, has several Certified Sandals Specialists and is a Preferred Sandals Agency.)

Congratulations to Anita and Jason! Mechelle and I are looking forward to your wedding tomorrow.

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Playa del Carmen FAM Trip: Time To Go Home Already



Donna calling home

 This was a fast trip for me. In an out - pretty much two days and two nights. It was my first time in Playa del Carmen, although I have been in Mexico several other times. Donna, the latest addition to the Candy Cain Travel Co. team, has never been to Mexico before. She is leaving to return to New York a few hours later than I am, so she will hopefully get to experience some sun before she leaves, since it rained right after our last seminar all through the night. It would have been nice to spend a day in paradise, just playing with my new friends, but I have to return to reality.

Condo Hotels are fantastic, and I truly look forward to working with them in the future. People really need to know about this place, because they would never leave. As Donna says, it is a "secret haven" here in Playa del Carmen. It is truly spectacular, and I can't wait until my next trip here.

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Playa del Carmen FAM Trip: Travel Checklist



El Taj at Night

 You know, sometimes I feel like such a hypocrite. I preach to my bridal couples all the time about having a checklist when they travel. I even create travel checklists for the clients that only book travel through me. But, do I create a checklist for myself? No, of course not. And I suffer for it.

So, what did I forget? Take a look, and make sure you write them down on your travel checklist, so that you don't forget them, too...

TOOTHBRUSH: In my defense, I usually have my travel toothbrush in my travel bag. For some reason, the toothbrush wasn't there-- I probably left it at Sandals Whitehouse when I went to the STAR Awards. Nothing that a quick trip to the convenience store wouldn't take care of, but it is such a pain in the butt when you forget your toothbrush and the front desk doesn't even carry the cheap ones that would get you through a short stay.

The bathroom in our room

HAIRBRUSH: My hairbrush is my downfall of packing. I don't know why, but I constantly forget my hairbrush when I travel. I even set it on the sink before I left. Fortunately, I'm sharing a room with Donna, who didn't forget hers. Thank goodness.

COMFORTABLE SHOES:  Yep, I forgot these, too. Oh, and I told Donna and Jules to make sure they brought theirs. I had planned to pack comfortable shoes, since I knew that I was going to do a lot of walking when I wasn't teaching. I even left room for them in my suitcase. Instead, I left my shoes by the front door and didn't realize it until I unpacked in the hotel. Fortunately for me, Donna picked up a pair of flip flops while she was walking around on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

CLOTHES TO TRAVEL HOME IN: There really isn't anything worse than having to travel home in something uncomfortable. I packed my pants, but forgot my shirt and the shoes. So, I'll be wearing the shirt I wore today and the pumps (or flip-flops)-- Probably the pumps because I don't want to walk in 18 degree weather in New York in flip-flops. (Maybe I can find a shop in the airport...)

You get the idea. If you are a destiantion wedding planner, make sure you have a checklist for your bride. If you are a bride, write a checklist for yourself before you start packing. Otherwise, you'll end up like me: Shoeless and shirtless with ratty hair and bad breath.


 

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Playa del Carmen FAM Trip: The Joy of Networking

So, here I am in fantastic Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I am visiting Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen for a familiarization trip (FAM) with the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Donna, a woman I recently hired, and I were invited to come down to check out the resort. I am also teaching three different seminars to the other wedding planners that are in attendance.

At dinner tonight at La Sirena restaurant, after my Be a COSTAR seminar, I was able to get to know a couple of the women in attendance, several of whom will be taking the AFWPI Destination Wedding Specialist Certification Course tomorrow. Among these women were Jules Rupae (an energetic and bubbly wedding planner from Oregon), Taia Younis (a savvy and outgoing wedding planner from New York) and Lisa Barr (a writer, totally not related to Roseanne). The three of them totally saved me during dinner, since I'm allergic to shrimp and was absolutely terrified to eat any of the seafood that was served. Unfortunately, we were at a seafood restaurant.

Don't get me wrong-- the food looked fantastic. I've just been having allergy issues lately, and didn't want to have to break out the epi-pen. I showed the girls how to use it, just in case... The three ladies seemed to love the food, and Donna really enjoyed what she tried. I did have a crostini with steak and carmelized onions on it, which was FABULOUS, but that was about it. Fortunately, Donna and I found a little sidewalk cafe where we wolfed down some authentic Mexican food. It was fantastic.

Tomorrow, I am teaching two seminars. I truly hope that I have some time to at least enjoy the sun and take some photos. We will see...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

STAR Awards 2010: At Sandals Whitehouse

So, here I am at Sandals Whitehouse in beautiful Jamaica. I'm absolutely exhausted. I've been awake for nearly 24 hours. I'm still awaiting Mechelle's arrival-- She should be here any minute.

Tonight was a beach BBQ and buffet. It was really nice. I met a lot of people, including the president of Sandals. I'm so excited to be here.  I'll have some photos and video tomorrow!!

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Heading to the Sandals STAR Awards

 I am so excited! Tomorrow, I am hearding to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica for the Sandals STAR Awards. My best friend (and publicist) Mechelle will be attending with me. We plan on blogging, taking photos and filming as much as we can. We'll get everything up as soon as possible!!

Happy holidays!

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Penny's Take on Grenada

Grenada, The Spice of the Caribbean, certainly lives up to its name, but the wonderful assortment of spices that are readily available is not all it haves to offers. Grenada is rich in culture, history and traditions and stands apart from any place I've been too. With it's blue waters and whites beaches you would think it would be just another resort area, but it's not. Grenada has everything your looking for... you just have to ask. 

If you want to go for a dive, many resorts have dive shops on there property. Looking to explore the rainforest, take a tour or drive yourself. If you drive your self and get honked at, don't worry-- it's just the Grenadians' way of saying "hi" or my favorite, "You can't see me because I'm around a bend and I don't want to bump you."

Spend your Saturday at the local farmers market and check out local fruits, vegetables and spices. If you are not looking for an adventure, choose a place with a beach-view yoga center and spa. How about a private room with your own pool and a view of the ocean? Sound like paradise? Believe me when I tell you that it is. If you are traveling with children and need a sitter, simply choose a resort that offers on-site babysitting. If you are getting married, you can stay at one resort and have your wedding at another. There are places that can hold up to 100 guests or, for more intimate weddings, you can  choose a small and secluded place.

If you are really looking for something different, you can get married on a sail boat. Are you all about the food, Grenada has some amazing restaurants and while you are there, you have to try callaloo (local vegetable) and lambie (local shell fish). Grenada really has everything you are looking for.

I was very fortunately to be able to experience the beauty and hospitality of Grenada. It was thanks to the Association For Wedding Professionals International that I was able to take this trip and represent Candy Cain Travel. I look forward to my next one!

 

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Meet Penny: A Visit to Grenada

 Penny Wehner is one of the newest additions to the Candy Cain Travel family. A travel and event concierge, Penny works directly with Candy to create training courses and presentation to educate others about destination weddings. Penny had the opportunity to visit Grenada with the Association For Wedding Professionals International.



Penny at Miami Airport (11/3/10)

 Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Penny Wehner and I'm an Event and Travel Concierge with Candy Cain Travel. I was an Account Executive with a website company for many years and in 2009 made a change to the Travel Industry. Being involved in the travel industry, I've had opportunities to meet amazing people and business owners from around the world. I have gotten many opportunities to visit and tour locations most people only dream to visit. Today I have embarked upone one of those trips.


My current destination is Grenada, known as the Spice Island in the Caribbean. It's located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This mountainous island is covered with rare tropical flowers and fragrant spice trees, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. It appears to be the ideal location for destination weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons. I can't wait to find out for myself!

I will be staying at the Flamboyant Hotel & Villas located in the capitol of Grenada, St. Georges. At the Flamboyant Hotel & Villas, kids are welcome and baby-sitters are available on request. Dad can go golfing and Mom can have a massage. Then, later the family can go scuba diving. With all inclusive packages available, why not go? I know I'm looking forward to it.

I have never been to the Caribbean before, so this is a real adventure for me. I loved Mexico when I went last month. I can't wait to see what Grenada is going to be like.

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!