The Sandals FAM Experience….. Royal Bahamian FAM – Part 2
Since becoming a Certified Sandals Specialist last summer I have been looking forward to visiting the resorts and selling these amazing experiences to my clients. When I received the save the date for the Wedding of the Year I was so excited and loved the new look and style Sandals created. I rsvp’d once the invitation came out and then I was officially headed for my first Sandals FAM!
When I arrived at the airport in Nassau, I headed to the Sandals Lounge to check in and was immediately escorted to my shuttle by one of the Sandals staff. It was a quick 15-minute ride to the resort and upon arrival, I was greeted by members of the staff to assist with check-in and luggage. I loved how open air the resort was and how eager the staff was to assist with any questions I had. I headed to my room which had a gorgeous view of the ocean and was once again greeted by a member of Sandals to go over amenities in my room and to answer any questions I had.
I took some time before our first event to walk around the resort and liked the intimacy of the resort. Whether you wanted to sit by the pool or lay on the beach, everything was a few short steps from each other and no matter where you turned there was a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Throughout the week I met ABC members from all over the country and really enjoyed the ability to network and discuss their trips to Sandals. Each day we had the chance to experience the new inspirations Sandals Weddings have designed during our training and lunches. The food each day was delicious, I may have headed up to the buffet more than once! My favorite night was when we took a catamaran excursion during sunset. It was my first time on a catamaran and it was amazing. The weather was gorgeous, and the sky was so beautiful it was hard to capture in pictures!
Overall, I had an amazing time at the Sandals Royal Bahamian for the Wedding of the Year and cannot wait to head back to another sandals resort soon!
Mallory Weiss, PWP, New Jersey – MCR Event Planning & Design
I was very excited to attend the recent "Wedding of the Year" at the Sandals Resort at the Grand Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas this past January.
There was sooooo much hype around this event, the organizer Kim, kept releasing clues and tidbits to keep us all in a frenzy in the private facebook group page for ABC members. We all received a beautiful Save-the-Date in the mail which only heightened the excitement as usual FAM trips are just email blasts that go out, so the buzz kept going! The invitation arrived soon thereafter, and it was the same palm leaf theme as the STD and just as lovely. There was a lot of chatter amongst attendees about who was getting married and where is was going to be. This went on for weeks leading up to the trip so once we all started leaving for the Bahamas it was pure excitement.
Once we landed in the Bahamas we were taken to the Sandals Lounge at the airport to wait for our transport to the resort. The quick 20-minute trip was awesome; the shuttle service was quick, clean and efficient.
Arrival at the Royal Bahamian was amazing as every other Sandals Resort I have visited. Hot towels for your hands and a cool cocktail! The check-in process was a little hectic large group of people arriving seemed to throw a kink in the normally smooth check-in process, but they worked it out as quickly as they could. My room was average compared to the other Sandals Resorts. The one thing that was not up to part was the AC in my room which didn’t work well. I called several times but not sure if anyone ever came because the day I left it was still not working well. On another note, there was a cute plate of little sweets left for me along with a welcome letter, the map of the resort and itinerary...very helpful! The staff is always amazing, they are courteous and friendly. The food was basic, and the bar is always good...their specialty cocktails are always on point.
The first evening the welcome reception on the beach was awesome; interactive bars, live music, and yummy food was a mock cocktail party leading up to a poolside reception. The warm purple glow of the lights kept the mood festive and fun. The next afternoon we had a garden party mock reception that was a similar theme of the wedding invitations we received. Large palm leaves decorated the tables and a green motif fit perfectly in the garden. The following afternoon we headed indoors for a brunch reception; breakfast food and cocktails...yes! The blue beachy theme was lovely and tied well into the bars with cute anchored patterns.
Then the waiting was over...the Wedding of the Year had arrived! There was so much talk all over the resort on the morning of the wedding because the weather looked very iffy. Staff could be seen scurrying around trying to figure out the best place the for the festivities that was originally to be on the beach. We received word that the ceremony was going to be held in the gardens at 4pm. We were all so excited to see who it would be! When I saw it was our fearless leader Jackie and her hubby Darryl renewing their vows, I couldn't contain myself! The wait was over, and it was so worth it! Once the ceremony was over, we were led into the reception by a traditional Junkanoo band that really kicked off the party! The indoor cocktail reception was filled with live music, delish food, and sweet cocktails. When that was over we were ushered into the reception room that was mind-blowing. The warm gold lightening set the perfect mood for a yummy buffet dinner of foods from around the world. Toasts and tears and laughs were exchanged for the happy couple in true wedding reception style. Then we headed to the dance area of the reception. This is a European set up for receptions where the dinner and dancing are held in separate spaces. It’s one of my favorite configurations for a wedding; giving the host the opportunity to create more experiences for their guests and Sandals didn't disappoint. In this final room the DJ was playing, and the cake and desserts were displayed...and we danced the night away!
All in all, this was a great experience. It’s rare when a wedding planner gets to be a part of an event and recount it for their clients. And if clients want to go to Sandals for a vow renewal or wedding...I can honestly say they will be blown away by what Sandals have to offer.
The networking at the resort during our downtime was great. Meeting other planners and wedding pros from different parts of the US are always great. We chat about growing pains and share ideas and in general, try to help each other. Networking is key to growing your business and its encouraged on these FAM trips.
This was my 6th FAM trip and by far my favorite, I wish they were all like this! Not only were we introduced to a new brand that Sandals is rolling out for their weddings & vow-renewals, but we learned about new incentives and ways to grow our businesses, marketing techniques and how other wedding pros are successfully selling Sandals to their clients. I am hoping to sell a destination wedding at a Sandals property soon!
This was an awesome trip and I was not only thankful to be a part of the experience but blessed to be in the presence of love by the couple renewing their vows!
Melissa Fife, New York - Events by Missy & Co.
Being invited to the Wedding of the year was amazing, not knowing who's the Bride or the Groom made it so exciting. This is my 2nd visit to Sandals Royal Bahamian, so I was waiting to see what renovations or changes they had.
On Monday I took a direct flight from Toronto and arrived at Nassau to a band playing music making me feel welcome and not bored in the customs lines. Met the Sandals rep at the lounge and off to the resort in 10 minutes.
I was welcomed at the Sandals Resort with a fresh warm towel and a drink. Being escorted to the Piano Bar for quick check-in, then guided to my room, a Royal Village Butler Villa Suite with Outdoor Tranquility Soaking tub on the 2nd floor. There was a plate of chocolate and small cakes to welcome me.
Every half hour the butlers checked on me to see if I need anything. They were quite so surprised that my bar was untouched, as I don’t drink alcohol. I ordered room service for lunch, which was so delicious and fresh. After lunch I decided to take a tour around the resort, the Balmoral building, the beach and the pier, arriving to the Windsor Building and sitting by the pool to hear music approaching, the entertainment team were starting the afternoon show. The manager and her team plus the dancers in their Bahamian costumes were so lovely and it was amazing the interaction with the clients, everyone was dancing and laughing and having fun.
It was time for the ABC Welcome Cocktail by the poolside with delicious appetizers and exotic décor. We were able to meet the wedding team and heard what the plan was for the next 3 days. After the reception, it was time for the Welcome Dinner which consisted of very elegant white decoration. After dinner I went for a walk by the beach and sat near the fire bit, upon returning to my room, I found a cute mini Sandals Bed Cake waiting for me. Loved it...
Tuesday was time for the Aisle to Isle training with Wendy White (Wedding Manager Training) followed by lunch at the Royal Village Gazebo Garden which consisted of an open area setting with white decoration and fresh flowers. The food was set in sections, salads, main dishes, and deserts. After lunch, we had a tour of the resort and learned all that the resort offered. It consists of 3 areas of rooms, Balmoral Building, Windsor building and the Royal Village. It has 2 Gazebos, in the Royal Village and Angelique Gazebo by the beach. There are two large pools, one at the Balmoral Tower (which is designated the quiet pool) and the Activity pool, near the Windsor Tower.
There are 10 restaurants in the resort:
-
Gordons on the Pier
-
Baccarat
-
The Crystal Room
-
Spices
-
Kimonos
-
Casanova
-
Schooner's (on the private island) **Beware at night, the sand fleas are unbearable and even though I sprayed, my legs were bitten and bleeding from the bites.
-
Bella Napoli Pizzeria
-
Royal Café
-
Cricketers Pub
Walking by the beach there are 3 fire bit areas for a nice relaxing romantic in the night. To go to the Islands during the day you can take the boat every hour until 5:30 PM. Then it's only 3 times to go to the restaurants for dinner. The Island is so nice and give you kind of privacy for swimming or enjoying yourself, also you can use the Zen spa for couple massage, On the Islands, we checked the 2 Gazebo for a private small wedding.
After the tour, I met with fellow ABC members Sherri, Michelle & Cecille and we sat together at Schooner’s, the chef came and introduce himself. As we returned back to shore, we met John & Michelle from Arizona and we had a nice chat for almost 45 minutes, went to hear music at CASANOVA then retired for the day. Wow definitely a long, but eventful day.
On Wednesday it was day 2 of Marketing training with Cynthia. Amazing training well needed for 2018 goals. We also had a presentation by Michelle & Cecille from the Bahamas Tourism. After training, it was time to for Brunch and Cake tasting. Afterwards, we had a break, so I stopped by the photoshop. Near the Garden I found a sign "WEDDING IN PROCESS", I enjoyed the view from outside, the bride and groom were so lovely, the setting was amazing and colorful. The guests were enjoying themselves. I went to get ready for our next adventure the Catamaran arranged by the Bahamas Tourism. We took the bus and drove through downtown Nassau towards the pier. We gathered and waited for the catamaran at the Margaritaville restaurant and were eagerly waiting to board for our 2:30 hours scenic tour with light dinner and music. Needless to say; the weather was perfect, and we had the best time. We headed back to the resort and went straight to dinner at Gordon’s on the Pier. It was very nice, we saw fish in the sea, the food was delicious, but the service was kind of slow. To end the day in style, I went by the fire bit to look at the sky and the water and dream.
Thursday couldn’t come sooner, FINALLY, the wedding day was here, and everyone was trying to guess who the bride was. Also due to the inclement weather, the plan was changing, first the wedding was going to be at the islands, then ceremony at the beach but the reception at the Windsor Ballroom.
I had my photo session in the morning, amazing and very nice shots. Then I headed to sit by the pool and sleep a little. I then returned to the room to rest a bit more and get ready for the wedding. At 3:30 we were advised that the ceremony would take place in the Village Garden... I arrived at the garden, simple and cute décor, due to the weather. Music started and here came the groom.......Darryl and we all said it's Jackie, wow, I thought I know they are married??? he looked happy... We all were looking to the back and here comes our beautiful lady, very elegant and shy. She looked stunning. Her dress was so nice and complete the design of the invitation, Save the date and all. Her lovely colors Green, Gold, and off-white.
The ceremony started, and it was the best Renewal of Vows I had ever attended. We all followed the Bride and Groom with the band in their lovely Bahamian costumes toward the Windsor Ballroom. We had the Cocktail outside the room, nice décor, drinks, Sushi session, and lots of appetizers. Then we went to the ballroom, the décor was all in white, flowers decoration was stunning, 3 of Jackie's friends 7 colleagues gave speeches, dinner was an open buffet that had lots of food. Everyone was so happy and enjoying themselves. Following the reception was an after party which was the dancing area, and off we went; we all danced to the music until 11 pm. I was so tired afterward I went directly to bed.
On the last day Friday, my bus pickup was scheduled for 11 AM, so I started my day with breakfast at 8 am, and then met Cynthia for a one on one marketing session until 10:30 am. It was very informative, and we were able to put a plan into action. I headed back to my room to pack and leave my bag outside the door to be picked up.
I went for a final stroll by the beach and said goodbye until I return again with my lovely friends.
A Dieu et A Bientot
LAMIA ALI YOUSSEF, PWP, CANADA - Elite Weddings & Events
