Sandals -- dinner on the beach? other upgrades?

I'm 99% sure I want to surprise FH with this one night on our honeymoon -- have you done it? Is it worth it? Tell me more about it!

Also, would you recommend doing it on a particular night? Toward the beginning or end of our honeymoon? Do we get a choice of whether it is on the beach or somewhere else? (I think they had alternative locations?)

What happens if it rains?

Did anyone else do one of those packages with upgrades?

Honeymoon Romance Package - $1,800
Exclusive private transfer from airport with fruit, champagne and chocolate
Private four-course dinner oceanside for two
Breakfast in bed
Rose petal bath for two
Couples champagne massage - 50 minutes
'Me and My Honey Journal' - Scrapbook and Honeymoon photo session*
One Complimentary 5 x 7 honeymoon photograph
Romantic Sunset Cruise (varies by resort—recommend SDR/SGO)
Picnic for two on private offshore island (off-shore island—SRC and SRB) - Each resort has a private place for you to enjoy your picnic - gardens or beach
Massage lesson at Red Lane® Spa

I like the idea of the private transfer, oceanside dinner, couples massage... and maybe the picnic for 2 on an off-shore island but I don't really need the other stuff, and we already get breakfast in bed (our room comes with room service, plus it comes with the complimentary honeymoon package) and it's pretty pricey. i'd rather add a few things on a la carte

any suggestions for other upgrades?

DH and I got the massages on the beach- the couples one and it was out of this world! It was relaxing hearing the waves crash and being massaged. I definitely recommend that.

We didn't do the dinner on the beach, but it looked really nice. I would do it towards the end of your HM- that would be a nice way to end your time there.

We had the breakfast to our room and that was a lot of fun! You can kinda see in this picture how much food they brought! We had it outside....


Enjoy your trip!!!

We've been to Jamaica twice, and one of the most fun parts was the transfer from airport to hotel . . . with other people!!! If your driver and hotel/tour rep are funny (which they usually are), you'll stock up on Red Stripe as you walk to the bus, stop at a jerk stand on the way to the hotel, and really get into Jamaica-mode before you get to the hotel. They usually drop off at a bunch of hotels too, which gives you ideas for your next trip or lets you compare spots!! I would not make the private transfer an upgrade if you have more romantic upgrades during the trip.

Also, it depends. Where do fly in and which Sandals? You could have a two hour ride to the hotel, and if so, you will love the group trip!!! Our first trip, we were psyched for the return drive because it was such a party!!!

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Posted by lanamanitta

We've been to Jamaica twice, and one of the most fun parts was the transfer from airport to hotel . . . with other people!!! If your driver and hotel rep are funny (which they usually are), you'll stock up on Red Stripe as you walk to the bus, stop at a jerk stand on the way to the hotel, and really get into Jamaica-mode before you get to the hotel. I would not make the private transfer an upgrade if you have more romantic upgrades during the trip.

Also, it depends. Where do fly in and which Sandals? You could have a two hour ride to the hotel, and if so, you will love the group trip!!! Our first trip, we were psyched for the return drive because it was such a party!!!

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st lucia, 2 hour ride i think?

We did the private dinner on the beach and it was the best thing. It is so romantic and private. I highly recommend doing it. If it rains they will reschedule. I know a couple that had it the following night. U have a choice of on the beach or on the gazebo overlooking the water. You have a personalized menu that u pick before hand. Its really amazing.
any other questions fm me.

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Posted by BrideChrissy

We did the private dinner on the beach and it was the best thing. It is so romantic and private. I highly recommend doing it. If it rains they will reschedule. I know a couple that had it the following night. U have a choice of on the beach or on the gazebo overlooking the water. You have a personalized menu that u pick before hand. Its really amazing.
any other questions fm me.

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thank you, that sounds great! do you think i should surprise FH or tell him?

If u want to surprise him u can. We didn't pre book it, we decided to do it while we were there so we both knew about it and it was just as romantic. They also take a picture of you and give u a rose and rose petals for afterward

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Posted by BrideChrissy

Which sandals r u going to?

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grande st lucian

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Posted by bluegreen08

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Posted by lanamanitta

We've been to Jamaica twice, and one of the most fun parts was the transfer from airport to hotel . . . with other people!!! If your driver and hotel rep are funny (which they usually are), you'll stock up on Red Stripe as you walk to the bus, stop at a jerk stand on the way to the hotel, and really get into Jamaica-mode before you get to the hotel. I would not make the private transfer an upgrade if you have more romantic upgrades during the trip.

Also, it depends. Where do fly in and which Sandals? You could have a two hour ride to the hotel, and if so, you will love the group trip!!! Our first trip, we were psyched for the return drive because it was such a party!!!

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st lucia, 2 hour ride i think?

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Unless it's included, don't pay extra for the private transportation . . . .the group ride is fun. If it's included, then hey! take it!! But if there is another option you can substitute, do that!!! The ride is long alone or with a group, and the group is so fun!!!

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Posted by lanamanitta

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Posted by bluegreen08

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Posted by lanamanitta

We've been to Jamaica twice, and one of the most fun parts was the transfer from airport to hotel . . . with other people!!! If your driver and hotel rep are funny (which they usually are), you'll stock up on Red Stripe as you walk to the bus, stop at a jerk stand on the way to the hotel, and really get into Jamaica-mode before you get to the hotel. I would not make the private transfer an upgrade if you have more romantic upgrades during the trip.

Also, it depends. Where do fly in and which Sandals? You could have a two hour ride to the hotel, and if so, you will love the group trip!!! Our first trip, we were psyched for the return drive because it was such a party!!!

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st lucia, 2 hour ride i think?

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Unless it's included, don't pay extra for the private transportation . . . .the group ride is fun. If it's included, then hey! take it!! But if there is another option you can substitute, do that!!! The ride is long alone or with a group, and the group is so fun!!!

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i think you only get the private transportation if you pay for that package or if you have a butler level room? (we have concierge, so in-room bar and room service, but no butler) i'm glad to hear that the group ride isnt bad

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Posted by KimiDanny1010

what does the butler do for you ... is it really worth the money to have one ?!?

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i figured if they already clean my room, turn down my bed, bring me breakfast in bed, room service, and will book my excursions for me (concierge level room) then i don't need a butlet. if none of that stuff was included, then maybe?

i think the butler will pack and unpack for you (something i prefer to do myself), will make sure your room has your favorite drinks (i think they might do that anyway?) and they will drop off your dry cleaning (but you still have to pay for it) and then i think your room qualifies for the private airport transfer? i'm not entirely sure, but i dont think we really needed one..

Edit: here is the description:

'When You Arrive The Butler Will...

Ensure accommodation is ready

Greet you upon arrival

Process your registration in your room

Offer to unpack luggage

Offer welcome beverage

Offer complimentary pressing*

Take note of any requirements guest may have on arrival


During Your Stay, The Butler Will...

Take room service orders for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Handle your laundry, dry cleaning or pressing requests

Liaise with housekeeping over servicing of suite

Offer to draw a scented bubble bath

Tidy your wardrobe

Ensure that your suite is maintained in perfect condition

Check and restock suite bar

At Departure Time, The Butler Will...

Offer to pack for you

Present your account in advance of check out

Arrange transport requirements

Coordinate luggage pick up

Escort you to the lobby

Check your suite for any items you might have forgotten'

being the worry wart that i am, i felt MUCH more comfortable getting into a van in a foreign country with a few other couples than if it would have been just DH and i.

especially since on the way home (when our HM was over), the driver had to run an errand to drop a propane tank off at his brother's house we all sorta looked at eachother (especially the men) with that w-t-f is going on here feeling ... but definitely felt safer since there were other americans there with us (just in case the errand turned out to not really be just an errand )

our travel agent (travel solutions by marcia) gave us the candlelight dinner as a gift ... its $160. it was in one of the gazebos overlooking the beach. we originally wanted to do it towards the middle of the trip, but ended up having it the last night we were there. i actually thought that was perfect ... it was a great way to spend our last night, and to savor the memories of the trip. we both had the rack of lamb, it was yummy!
http://www.sandals.com/general/dinner_faqs.cfm

ETA: they sent a professional photographer to take pics of us while sitting in the gazebo, and then you can buy them later. we have one hanging on our wall in a sandal's frame