Just ask anyone that has had Personal Butler Service at Sandals...Once you have experienced vacation with a butler, it is really hard to imagine not having a butler on all your vacations.

 

Why do butlers make for the best travel experience? It's where luxury meets exceptional hospitality!

Many clients are interested, but may be a little skeptical at first.  Some say "I don't need a butler, I'm not high maintenance."  While this may be true, none of us really need a butler, but if there is any way I can help elevate my clients experience - the butler service is one that makes them so happy.

 

I too was apprehensive at first about having a butler. When we first made the decision to have a suite with butler service, I was almost too embarrassed to let Nicola (our first butler) do anything for me. Then I learned what an honor it is for the staff to become a Butler. They sincerely love their jobs and it's almost disrespectful to not them do their jobs. They strive to do any and everything in their power to make your stay as special and as perfect as possible.  

 

 

When clients contact me about planning their trip, I try to share my experiences with a butler to see if that is something they would enjoy.  We determine what they are comfortable spending and if there is any way the budget will allow a butler, I highly recommend it.

Ten years ago we were planning our first visit to Sandals and we had dreamed of visiting St. Lucia for quite a while. However, after looking at what options fit our budget, we opted to visit Jamaica with a butler as opposed to St. Lucia without a butler.  As much as I hated not seeing St. Lucia ten years ago, I still think its the best decision we ever made, never before then have I felt so pampered --It's not something most of us experience too many times (until we return to Sandals). While the Sandals website provides a short list of the butler perks, it is only a starting point and just barely scratches the surface. I can never fully explain how awesome the butler service can be, because they take the que from each client. Their goal is to anticipate your every need and then exceed it. As a Sandals specialist, it makes my job so much easier because I feel relieved once my clients are in the hands of the butler, I know everything will be just perfect. Almost every client that has selected a suite with personal butler service comes back from vacation bragging that "their butler was the best ever." In fact I typically hear more about the butler than the excursions.  I have also noticed that clients that experienced butler service usually have their friends calling me within days of their return. I think really connecting with the local hospitality through the butlers, and island people fill our souls with gratitude and service. 

 

Curious about how to get the most value of butler service at Sandals?  Here are a few important things . . . 

 

Work with a travel professional!
Your travel professional will communicate your preferences the butler prior to your arrival. When you arrive, your travel professional will have already double checked that your suite is confirmed and your butler will have double checked that it is prepared per your preferences: Club Sandals Lounge keys, His and Hers plush robes with bed slippers, 24 hour room service, In-suite bar stocked daily with Mondavi wines, spirits, sodas, juices, water, fine Egyptian cotton linens and pillow menu including feather down pillows, coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and free wifi in room. Everything just to your liking!

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The butler knows your expected time of arrival and will be waiting for you in the lobby with lemongrass-scented hand towels to refresh you from your flight.
Here are just a few ways a butler enhances your arrival:

 

• Welcome cocktails and culinary treats
• Escorts you to your suite for check-in in the privacy of your suite and coordinates your luggage handling
• Provides you with resort and room orientation
• Reviews your personal preferences communicated through your travel professional
• Supplies a cell phone to reach him during your stay
• Offers to unpack your luggage
• Press your first night's clothes complimentary

During Your Stay

• Butler makes your dinner reservations, cabana rentals, spa treatments and any other activities you have added to your stay.
• Reserves your chair at the beach or pool and serves your favorite drinks while you relax
• Serves your lunch at the beach or pool
• Confirms your room is serviced while you are away and ensures it is kept in perfect order
• Ensures your table is arranged at the restaurants of your choice and escorts you to your table with preferential seating, skipping all lines
• Per your request, arranges a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite or patio.  They can order from any resort restaurant menu for dining in-suite.
• Shine/clean shoes for dinner
• Tend to your wardrobe
• Collect and return all laundry
• Leaves amenities in your room between meals (per the preferences provided by your travel professional or things he hears you mention during your stay)
• Ensures your bed is turned down and that you have anything you need for the night.
  
  
  

Before your Departure

• Provides you with check out details
• Offers to pack for your departure
• Ensures your bags are brought to the departure area
• Escorts you to the butler lounge to process check out
• Escorts you to your transportation and bids you farewell (i promise you will want to take them home with you, I know I did)

 

 

 A few other tips your Sandals specialist can help you decide: 

• For the same price as an entry level butler suite at one resort, you can stay in one of the top butler suite at another
• The higher the category of room, the bigger the room and better the view (usually)
• Some rooms have a private plunge pool or tranquility outdoor tub

Loosen Up:  

They will make it abundantly clear that they are at your beck and call, but who can wrap their head around that, right?  Remember, this is his job and you are depriving him of what he loves to do.  Making the most of your butler experience may include asking him for your favorite drink while you are on the beach,  or saving your chair at beach or pool or reserving your table at your favorite restaurant, etc.  The more you allow him to get to know you and learn about him and his life on the island, the more you will enjoy your stay.  Imagine your surprise when you return from dinner to find this?  He mentioned that he heard you mention your feet hurt.  

What to Expect?

Ask your travel professional what to expect.  Think about how much you hate to pack and unpack, take advantage of his offer.  I usually recommend that you unpack a few personal items and leave the rest for him to unpack while you are exploring the resort.  Or another idea would be to pack your personal items in a carry on which you unpack and ask the butler to unpack the other bags when they arrive.   Here's a little hint, my butler unpacked and packed WAY better than I did.

Remember, the only way they know what you want is if you speak up.  

Nothing makes you feel more special than a personal note on your pillow from your butlers reminding you "Love is All You Need".

    

True VIP Travel Experience is anything you want at the press of a button.  

It's okay to say no. Butler service is not for everyone and we understand and respect that. For those that are not comfortable with the idea, the concierge service at Club Sandals may be the right fit for you.  Club Sandals is a quiet lounge offering snacks and drinks and free wifi, televisions and even kindles to borrow.

As you know Sandals has a strict no tipping rule. However, butlers and spa attendants are the only Sandals employees that are able to accept tips from guests.  If your butler does an outstanding job enhancing your stay, consider leaving them a tip to show your gratitude.  If you aren't sure how to tip them, ask your travel professional. 

So is butler service worth every penny?  For me 100% yes, but you are the only one that can decide for yourself.  The one thing I tell my clients is if you aren't afraid to use your butler service, it is worth every single penny and much, much more!!  In my very humble opinion, once you try the butler service, it is almost impossible to go back!

Topics: #girlstrip, #bestvacation, #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, #reunion, travel concierge, travel consultant, #passportpassion, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, group travel, paradiseescape

Topics: why use a travel agent, First Time Tips to Italy, LOVEITALY, Italy Vacation, Italy Travel, luxurytravel

 

Thursday, February 13th I packed up my bags and was chauffeured to the airport by dear old mom for an adventure I will not soon forget. I was spoiled by American Airlines with roundtrip Business Class airfare to LAX which included priority check in. That along with my CLEAR membership and TSA Pre-check it took a total of 12 minutes from getting out of the car to sitting down at my gate. I am loving the new terminal in New Orleans.

 

Arriving in LAX we were allowed entry into the American Airlines Flagship Business Lounge which was a treat in itself. It was adorned with modern decor, amazing food, and premium liquors. For a longer layover this was just what I needed to sit and relax before my long haul flight to Sydney, Australia. As if this wasn't enough of a treat when I boarded the flight to experience the AA Flagship Business Class with fully reclining seats I WAS IN HEAVEN for my 14 hour flight! It truly flew by and I landed feeling like I had a full night's sleep and ready to take on the day.

 

Day 1: Settling into Sydney, we were whisked to the Hyatt Regency Sydney in a private luxury  van. After checking in to our rooms and dropping off our bags we hit the ground running boarding a luxurious yacht for a cruise around theHarbor enjoying Sydney's famous sights from the water. Our first stop was Doyle's at Watson's Bay for a quick appetizer which was absolutely delicious. After a few drinks and some fresh calamari we embarked on our journey to Balmoral Beach for our main course. After some wine and some delicious grub we boarded the ship and made our journey back to the wharf. We had a couple hours to relax and unpack before our own private 6 course dining experience hosted by the Hotel Manager and executive chef. The food was to die for. My favorite part of the meal was the wagyu beef cooked to perfection ...it melted in my mouth. Having eaten my entire body weight in delicious food today I decided to call it an early night before an early morning of adventure.

Day 2: Sydney Harbor Highlights, we woke up at the crack of dawn to get our own private Backstage Tour of the Sydney Opera House. This was one of the coolest tours I have ever been on. We explored the hallowed theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year and our experienced guide lead us through every aspect of the building’s 14-year creation and 58-year history. Running our hands over the world-famous shell tiles, taking a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world. 

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Travel heightens the experiences life gives us. It caters to the unique interests of each discerning wanderer. Taking ideal journeys for food and wine lovers, history buffs, families, the culturally curious and anyone who dreams of exploring this great wide world we live in.

 

Every person has a different travel personality. This can make it difficult in finding what should be top priority for the trip and it's our job as Travel Experts to figure out what type of traveler YOU are. This helps us customize your vacation to be exactly what you have dreamed and hoped it to be. There are many different personalities for travelers and none are mutually exclusive.

Here are just a few examples of some of travel styles we see most often.

 

What travel personality are you?

Escape Artist
For those choosing to escape for the holidays or escaping with the whole family and make it just a little more special, like Christmas in the Swiss Alps. These clients would probably prefer something cozy and more intimate to enjoy the company they're with as well as the scenery surrounding them. This client wants experiences to last a lifetime and add a little something extra to the festivities. Some activities may include dining or cooking class in home of local chef or in clients private villa renal, as opposed to cooking school.

Foodie
They seem to enjoy the culture and culinary experience from many different destinations and may be more interested in wine tastings, and authentic cooking classes over the typical sights and landmarks.

 

Active adventurer - All adventurers are not alike!
Testing their limits is what this traveler is all about. Clients that want action and adventure are usually going to want more secluded destinations that have kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, hot air ballooning.  Anything to get that adrenaline flowing.  Yet the wanderer can be anywhere enjoying the exploration and immersing themselves in the culture maybe taking leisurely hikes or what about biking through wine country.   

Sightseers
Laid back, calm, happy-go-lucky, and typically the type of person who is up and ready to go so you can start soaking up anything and everything possible to fully take in your destination. These clients might have a specific destination in mind and ready to check places off that bucket list.

History Buffs
These clients love history, museums, and the arts. The client will be more prone to traveling to older, historically rich destinations. The want to see and hear about everything. They thirst for knowledge and are anxiously observing all the sights and sounds around them. Gearing the vacation to landmarks and museums, or maybe even the occasional castle.  These clients may enjoy after-hours tour of museums and other tours along these lines.

 

If you're wanting more travel inspiration and ideas for a travel inspired life click here.

 

Topics: #girlstrip, #bestvacation, #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, Italy, #reunion, travel concierge, travel consultant, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, First Time Tips to Italy, group travel, paradiseescape

 

Hey VIP Travelers! I want to check in with you to see how are holding up. I hope you are finding some peace in your "new normal" during these times of social distancing and stay at home.  We are moving forward here.  I'm so thankful for the direction of improvement around the world.  Thank you to all that are helping to be part of the solution. We are definitely experiencing a completely different fall season than we had anticipated, but making it count just the same.  I'm very hopeful that we will come back stronger and better for the experiences we learned from this experience.  While my heart hurts, grieves really, for the many trips that were so beautifully imagined, designed and then grounded.  I hope your hopes are lifted for the future...that you will fly when you choose the time is right for you.   Through our associations with our national travel association, ASTA, we were able to voice concerns and arm ASTA with information needed for their talks with governmental officials to let them know how consumers were being affected.  As an industry, we sent many emails to our congressman begging for relaxing of rescheduling deadlines.  I recorded this little clip Behind the Scenes. I am so grateful for our clients' patience, understanding and for the many random acts of kindness from many of you.  It was very helpful to Justin and I.  I have really enjoyed following you on facebook and seeing the many positive and uplifting ways that you have made limoncello from the lemons we have been served. Do me a favor and shoot me an email and let me know is what information you would like to read about, what is helpful to you.  I'm anxious to move forward, whatever that looks like . . .  Keep Dreaming, we sure are!

 

justin@viptravelexperience.com tammy@viptravelexperience.com. I would love to make your dream come true.

Are you looking for the perfect travel destination to dream about?
We would love to help you with travel tips and more.

Topics: #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, group travel, Italy Travel, experiencesnotthings, sicily

Take Off to Tahiti & Bora Bora Bound   A trip to Bora Bora and the Tahiti Islands is your first class ticket into discovering and exploring a new and colorful world of its own. Plush green mountains crystal clear lagoons will be waiting for in this picture perfect paradise. Tahiti and Bora Bora are renowned as a honeymooners' and lovers' heaven on Earth. Every island in Tahiti offers a multitude of activities and endless possibilities: a dive in Rangiroa, a hike in Moorea, an unbelievable encounter with manta rays in Bora Bora, swim in Tahiti's cascades, or even a chance to enjoy the authentic Polynesian culture in Raiatea. A vacation to Bora Bora and Tahiti is a one of kind experience, a tropical paradise and unique discovery which you can only understand while there.  It was really hard for me to choose just one bungalow picture to share with you from my trip.     The feeling of going down these steps into the most amazing water . . . I toured many over water bungalows while there and quickly realized there are many differences in resorts and even the range of bungalows at any one resort.     For being such quaint places Bora Bora and Tahiti offers endless adventures abound:  Underwater cycling on aqua bikes. Perched on a white seat, you descend slowly as the hydraulic platform of the pontoon boat you ride out to the spot lowers us into the waves – the warm, tropical waters gradually creeping up to your bikini tops. Once in the water, spot the coral gardens looming ahead – tree-like elk horn corals and cauliflower corals, dappled by shafts of sunlight piercing through the blue. Your guides, point out a starfish 30 centimeters (1 foot) in diameter, a parrot fish hovering over an undulating welcome mat of hot-pink anemone, and what looks suspiciously like a shark shooting out from under a craggy outcrop and disappearing into the murk. Aqua safari via helmet dive. This enterprise involves donning a cubed yellow-and-white helmet that keeps your head completely dry as you descend a ladder to the sandy ocean floor. Feet clad in rubbery boots, walk in slow motion through craggy outcrops of coral and lengths of seaweed fluttering in the currents, feeling like a puppet as you carefully lift one foot and then the other, hands buoyed and bobbing at waist level. Snorkeling in Bora Bora’s coral reefs. Bora Bora’s famed coral reef, which encircles the island and is accessible within 15 minutes by speedboat, has some of the best snorkeling in the world. Home to approximately 700 species of tropical fish, Coral Garden is our first stop, followed by a few other choice locations known to the crew. Slipping into the water, our guide coaxes curious moray eels from their hiding places and points out the distinctive diamond shapes of manta and eagle rays gliding through the blue.   I could not believe how much I enjoyed this! Island cruises and fresh seafood. Learn that Bora Bora’s outer ring of reef and motu (small reef islets) makes its calm lagoon waters ideal for exploration by kayak or paddle board, and private boat tours abound. You can book a 23-foot Jeanneau Cap Camarat motorboat, a trimaran, a catamaran, a pontoon boat or an aluminum Quintrex boat perfect for a small group, and most excursions include a picnic on a private beach.  Of everything we did in Bora Bora, Tahiti and Tikehau, chartering a small yacht for the day was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE thing we did.  We were treated to the most relaxing day I could ever imagine, our hosts were incredible, they served BBQ fish, caught fresh from the boat and grilled.  They sang the sweetest tunes and danced to show their gratitude to us for visiting their homeland.  The French Polynesians were the most humble, gracious hosts I think I have ever met. Swimming with sharks. Saving the biggest thrill for last. Adventurous streak notwithstanding, you get the willies at the idea of being a few meters away from sharks, then you can opt for a purely observational excursion. Even so, there’s something about dipping into cooler, deeper water and being surrounded by dozens of  sleek rays and the sharks.  As I took a deep breath and slipped in this FREAKED me out, but I did it--conquer your fears right?  I was definitely making sure I saw the black tipped tail, but it was absolutely exhilarating!!! For those not looking for a boost of adrenaline, but instead a stress relieving and relaxing sun bath on the deck of your over water bungalow!!  Bora Bora and Tahiti are still perfect for you!   Visiting the destination first hand was an incredible blessing and I am so grateful to our Polynesia experts for sharing so many incredible  once in a lifetime experiences.  If Bora Bora is on your bucket list, please give us a call. When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com    blog stories

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel

Boosting Your Immune System:    1. Practicing GRATITUDE If we are beginning our days and focusing on gratitute, love and joy, it can drastically improve our health and immune system.  It instantly reduces stress hormones that rises when we focus on negative thoughts.  Its like a spinning wheel, the more we stress, the more prone we are to disease.   2. Eat Healthy I know, I am craving carbs more than ever.  Even carbs I don't like.  Jump off the hamster wheel and  prep some healthy lunch and dinners.  If it's ready, we may be more apt to make that healthy choice.  If you are like me, I NEED my routine, meditation, vitamins and walking.   When I skip one of these steps, I usually skip them all.   At this time, more than ever, it is so important to practice proper hygiene and exercise to optimize the well being of our bodies.                Photo credit:  Wikipedia 3) Rest Put away the screens early  so that you can fall asleep faster and try to get approximately 7 to 8 hours daily.   4) Meditation Practice meditation, prayer, deep breathing, yoga, pilates, listen to  music, play the video in your mind of previous peaceful travels or whatever lowers your shoulders and quiets your mind.     5) Don't over medicate I enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evenings, but we need to be careful not to deplete our immune systems by overindulging. Sometimes we can forget that we have the power to elevate our joy, love and gratitude.   We CAN DO THIS TOGETHER and let's share these tips or other you think will inspire others. One day soon there will be family gatherings, ballgames, school, graduations, weddings, travel, hugs, etc.   Click here for your listening pleasure from one of the greatest Italian singers, Andrea Bocelli.     When you are ready to take your dreams to reality, we are here for you justin@viptravelexperience.com or  tammy@viptravelexperience.com    blog stories

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel

There is always something beautiful on the other side Search the photo above and let me know if you spot something beautiful that happened on the other side of a very difficult time in Venice.  Have you ever seen a photo of Venice without that DOME? In fact, I can't really imagine sailing into Venice without seeing that gorgeous Basilica.  The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health) welcomes you to Venice at the junction of Grand Canal and Bacino di San Marco lagoon.   It is so amazing and can be seen from all over the city.   It's iconic of Venice.  The striking Basilica in the foreground is a symbol of gratitude!!   Did you know that it was built in 1631 to celebrate the end of the unusual outbreak of the plaque responsible for so much loss of life of the Veneto population.  I was told it took 56 years to build and was built to THANK MARY for her prayers of intercession to end the plaque. I hope when you go to Venice you get the opportunity to visit this beautiful octagonal basilica built on a platform made of thousands of wood piles and located in the Dorsoduro area.  As you walk up to it, you are overwhelmed at the height and you may miss the statue of the Virgin Mary presiding over the church.  There are additional statues of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John.  The great dome represents her crown, the vast interior her womb, the eight sides are the eight points of her symbolic star.  You can visit two small chapels on its sides, and don't miss in the sacristy there is a beautiful  canvas called "Marriage at Cana".   In November each year, there is also an annual celebration called the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin wherein they walk from San Marco to La Salute across the Grand Canal on a specially constructed pontoon bridge for a service of thanksgiving.   I LOVE stories of how Italians are filled with gratitude and always honoring Mary.  I know that in these uncertain times we can be filled with doubt and fear, but we know from stories in the bible and history books that we always rise higher and better on the other side of adversity.   We are ALL in this together and there is a future full of hope for all of us.  Let's be kind and help each other along the way.

 

Sharing a little happy picture of my grand demonstrating what to do when life gives you lemons.

 

• Stay Healthy
• Stay at Home
• Stay Strong !!!

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

I pray that you and your family are healthy and staying strong and at peace!  Please be safe and take care of yourself.

 

Try to remember that stress and fear are more dangerous to your immune system so let's discuss a few ways to reduce stress/fear.

 

I know everyone is facing a temporary "new normal" right now and one of the biggest issues may be feeling like you have lost control of your life and the freedoms we typically take for granted.  That is totally UNDERSTANDABLE!  Believe me, I'm feeling it too.   What I have to remind myself (and others remind me too lol)... recognize what I can and can't control.   Let the "Can'ts" go!  Focus on the
"Cans".  I've started a list here to get you started ... what are some of your suggestions? Reply to this newsletter and  I can share with others next week, how are you letting go of what you can't control and moving forward as an inspiration to others...

I CAN'T CONTROL:

-wheher or not others follow the rules of social distancing, but i CAN be sure that I and my immeditae family, follow CDC recommendations.  The sooner we contain this virus, the sooner "normal" will return.

 

-the actions and attitudes of others, but I CAN control my own actions and be sure that they are being tempered with a little extra KINDNESS, GENEROSITY and GRACE.

 

-the amount of toilet paper on the grocery store shelves, but I CAN choose to only take what I need and not hoard that  or any other important supplies so that others can have access as well.

 

-the sensationalism and constant barrage of negative news stories that incite anxiety, but I CAN control what I see by limiting my exposure to updates from a trusted source and filtering out all of the clutter.  TURN OFF THE TV NEWS!!

 

-when schools will open again, but WE CAN do the best that I can to be sure kids have some structure, good nutrition, a reasonable schedule, time to play, creative projects and lots of attention & love.  Children get anxious too and they look to us for cues.  (My fb newsfeed is filled with wonderful stories of moms killing it with the homeschooling-I'm so impressed-drop a line to a mom and tell her she's got this).

 

-how long this will last, but I CAN choose to be part of the solution and stay well by social distancing, hydrating, exercising, eating healthily, restign and finding fun things to do at home.  THIS TOO SHALL PASS, and you want to be in better shape when it does, more than ever before!

 

-not being able to physically hang out with friends, coworkers and family members, but I CAN keep socially networking using video chats, emails, thoughtful social media posts, telephone or ZOOM calls.  Our bodies may be isolated, but our SOULS NEED CONNECTION, so keep reaching out in more creative ways.  

 

-the restrictions on travel right now, but I CAN provide you with inspiration so that you keep your dreams alive.  The time will come when you can take that trip that you have been wanting to take, and I WILL BE HERE ready and waiting to help you make it happen!

 

In troubling or uncertain times, it is so hard to see the other side-but its not far away-I can just see it.

 

Please please read below as I share with you a story I learned on my first trip to Venice.  It is the most beautiful example of seeing something of beauty after a very long troubling time.  Email me if you already knew this or you're surprised!!

 

AND I CAN'T WAIT to hug people again-especially this little one and her sister!!

 

 

Sharing a little happy picture of my grand demonstrating what to do when life gives you lemons.

 

• Stay Healthy
• Stay at Home
• Stay Strong !!!

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia