I was contacted in the autumn of 2019 by Lindsey after I was recommended by one of her friends.
Her son’s wedding had been arranged with Sandals Ocho Rios Hotel in Jamaica for October 2020. Lindsey and her husband wanted a week with their son celebrating the wedding and a second week at a different hotel on the island. All straightforward and quickly booked.
And then we hit 2020!
In June, the flights were moved from Gatwick to Heathrow - not too big a change.
A week later, the second hotel advised they would remain closed for the booked dates, again not a huge issue as next door’s sister hotel was open, so I was able to move the booking.
In August, Sandals Ocho announced they would not be reopening until 1 November, two weeks after the wedding party were due to arrive. Within a couple of weeks, I had everything rearranged with Sandals Montego Bay, still in Jamaica.
At the end of August, Jamaica was taken off the UK’s travel corridor list, meaning 14 days self-isolation on return, not something any of the party were able to do.
Within a couple more weeks, the wedding had been moved to St Lucia, which was on the corridor list, and I had the Fermors rebooked for a 14-night October stay at Sandals Grande…
The pandemic certainly made our booking a challenge but thanks to Amanda’s diligence and support we had a truly amazing holiday.
Travelling during COVID was absolutely no problem. Five days before leaving, we paid for a 24-hour turnaround PCR test, which thankfully came back negative. We felt very safe throughout due to all the measures that were in place.
Gatwick airport was very well organised, with social distancing in place everywhere. The flight itself was fine and the BA staff were amazing. It was only around a quarter full, which allowed plenty of room to social distance, and having to wear a facemask for the entire flight was not a problem.
On arrival into St Lucia, we were directed to a tent, where our temperatures were checked along with all necessary documentation.
We were staying at the Sandals Grande Hotel for what was not only an amazing holiday but also for my stepson’s wedding.
Our arrival at the hotel came via the wonderful experience of a helicopter transfer from the airport.
We were met by two amazing butlers, Sue-Ann and Jackie, who accompanied us to our stunning accommodation and kindly opened a bottle of Champagne, which was waiting on ice.
The Rondoval Suite blew us away. In addition to the fully stocked fridge, there were full bottles of spirits in the cupboard, along with the requested bottle of Smirnoff vodka.
Just outside our room was a private pool and jacuzzi, along with sun loungers, table and chairs and a hammock.
Pretty tired from the long day, we decided to order room service, as also with our room category we had plentiful choice from any of the resort’s restaurants.
Having decided to spend our first day on the beach, another of the brilliant butlers, Bailey, having asked where we wanted to sit, had sunbeds ready for us plus a cool box filled with iced soft drinks and beers.
Talk about feeling spoilt!
We were regularly checked upon to see if we needed anything, and having used the provided phone to order lunch, it was duly delivered to our sun loungers.
The service and facilities throughout our stay were superb.
A couple of mornings we ordered room service breakfast from the à la carte menu, which was delivered by our butler who also set up the table outside for us to enjoy al fresco.
The à la carte restaurants were just amazing. Once we had decided where we wanted to eat, the butlers would book our table and come to our room 15 minutes before and escort us to the restaurant.
It’s difficult to choose a favourite but the sushi restaurant, Soy, or the Indian restaurant, Bombay, were both fabulous.
We enjoyed the complimentary water sports, which included Hobie boats, kayaks, paddleboards and water skiing. The staff at the water sports area were very knowledgeable and such great instructors.
The hotel’s location was superb - so picturesque - within a bay with beautiful surroundings.
All the staff were outstanding, from the gardeners, maintenance and catering to the management, everybody couldn’t do enough for the guests.
The wedding was a memorable day and the icing on the cake. The happy couple had chosen to get married in the chapel over the ocean. With a glass floor and doors opening out to sea, it was just perfect.
This was a magical trip for which Nigel and I cannot thank Amanda enough. She couldn't possibly have been more helpful, friendly and supportive from start to finish.
The biggest compliment we can offer is that we have already booked to return. We can’t wait.
Lindsey Fermor
