Don't Forget Your Sandals

Day 1 Sunday November 27, 2016

Toronto (YYZ) to St. Lucia (UVF) Sandals Regency La Toc 

For the third year in a row, St. Lucia has continued to capture our hearts as a perfect tropical paradise. There were thoughts of skipping travel this December after having had 5 months of travel earlier in the year, but as Andrew’s already scheduled vacation grew near… Andrew could not resist and booked it! Exciting, but sent me scrambling at work to get the time off!

After less than 4 hours of sleep, we received premium airport shuttle service - thanks Mom! Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 3 WestJet and a hike to departure gate B2A. Literally, Andrew was nearly sweating by the time we reached the gate. It probably didn’t help that we backtracked the entire distance to find a Starbucks. Constructive criticism for any Toronto Pearson Airport employee happening upon this: a sign suggesting “No Starbucks Beyond this Point” would be helpful. Thanks.

Flight delayed 45 minutes to await other delayed arrivals with passengers from Montreal and Calgary. St. Lucia flights depart only once per day 3 times per week with Westjet. Feeling slightly nauseous from lack of sleep, I took one, then a second Gravol hoping it might knock me out for the flight. Nope. And it was a turbulent flight… Andrew later told me he attempted the rear toilet and tried to stabilize "the stream" by resting his head against the ceiling. Meanwhile, I was nearly hyperventilating causing the young woman beside us to ask “Do you want to listen to a meditation?” Turns out we were seated beside a Clinical Psychologist. I politely declined and promised not to make our seat buddy work on her vacation. I focused out the window at the perpetual cloud we seemed to be flying through.

The arrival into St. Lucia provided a beautiful view of the 2 Pitons along the West coast. We landed safely at Hewanorra International Airport on the southern tip of the island. Loved stepping off the plane onto the tarmac. Customs and baggage collection were quick and there were no issues with the Pack for a Purpose [www.packforapurpose.org] supplies we brought to donate through Sandals to local schools in need. Much of St. Lucia is poverty stricken with high unemployment rates of more than 20% (1 in 5 people without work). It felt like the least we could do.

Whisked away quickly in the complimentary shuttle for the nearly 90 minute northbound drive along the eastern highway’s winding road to Sandals Regency La Toc [www.sandals.com] situated just south of Castries (island capital). Check in was efficient in the Club Sandals Lounge with Marcus and Junior - perhaps the online advance check-in actually worked this time! Marcus escorted us to our upgraded room complete with balcony jacuzzi tub overlooking the ocean and sunset. Dinner reservations and a golf tee time for tomorrow were all pre-arranged for us! We enjoyed dinner at Armando’s - Lombata alla Griglia (Sirloin Steak and Polenta) with Panna Cotta and Tiramisu for dessert. Feeling exhausted from the travel, we returned to the room… and climbed directly into bed.

Day 2 Monday, November 28th, 2016 Sandals Regency La Toc

Awoke after a restful sleep to the sound of heavy rain. Stepping onto the balcony, the warm breeze with pouring rain was calming and picturesque in a dark stormy way. Not exactly the blue skies and sun that Canadians travel to the Caribbean for, but we were determined it would not spoil the day. Even the lack of umbrella wouldn’t taint our optimism. We ran holding hands to the closest restaurant (Armando’s) for the a la carte breakfast. Service was prompt and food delicious (classic pancakes, boiled eggs with zucchini cream, and Toscana omelette). Best of all, the breakfast cat that hid beneath our table and enjoyed milk in a saucer that we snuck down to the ground. The reward for our kindness - a breakfast kitten that the breakfast cat brought over to us. A second round of milk in a saucer was served.

By 11am we had walked downhill from Sunset Bluff to the Main Lobby. We were soaked! The Club Sandals orientation with Kimma was an informative tour of the resort grounds once the rain stopped and skies began to clear. The tours offer insider tips of the best of everything. For instance, access to the Red Lane Spa steam room and saunas at no extra cost.

Neptunes (beachside) made for an enjoyable lunch. Bella Napoli (oven fired pizza) and Neptunes menus are both available, so we sampled from both. Christi provided unprecedented service with a strong awareness of gluten allergy restrictions and available alterations and never left our glass empty… in fact Andrew oftentimes had two drinks in hand.

After lunch, the beach was the perfect destination (and only place with available beach loungers). Andrew enjoyed a Black Market cigar while I watched other guests disregard the red flag warnings (strong rip currents) only to be repeatedly struck by huge waves. The tide was returning, oftentimes nearly sweeping away our sandals from beneath the lounge chairs. We took that as our cue to vacate and return to the room for an afternoon of Boho Beautiful yoga and a bubble bath on the balcony. It would have been more intimate if I didn’t have to hold the drain plug in place to prevent the water from draining out… a minor detail; nothing the Club Lounge can’t rectify.

The leisurely afternoon led to formal dress for 8:45pm dinner reservations at La Toc; one of the few on resort restaurants that require advance reservations. With high winds and heavy rain, we were happy to be dining indoors. La Toc was the most memorable St. Lucian Sandals restaurant from 2015, but the experience was not duplicated. The server was disappointingly closed-minded with regard to my gluten and chocolate allergies. The manager happened by and promised a dessert to be remembered (as I could not sample any of the 4 offered desserts). Appetizers were okay, the mozzarella d’Yves salad was noteworthy, but the scallops were undercooked and without the anticipated sear, and the lamb shank was overcooked (blackened in fact) and over salted. 

We waited for dessert, but none arrived, so we took our leave with plans to order room service before the 10pm Club level cutoff (Butler level guests receive 24h room service). Cesar salads, gluten free club sandwiches, and chocolate fudge cake (for Andrew) hit the spot and the evening was salvaged.

Day 3 Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Sandals Regency La Toc (plus Halcyon)

Another grey day… breakfast inside Armando’s - same order as yesterday, equally as enjoyable! Then to the Club Lounge to make reservations for the remainder of our stay. Although disappointed the Club Snorkel was cancelled due to the weather, Marcus came through again, not just in superb customer service, but with reservations to Bombay and Gordon’s on the Pier. Last year we missed the opening of Bombay (Indian cuisine) by a few weeks and Gordon’s, which is situated over the water, was previously an added expense - now included. 

We took the first shuttle from La Toc to Halcyon at 11am. Fifteen minutes later we arrived and 10 minutes after that we realized that Halcyon was as low key and uneventful as rumoured. The amenities are limited and the beach not overly inviting. There was a beautiful island off shore. Wish Sandals owned it (we loved Bahamas off shore island option). The trip did unveil at least one spectacular find - Agnes - a bartender and oh my, can this woman make a mojito. We stood waiting as Agnes muddled fresh limes and mint and warmly mentioned “Good things come to those who wait”. It was worth the wait… best mojito ever! Slightly buzzed, we waited in the lobby to take the next shuttle back to La Toc. 

We requested bottled water, which the front desk was hesitant to provide, that is until the young woman caught a glimpse of Andrew. She could hardly contain herself as she asked “Are you an actor? Did you do Dr. Strange?” We denied the questions, but I think she still thought Andrew was famous… water bottles received! 

We spent the next 15 minutes traveling back through Castries to La Toc where we made our way to Cricketers Pub for lunch. We’ve learned to order before we are hungry because there is oftentimes a significant delay in service. Today it took more than an hour for chicken tikka masala and gluten free chicken wings. Thank goodness we hung in there for the wait; the wings were so delicious!

There’s just something inviting about a tub on the balcony. We spent the afternoon in complete privacy with cocktails in a bubble bath for two overlooking the Caribbean Sea. We had requested Pina Coladas, but the bartender served up “a twist” called Beetlejuice (melon liqueur plus brandy). Certainly wouldn’t attempt a Boho Beautiful ab workout after cocktails again.

Since we haven’t yet been able to attend a Loyalty dinner for returning guests, we figured we should investigate. The Pavillon restaurant was closed for the exclusive event with an upgraded menu and white glove service. The meal was well executed, minus the florescent green gluten free dessert I was served (I tend not to eat anything that glows). We met a great couple from New York who couldn’t say enough about Sandals Whitehouse, which made us excited for our December 2018 pre-booking at Sandals Whitehouse (now Sandals South Coast). After receiving a complimentary 1L bottle of Jamaican Rum, we snuck away for a late night snack at Armando’s and caught a glimpse of breakfast cat (who may have gotten chicken under the table tonight). After delivering a takeaway meal to a new Sandals friend, we returned to our room to unwind.

Day 4 Wednesday, November 30, 2016 Sandals Regency La Toc - Grande

If you’ve been following the last fews entries… we’ll give you 1 guess as to how the day began. Ready for it? …RAIN! Shocker right? 4th straight day of rain at the tail end of the rainy season. Fingers crossed tomorrow (December 1, the official end of the rainy season) will bring sun! We’re starting to lose optimism in this seemingly endless state of grey.

Since we couldn’t golf or enjoy the sea (red flagged again; water sports closed), we figured we might as well check out and transfer to Sandals Grande early. After goodbyes to Marcus from the Sandals Club Lounge, a local taxi shuttled us from La Toc to the Grande with a quick stop at Massy’s (local grocery store) to stock up on Plantain Chips to take back to Canada. Frederick, the driver, shared stories of his experience in both St. Lucia and his 10 years farming in Canada. It is incredible to speak with locals and take in their perspective on island life. It was interesting to learn that healthcare is only covered by the government for the elderly, whereas dental is covered only for children; everyone else pays out of pocket. 

We used the Culinary Relations desk this year to notify restaurants of my food allergies (gluten and chocolate). It was straight forward and an itinerary was provided. We are not convinced it made a significant difference, as we waited over an hour for our main entrees at Toscaninis, but worth a try. At least the restaurant manager Phillip and the waitstaff were attentive with beverages and kindness. The food was perfect when it arrived.

Day 5 Thursday, December 1, 2016 Sandals Grande

Today marks the official end of the rainy season… and SUN! The alarm rang out at 6:30am and the sky was already light with blue skies and fluffy thin clouds. Finally, this is what we think of when we envision St. Lucia! 

After lying in bed for a bit, listening to the ice machine from the hallway and what sounded like a gremlin in our mini bar fridge (we threatened to unplug it and it seemed to quiet down), we forced ourselves out of bed and to the gym for cardio (and the perfect excuse to indulge in drinks and desserts later in the day). 

A la carte breakfast at Toscaninis; an indulgence we are guilty of - being catered to in the morning. Alternatively, Bayside offers an impressive buffet that opens early. 

Then to Red Lane Spa (on resort) for our first couples massage. As Sandals Select Guests (SSG) now at Platinum level (after 5th stay or 40 paid nights), we receive the perk of a complimentary 30 minute couples massage with every stay. Just remember to sign up with Sandals Select after your first Sandals stay and when eligible, see the Loyalty desk for vouchers before booking your spa treatment. We gave Andrew the two 30 minutes complimentary massages and I enjoyed a 60 minute hot stone massage that we charged to the room. The complimentary 30 minute massage per person could also be added on to a 60 minute paid treatment to make it 90 minutes. Each Red Lane Spa may vary slightly in its allowances. Sandals Grande was beautifully accommodating! Thanks Shirvonne and Gilia.

With the sun still shining against a backdrop of blue sky, it was an obvious choice to spend the remainder of the day on the beach! We reunited with our St. Lucian friend - Macgvyer - who specializes in land excursions at affordable prices. Alternatively, Sandals Resorts have Island Routes on site to book excursions. We use and trust both in St. Lucia!

We played in the ocean and laid out in these incredible floating rings until our made to order pizzas from Dino’s Pizzeria were ready for a beach picnic lunch with plantain chips from Bayside’s buffet. As the heat of the sun continued to penetrate, we knew we should seek shade… and just in time as minutes later it poured rain (yes… again)! It was heavy, but short-lived.

By the time we were ready for dinner at Bombay, the skies had cleared again. We had made reservations at Bombay with great hopefulness and it did not disappoint. First, the service and food were on point with significant attention to detail (and so many gluten free options without long waits) and second because the couple seated next to us (Andrea and Roger) ended up sharing our evening with exciting talk of travels.

We ended the night at our favourite fire pit over the water near Gordon’s on the Pier. Another couple (Cynthia and Steve) shared the warmth of the flames and captivating conversation. It’s always heartwarming to share the evening with new friends and to see people enjoying life!

Day 6 Friday, December 2, 2016 Sandals Grande

Typical morning at Sandals - gym, breakfast (Toscaninis), beach! The sun was intense and ocean inviting! We played on the swings in the water and then before our afternoon Sunset Catamaran Sail, we made a few stops to fuel up. Bayside offered freshly prepared plantain chips, so a stash was taken back to the room with plans of a late night snack. Mariner's served up blackened Mahi Mahi and Dino’s Pizzeria boxed gluten free pizzas to take away on the excursion.

At first we were concerned we had been sent on the wrong excursion… we signed up for a catamaran cruise, but at 1pm were loaded onto a bus. After an hour and 3 different resort stops passenger pick ups, we finally arrived at a pier near Castries (main city) to see the catamaran. Once aboard, any concerns or annoyances about the lengthy commute faded and the afternoon was impressive as we sailed down the West coast to stop between the Pitons (iconic mountains) for 45 minutes of snorkelling off of Sugar Beach Resort in the marine sanctuary.

The whistle blew and we climbed aboard. The boat departed and we found ourselves the perfect seat at the back of the boat for unobstructed pictures of the Pitons and sunset. It was the best St. Lucia sunset we’ve seen. The sky was aglow with lingering hues of colour long after the sun shifted below the horizon. As darkness approached, new light - a disco ball on the catamaran with more than an hour of booze cruise dancing with onboard crew. We joined the conga line and laughed at our lack of coordination as we attempted to learn a Caribbean dance.

Docking where we began, we disembarked and returned to the shuttle bus. Many caribbean island buses have extra seats that fold down into the aisle of each row for overflow. This bus was no different, but the seat that folded down was so tiny… I offered to take it, not wanting Andrew to be too uncomfortable. As I sat down and went to relax against the half back rest, I instead found myself unexpectedly reclined into the lap of a young guy sitting directly behind me. Awkward… but everyone laughed with amusement. After that I opted to sit forward in the seat holding on to a grab bar in front of Andrew for stability. Since there was an accident on the main highway through Castries, the driver decided to take a “short cut”… it involved winding nearly vertical hills in the pitch dark. The bus shuttered as it attempted to climb the unreasonably steep hills. Finally, we reached the summit, only to have to descend similar winding roads before reaching the road to the resort. 

By 8pm, we found ourselves at Soy (Japanese restaurant). This night would be unforgettable! It was here that we found a Sake Bar with creative martini and cocktail options. The bartender Francis mixed Andrew a Samurai martini (with Scotch Bonnet liquid) and I enjoyed a sweeter Emperor martini. And… the sushi - [insert swear word] AMAZING! The best nigiri rolls we have ever had. Nothing in North America has come close to the freshness and flavour. The champagne lobster roll was melt in your mouth delicious (and gluten free).

Before ending the night, we had to stop by Josephine’s for customized coconut ice cream parfaits! We love that Sandals allows menu alterations to satisfy every craving!

Day 7 Saturday, December 3, 2016 Sandals Grande

The alarm sounded at 6:30am… but I was not about to budge… not until 8am after sweet dreams. Worked up a sweat at the gym; all the while thinking about the indulgences I would enjoy throughout the day. Then breakfast at Toscaninis with Phillip present to ensure everything was perfect (and timely today). Another couple sat beside us - Diamond members, who shared sentiments about the beauty of St. Lucia (and their favourite Sandals - Antigua). 

The morning was perfect! Drinks from the bar, chaise lounges on the beach, a cigar for Andrew, and endless sun with a light breeze. The calm ocean was refreshing as we snorkelled off shore and around piers (best find - a large puffer fish). After rinsing off, we shared pizza, jerk chicken, and savoury crepes (all gluten free) at a picnic table on the beach. Why enjoy lunch at one restaurant when you can piece together all your favourites from 3 at the same time (Dino’s Pizzeria, Jerk Shack, and Josephine’s). 

As the afternoon drifted by, we walked the grounds trying to capture the flowers and hummingbirds on our digital SLR camera. Actually, we must have looked silly because were chasing after the rapid moving hummingbirds (they shift from flower to flower so fast). We fell fast asleep until sunset, then enjoyed drinks at the sake bar inside Kimonos/Soy. With 2 drinks each, we returned to Bombay for a repeat experience that did not disappoint! The appetizers are the highlight - we recommend ordering double portions! Not ready to call it a night, we strolled along the path near the water’s edge and found ourselves back at the fire pit near Gordon’s on the Pier to share in the company of 2 couples. Finally, to finish the night right, we picked up coconut ice cream (with blueberry sauce) at Josephine’s.

Day 8 Sunday, December 4, 2016 Sandals Grande

Another early morning on the island we’ve come to consider our paradise away from our Canadian cottage. We hit the gym so that we could continue our daily ritual of dessert at Josephine’s, and occasional frozen alcoholic beverages.

After a quick breakfast at Toscanini’s it was time for our first Sandals snorkel (FREE 30 minute sessions twice a day). We snorkel in the morning in St. Lucia - typically calmer waters and less clouds to block the sun! Just remember to sign up in advance with Water Sports to ensure your spot! The boat ride was about 10 minutes north around Pigeon Island to an area off of The Body Holiday resort. When the sun peaked out from behind passing clouds, the snorkelling improved and visibility was very good. We saw a wide array of fish species; all beautiful, but nothing overly captivating today (lol… I think we are a little jaded after swimming with sharks in Bora Bora).

Once back on the resort it was time for more sun! After enjoying drinks and another Alec Bradley cigar brought from home (Cigar Bodega), we plunged into the refreshing waters off the beach to snorkel. After removing waste from the sea floor: a pop can, plastic resort cup, and a laminated 2011 New Year’s Eve menu card, we found ourselves very close to a 4 foot spotted slithering sea snake? We swam cautiously around it after capturing a quick video; no way were our toes going to step down near it! Only later did we learn it was a Golden Spotted Eel, which is completely harmless and commonly found in St. Lucia.

We shared lunch with our new friends Cynthia and Steve at Mariner's (beachside). Time slipped by as we shared great food and conversation! With Pigeon Island’s beauty in clear view, we found ourselves debating an afternoon hike versus a leisurely siesta. Not wanting to miss out on the incredible view, we agreed to climb for the 3rd year in a row.

After throwing on running shoes, it was an easy 10 minute walk from Sandals to the Pigeon Island entrance gates to pay the $7 USD fee for park and restaurant (Jambe De Bois) access. We walked past remnants of military buildings used during the wars between the French and British for control of St Lucia. The hike up Signal Hill (shorter of the two peaks) offers captivating views of Rodney Bay, Sandals Grande, Martinique, and even a glimpse of the two Piton peaks. It was easy to lose track of time… until a park guide climbed the hill to politely kick us out because the park had closed. We reached the resort just before the sun vanished behind clouds; Andrew caught pictures of the fading sunset by the pier of Gordon’s Restaurant.

Tonight’s dinner was a no-brainer - Soy’s for the Sake Bar and amazing sushi! Francis mixed drinks we had yet to sample. Andrew was excited to try an Asian beer, until he read the label to find it's made in the USA (not exactly an authentic beverage). I repeated the Sake Sangria and fell in love with the Sake Cruise. The sushi was impeccable and that would be a wrap for the night. If we could have kept our eyes open, the Palladium offers evening entertainment and Cricketer’s Pub is open late!

Day 9 Monday, December 5, 2016 Sandals Grande

Morning regime began with the alarm, gym, and breakfast at Toscanini’s. We were focused on our 9:30 AM snorkel and the conditions were perfect: no rain in days, clear sky, calm water, and great visibility. 

Sandals uses multiple snorkel sites that they rotate to give guests variety. Today a guest was hoping to return to the site in front of Body Holiday Resort. Andrew reluctantly agreed… I actually think I saw him pout for a second. But, when we spotted a coiled Moray Eel nearly hidden by vibrant corals and then a Lion Fish displaying its beautiful pectoral fins, Andrew was all smiles. Then suddenly, we realized we were snorkelling with small jellyfish. We started dodging them as if they were the deadly Box Jellyfish. Turns out, St. Lucia’s jellyfish species are “non-stinging” or non-threatening to people. We should have remembered that from a previous year when the snorkel guide made us jump in the water before telling us we were surrounded by tiny jellyfish; so many in fact we could see nothing else beyond the cloud of jellies.

By 11 AM, we were enjoying lunch on the beach with MacGyver (not is real name… I know it is hard to believe) to discuss St. Lucian life and real estate. Had the weather been less unpredictable on our arrival, we would have booked another private excursion with MacGyver - this is the guy to look for on the beach!

Feeling energized, we signed out paddle boards and ventured over toward the new overwater bungalows Sandals is constructing and the beach rumoured to be part of an upcoming 300 suite extension for the Sandals Grande Resort. We would learn truth in the rumours at the Manager’s Cocktail Party on the Sunset Terrace at 5:30 PM.

Krissy was aglow with her floral headpiece made from flowers collected on resort. We might have won at the raffle, but we didn’t touch Neil - the Playmaker standing beside Krissy last year (as she spilled her champagne everywhere jumping up and down in excitement) when she won a spa treatment. Tonight, everyone who touched or stood near Neil won prizes. I shouldn’t have fluffed off the idea when Krissy wanted to rub Neil’s belly for good luck before the raffle. The woman who won the grand prize… had just rubbed Neil’s belly. I guess it was a better idea than I thought. 

Later, being creatures of habit, we returned to Soy for sushi and the Sake Bar. We wanted to try the remaining drinks on the new menu at the bar. The sushi was outstandingly consistent and absolutely delicious. Afterwards we approached the General Manager, Winston, who was enjoying sushi himself and expressed our appreciation of the exceptional staff and new restaurants.

Being a Monday night, Sandals Grande was hosting the weekly Beach Party with buffet. We walked toward the beach to chat with local vendors, like Betsy Rose displaying her vibrant paintings.

We might have had 8:45 PM reservations at Gordon’s on the Pier…what can I say, we love food. However, tonight, the menu wasn’t enticing enough for a second dinner. Instead, we walked back to watch the fire breathing and fire dancing with fiery limbo bar. It would only make sense after an evening like this to party late into the night at the Palladium… but yeah no, it was straight beneath the sheets for this adventurous couple.

Day 10 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Sandals Grande

We doubt it will come as a huge surprise to hear that we hit the gym first thing… well maybe a little later than normal today. And then spent time packing and reorganizing our suitcases - replacing a ridiculous amount (2 dozen bags) of plantain chips in the carry on that had originally held donations. Glad we book 9 nights in St. Lucia - the 1st & last days are almost entirely travel.

On the way to breakfast, we finally found Travis! We met Travis in December 2015 and he was coconut liaison to Jenn (Krissy’s sister). Travis literally served Jenn a different type of coconut every day and did this for many couples that asked. Before we knew it, Travis brought over 2 yellow coconuts decorated with flowers. It was sweet coconut water, which made for the perfect breakfast beverage on our last day at the resort. Thanks Travis!

Determined to make the most of our final hours in St. Lucia, we settled into lounge chairs, then swam over to relax in a floating ring beneath the beating heat of the sun. Oops… we nearly forgot we were leaving, giving ourselves only 45 minutes to order gluten free food to go (pizza, crepes…. and coconut ice cream), finish packing, and shower before the complimentary airport transfer departed. Thankfully, 5 months of travel earlier this year prepared us for living out of our suitcase and quick efficient packing! 

We reached the lobby with minutes to spare… just enough time to pick up our takeaway orders. The concierge teased that he had an extra week arranged for us to stay if we didn’t want to leave. If only! We slipped away to grab our orders only to return to find our transfer departed. The concierge thought we had taken him seriously. He quickly arranged another taxi that took us to the airport - a nearly 2 hour private transfer for us and the perfect way to learn more about St. Lucia.

It took 1 hour to check-in (WestJet) and another 1 hour to pass through security, leaving only a short time to await boarding. The Duty Free stores at Hewanorra International Airport offer a small selection, most of which are overpriced. Pre-purchasing liquor from local St. Lucian grocery stores will offer a greater selection and better pricing! 

We reluctantly made our way to Gate 7 as WestJet called for any remaining guests to board. Krissy always hesitates… she is still uncomfortable flying - Ironic (and challenging) for a couple that loves to travel. We got onto the airplane and made our way to row 15, seats E and F. Andrew made an unexpected comment about believing Ashley was on board. I pleaded with him not to get my hopes up. We settled in. The flight crew announcements began… and a familiar voice was heard. I peaked up to see beyond the seat blocking my view - Ashley! Ashley began sharing a story about 2 West Jetters sitting in row 15, seats E and F, who had made a lasting impression on her and the exchanges she made to her flight schedule to surprise and travel with them safely back to Toronto, Canada as a WestJet Miracle gift.

Ashley is a compassionate and hilarious flight attendant that flew with us to St. Lucia in 2015. She recognized Krissy’s fear in flying and made Krissy her very first alcoholic drink in the sky. Krissy left that flight taking Ashley’s information with a plan to write a thank you note for the exceptional kindness and comfort Ashley provided us. It wasn’t until weeks before this trip that Krissy found the misplaced napkin with Ashley’s contact information and wrote the thank you note! It apparently meant so much to Ashley that she wanted to share in our flight again… Ashley ran down the aisle and we all hugged, thrilled to be reunited as guests applauded.

The day was complete when Andrew explored the cockpit on safe arrival to Toronto and we captured a late night picture with Ashley in baggage collection. We reached home to find a bouquet of flowers sent from “Ashley and WestJet”. WestJet truly cares about its guests and this is why we choose to fly with WestJet and use the RBC WestJet credit card to collect WestJet dollars for more travel!

Not only has St. Lucia captured our hearts, but so has WestJet’s flight attendants!

If you have any questions or comments about Sandals Resorts or St. Lucia, we would love to hear from you! Email us: dontforgetyoursandals@gmail.com or click on the social media icons below.