Why should Sandals St. Lucia be your next stop?

April 11, 2019 By Susan Robson

Why should Sandals Grande St. Lucia be your next vacation stop? First, consider that guests enjoy the All-Inclusive Luxury Vacation in the most gorgeous tropical & beach settings! Does that get your attention? Add to that: Best Beaches, Unique Gourmet Dining, Premium Spirits, Premium wines, Padi-certified scuba diving included, entertainment, championship golf, unmatched service, and finally, stay at 1 and play at 3 (or more) resorts!

Sandals Grande St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a magical island offering panoramic bay views and the best beaches in the Caribbean. This gives one the feeling of complete island seclusion – you are in a world by yourself. Towering Piton mountains and fern-frilled jungles bring about a complete sense of relaxation. Sandals Grande St. Lucia builds upon that feeling and gives you the ultimate vacation experience. For this reason, it is probably my favorite Sandals Resort on St. Lucia. The beach here is long, the drinks steady, entertainment entertaining, and the soft breeze amazing! The swim-out rooms and romantic Rondoval Suites make it an ideal honeymoon hot spot. The main pool area is very lively and winds around through the room buildings, like a ribbon of water.

Why should Sandals Grande St Lucia be your next vacation spot? The resort offers an endless supply of restaurants with delicious food options, recreation and amenities along with some of the BEST diving available, anywhere in the Caribbean. The best hiking is a trek up to Fort Rodney, on the peak just beyond the resort (club concierge will act as your guide on the hike). And, with the free inter-Sandals shuttle service, there are up to 27 restaurants and numerous beach options available between the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. Dinner reservations are required at some restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and contact the concierge or a butler for dining options soon after arrival.

One note… because of location, getting to this resort can be a bit bumpy and the transfer time is approximately ninety minutes+. If this a concern I recommend a helicopter tour to/from the George F.L Charles Airport. This flight to the north is one that you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Sandals Halcyon up next!

Susan

Go Travel Stl named winner by The Knot Best of Weddings 2018!

September 29, 2018 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2018

Twelfth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, September, 2018—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2018 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 4th year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

Winning The Knot Best of Weddings is a BIG deal! To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. The Knot Best of Weddings 2018 list showcases the highest- and most-rated vendors across all regions and planning categories. Check out this year’s Best of Weddings winners to start your wedding /honeymoon planning and see all the top vendors in your area, including florists, wedding planners and everything (yes, everything) in between.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, for 4 years in a row, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

Meet The Owner – Susan Robson…Most of my life career was spent teaching children. After I retired, I combined my love of teaching, with another love…TRAVEL! Working with couples who are soon going to be married, is so exciting and invigorating. It is wonderful to be able to share their enthusiasm and the joy of a new life together. My role is to make their first Dream together come true!

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about

“Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive! Thank you!

Susan

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

March 12, 2016 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

Tenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, March, 2016—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2016 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 2nd year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2016, only 2% of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its tenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2016, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding planning professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

The Knot has helped inspire and plan more than 25 million weddings. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with just the right wedding professional to create a wedding that is unique to them. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 250,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

About The Knot: The Knot is the nation’s leading wedding resource with a marketplace that seamlessly engages, matches and connects couples with the right local vendors, products and services they need to plan and pull off their wedding. The trusted brand reaches nearly every bride in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its mobile apps. The Knot national and local wedding magazines and The Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that is uniquely them. Please visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive.

Susan

Cancun Resorts You should consider for your next vacation

May 11, 2015 By Susan Robson

Cancun Resorts you should consider for your next vacation!

Paradisus Cancun

The Paradisus Cancun is located so perfectly on the soft white sand beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast in Cancun. It is a top choice destination for those searching for an ideal location with beautiful blue azul water. Cancun is an international destination that prides itself in providing luxurious resorts offering the comfort expected of prestigious resorts with the highest standards of excellence. This commitment to high quality is the reason Paradisus Cancun has received Four Diamond honors since 2006 by AAA. This breathtaking, luxurious beach resort, Paradisus Cancun, with it’s distinct Mayan inspiration, provides the perfect accommodations for your vacation getaway, just 15 minutes from the Cancun Airport.

The elegant, spacious, and luxuriously decorated rooms are offered with many options. The entry level room, Paradius junior suite, is offered as lagoon or oceanview. Family concierge junior suite and suite, are both offered as lagoon or oceanview, and have the services of a special concierge. These family concierge rooms receive children’s beach kit, walkie talkies, and children’s amenities and activities. The Royal Paradisus suite, junior suite, 1 bedroom suite, and the Royal Luxury junior suite, are then offered as lagoon or oceanview to Adults-only. All of the Royal service room options include Butler service, Royal Service lounge, complimentary internet, private Royal Service pool, bar, beach area with concierge service, all designed to make the guests feel like Royalty. 24 hour room service is offered, as well.

There are 14 Restaurants at Paradisus Cancun Resort: 1. Mole-Mexican contemporary cuisine. 2. Market Grill-Italo-Argentina grill for lunch & dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 3. Passion-Touch of retro with elegant signature cuisine by 6 star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui. This restaurant is with an extra charge that isn’t included. 4,5,6,7. Vento, Fuego, Bana, & Naos-all Italo-Argentina grill for lunch and dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 8. Gaby Club-Ultimate chill out bar & restaurant starring fish & chips and seafood specialties. Pan Asian, Mediterranean, and South American are additional restaurant options. 24 hour room service is offered to all guests.

Tennis, a nine-hole par 3 golf course, Kids Club, YHI Spa and a Family Concierge give guests additional options and plenty to do and ways to explore. Guests at the beach, in one of the four lagoon-inspired pools, or dining in any of the nine on-site restaurants, find that total satisfaction is the goal of the Paradisus Cancun. Bali beds are offered as a 1st come & 1st option daily, at no additional charge. The butlers and concierge services indulge guests in pampering through the Royal Service. The special services and facilities offered make the Paradisus Cancun among the best hotels in Cancun.

After viewing this resort in a site inspection with Israel Ortiz, I can easily see why this is a top choice destination for couples and families searching for the ideal beach resort in Cancun! It has so much to offer, with outstanding food and dinner options. If you have questions about the Paradisus Cancun, or other resorts in the nearby Riviera Maya and Cancun, contact Susan at Go Travel Stl! I’ll be glad to share my experiences at these resorts! Or, if you would like a Perfect Honeymoon or Vacation Analysis, go to www.GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

What Catholic Wedding Chapels are in All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya or Cancun?

March 22, 2015 By Susan Robson

Recently, a new couple came to me wanting to have a Destination Wedding in a Catholic Chapel, at an All-Inclusive Resort, in Riviera Maya or Cancun. I spent quite a bit of time searching for all of the Catholic Wedding Chapels in the area that would qualify. It wasn’t an easy task, so I decided to write about the possibilities in the region, to share with others, who also might be searching. These are the current dedicated Catholic Wedding Chapels located within All-Inclusive Resorts:

Barcelo Maya Beach Resort – Riviera Maya
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Tulum
El Dorado Maroma – Playa del Carmen
Gran Caribe Real – Cancun
Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah, White Sand – Akumal
Iberostar Grand, Paraiso Maya, Paraiaso Lindo, Paraiso del Mar – Puerto Morelos
Moon Palace – Puerto Morelos
Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos
Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras *picture above right

Additional information for Catholic preparation: Catholics from other countries can be married in a Mexican chapel. The couple’s own local parish priest must give permission too marry outside and be approved by their parish’s diocese. The parish priest is responsible for the couple’s marriage instruction and prep, and will assist them with obtaining the necessary documents and permissions. Then, the parish priest needs to forward the following to the chancellor of the diocese for review:

A letter of recommendation (stating that the couple has been prepared in accordance with the marriage guidelines of the diocese;
Permission has been given for the marriage to be celebrated in Mexico;
An original copy of the baptism certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
An original copy of the Confirmation certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
A “Freedom to Marry” affidavit for each party, witnessed and signed by a parent, relative or close friend (signature witnessed by a pastor/priest). A completed Pre-nuptial Investigation form used in your diocese.
Color photos of the Bride and Groom
Copy of the Birth certificate for each

When you are looking for a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist to assist with your Dream Destination Wedding, go to my website: www.GoTravelStl.com and complete the Perfect Destination Wedding & Honeymoon finder. You may also email or call… Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Susan

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico?

March 15, 2015 By Susan Robson

What New Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Mexico (and updates, too)? What an amazing trip to Cancun! Just two weeks ago, I traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico to complete site visits of New Resorts in Riviera Maya, and to get updates at other resorts. This post will cover part 1, or the first day of site visits.

Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos – Resort Update – On a half-mile-long stretch of pearlescent beach named Playa Del Secreto (The Secret Beach), the adults-only, 540 suite, all-inclusive Valentin Imperial Maya has one of the largest swimming pools in Mexico. The location is centrally ideal, in Puerto Morelos, as travelers can easily reach Cancun and the world-famous Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, as well as the popular excursions of Xel-Ha and XCaret.

Wait service is offered to all guests at the 3 pools on the property, with a swim-up bar. Bali beds are available on a first come, first serve basis. The sports bar boasts pool tables, and big screen TVs. In the lobby, don’t miss the San Miquel piano bar, where tea time is held from 4:00 – 6:00 daily.At this resort, fine dining is part of the all-inclusive vacation, so why not treat your palate to a culinary adventure in the 7 a la carte restaurants & buffet? Modern and trendy atmosphere with dishes crafted by internationally renowned chefs allows guests to do this. The beachfront Mar & Tierra, presents a fabulous breakfast spread or you can also enjoy lunch in this same spot. For casual dining, the main buffet restaurant is available for breakfast and lunch.
The seven à la carte restaurants: Italian, French, Japanese, Indonesian, Mexican, Steak House, and Seafood Grill. There is an additional fee at “The Corner”, but reservations are never required! Lobster is available all year for an extra charge of $30 – $35. To further enhance guests’ experiences, top shelf liquor is served, free WiFi & availability to use computers, and 24 hour room service is included. Exciting and entertaining shows are debuted every night of the week, along with a DJ or band.

Luxurious guest suites overlook the majestic Caribbean Sea or beautiful pool and lagoon. This resort has a very tropical, Spanish/Mediterranean feel…similar to a Spanish Hacienda. Guests get a welcome cocktail at their personalized check-in, and feel like they are being treated like a star, where every wish is honored. The variety of room options is endless…Luxury, Silver, Golden, Emerald, Diamond, and Imperial. Add to those the Privilege services, which include: Lobster, extra premium amenities, reservations in restaurants, beach bag, basket of fruit & wine, a Bali bed every day, concierge service, and a mini-bar refreshed daily with 4 bottles of your choice of liquor. This resort has so much to offer

Now…to the Brand New Resort Opening! Royalton – Puerto Morelos – Experience an All-Inclusive Luxury vacation in Mexico’s Caribbean paradise of Riviera Cancun, with fabulous world-class cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and endless entertainment. The Royalton Riviera Cancun sits in a convenient location, close to great fashion, shopping, and nightlife of Cancun, and only 15 minutes from the airport.

There are 3 parts to this resort – something for everyone. The 1183 luxurious guest rooms and suites provide stylish decor and beautiful views of the gardens or the ocean. Relax in Dreambeds exclusively designed for Royalton Resorts, and enjoy 24-hour room service and complimentary WiFi. Rooms feature a private balcony or terrace, rain shower, and Jacuzzi. The 3 parts to Royalton are: Family section, Diamond Club section – with both Family and Adults only section, and the Hideaway – all Adults -only. The family section has 840 rooms, that can offer 2 adults & 3 children to a room. The Diamond Club offers: private check in, guaranteed early and late check in/out, premium liquor in the room, and upgraded rooms and pillow menus.
Activities abound each day, with twelve pools and a children’s splash park, in addition to non-motorized watersports. Stay in shape at the fitness center, or unwind at The Royal Spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massages, facials, and beauty treatments. Kids club and Teens club are both offered for the exclusive group ages. The family section features 3 pools and a splash park for ages 4 – 12 years. The onsite Casino is the Real Thing, and drinks are included, at no additional cost.

Treat your palate to a variety of eclectic cuisines from ten restaurants with local and international menus served buffet-style or a la carte. Enjoy a mid-afternoon coffee and pastry at the cafe, and for dinner, choose from Japanese Teppanyaki and Sushi, authentic Italian, a steak house, and more. 16 themed bars are available where you can grab a signature cocktail and mingle with other guests. All restaurants feature no reservations, except for the Oriental Teppenyaki, which has 14 table for reservations. One of the best features offered by the resort, is that they offer Gluten Free and Lactose free, and special Vegetarian diet meals for guests. Special meals and foods can be requested for a guest’s stay, and the Chef will make sure that special foods can be made for the pleasure of these guests with special needs. The Royalton has it’s own special kitchen, allergy – gluten free,etc – so that no cross contamination can occur

The Royalton also has 4 resorts in Cuba, 2 in the Dominican – Royalton & Chic, 2 in Jamaica – Royalton White Sands & Grand Lido, and finally on St. John’s is Smuggler’s Cove.

So next time you contact your travel agent, Susan at Go Travel Stl, don’t leave these awesome resorts out of your request for a visit to Riviera Maya! My next post will feature: Iberostar Cancun & Paradisus Cancun. If you would like to find out the perfect resorts for your preferences, go to my “Perfect Honeymoon” or “Perfect Vacation” finder at www.GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

Jamaica Gets All Right!

October 25, 2014 By Susan Robson

Jamaica Gets All Right

A week ago, I attended the Jamaica Tourism Board’s dinner and seminar at Maggiano’s in Clayton, MO. It was a fun evening, full of “ya mon’s” and great reggae music accompanying the videos of Jamaica. As a group of travel agents, we got the latest updates to what is happening and changing in Jamaica. Have your travel experiences included a trip to Jamaica in recent years?

Jamaica’s Hotel and Tourism sectors are expanding and improving on a wide scale basis. It’s product continues to change & evolve to meet the preferences and the diverse needs of all types of guests: families, couples, singles, nature-lovers, and adventure seekers. Everyone can find something to love in Jamaica with the new attractions, hotel and resort developments and renovations, infrastructure development, new restaurants to satisfy all tastes, and so much more. Some new resorts and entertainment options are now appearing, while the existing resorts and attractions are stepping up to make improvements and renovations to their properties. Some of the new properties include: Karisma’s Azul Sensatori, Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara, RIU Palace Jamaica, and the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande.

Did you know there are 3 International Airports in Jamaica? The 3rd Int’l Airport, Ian Fleming International Airport, located just 5 miles East of Ochos Rios, is named after the author of the James Bond novels (who wrote most of his books in Jamaica). The Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, is currently working on phase 2 of it’s expansion project & opening a new section containing: a Customs area, police station, baggage delivery systems, rental car agencies, tour operators, food & beverage outlets, and hotel arrival lounges. And in the Kingston Airport, the expansion is working in 3 phases, including a new 2 level passenger pier, several jet bridges, 66 additional airline check-in positions, and the most current and updated airport technology.

Making travel easier for residents and visitors, Island-wide road improvements are continuous. An example of this would be the North Coast Highway and Highway 2000 both cut the driving time from Ochos Rios to Kingston to just a little over an hour.

Do you know how many cruise passengers arrive in Falmouth, Jamaica, in the month of April? This is amazing…50,000! And, a ship the size of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas can be accommodated in the pier. Arriving passengers will find more than 40 attractions in and around Falmouth. The Ports Authority of Jamaica and RCL have joined together to create this joint venture.

And, what else is everyone waiting for? If you guessed new resorts, you’re correct! Karisma Hotels, famous on the Mexican Riviera Maya, has just opened the Azul Sensatori Jamaica, formerly Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril. This all-inclusive property has 140 rooms and is gourmet inclusive for couples, singles, and families – a truly multi-generational resort.

Ochos Rios – The Moon Palace Grande (formerly Sunset Jamaica Grande) is re-opening in late spring of 2015, and is the Palace’s first hotel outside of Mexico. When complete, it will feature 730 renovated & modernized guest rooms, restaurant upgrades, and a 17 acre beachfront on the longest private beach in Ochos Rios.

At Jewel Runaway Bay, a $5 million dollar waterpark is being constructed to open early in 2015. The resort has just completed a $20 million dollar renovation & building of new suites, pools, and restaurants. A new low rise block of 30 rooms, with oceanfront appeal, was added on the West beach.

Montego Bay – Sandals Resorts Int’l plans on building 5 over the water villa suites on it’s private island in Montego Bay. Each villa will have glass floors, a private jacuzzi tub with steps leading directly into the ocean, king beds, over the water hammocks, and soaking tubs. Do these sound like Bora Bora, but without the 20 hour flight? Traveling to Jamaica from St. Louis on a charter flight, is a quick 4 – 4 1/2 hours. Projected date of completion is late 2015

Montego Bay – Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, situated in a privileged pristine white sand beach with spectacular views of the Caribbean, welcomes guests of all ages, and will open following a multi-million dollar renovation that has totally recreated this former Rose Hall. Right next door is the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, a gourmet indulgent escape for adults, couples, friends and individuals.

Jamaica, where nothing is a problem “mon”, is an island paradise where reggae, romance and the Caribbean sun come together. It’s vibrant Blue Mountains tower above the shimmering sands and “true blue” turquoise waters. Did you know that Jamaica was the pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation concept? Most travelers find this to be an island that just “does it better”.

Susan

Finding the Perfect Honeymoon Location

October 16, 2014 By Susan Robson

Perhaps the most difficult decision to make when planning your honeymoon is the choosing a location to honeymoon. All of your difficult planning, expense and time hinge upon your choice of a correct destination. After all, once you’ve committed with airfare, hotel and time, it’s difficult to reverse course and go somewhere else.

Choosing a honeymoon destination can be a stressful decision. What if the location you choose isn’t perfect? Will it not have the amenities you need? What if the weather is bad or the service is rude? Are the locals friendly or will you and your new spouse feel uncomfortably out of place?

Resources for choosing your honeymoon destination are difficult to find. How do you know that the reviews are honest and not bought? Although some people like a destination, others hate it. How does one make the best decision possible?

Choosing a honeymoon destination is secondary

As a travel agent with decades of experience, I have found that my clients are always surprised by my statement that location is secondary. Unlike real estate, which is “location, location location,” vacation destinations are not a primary concern – they are secondary. They come after a vacationer has answered questions of primary importance:

What are your goals for this honeymoon?
Do you want adventure or relaxation?
What emotion do you want your location to invoke?
How much do you want to do yourself, and what would you like taken care of for you?
What do you envision yourself doing while on vacation?

The answers to these questions and a few others can help an experienced travel agent guide you to making the perfect honeymoon destination choices.

My clients work with me as their agent not to get discounted service, but because they can use my decades of travel experience to help them decide what vacation will be the most stress-free and enjoyable for them.

Anyone can log on to a discount airfare site and book a flight. When these made their appearance, most travel agents closed shop. However, a website can’t help you make the hard decisions that will help you get the most out of the resources you have. A discounted plane flight to a horrible destination isn’t a discount – it’s a waste of money and time.

Use my expertise for free

I have been helping honeymooners book their perfect honeymoon for decades. It is my joy and my passion to help couples find a vacation they will truly enjoy – one that helps them celebrate the most significant event of their lives.

Now there’s a way to use my expertise for free. Simply take my free Honeymoon Finder survey. This free and entertaining survey helps you explore the things that are most important to you and your future spouse about your honeymoon. I then take this information and craft a suggestion for you that fits your needs and wants. There’s no obligation to you, and I don’t sell your identity to anyone or annoy you with a bunch of phone calls. However, I can guarantee that within a day or so of filling out my honeymoon finder quiz, I will get you a honeymoon suggestion that will work for you. Take the free and fun Perfect Honeymoon Finder now and start on the road to finding your perfect honeymoon destination.

The perfect honeymoon – how to get preferred perks on your flight

July 21, 2014 By Susan Robson

This is a draft.