RESORT TO CARIBBEAN LUXURY AT SANDALS

Sandals all-inclusive resorts are designed with romance in mind. It's music to the ears with a slogan like "All you need is Love" especially if you are in the mood to exchange wedding rings. The island properties boast enticing settings for inspiring spontaneous wedding moons as the Sandals nuptial experience is called. Sandals' stunning gazebo was the scene of the beautiful ceremonies I was fortunate to observe. One couple made their pledges barefooted while another couple chose formal attire for the occasion.

SANDALS ANTIGUA RESORT & SPA

Nestled on an island of 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, Sandals Antigua has magnificent gardens and tropical flowers that lead to the clearest of aquamarine seas.

Located on breathtaking Dickenson Bay, the island's best and most famous beach, this romantic getaway offers the charm of a quaint Caribbean village, accompanied by the refined luxuries of a world-class all-inclusive. It has been continuously voted World's Leading Honeymoon Resort.

Getting into the rhythm

This is just the place to take those romantic walks. Mere words cannot describe the feeling of shuffling your feet through the soft, white, powdery sand and dipping those toes into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

A Beach party, BBQ dinner on the beach at Sandals is a feast beyond imagination - a grandiose gourmet spread that will surprise even the most discriminating guest's palate.

The entertainment is another unmatched Caribbean hit - Mr. Moves was the contortionist/dancer who held us in suspended animation as he used fire and sharp instruments to deliver a mesmerizing performance.

Culturally speaking

Breakfast at the Bayside Restaurant was doubly satisfying because I enjoyed the humor of the staff as they engaged in relaxing island conversation with guests. The venue almost matched our lovely view of the cruise ships that dotted the horizon.

Relaxation Caribbean Style

I personally recommend retiring to those inviting hammocks found throughout the resort (they fit two easily). Cute little bars were scattered about to quench our thirst with tropical wet and wild delights. There were several pools situated among the lush and plush tropical plants and flowers beckoning us to take the plunge and to refresh our souls.

Activities galore

For the ambitious and energetic set, Sandals provides a fully equipped fitness center, water sports, including canoeing, sail-boating, water-skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and land-sports like table tennis. Day and night lawn tennis, croquet, billiards, shuffleboard are also among the activities offered. If it all sounds too exerting take heart, the spa menu lists great pampering treatments.

Watching glorious sunrises and magnificent sunsets are a natural pastime, even I could hardly resist.

Local sights

Antigua is full of history and charm. We went to Nelson's Dockyard, nestled in the heart of English Harbour, where there is a maritime museum. The great fortification of Shirley Heights is known for its spectacular view.

SANDALS HALCYON ST. LUCIA

Within an hour's plane ride, I was at Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia. Webster states that the halcyon is a legendary bird that is supposed to have a peaceful, calming influence. Sandals Halcyon can be construed as just that - tranquil, happy, and idyllic.

Island living

Clear turquoise seas kiss St. Lucia's silver white shores with a gentle grace that makes this resort one of the most perfect places for soul mates to escape from the world. This is a sensuously secluded enclave where lush green gardens frame classic island architecture. And time moves at a languid pace to create halcyon days and passionate nights.

The local flavor

Our room was steps away from a pool with a swim-up bar. The lady bartender was a local with a marvelous gift of gab and a sense of humor to match. Needless to say we sampled just about every tropical drink on her menu.

It is easy to become a sybarite (a person devoted to luxury and pleasure) at this property sipping pina coladas at one of the two swim-up pool bars which soon puts you in the mood of island life - no fuss, no rush, typical of the islanders.

Fast pace or slow dancing

If you enjoy more vigorous pursuits, there are diving lessons in a scuba certification pool, and for a slower pace book a round of complimentary golf at nearby Sandals St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa. Or why not visit the rainforest that features the world's only drive-through volcano?

When dusk seductively slips over St. Lucia, Sandals lights up with the romantic allure of moonlight dancing at a nightclub that swings with everything from limbo to slow dancing that makes its own kind of music for two. You can make plans for dinner at one of the three gourmet restaurants on property, including the legendary Pier Restaurant perched over the sea.

Natural wonders

An all-day excursion to explore St. Lucia was a delight. We also took a cruise to Soufriere to see the Pitons volcano, botanical garden and waterfall. And we stopped to snorkel.

Your life is never the same after visiting St. Lucia. Remember the locals have their own concept of time and clocks don't matter. The sun and tides are the timetable.

A LITTLE ABOUT CARIBBEAN CULTURE

Locals are caught up in the tourist trade by working as taxi drivers and doing some carving for the strawmarkets (open air markets that are sprinkled all over the Caribbean.

Learn the bargaining 'dance' of the Caribbean - always haggle with the vendors. They haggle back and you will always remember the bargain you never thought possible!