Holiday Testimonials

My girlfriend, Jamie, and I have been dating for almost 10 years. We’ve had some weekend getaways to Miami and Mexico, but we’ve never done anything romantic. So for our 10-year anniversary (yes, I remembered this year), I decided to book a special romantic getaway and surprise her. I decided on Sandals Negril in Jamaica, not just because it was 45 percent off and all inclusive (that means they included drinks, meals, activities and nighttime fun), but because I knew we could leave our stressful jobs and city life behind—sure they have Internet access and phones, but we never used them. So, I told Jamie that for our anniversary I had a surprise for her—the only clues I gave her was to dress for warm weather, have your passport current and ask for the week off from work. When we got to the airport, I let her in on the surprise.

Once we landed, I could see this huge beach—they told us it was 7 miles long and I was determined to walk the WHOLE thing during our stay. I never say no to a challenge. Guess that’s why I’ve stayed with Jamie so long. They have these rooms you can even swim up to—I decided that wouldn’t be such a great idea after 3 or 4 beers and went with the Grand Luxe Beachfront Room—it’s very luxurious and has a beach view so you can see the sun set and fall asleep to the waves running over the sand. You can’t imagine how relaxing it is and what a great night’s sleep I got every night! And, the plasma TV was a nice touch, too.

Jamie want to do EVERYTHING, so we did. We went windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling and sailboating. We also played volleyball and tennis. There were a few things that weren’t included in the price like the horseback ride and swim we took when we went into town—and of course, Jamie hit the spa for a massage and facial and took a few yoga and pilates classes. By the time evening came, we were wiped out—but somehow we found the energy to walk the beach each night. And the food was amazing—they had Japanese, Carribean, seafood and fine dining. We ate at all of them. After dinner, we would have a few drinks at the bar, check out a live band or take a dip in the hot tub. Just as long as it was low key.

On the last night of our stay, we took one last walk on the beach. It was then that I asked Jamie to marry me. Of course, she said yes and that she wanted to get married in Negril. I told her that it’s a possibility. But before I commit, I’m going to log in and see what kind of deal I can get. I manage people’s money for a living and that definitely includes my own. Thanks, Sandals, for an amazing getaway!

 Don Dawson

Great Neck, NY