Category Archives: Life & Photos

Caribbean Island Time at Sandals Barbados

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

One of the many perks of my job as a wedding planner is the opportunity to work directly with Sandals and Beaches Resorts through the Association of Bridal Consultants. The incredible relationship allows me to sell honeymoons, vacations, and fun-in-the-carribbean-sun experiences. Therefore, I visit the various resorts to be able to truly match each client with the perfect resort for them. When Sandals Barbados called, I immediately packed my bags and husband!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados pool

Sandals Barbados, an all-new retreat in the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area, offers undeniable luxury with inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, world-class cuisine with international appeal, including a festive Indian cuisine restaurant, and innovative bar and pool designs.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

When we landed at the Barbados airport, we were greeted by smiles and friendly citizens. Although there was not a Sandals Lounge at the airport, we easily found the desk outside the airport to get our bags ticketed and onto the bus. After a short 15 minutes, we arrived at the gorgeous Sandals Barbados resort.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

Upon arrival, our Butler greeted us at check-in with a cocktail and escorted us to our ultra swanky suite that overlooked the river pool. We stayed in a “Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub” and I never wanted to leave. Two soaking tubs! A sitting room! A fully stocked bar! That bathroom! From the first moment on the property, we were treated like the most important people on the island.

Sandals Barbados Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Barbados Tranquility Soaking Tub

Sean is no stranger to the Southern Glam Weddings & Events team but this trip made him even more official in the business. During our time on the island, he took the Sandals Certified Specialist training for the first time to expand our Sandals services. He’s now the official Southern Glam’s Groom’s Concierge to assist the sometimes neglected groom in the wedding planning adventure. We all know how much grooms love wedding planning (ha!) but now Southern Glam grooms have another guy on their side. They can grab a beer and chat Caribbean honeymoons instead of linens and centerpieces.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

We absolutely adored all three of our butlers. Demar and Juliana were the most amazing Butlers treated us like pure royalty! Utina, who isn’t pictured here was also on Team Phillips and we loved her too!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butlers

We’ve never experienced the Butler level of service before at Sandals so it was a real treat this vacation. During our VIP check-in, we were given a cell phone to call on our Butlers whenever and wherever we needed them on property. They also took care of all our dinner reservations, scheduled excursions, and customized menus for me since I am vegetarian and gluten free. I have never had so many food choices available to me before. To say I ate well, despite my dietary restrictions, is an understatement!

A fun memory was when we asked Demar to have dessert with us before he left for the evening. Chatting with him about his life, ambitions, and the island of Barbados was a conversation I will always remember.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Gluten Free

I told you I was able to eat while on vacation! Sandals and its Culinary Concierge take dietary restrictions seriously; I was able to find gluten free pasta, bread, cookies, pizza, and brownies! Sandals also had vegan butter too. I was one happy gluten free vegetarian!

See the video here on how those with dietary concerns can sit back and relax at Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butler

Although this photo is a bit blurry and dark, these two incredible people hold a special place in my heart. Utina, one of our amazing Butlers, truly went the extra mile. In addition to the amazing service, Utina had many surprises up her sleeve. One of them: Sean told her about this delicious sauce he had at Sandals Grande St. Lucian on our honeymoon almost five years ago. The next day, it magically appeared with his chicken tender snacks. #TheButlerDidIt

From time to time, we would see Abhishek sneak into restaurants to check in with me to ensure I had enough to eat and enough variety. The level of service and his compassion completely blew me away. That is what Sandals is all about!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Quiet Pool

Each evening, one of our Butlers would ask where we’d like to spend the next day. We absolutely loved the main pool, so each morning, the Butlers would reserve the best lounge chairs for us and filled a cooler with our favorite beverages and water. Throughout the day, they would bring us drinks before our current ones were empty in addition to  snacks.

I discovered my new favorite cocktail was a Bajan Lemonade. First, muddle limes and add lemonade, raspberry vodka, a spritz of Sprite, and a splash of cranberry. It was a perfect pool drink. Sandals Barbados knows what’s up!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados

I am a sit by the pool or on the beach kind of gal. Yet, Sean on the other hand, likes a little more action and every afternoon at 3pm, you could find him in the pool playing volleyball. He also took full advantage of the Scuba diving program. As a result, each of us happily enjoyed our afternoons.

Sandals Barbados Scuba Diving

Another #TheButlerDidIt moment! Bubble baths with champagne and snacks? Yes, please!

Sandals Soaking Tubs

One of my favorite restaurants was Kimonos because I love hibachi! It’s a vibrant restaurant that serves up Japanese cuisine in a most captivating way. Kamal made our dining experience superb! And the saki cocktails where delicious!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Kimonos

While Sean went scuba diving, I went pampering. The first time I ever visited a spa was on my honeymoon at the Grande St. Lucian and the Red Lane Spa certainly set the bar. Each time I visit another Sandals or Beaches property, I make sure to make a spa appointment for a luxury treat!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Red Lane Spa

One of the eleven restaurants at Sandals Barbados is Soy Sushi Bar. Since I’m not a big sushi fan, the restaurant wasn’t high on my “to visit” list but Sean had never had it. One of the main amazing benefits of the Sandals brand is the luxury included discovery gourmet dining. Why not try something different? Sean did and actually found out that he liked sushi! This remarkable sushi house offers exciting flavors and exotic sushi creations made-to-order. Sushi Chef Gilbert was amazing to watch at preparing each roll.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Soy

Almost each night we found ourselves at the Merry Monkey Pub. With cozy traditional décor you’ll feel as if you’ve ventured across the Atlantic to England and entered into another reality completely. Bartender Shane mixed amazing cocktails and kept the bar entertained all night with laughter.

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Merry Monkey Pub

The Caribbean and Sandals Resorts are an Instagramer’s paradise! As a result, the number of gorgeous natural light photo opportunities are endless!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Instagram

On our last morning, we enjoyed breakfast on our terrace thanks to our amazing Butlers. Definitely, it was the perfect end to a wonderful vacation!

While it was incredibly sad to leave paradise, Sandals is our home away from home so we know we’ll be back soon!

Southern Glam Weddings & Events Sandals Barbados Butler

And now, who wants to visit the gorgeous Sandals Barbados?

Do you want to visit Barbados or any of the gorgeous Sandals or Beaches resorts? Let’s chat and make it happen!

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I Love Sprinkles Tampa Cupcakes

Sprinkles Cupcakes opened a location in Tampa on Thursday in Hyde Park Village and I attended the bakery’s grand opening …twice! I love Sprinkles Tampa! Yes I do! Yes I do! The Cupcake ATM is opening in a few weeks (which you may remember that I became obsessed with in Beverly Hills last year.) For “official research”, I tested the original Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake, a Sprinkles Gluten Free Red Velvet Cupcake, and a Sprinkles Vegan Red Velvet Cupcake. Let me tell you, the Gluten Free Sprinkles Red Velvet tasted just as phenomenal as the Original Red Velvet. The Sprinkles Vegan Red Velvet was out of this world! The icing tasted just like the original cream cheese icing but with a hint of cinnamon. YUM! YUM! YUM! Sprinkles Tampa for the win!

Sprinkles Tampa | Sprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam Meagan

I about died when I heard the Sprinkles jingle play in the store!

Sprinkles Tampa | Sprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam MeaganSprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam Meagan

So much deliciousness!

Here’s a tip: Sprinkles will tell you that placing your cupcakes in the refrigerator isn’t recommended because they do not use preservatives in their baking and could dry out the cake. BUT, I felt that the Vegan Red Velvet Cupcake’s icing consistency was too soft to the point that it was almost melting off the cake. I put it in the refrigerator because I had other cupcakes to “research” and the following day, it was PERFECT! The cake was still moist and the icing had firmed up nicely.

Sprinkles Tampa | Sprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam MeaganSprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam Meagan

Going to Sprinkles twice in one day may be a bit crazy. However, when Sprinkles Cupcakes tells you that they love you on Twitter, it’s all worth it!

Sprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam MeaganSprinkles Cupcakes Tampa | Southern Glam Meagan

 

 

Another tip: Sign up for Sprinkles Perks before going and you’ll get a free cupcake! Sign up here: Get a Free Sprinkles Cupcake. There may be a line out the door, but I promise you it’s worth it! Sprinkles Cupcakes are Southern Glam approved!

 

Drink Wine, Save Animals, and Take Naps

Current mood of the day: I just want to drink wine, save animals, and take naps. It’s been one of those days. Hold on yall, it’s almost the weekend!

I just want to drink wine, save animals, and take naps

My sweet husband came home with this adorable sign from Francesca’s to hang on my office gallery wall. I think it’s a keeper!