Virgin Holidays retail sales consultant Hannah Sutton is torn between the most romantic moment of her Sandals honeymoon. “We went on a private sunset speedboat cruise, with champagne, sandwiches and chocolates, which was so romantic,” she recalls. “But we also had a gorgeous meal on the beach, and when we returned to our room the staff had put petals and candles everywhere, and that was really romantic too!”

Sutton, who works in Virgin Holidays’ Debenhams Norwich branch, used Sandals’ agent concession rates to book her 10-night honeymoon.

She departed for the Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort three days after marrying Gareth in May.

Despite it being her first Sandals trip, Sutton was well acquainted with the all-inclusive operator’s offering, as she books at least one break a month for customers. “Sandals was my first thought for our honeymoon, as it’s adults-only and is perfect for honeymoon couples, as they offer amazing service and fantastic food,” she explains.

Half of Sutton’s Sandals bookings are for weddings, and most are similar to the six celebrations she saw on resort during her stay, with just the bride and groom travelling.

She also books about six Sandals honeymoons a year, and like all her customers, Sutton received the free Honeymoon Package. It includes a bottle of wine in guests’ rooms, a romantic turndown service, and a special room-service breakfast.

During their stay the Grande St Lucian also arranged an evening for resident honeymoon and anniversary couples, with cocktails, champagne and nibbles on the beach. “The ladies all stood in a row and they gave all the men a rose, and they had to approach us and tell us why they loved us,” Sutton recalls. “It was a great giggle and a good way to meet other couples.”

Food is a popular topic with Sutton’s Sandals customers, and since her honeymoon she has been able to give a first-hand account of the cuisine on offer. She explains: “Customers love how great the dining is and the fact they can eat whenever they want. We had delicious meals in the French and Italian a la carte restaurants, and loved the creperie and pizzeria.”

Sutton’s favourite meal was at the resort’s Gordon’s on the Pier restaurant. “We went there on our last night and I had the best steak I’ve ever eaten, it just melted in my mouth. It’s right on the pier and if you book for 6pm you’ll get the sunset too,” she advises.

Picture perfect

Another tip Sutton shares with her customers is the couples’ professional photography package, which she enjoyed with new husband Gareth. She recommends heading to the Grande St Lucian’s beach for the perfect snap: “There’s a good long stretch of sand so you can walk down and get some beautiful couple photos. There are lots of hammocks, which make a good shot too.”

One preconception Sutton often tackles when selling Sandals is the target age range of the resorts. “Normally younger couples think they are for older people,” she explains. “But that’s definitely not the case. I’m 28 and Gareth is 34, and we were the average age there.”

When discussing the resorts with younger clients, she says: “I show them photos online and now I highlight the entertainment round the pool, with games like volleyball. And there’s a really good drinks selection, which often appeals.”

To tempt customers, Sutton now shows them her photos and activity programmes and menus from her stay. “Customers love seeing it all, and it recently helped me book a twin-centre Sandals honeymoon to St Lucia and Barbados,” she adds.