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Doug Brooks is back Sandals rekindles spirit of friendship

(from left) Former sales manager at Hedonism III, Garfield Collins and friends, Kurt Lue, manager of Pipers Cove and Paul Norman, director of marketing, Chukka Caribbean Adventures at his send off party held at Pipers Cove in St. Ann. Collins left Hedo III after five years and is now employed to Five Star Water Sport Limited, operators of Cool Runnings cruises in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Sandals rekindles spirit of friendship

Over 200 couples were feted in fine style as Sandals Dunn's River and Sandals Grande Ocho Rios rolled out the red carpet during 'Reunion Week 2007' recently.

From the moment they arrived at the resorts to be greeted by management and staff with renditions of "Welcome Back Home", it was non-stop fun and frolic and rekindling of old friendships.

"We were blown away by the reception. Every year, it keeps getting better and better," noted Ray and Nell Hogan, many time repeat guests. " We keep coming back to Sandals because of the tremendous service and great attitude of the staff."

Michael Darby, general manager at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, stressed the importance of repeat business to the hotel and the fact that the resort went all out to make this year the best ever.

And what a week it was, beginning with a lavish welcome cocktail and beach party, golf and tennis tournaments and a 'Fancy Hat Tea Party' featuring the Jamaica Military Band, and an incredible oldies session.

One of the week's most memorable events was "Lymin on the Lawn" featuring volleyball, cricket, dominoes, dance competitions, reggae and calypso dancing, treasure hunt and bun eating contest.

The week culminated with a Black Tie Gala and awards banquet at which silver and gold sandals, as well as complimentary one-week vacations were presented.

Throughout the week guests were divided into teams and at the end trophies were awarded to the respective winners.

Battle of the Guests

Sandals Dunn's River kicked off with the Battle of the Guests 'First Timers vs Repeaters', as well as a wine & cheese welcome cocktail party, grand charity casino and show, chocolate buffet, renewal of vows, cooking class, scavenger hunt, cricket tournament, game show & talent showcase, J'ouvert soca party, water regatta and a managers and staff fashion show.

A beaming Louis Grant, Sandals Dunn's River's general manager, expressed satisfaction at "Reunion Week 2007", noting that guests were blown away by the magnitude of the events staged and the personalised service by team members.