Latest news with #TraceySmith
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Why we've stayed over 1,000 nights at the same luxury resort chain in the last nine years - and how we afford it
While most travellers dream of a week-long escape to the Caribbean, one couple has taken their love for luxury to another level. Christopher and Tracey Smith, a retired couple from Southampton, have spent 1,000 nights at Sandals, an all-inclusive resort chain, in the last nine years. The couple, aged 57 and 56, have no children - so love the adults-only resort for that reason. And they marked their milestone holiday earlier this year at Sandals Regency La Toc in St Lucia - a resort they've visited an astounding 24 times - where they were treated to a 'very, very special' VIP-style celebration arranged by the staff. Chris and Tracey's love affair with Sandals began in 2006 at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica - a destination they still consider their favourite despite tallying a total of 90 stays across 13 Sandals properties. Tracey said: 'I think our heart is always there. They've recently gone through some refurbishments, which have improved the rooms massively, and they've got a great choice of 16 restaurants and bars.' According to Chris, it's also Jamaica's 'heavenly' landscape, rhythmic dancehall music and 'world's best' Kentucky Friend Chicken that makes the pair so fond of the Caribbean nation. From snorkeling and kayaking, to tubing and horse racing, the couple insist they never tire of the activities and amenities on offer at Sandals, and they experience something new each time. Prices at Sandals can range from around £1399 per person for a 7-night stay at Sandals South Coast to upwards of £2,729 per person for a 7-night stay at Royal Curaçao. So how do Tracey and Chris afford to take up to four Sandals holidays a year? 'Smart booking', claims Tracey. She adds: 'If you book a hotel stay whilst you're on resort, you actually get between 10 and 12 per cent discount off of the cheapest price online. 'But also, every time you stay, you earn points. And again, as you go through the loyalty programme, you get more points per pound spent. And they just reduce that off of your balance. So it's just being smart with it really.' Chris, an avid scuba diver, adds: 'When you break down what you actually get in terms of the Sandals experience. So, the premium drinks, the restaurants, the water sports, the scuba diving... it's all included. 'It'll probably cost me $132 a single dive. Add that into a normal holiday. It does work out value for money.' But Chris and Tracey's love of Sandals extends beyond pristine breaches and luxury amenities. They actively volunteer with the Sandals Foundation whenever they're away, having participated in school reading sessions, beach cleanups, and provided Christmas meals for the homeless. And they claim what keeps them returning is the people. Tracey says: 'Sandals have not just invested in their guests, but they've invested their staff as well. 'We've seen lots of their staff grow, progress through roles and move around the islands, and that's one of the reasons we return, it is to catch up with people that we've come to know. Chris adds: 'When you're on the resort, managers or senior people are always walking around interacting with guests, and they want to know how your vacation is going. 'It is a luxury vacation, and they want to make sure you leave with a positive experience.' That's clear from the celebration they were thrown in St Lucia to celebrate their 1,000th night. They were met at the airport by the general manager, James, who presented them with a bouquet of flowers, as well as a crowd of '20 to 30' singing, dancing staff outside the terminal, waving flags. 'It was like a diplomat's welcome,' recalls Tracey. But that wasn't it. When they got to the St Lucia resort, over 100 employees lined up in custom t-shirts bearing the couple's faces, standing under a massive 'Welcome Home, Chris and Tracey' banner. But now, with more than 90 Sandals holidays behind them, the Smiths show no signs of slowing down. They've already scheduled three more trips this year - including a twin-centre stay in Barbados and Saint Vincent in June, a return to Ochi Beach in September, and even a 2026 trip already in the works. And Tracey hints: 'We haven't done Grenada yet, so we're looking forward to trying that and maybe building that into another return trip next year as well.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
Driver's 'sick' roadside act leaves Aussie suburb rocked: 'Deliberate'
Authorities are investigating after a jogger witnessed a horrific "deliberate" act that killed 14 native birds and rocked a local community. A 4WD driver allegedly mounted the nature strip beside a busy road in Perth's north to mow down the flock of corellas that were feeding on the side of the road. RSPCA WA told Yahoo there is an "open investigation" into the alleged incident which happened in North Beach, a coastal suburb in Perth on Sunday morning. Perth resident Tracey Smith, who reported the incident, said she stumbled across the devastating scene on her way to grab a coffee. Tracey was forced to console the distressed woman who watched the killing unfold in front of her while running. Speaking to radio station 6PR, she described the incident as "deliberate". "A 4WD went past [the runner] and up onto the verge," she explained, adding that it "ploughed through a group of birds that were eating on the side of the road on the verge," she said describing the act as "deliberate". Of the 14 birds on the side of the road, 11 were killed at the scene and three had to be euthanised at the emergency vet surgery. Tyre marks from the vehicle can be seen in images of the distressing scene. Tracey said the tracks "went for a long way" because the birds were spread out along the road. "Anyone with information is asked to contact RSPCA WA on 1300 278 358 or and quote job number 207138," an RSPCA spokesperson told Yahoo. Tracey said the runner was so "distraught" after witnessing the incident, she hugged her to console her. Unfortunately the woman wasn't able to get a number plate, so Tracey posted about the incident on social media in the hope of finding information, with people reacting in shock. "Sickening and so sad to see this," responded one local resident. "I hope whoever did this is found and brought to justice." "This is disgusting," said another. "I hope they get caught. Poor beautiful birds." 🚗 Sad roadside photo prompts warning to Aussie drivers 🦊 Confronting photo of roadside fence highlights 'cunning' killer🐜 Mum sounds alarm over deadly garden threat hiding in yards While several corella species make Perth their home, not all of them are native to the area. The eastern long-billed corella and the eastern subspecies little corella are not native. Over the past 20 years, these species have expanded their range through much of the Perth metropolitan area and regional towns. They are known to feed on grass seeds and grassy areas, which is why they would have been seen on the road's edge in North Beach. Despite this, all fauna native to Australia is protected under both State and Commonwealth legislation, meaning it is an offence to deliberately harm them. In WA, a person can face five years imprisonment or up to $50,000 in fines if found guilty of animal cruelty. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
