Staff Shout Outs

[Seandymon]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading so many great stories about the Couples staff throughout the message board while I moderate it, and I thought it would be fun to create a thread specifically for staff shout outs! I envision a place where you can all share specific stories about how a staff member(s) made your vacation even better, went above and beyond to make sure you were happy, did something really funny, or really any great stories and experiences you have shared with our staff.

Okay, well I look forward to reading your stories!

[Chris]

I have a favorite story to tell about a former member of the SweptAway guest relations staff - Alex...

I came to know him as the crazy Trinidadian nightmare for a stunt he pulled on me several years ago.

My wife and I were seated at a table stage-side at the Palms, when out of nowhere, I'm dragged onto the stage, fitted with a rasta wig and singin' Marley tunes. It all happened so fast that the only thing this 50-yr-old soon to be first time grand-dad could do was play along and try to remember the lyrics! We had a great time... the crowd was rockin', the dance floor was full (including Mr & Mrs Issa)...

Alex was and is one of a kind... he treated us like royalty, and was a true asset to SweptAway. We miss him, and hope he is doing well in England. Perhaps one day, he'll return!

[UNLVmike]

Shoutout to Romaine from CSA... even though he is no longer there. I know hes at Pushcart restaurant now and we will be stopping by to see him.

However, everytime we would return to CSA Romaine would always yell our names across the room. He would slowly teach us Patios and we had the best time talking to him in the Aura lounge.

As he would say, "Bullet!"

[Vickyj]

This is a great idea. My only fear is forgetting someone, but here goes~~From CTI:

LaToya for arranging a special celebration for my hubby's birthday during the repeaters' dinner on July 6,

Katie from entertainment for always greeting us with a smile and "hello"

Spa receptionist--can't remember her name

Byron, Evard, Kirk--always smiling, always greeting all the guests

Maxine for visiting guests on the patio in the morning to find out how their vacation is going

Alford for wonderful power walks up the countryside and on the morning of our departure, walking up to tell me goodbye (I had only seen 2 x)

Jermaine & Antionette for always giving service with a smile

Damion--for putting up with the Islanders

Abe for putting up with the Islanders and & yes I know his family owns the resort, but lets face it coming to "THE" island at CTI can be a wee bit intimidating.

Housekeeping and Turndown, whomever they may be, they were in and out with our only knowledge being the wonderful work they did to keep our room clean and fresh and ready for us in the evenings.

The Gardners for keep the grounds looking so beautiful

Delroy for always smiling, greeting us and keeping the pools so sparkly clean.

Hmmm, I think that is it--at least for now!

[Mel g]

Hey Chris,
I thought Alex was still in Jamaica at a different resort? Is he really back in England?

[MindyandWil]

Shout out to O'Brien at CSA. He was witness at our wedding on the beach at CSA March 31, 2006. He was super healpful and told us where we could find authentic spices and local jamaican music for our reception back home when we got back. Last time we were there he had been promoted and hope that the next time we go there he is still with the couples family.

Sincerely,
Mindy and Wil B
West Virginia

[WandA]

Awhile back, one of the girls at our resort was pregnant and as we talked, she told me she knew it was a girl... I had brought a big bag of newborn baby-girl clothes and was happy to have found someone who could use them ! It just seemed to be a perfect match.
The next day she wrote me a lovely "thank-you" note and we kept in touch when I went home.
A few months later, she called me from the hospital in the middle of the night to say the baby was born healthy and that her middle name was my name. I was so touched. She sent me photos and I sent little care packages to the baby during the year. (She has never asked for anything )
Before the Christening, she wondered if I could be the Godmother, but time & distance didn't allow so we agreed I can be the Fairy Godmother....On our next trip, she came to visit me, on her day-off, so I could see the baby and hold her....priceless

[waynef]

so i have a question, so after we have told you of our favorite employee and all they have done for us, what about them? could we offer them some kind of recognition such as employee of the month per the message board or some kind of way to say thank you to them ? i am sure they would appreciate it

one love

waynef

[Bkhiattky]

One of Bryan and I's favorite memory is when we were at CTI, and Kirk was on vacation. We were so disappointed, so Byron called Kirk at home and he came to see us and that made our whole trip!! Bryan and I brought all the guys at the front University of Kentucky hats.

[karinjim]

What a wonderful idea. The staff is what makes the stay so special. At CN there were so many, but I can't remember all their names. When we first arrived and to be greeted with a handshake and a "welcome home" makes your stay so special right off the start. Franklin who not only makes good drinks but seems to remember who you are, what you like and makes you feel like you are someone special. Elke who is so fun to see and and share time with. Genevieve who treated my husband like a king and I didn't even mind. She was special. She too remembered what we both liked to drink and sometimes would even bring one without us even asking. She was a mind reader but in a good way. I loved the young man who every day cheerfully sweeped the beach and whisled while he worked. He was always happy. The maids who said good morning madam and always smiled. I can't think of anyone that was not special.
Then we tried CSS and I found a man that was in charge of stocking the in room bar. He was the most special of all. I can't remember his first name, but his last I believe was Lawson. He went way out of his way to take extra care of me when I got sick this spring. He even made someone get me a pillow because I could not lift my head up without passing out. He did it because he truely cared and not because he expected anything in return. He was a true guardian angel. I miss everyone and hope I can come back soon. There are many people I work with that could take lessons from anyone of the workers at Couples.
Karin

[WE <3 COUPLES]

Everyone has been terrific and sooooooooo wonderful at cti and css since 1980.

Since 2004, a few of our favorites from cti are and in no particular order - nicolette, damon, chocolate, capt. Kirk, baron, ulysses, kimberly, cymone (now at css), mr. Henry, ainsworth, sharon, and on and on.

At css - cymone, kimberly, michael, juneal, and on and on.

So looking forward and anxious to seeing you all in september.

They all deserve a raise. Lol.

Irie
paul and debbie

[Sportygal]

We met Fluffy on our orientation at CSS.She kept us all laughing during our stay.There were so many good people but Fluffy really stood out.

[WE <3 COUPLES]

Now two of many, many wonderful stories.

We were there during Ivan in 2004 at CTI. The next day we pitched in with many other guests and staff to get the resort back in order the best we could. A line was formed by the men to place the tables and chairs back in the outside eating area. The women pitched in and cleaned the cushions to place on the chairs.

During our stay, my husband, who is very socialable, had talked to Ulyses often since he does all the cooking at home and loves, about different types of food in Jamaica.

While in the process of placing the table and chairs back, Ulyses asks Paul "What is that?" Paul being confused asked "What do you mean?" Uylses replied "What they are doing?" Paul replied "Oh, we call that an assembly line." We thought it was one of the cuties things.

That same year, my husband had taken the water bike around TI and mind you he gets very tan and is often mistaken for Spanish (he is really Russian).

Upon his approach back, Michael (who is on the surfboard by the ropes) asks my husband if he is Cuban. My husband replies with a Cuban accent "Yes Mon and is this Florida?" Michael replies "No Mon, this is Jamaica." Paul replies while tapping his forehead "Oh S..t, I knew I made a wrong turn." Then turns the bike around and Michael just shakes his head.

I could go on for days with all the wonderful stories. Maybe later - LOL.

Debbie

[pamela0215]

Our trip to CSS this past August was made special by all the staff from the time we walked into the lobby and was handed wet towels and champagne till we left for the airport, but our favorite was Jheanel at ssb she really made our stay special, she made sure that all of us had what we needed and we have kept in touch over the past year, can't wait to see her the end of this August. I have to say that Fluffy Rasan and Kimberly were great also, we just fell in love with them all.

Couples be greatful you have such wonderful people working for you.

[KrisJamie]

I have to give a special thanks to an old friend for making CSS seem like home last year. We LOVED CSS, but kept getting that "this isn't our real home" vibe...until we walked through the lobby and out the main entrance to hit the jewelry store.

KIRK!!

NOW, we were alright. NOW, we were home. This is how Couples employees really make the resorts.

And who did we see later that night at the Balloon Bar? Kimoni! It was like a CTI reunion.

71 more days till we can see them again!

[Chris]

MelG -

I believe that the last we spoke to Alex was at the end of our Dec 2007 visit. At that time, he told us he was going to England to be with his mother, probably in the April 2008 time frame. If he is back on the island, we're not aware of it, but then we don't really correspond with him.

If anyone else knows the whereabouts of former staffers, maybe that might be a great function for this thread...

[ETF]

OK my shout out goes to Shellyann from CSA. I have posted praise for her before but I cannot say enough how this lady made our holiday.
Shellyann is not a member of staff you get to meet everyday, she is the Guest Relations Team Leader and works hard in the office to make peoples holidays perfect.
We were there for 2 weeks at the begining of June this year. We were celebrating my wifes Birthday and our Silver Wedding. It was our first trip to Couples and I sent and email prior to our holiday with a few requests. Shellyann was the lady to reply. Well to cut this short, Shellyann sorted everything for me. From a cake and Spa treatments to a balloonogram and Champagne for Jans Birthday. Then she went on to sort out Spa treatments and a private meal on the beach with Flowers and Champagne for Our Silver Wedding.
Everything went like clockwork on the days in question. I cannot thank Shellyann enough. She made the whole holiday so special. Every member of Staff deserves a Shout but this lady is so special to us. Sorry as many of you have read my posts in the past about Shellyann, but any chance I get to let people know the great work she does in the background at CSA the better.

ETF

[eac124]

I arrived at CSS a little apprehensively this summer, as I wasn't sure it could compete with my home at CSA. After spending a week there, I love CSS just much as CSA. Why? THE STAFF. The biggest standout staff member was Cherice; right from the orientation tour we had a blast. She's largely responsible for me falling in love with CSS. We still keep in touch, too.

Our trip wouldn't have been complete without playing Scrabble with Fluffy and Kimberlee, or without Machel calling out our names every time we ran into him! (And watch out, Kimberlee is one mean ping pong player, too)

Truly, the staff make Couples resorts amazing!

Beth (& Josh)

[Northern gal]

What a great idea. The main reason we have decided that CSA will be our one and only vacation spot is the wonderful staff who we now consider to be dear friends. We consider Christopher (Shaggy) from Scuba to be a part of our family now and keep in touch with him on a regular basis. We look forward to being able to see Cean from Feathers again and getting an update on how her little girl is doing. Mr. Bryant was so much fun to spend time with on our last visit. We were sad that Kurt (Main Bar) was on vacation the last time we visited so we didn't get to spend time with him, hopefully he will be there next time. And of course, Ultimate Chocolate who makes our evenings so special. I could go on and on...the great guys at Watersports, Skippy from Entertainment, Carla from housekeeping. They are all such wonderful people. Now getting teary eyed, and missing them all.

[cuse]

Ava in the lobby area is the best, she and Kim took care of my husband when he surprised me with a karot anniversary ring for our 25th wedding anniversary in Sept. 2007. Here is a picture of Ralph and I with Ava.

Also, a picture with Byron my man!! He is the best bell hop on 2 feet!!

And a picture with Lenward who served us our private dinner on the beach where I was surprised with my ring!!

The whole CTI experience is truly amazing and we can't wait to go back in Sept. 2009, right around the corner and rekindle some Jamaican friendships!!

[Cubismo]

Big Ups to Exodus, the house band @ CSA !

[schdyny]

Originally Posted by UNLVmike

Shoutout to Romaine from CSA... even though he is no longer there. I know hes at Pushcart restaurant now and we will be stopping by to see him.

However, everytime we would return to CSA Romaine would always yell our names across the room. He would slowly teach us Patios and we had the best time talking to him in the Aura lounge.

As he would say, "Bullet!"

Romaine was our favorite when we were there in '07. I am sorry to hear he is no longer there! Where is the Pushcart Restaurant - Maybe we might have to make a trip.

[trvlr4lfe]

Big ups to Duke, Adrian, and Curtis at the CSA pool bar, those 3 are responsible for a LOT of lazy afternoons on one of the hammocks and/or early evening naps after closing down the pool bar!

Derron is also a superb server at the Palms and Sea Grapes, we dined at the Palms a lot because of him!

There are SO MANY more people who make CSA special, I hate to not be able to list them all but these guys stick out in my mind so vividly I can't wait to see them all again in September!

42 days to go!

[Chris]

schdyny -

Pushcart is the bar/restaurant formerly known as Pirate's Cave. Its where the booze cruise always moors, where you used to be able to jump from the cliff.

[GeoNSue]

This past year when we were moved to SSB Sharon (from CTI) came to have dinner with us one evening and Byron stopped on his way back from the airport to see us..Great folks...Our best memory is from a few years ago..it was our 2nd or 3rd trip to CTI..we were on the bus with some first timers...when we got there, it was like a family reunion with the staff..the couples on the bus with us asked us who we were like we were rock stars or something...we just laughed that one off..absolutely LOVE the staff at CTI...probably why we have opted not to try any other resorts...

[shanelindy]

A big shout out to delroy(CTI).. he was so helpful when we were there . always looking out for us ..so sad when we couldnt see him last year due to closure (css instead) ... but hope to see him again when we go back next year

[lou@lisa]

Our first few times at Couples we took photos of the beautiful scenery but the last couple of times we focused on our new friends. Can't wait to see you in Dec. (18-25).

[petronit]

Just returned on 8/1/09 from a 5 day trip to CSA. I have to say that I was very impressed with the staff. Everyone I dealt with was friendly, courteous and competent. One of the most important assests to any business is the people that work there and in the case of CSA you have a gold mine!!!!! Thank you for a memorable week -- Tom

[dianavr]

Capt. Kirk - the greatest!
Ulysses - for his smiling happy face first thing in the morning.
Dive Shop Guys (all) - the best
Maxime for everything she does
Jean housekeeping 3rd fl main building - for always making sure everything was right in our room
Kay entertainment, for her bubbly personality
Arnold operations mgr. for putting up with any complaints LOL

Everyone else who is not mentioned, the staff at CTI are the best in the world! See you guys next June 28, 2010

[DogMon]

DogMon says Soon Come!
Janet Weekly and Dainty get dreadlock beads ready on beach.
You ladies make my day.

[Ben and Sonja]

Wow - where to begin - I know I will miss people because there are SO MANY wonderful employees at CTI!

Ulysee - the best eggs ever!
Terry - Island time was great - 20 glasses is hard to top will have to try next year!
Damian - loved the music and your time.
Taniesha - you are one crazy girl - you are fantastic! Your energy is contagious.
Evarld - You are the man. "that's how we do it" - you were the perfect entrance to a perfect vacation!
Spa employees - absolutely fantastic, enjoyed every minute!
Housekeeping - rarely saw you but always knew you had been around - are room was always so perfect and our every need met.
Camille and Matthew - our "guardian angels" - so wonderful to us!
Abe - best of luck with your schooling and your future, it was our pleasure to meet you.
Randymon - very nice surprise to have met you at CTI love what you write.
Nicole for taking care of our every activity - everything was done flawlessly.
Eddie the piano man - very entertaining, loved listening to you play.
There were so many wonderful, fantastic, great individuals that made everything so perfect for us, we can't wait to reunite!

[ang6984]

I've been to over 15 different resorts in Jamaica and last September we were so fortunate to meet the BEST HANDS DOWN staff member we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. SASKIA ANDERSON from Couples Swept Away!! We are planning a vacation back to CSA in Feb 2010 just to see her... we love Couples for hiring the absolute best!! Chris & Angela Pronek - Chicago, IL.

[Debsmikey]

hello from South Africa! we were last in Jamaica in August 2008 at Sans Souci and will be returning again in August 2010!! we cannot wait. This time we will be staying at Tower Isle - it looks fabulous and we are so looking forward to enjoying the incredible Jamaican hospitality again. PLEASE we are trying to get in touch with Kimberlee - ask her to email us.
One year to go - we are counting the days. Yeah mon!!

[Jerseygirl032]

We love, LOVE, L-O-V-E Hugh from CSS!
Every single year that man remembers us and has always been the most kind and thoughtful gentleman to us!

Kelly-Anne had a pretty bad breakout on her forehead while we were there, and he suggested Hatfield's Ointment for her - AND ran to the store to get it for her.

We love his beautiful smile - but most of all, his beautiful heart!
We didn't get back last year, because we went to CN for the first time - and everything was great about CN - except that we missed our Hugh!

[Jerseygirl032]

LOL! By the way - it was Whitfield's Ointment, not Hatfields.
A big DUH for me!

[Smithl1028]

We were at CSS last December (08) and two people stood out way above the others. I can't remember the name of our maid but she was the best. Block A second floor. The other person that made our trip complete was O'Neil at the Water Sports. We are returning in Sept this year and hope to see them both. I will try to look for Fluffy and Kimberly since everyone here speaks so highly of them as well.

[merosky]

He won't like it, but I'm doing it anyway! Brian Plunkett, the watersports manager at Couples Negril is a real credit to this resort, he's also a real leader. It's a real pleasure to watch him as he motivates and challenges his staff. As a rule, we always try to go somewhere different on vacation, but we're headed back to CN in September. (for the third time in 18 months)...and it's largely due to the incredible staff at CN.

The entire watersports team has always been extremely accomodating and professional. During my wife's scuba certification process they kept her extremely safe, and Brian and his team gave her the confidence to earn her certification...a feat that I could never have accomplished alone.

Thanks Brian! Thanks everyone at CN!

[Papa_Smoke]

There were SO many that is difficult to name our favorites. Here are a few I haven't seen mentioned yet.

Pierre and Tamika:


Pierre is from Germany. I last heard that Tamika was at Boyne Mountain in Michigan doing an exchange. I'd sure like to get their email addys! GREAT people!

Dilly-Ann:

She was working the front desk. At first, I thought she was a bit distant but it turned out she was just a bit shy! After I sweet talked her, she couldn't be nice enough.

Terry-Ann:

She was the "Hostess with the Mostest". Simply AWESOME!

Marcia:

One of the unsung heros of Couples. Marcia worked in housekeeping. She was ALWAYS in our room within MINUTES after we left. I have never seen a more efficient worker. Also, she was wonderful to talk with - IF you could get her to slow down!!

[Tommywommy]

There are just to many to post..The employees at CN,CSS and CTI have provided us with just so many great memories.

[Sunflower]

hi!!!

It's the SOUTH AFRICANS, Debbie, Mikey, Tracy and Graham..........the first to visit CSS and we are coming back to Couples, but this time CTI next August!!! We will be taking advantage of the 1-day swap to go back to CSS to say hi.

We are doing our vow renewals and once we have pinned down a date, Debbie will email you & hopefully you can join us??????

Also hi to Kimoni and Kirk.

Marklands Williams (he was at CTI on our first trip in 2006) is on my facebook - he is working on the cruise ships now!

[Mzambo]

Pierre at CSS gets my vote, he was outstanding!!! His pressence was felt everywhere.

[JumpinJen]

Oliver, O'Neill, and Jody from entertainment were awesome.

Anthony, Franz, and Glen Roy- the scuba team at CSA. Great teachers and funny warm gentleman who make all scuba divers feel like a close family. I really miss my little donkey Franz:



We loved Nigel the basket maker too. My husband made 4 baskets with him and I made 3. Good Times.

[jenniebcmb]

We went to CSA on our honeymoon in june 2005 and Big D was doing the uh what's it called?? the games and things like that. he did our honeymoon games too. He remembered us that whole week! Always checking on us. We returned 2 whole years later and he was in sales at that point i believe. We seen him and he remembered us! He remembered our names! We had told him we had planned on doing the private dinner on the beach and he said to let him see what he can do, but that it would be an honor to serve you. So sweet right?! Well we walk up to the beach and see the white carpet rolled out and who is it that greets us?! BIG D, with a big smile on his face! We will never forget him and we hope he is there when we get enough funds to return!
Oh yea and the last time we went 2 years ago we also met a great bartender! DELROY! he was fabulous! He was at the swim up bar (CSA) every day! He greeted everyone with a smile and kept us having a great time. He would tell us to try some crazy drinks. the night before we left, my husband and i got completely inebriated, unintentionally! the next morning we were due to leave to come back to this place we call "home". well we were both so ill!!! we didn't go to bed until like 5am! Don't want to explain HOW sick we were b/c that would be TMI! LOL well we went to see Delroy before we left to say good bye and he seen how sick we were. he tried so hard to make us better. he made us both great bloody marys (non-alcoholic). it didn't cure us, but it did help a bit..
All the staff was great! i don't think we ran into one person that was rude or didn't greet us with a smile. We did have a wonderful server at Feathers, but can't remember his name!!!! I want to say Alex, but i think i'm wrong!!! Everyone is great though....all wonderful ppl!

[Moustache]

Our favorite is Celia at CN.
Evon was a lot of fun.
Mike & Kathy

[Sue and Randy]

at Swept Away we have several friends that have made our trips home special.

Mr Phillip Ambrosley, the heart and soul of the grounds at Swept Away. he is a true treasure and please take the time to speak with him during your stay.

Franklyn, he was one of the first staff members that we got to know on our first trip in 2005. a great person that has always remembered us and made meals wih him special while at the Palms or Lemongrass.

Tamika and Kenesia who made our vow renewal for our 25th anniversary so special. they are so wonderful with weddings and vow renewals.

Ultimate Chocolate, you have to visit him at the piano if you go to Swept Away.

Kurt, Kadeen, Cardo, O'Neil, Kareem, Stashi, Big D...Delano and many many more have made every trip to Swept Away so special.

we thank all the fine staff and Mr. Bowleg for making the place we call "home" a wonderful experience every trip.

Randy

[onepiper]

For MelG, yes Alex was the top of his field. He's now heading entertainment at Point Village.

[Chris]

Well if Fab is, indeed, back on the island, SweptAway should be reaching out to bring him back into the fold! He's a hoot!

[bnice6574]

We stayed at CSS and Courtney at the Bella vista always hooked us up with a table at the beach, he was an exceptional host and we had such a wounderfull time all around, I also want to shout out the little band that played at the Bella vista bar they were awsome!!

[RATTYM]

I have to vote for Cody and Amanda @ CN- I had a ball with these two Playing Volleyball and joking around..They make you feel very comfortable...Great job girls!!

Buffalo Mohawk guy.... : )

[Bilkat]

We were at CSS in late July '09 and we had an extraordinary time at the SSB swim up bar with Jhaneal (SP?) the bartender. Also, Ilgrid was a lot of fun leading the gang in a trivia match (we was robbed!-shoulda won that one!

Bilkat