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Shame on me! That's right, you heard
me.....shame on me! For all the years that I have been in the travel
business, I have had a bad attitude about Jamaica. I never really knew why
- but most likely it was due to the fact that the only part of Jamaica I
had ever seen was the area surrounding the non-scenic cruise port in Ocho
Rios, a few crowded shopping plazas, a meat patty stand, and the very
touristy Dunn's River Falls. I never got a real picture of Jamaica or its
people - and my opinions were unwarranted and unfair. So, to the land and
the people of Jamaica, I humbly apologize.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting three of the most lovely
super all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica - Grand Lido Braco, Grand Lido
Negril and Grand Lido Sans Souci. I know that when you hear the word
all-inclusive, you think about Club Med, Sandals, Moon Palace and a
variety of others. But Grand Lido takes this concept much further - with
many more inclusions and a much more upscale ambiance.
I want to start this review by telling you what these properties have in
common - and then I will show you what is unique about each one. As a
group, the Grand Lido resorts are similar to a premium market cruise ship
- rated somewhere between NCL and Celebrity. The properties each hold
approximately 400 guests in double occupancy rooms and suites. All of your
meals and snacks are included, at a variety of different (five or six)
restaurants located on property. Each restaurant has a theme - Jamaican,
French, Italian, Japanese, Buffet, etc., and each serves a wide variety of
items. In addition, there are Club Houses offering 24-hour service - with
the specialty being grilled lamb chops and french fries. If that is not
enough, you can order room service 24 hours a day as well. On top of that,
all of your drinks are included - from an amazing variety of soft drinks
and sodas to house wine and top shelf liquor. By the end of the summer,
all of the sleeping rooms should have minibars in them as well. And before
you ask.....YES, the service was very very good. The staff were
personable, courteous and for the most part had a genuine desire to please
the guests. Each property has a few categories of accommodations - but
there is no such thing as a bad room. The standard rooms are mini-suites -
which is most of the resort - with a smattering of upgraded suites and
penthouses. Most rooms are oceanview or oceanfront - with a handful
looking out at the garden. Ideally, you could "charter" any one of these
properties and have no problem whatsoever using all of the rooms. Even the
gardenview rooms are steps from the beach and pool areas. As I write this,
each property is going through a renovation process to improve bathrooms
(many will have jacuzzi tubs)and change furniture and soft goods. All
rooms come with luxury towels, European amenities, waffle-weave bathrobes,
slippers, multiple channel cable television, wall safes, blow dryers and
remote control air conditioning. Each night is host to a different show or
activity. On Friday nights, they have a big gala "street party" with a
huge buffet of amazing proportions for the entire resort. One night they
have Caribbean/Jamaican night. But regardless of the theme or event -
everyone has a great time dancing, eating and socializing.
All watersports - SCUBA, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboats,
waterbikes - are included and unlimited. Plus, you can partake in tennis
(group and private lessons), volleyball, nature walks, aerobics, yoga, and
a full fitness center - again, all free of charge. Even golf (greens fees
and transporation) is included at a variety of courses. All you pay for is
the mandatory caddy and golf cart!
Each property has a full Spa, and a beauty salon. Manicures and pedicures
are complimentary for everyone. San Souci includes SIX spa treatments for
all guests. At the other two properties - massage, facial, body wraps and
scrubs, etc. are offered at an additional charge.
Unlimited visits to the on-property nurse, and several medications are
free of charge at Grand Lido resorts. I would hope you would not need to
see the nurse, but it is nice to know that your account won't be charged
in the event that the occasion arises.
Each property does have a "clothing optional" side - but you have to make
a serious effort to get over there - and their beach and pool are not
visible at all from the main side. If you have no intention of seeing
partially clad or nude people, I promise that you won't. And the guests
are all fully clad when they come over for sports, meal, etc.
In addition, all three have conference centers and full a/v equipment -
with Negril being the largest.
Okay, now onto the unique aspects of each of these properties:
San Souci is a very European-style Spa resort. It is perched on three
levels, atop mineral springs. As I mentioned above, SIX Spa treatments are
included in your stay. The massage rooms are actually open air "huts" that
are set on various levels facing the ocean. The hole concept is pretty
amazing and relaxing. There are a few mineral pools that are supposed to
heal and energize the body. This property is the only one of the three
that has an air-conditioned dining option for breakfast and lunch - right
on the beach. They have just completed a new Jamaican eatery on the beach
as well.
Negril has a very Caribbean feel - and in my opinion, the nicest stretch
of beach. All of the bathrooms at this property are now being equipped
with jacuzzi tubs. Negril also has the finest restaurant in the Caribbean,
called Piacere. The food and service were excellent the night we dined
there. I was amazed at how good it was. Negril's special feature is a
yacht called the MY Zein (pronounced "Zane"). She was a gift from
Aristotle Onnasis to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, who
honeymooned aboard her. Built in 1928, she has since been restored, and is
used for sunset cruises several times during the week, as well as group
transfers from Montego Bay to the property. The management at Negril is
happy to work with you to provide private group events aboard this vessel.
Of course - food, drinks and live music are complimentary. From what I
understand, this property is adding a Munahana Japanese restaurant
shortly.
Braco is modeled after a colonial Jamaican town. It has a very
British/Caribbean feel to it. In the center, is town square - which is
surrounded by a court house (meeting rooms), pub, bakery, gift and novelty
shops, beauty salon, and several restaurants. It really is quaint and
adorable. The swimming pools at Braco are among the largest I have ever
seen. This property also boasts the most restaurants of the group. My
personal favorite was Nanny's Jerk Pit - which was very authentic and most
enjoyable.
In short, these clubs offer a great alternative to a cruise - particularly
when you are looking at the four and five night market. I flew Air
Jamaica, which was absolutely fine. PLUS, they will pre-check passengers
and bags at all of the Grand Lido resorts. No waiting on line on your
return! Nice perk! Oh, and I forgot to mention that round trip airport
transfers are also included.
Does it get much better than this?
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