Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer
Left: Grand Lido Braco - Executive Chef Joseph Stephens shows off the Jamaica oxtail. Right: Grand Lido Braco - This gentleman could not get enough of the curried goat. - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
WHEN DENISE Taitt, public relations officer at Grand Lido Braco, invited me to the hotel for a wellness weekend with attached programme, the first thing I did was to e-mail back saying "A wellness weekend, I beg you? Me? I would never be caught dead in tiny shorts and Puma shoe running and up and down the hotel corridors, nor would I be seen doing pilates. And, heaven forbid, that I be forced to twist my body into yoga positions that they have not seen for the last 20 years!"
But she was relentless. And so, Friday night found me rushing full-pelt (again) through gigantic pot holes, dust like fog on the road and the one-minute-sweet-next-minute-hell of the new highway to be. The Friday-night street party and a reserved table for VIPs (yes, sometimes even I get shoved into VIP) meant one scuttle to get there on time. I was to be sitting with Sharon McDonnel (contributor Toronto Star), Dulcie Bogue, Donna Singh (Jamaican reflexologist and aromatherapist respectively), Rick Albrecht (South Dakota Massage Therapist), Denise Taitt and of course, the ever-welcoming Susan McMannus, SuperClubs vice-president public relations. Lateness would not have been kosher.
The Grand Lido Braco, built in the fashion of Falmouth, with a little 'town square' outside 'The Court House' (for functions) and buildings housing a piano bar, café and other hotel-related sections with fountain in the middle, had been transformed into a fairy tale of twinkling lights that vied for position with the street lanterns (in true old-time fashion) adorning the 'cobbled streets' dividing up the whole area. All along the sidewalks and around the centre fountain were beautifully decorated stations with all manner of Jamaican fare. Curried goat, oxtail and broad beans, jerk chicken, Chinese stir fry, roast pork and beef. Every-thing and more - all absolutely delicious.
Naturally, with such interesting people at our table, conversation was rife until, with everyone having eaten heartily, the entire 'little town' suddenly became a street party of dancing and jumping-up to the sounds of some severe calypso - sweet music to the ears. The night air, the jovial company, the great food, a couple of 'VX and Diet Coke' all had me certainly feeling a lot better than when I first arrived and before bedtime, I had a little peek into a very lively sing-along at the piano bar where I had a night-capper!
THE REVITALIZER
Next morning, as I opened my eyes, I knew. 'Someting' wrong. Every bone hurting. When the cleaning staff came to the door, - no voice. Laryngitis. And me - here for a wellness weekend dubbed 'The Revitalizer!' Between the stress and all the little beings flying around in the air these days, I had been beaten by the flu. I ordered in a continental breakfast, informed Miss Taitt of my predicament and having consumed the fare with much gusto, lay my head down on the pillow, only to be woken by hunger.
Dinnertime. I ordered room service. Dulcie Bogue, Kingston's premier reflexologist, came to my room and gave a small treatment that was not only much appreciated but once dinner was consumed, good enough to knock me out for the night!
Sunday, I hauled myself to breakfast. I had many slices of papaya, hit the salmon and kippers, enjoyed the Ackee and Bacon with a delish everything-please-omelette. Later, I popped in to see Dulcie's class. Had some more reflexology done and in no time at all that pain at the base of my back was gone. That night I received another personal consultation from Sigrid Ribbe with neck and head massage using peppermint - a few drops placed into two bottles of water and orders to sip through the night. I missed dinner at Grand Lido's French Restaurant, Piacere - reports next day assured it was as good as the last time I ate there, however. Monday morning found me better, feeling rather pampered by Denise Taitt, who had ensured I got treatments that I would not have received had I just attended the lectures.
Although I was unable to participate, I heard from all those who really did the gamut that the weekend was a great hit. There were some pretty heavy stuff like Capoiera - described as a dance, a fight, a form of self-defence and a fun way to keep fit - and Shreggae (Disco Jam Fit), Cardio Funk and Beach Buster, but interestingly enough, happenings like aromatherapy for well-being (Donna Singh), Developing Powerful Personal Energy (Audrey Cooke), Tai-Chi, Reiki and Satyananda Yoga (Stewart Maxwell), Stress Less with Flower Essences (Isadora Tavens), A Healing Alternative - magic of crystals (Audrey Cooke), Repairing Emotional Wounds - Psycho-kinesiology (Sigrid Ribbe).
Most of these people are Jamaicans or live in Jamaica. It is obvious to me that wellness is busting out on the island and alternative medicine is making big inroads. Anyone interested in finding these wonderful people who help to strengthen one's inner emotions, get rid of stress and, therefore, aid in a healthier life, contact Denise Taitt at SuperClubs. I commend Grand Lido Braco for not only hosting this important happening but also for their really beautiful property; service was equal to none and I must give special commendation to Executive Chef Joseph Stevens for his use of Jamaican fare on the menus.
