Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
The Grand Lido Negril's managment team in their '50s style costumes at the hotel's 16th anniversary celebrations. - Contributed
OH NEGRIL, fabulous Negril - the perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of Kingston, especially at this time of the year!
There are a number of reasons to visit Negril all year round and among these are The Jungle; Rick's Café; Margaritaville; Hedonism 11 and the Grand Lido Negril all fabulous happening spots, boasting an easy laid-back culture.
My darlings, think margaritas, mimosas, mai-tais, island zombies, rum punch and Red Stripe. Breakfasts that run into lunch. Lunch that runs into tea. Tea that runs into cocktails. People without attitudes, music that soothes and food that titillates then and only then will you get in the frame of mind to enjoy the beauty and joys of the resort we call Negril. And dearhearts, even then y'all are still not close to really discovering the secrets of Negril, that beguiling enchantress.
INTOXICATING SECRETS
Alas, therein lies many a reason for many return visits, because Negril will not give up all her enticing and intoxicating secrets in just one encounter! And so those who visit Negril always return and she always welcomes those she has first bewitched.
Well, my darlings, there were two, not one party to celebrate in Negril, last week, so y'all know there would be a whole lot of partying going on!
Well, doves, it was like that the celebration of the good life and nothing but!
My dears, last Tuesday, the simply fabulous Grand Lido Negril, that bastion of the high-life and good living, turned all of 16, and to mark this milestone, General Manager Bryan Drew and his staff put on one fabulous retro show that was so hot it had guests jumping and then some!
Now, y'all know that 16 is that fine age when beauties blossom, young men take that testosterone walk into manhood, and life and all its expectancies are generally celebrated for the promise of things to come. In the case of the Grand Lido Negril, however, the celebration was not only of things to come, but also of its fabulous history.
On its journey to 16, this hotel has not only entertained the very crème of the international travelling public, it has done so in the finest style, earning for itself an awesome and enviable reputation for first-class service, flawless cuisine and a friendly and competent complement of staff who add that little extra zing to one's holiday.
My darlings, if y'all have never been a guest at the Grand Lido Negril, y'all simply need to get yourselves up to speed on this one and enjoy a little slice of heaven.
Set on 22 prime acres of marvellous rolling land that opens up onto the azure of the Caribbean Sea, the hotel was designed for the vacationer with the cachet and élan.
GRAND LIVING
Grand Lido Negril is not for your rough and burly traveller but for those civilised enough to appreciate and understand the fine art of grand living. As its name implies it's all about the grand life!
And so, after 16 years of entertaining heads of state; international and national celebrities; the fabulously rich and famous; not to mention the world's leading oenophiles, they have lots to celebrate.
For the birthday party, the Grand Lido Negril threw a three-day and night smasheroni. Dears, we are talking a swelleganza of a repeat guests dinner on Sunday with a Champagne prelude to open the three-day gala; a clothing optional catamaran cruise on Monday morning, followed by a clothing optional lunch at mid-day and mid-afternoon cocktails and a 9:30 p.m. Motown themed Cabaret extravaganza, that saw all the "stars" of the famous record label making 'cameo' appearances.
And then it was Tuesday, a very lazy day, as guests simply kicked back and enjoyed the facilities and offerings of the resort, in anticipation of things yet to come.
So last Tuesday Grand Lido Negril was in the throes of retro fantasy, its guests of honour (many repeat guests) all decked out for the occasion, their costumes reflecting the nights' theme. The fully-booked resort was definitely in sync with all things fabulous and was working it like gourmet enchilada!
Giant sized ice-carvings dominated the main pool deck and announced 'Welcome Home 16th Anniversary'. A massive six-foot vase set in the middle of the Grand Terrazza, boasting a simply fabulously colourful floral ensemble that was the very essence of Caribbean life and colour, complemented the fare that gave guests a stupendous 100 dishes and goodies from which to choose.
SPECTACULAR APPEARANCE
It was all good and as the evening got socially hotter, so did the party, as when Bryan Drew made his spectacular appearance on '50s Harley Davidson roadster, the guests erupted in spontaneous applause. This completed the night's motif that included coin fountains, a chequered floor, and '50s style Rock and Roll memorabilia, with vinyl records suspended from the ceiling adding just the right touch of the fabulous.
And just when you thought a good thing can't get any better, dovecakes 'Elvis' took to the stage and served up a platter of hit after hit that was so in tune with the mood and style of the occasion, it became a fabulous blow-out and then some! Kudos to Bryan Drew and his staff for one marvellous celebration.
Now among the several hundred repeat guests who were in house for the celebration were leading Negril personalities including: Senior Superintendent Jasmine Tomlinson-Brown; Inspector and Mrs. C.B. Scarlet; Cosmos Brown; Tom and Susan Martin; Glen Gary; Mr. and Mrs. Lenworth Lobar; Dr. Withhold Rodomski; the charming Loran Clark of neighbouring Hedonism II; Philip Paxton and his fabulous wife Patty Paxton; Hoarse Hinds; Jane Wallets; Arnold Nugget; Marsha and Gail Jarred; Carl Newsman; Jack Norman; Hyacinth Handpicks; Deplores Bahadure; Sherry Jack; Jacqueline and Wendy Gavin; Sam James Jnr.; and Sheryl McGaw-Douse.
