Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
The Smirnoff hostesses (from left) Paulette Atkinson, Cindy Allman, Allison Balfour, Debra Clarke and Alethia Lee were always on hand to ensure that those in the company of the Smirnoff, Mad Circle and High Society crew were having a good time. - photos by Tesi Johnson
What happens in Negril stays there - or so they say - but some things deserve to be talked about, none more so than the Smirnoff Xclusive at Grand Lido Negril.
For the Independence weekend spanning August 4 to 6, Smirnoff, High Society and Mad Circle took over Grand Lido Negril and filled it with 400 of their most fabulous friends. Three days and two nights of luxurious revelry added new meaning to the phrase 'party like a rock star' as the hosts delivered their promise of a premium experience.
The decadence started just hours after check-in, as the guests boarded luxury catamaran cruise arranged by the hosts to Daydreams, a beach party held at Long Bay Beach, Negril. All eyes were fixed on the 'cat' as it anchored and the guests were escorted to a cordoned VIP area decked with a private bar and buffet and plush lounge chairs. Talk about all-inclusive!
Smirnoff Twists
The party continued on the 'cat' later that evening as the guests woke up the fish and partied on the seas. Those who missed the boat were taken back to the hotel in a fleet of Coasters. After that display of decadence, some thought that was it for the night, but they were so wrong. Just as their manicured toes hit the hotel's white-sand beach, guests were greeted by smiling waiters offering glowing glasses filled with mixes of Smirnoff's new flavoured vodkas. The signature Smirnoff triple distilled vodka now comes in three additional variations: green apple, vanilla and citrus flavours. These were officially launched at the bonfire beach party which ensued, each flavour accented by a complimentary buffet prepared by the hotel's executive sous chef, Wayne Crawford.
Red, white and fabulous
Left: Never mind seasickness, Jermaine Spence and Allison Shaw looked more lovey-dovey while cruising on the Smirnoff Xclusive luxury catamaran cruise en route to Daydreams, held last Saturday at Long Bay Beach, Negril.Right: Talk about hot summer bods! Hunks of man candy, Steve Ming, Mark McDonald and Horace Walker, wear the Smirnoff name on their chiselled chests while cruising on the Smirnoff Xclusive catamaran.
The weekend came to a thrilling climax on Sunday evening when the signature event, Smirnoff Xclusive - the party that is - got under way. Friends from 'the outside' joined the Xclusive bunch on the lawns by the beach and danced up a storm to the musical mastery of Delano T and Richie D, many having picked up their dancing pointers earlier that morning at the Mad Circle summer dance class. The hosts were first on the dance floor and got the party started with their emphatic display of dancehall moves.
Alas, all good things must end and on Monday morning most headed back to the land of responsibility.
Among the guests at Smirnoff Xclusive Hotel were Miss Jamaica World hopeful Yendi Phillips; Saint International's Sheree Morris; Mayor Desmond McKenzie and family; Don and Ayesha Creary; Christopher Blythe; songstress Kris Kelli; P.J. and Gregory Wright; Howie McIntosh and Mark Bennett of Elan Entertainment; Wes Anderson; Zachary Harding and Tanya Ward, the new country manager for Ocean Spray; Naomi Garrick and Mario Campbell; Brian 'Ribbie' Chung; Kingsley Cooper and Romae Gordon; Scott and Jodi Dunn; Yolanda and Delano Thomas; Debra Stewart, sales and marketing manager of Audi; Sandor Panton; Taneda Nunez and Tshani Jaja.
More gorgeous men (from left): Christopher Blythe, Taki Miller and Mahaish Alexander living the good life on the Smirnoff Xclusive luxury catamaran cruise.
