Tesi Johnson, Contributor

Garth Walker and Smirnoff hostess Stacy lead the way for the Smirnoff Xclusive catamaran cruise. - photos by Tesi Johnson

Jamaica's southwest shores buzzed with activity over the Emancipation holiday weekend as thousands flocked the Negril beach to party at their chosen 'temptation isles'. But only a select few hundred enjoyed the synergy of world-acclaimed luxury lodgings and a premium party experience at Smirnoff Xclusive Hotel at Grand Lido Negril Resort and Spa.

Smirnoff Country

Guests arrived on Friday to the lofty marble entrance hall of the resort, which was draped in the signature red and white Smirnoff colours. Hostesses offered welcome drinks with the promise of party weekend fun. After all, you were in Smirnoff country now.

The polite, attentive hotel staff escorted guests to their rooms, and detailed the amenities at their disposal, which included full access to all six classic restaurants on property, more bars than you could ever hope for, the beach of course, watersports and, ahhhh, the spa, where they would be treated to a complimentary manicure and pedicure. Most importantly, they would enjoy a thrilling party experience with the 'ambassadors of the premium experience' Garth Walker, Philip Palmer and Jermaine Brown at the helm.

The weekend ignited on Friday afternoon with a catamaran cruise to 'Daydreams' and the guests got the party started on the high seas en route to Long Bay Beach Park. The revelery would continue in the Daydreams VIP lounge. Guests later returned to the hotel to recuperate for Saturday's merrymaking.

Breakfast buffet

Saturday morning, Grand Lido Negril's breakfast buffet was the meeting place for guests to gush over the activities of the previous day and fuel up for the day ahead. They were transported off-property for the Smirnoff Xclusive Beach Party where the apex of glamorous living unfolded at the newly transformed Rhodes Hall Plantation to party in subdued opulence. Specially invited guests from outside the Smirnoff Xclusive Hotelalso raved at the Xclusive Beach Party. Guests returned to the hotel to a bonfire beach party on the shores of the resort and danced around the flames.

We spotted Red Stripe boss Mark McKenzie and his wife Betty; up-and-coming songstress Kris Kelli; Carlton 'Spragga Benz' Grant; His Worship the Mayor of Kingston and St Andrew Desmond McKenzie and his wife Marcia; Jeremy and Sakura Owen; Scott and Jodi Dunn; Wayne Lawrence; Brian 'Ribbie' Chung; Chris Watt and Janell Jolly; Kwame Pagan with Anushca Anderson; Deane Shepherd and Carlo Redwood; Tracy Chin of Scotia DBG with friend Dasta Knight; and Andrew Ffrench of French Connection with Allison Watson.

While friends awaited her arrival on shore, Deon Pottinger relaxes on the Smirnoff Xclusive catamaran cruise en route to 'Daydreams'.

Elephant Man, or Ele, as he's affectionately known, lounges in the Smirnoff Xclusive VIP section at 'Daydreams'. - photos by Tesi Johnson

Singer Kris Kelli, sans her signature long tresses, hangs out with friend Kirsten on the Smirnoff Xclusive catamaran cruise to 'Daydreams'.