Grand Lido Braco, May 8 to May 15, 1999. Let me start by thanking Go Classy Tours for
helping make this be our best trip to Jamaica. Because of seat availability on the dates
we wanted totravel we had to fly Air Jamaica first class. Not too tough to take I must
say. We arrived at Sangster International right on time and boarded our van to Braco. Upon
arriving we were led to the little courthouse and asked to sit with a rather large group
and wait for our room assignments. We were presented with our welcome drinks and decided
to run off and have lunch at Nanny's Jerk Pit before returning to find out about our room.
Although it took nearly two hours to get to our room,official check in is at 3:00 PM, so
they were only a few minutes late in providing the room.
Our room was a junior suite on the Au Naturel side, on the first floor of block B. Last
year we were on the second floor of block A, so we were excited about the change. The
trade off being the balcony and unobstructed view for direct beach access. We definately
liked the first floor access. There were two full size beds rather than one kingsize. But
that would be the only complaint about the room. There is plenty of closet space, drawer
space, a love seat(pull out bed), tv, cd player, safe, a very nice bathroom. There is also
an iron with ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, and a nice littlefridge to keep some
Red Stripes frosty cold. There are French doors which open up to a nice patio tothe beach.
We had a beautiful view of the beach and the water, but there are some first floor
roomswhere views may be somewhat blocked. The front door of the suite was only steps away
from the pool and the clubhouse bar.
Most of the details about the beach and the pool were covered pretty well in last year's
report, so I'm going to avoid being repetitive. Denton(the master), is the full time bar
tender at the pool bar on the Au Natural side. Chester is now over at the main pool bar.
Karen is still at chef at the A/N Pool bar grill and yes she still makes those amazing
lamb chops. Special mention to MerryAnna who tirelessly delivered drinks to the beach.
There was a problem with regulating the temperature at the A/N jacuzzi all week. Most of
the time it was too too hot to use. I brought this to the attention of management but the
problem was never resolved. On our last night just about everyone who traveled with Go
Classy tried to end the night at the hot tub, but it was just too hot. Only a couple brave
fellows were braving the heat. The smaller tub however was just fine, but its obviously
much more intimate and not the gathering place the big tub is. There are now both pool and
ping pong tables in the clubhouse and new floating pads at the beach and pool.
The dining experience at Braco is one its highlights. The only problem is where and what
to eat because its all so good.
Victoria's Market is the main dining area. Its a covered outdoor eatery right by the main
pool. The breakfast buffet is served here. On the warm side there is the usual American
style foods, such as bacon, sausages, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and more. You can
also enjoy and amazing array of fresh fruits and yogurts. There's also a variety amazing
fresh pastries, bagels and breads all baked on the premises. The lunch buffets here are
also great. Everyday there is something different to tempt you. Anything from burgers to
jerk pork to BBQ ribs to whatever. Lunch at Victoria's Market is always worth a look to
see whats on the buffet. Just wander around and see whats for lunch. Dinner here is
casually elegant. I believe it is only a tad behind what you'll see at Piacere. Dinner is
five courses. You have your choices of appetizer, soup, salad, main course and dessert.
You'll also have your choice of wines from the wine basket.
Nanny's Jerk Pit, is my favorite spot at the resort. The food is simple and simply
awesome. The staff call it the Jamaican restaurant as it only serves native dishes. Here
you'll enjoy the famous Jerk Chicken. There is always a special of the day such as Curry
Goat or Red Snapper. You'll also enjoy the side dishes of rice and baked yams(oh the yams
were good) and even the cole slaw is terrific. Enjoy your meal here with another ice cold
Red Stripe. (Now I'm Really Missing Braco)
La Pasta's main draw is the brick oven pizza. Its made really well and very similar to the
pizza I remember having in Italy. We always have the pizza here so I can't comment on the
pasta. However special mention for the neat little salad bar. La Pasta is open until 2:00
AM for you late cravers.
Piacere is the French restaurant. In fact while on a business trip to Paris before this
trip to Jamaica, my wife and I discussed how nice dining at Piacere was while in having
dinner in Paris. In Paris dining is an event. A part of your life which is to be savored,
enjoyed and never rushed. This is what you'll get at Piacere. Dinner here is also five
courses. However I don't come away from here thinking the food is any better than dinner
at Victoria's Market. Thats a compliment to the Market and not an insult to Piacere.
Personally I was not thrilled with my dinner selection. I had the rack of lamb, which was
not nearly as good as the lamb chops at the pool grill. Howver everyone else enjoyed their
selections. The strolling string trio was also a nice touch. The dress code is elegant.
Most of the ladies wore dresses and jackets and long pants are required for the gentlemen.
Enjoy dinner here as the French do and take it all in. Hint, we ordered a Cognac and a
Drambouie after dessert to finish off. (A special hello to Kathy and Ken, our dining
companions at Piacere.)
The Japanese restaurant has changed its name to Maunahuna. The service here this year is
abit better than last year. The food is still excellent, but sushi was no longer offered
at dinner. It was replaced with the Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura. There is however a
seperate sushi bar at the restaurant, but it requires a seperate reservation as there is
very limited seating. We did not get to try the sushi bar.
With all these options, it becomes abit difficult to take advantage of room service.
Breakfast must be ordered the night before by filling out a selection card and hanging it
on your door by 2:00 AM. Your breakfast will be delivered within 15 minutes of your
desired time. Room service breakfast choices include coffee, teas, juices, yogurt, ceral,
bagels, and pastries. Non-breakfast include but are not limited to choices such as fresh
fruit, club sandwiches, potato skins, buffalo wings, burgers, and of course the lamb
chops. No room service request took longer than 30 minutes. Enjoy.
For those who get grow tired of all the lounging about there is an abundance of activities
to keep you busy. For the early risers there is the early morning power walk with Mighty
Mike. Mike takes you on a brisk walk around the entire property. Around the golf course
out to the main road and back in the service entrance, and back down the beaches. Mike
also returns to round up some folks for aquacise. This is an enjoyable aerobic workout in
the pool. So when you hear Mighty Mike yelling "Its Time For AQUACISE!!!!", go
agead and give it a try. There is also a team of social directors who try to keep
everybody involved with various contests and activities. Beer Drinking, Mixology, Body
Painting, and Water Volleyball are terrific. However I must hand it to Renard who made a
valiant attempt to hold Wet T-Shirt contest at the Au-Natural pool. There is a print out
of the weeks activities available at the front office. Last year there was an in house tv
station providing the activity update, but this was not working all week.
Nightlife at Braco is kind of quiet. There are piano sing-alongs and karaoke sessions.
There is also the Bare As You Dare Pyjama Party. The success of this event depends on the
crowd. There was alot more Bare last year, but this years crowd was much larger and
everybody was dancing. Either way its something not to be missed. So participate or
spectate but you should definately go. Most of the guys wore boxers, but some of the Hedo
gang came prepared with glitterful g-strings. The ladies wore a variety of lingerie such
as chemises, teddies, garters, g-strings to the girl with the full flannels. The Friday
Night Street Party is an amazing spread of all the wonderous Jamaican fare you see during
the week and more. Bring your apetite and get in the conga line when it passes your way.
The golf course is nine holes. There are eight par threes and one par four. With the
exception of the par four, you never need more than a five or six iron to reach the
greens. The four is a 240 yarder which is reachable for those who wish to test there
length. I wimped out and laid up with a five iron leaving a short wedge to the green. This
is abit of water on the course but only comes into play for shorter hitters. Club rentals
are six dollars, experienced balls are a buck each. Don't bring cash, it will be charged
to your room. There are also golf lessons available. Consult the activity sheet for the
lesson schedule. For the more serious shooter, take a trip to Breezes RunAway Bay to play
the championship 18 hole course.
I highly recommend Grand Lido Braco. This report is representative of my own opinions and
no one else. There are many people who do not feel as postively as I do about Braco. I
respect their opinions and believe they have their points. Water sports is very very
difficult to enjoy at Braco. The beach at the water line is very rocky and hard on the
feet. The bartenders only pour top shelf when you ask for it(so ask for it). The hot tubs
are too hot. The staff takes over the disco for their own pleasure. The social directors
neglect the AuNatural side. All these complaints are well documented on the comment boards
and making them is essential to keep management on their toes. Now my wife and I expect to
be in Negril next February for a wedding so we may not make it to Braco until until 2001.
But if I can talk my wife into 2 trips to Jamaica next year, then we will return to Braco
much sonner. Irie.