Trip Report Grand Lido Braco (formerly Braco Village) Jamaica, March 3 - 9, 1998
My husband and I have been to Grand Lido Negril a number of times. We have grown to love Jamaica, but this trip we decided to try a different location. So we planned to visit Grand Lido Sans Souci for six nights, and then moved on to try Grand Lido Braco for the same amount of time. Because there is little information available about the property on the boards and in the trip report library, I decided to make this report more of an informational "property report" rather than informing readers of our day-to-day activities and happenings.
Travelling west, through Ocho Rios and into the country, along the north coastal highway, the taxi ride from Grand Lido - Sans Souci to Grand Lido - Braco (GLB) takes about 40 minutes. The resort is nestled on the ocean in the Rio Bueno district (Trelawny Parish), just West of the Rio Bueno, where it is said Columbus found his first fresh drink of water in 1492. (About 40 minutes east of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.)
We were given a brief history of the resort: The resort opened in May 1995 as "Braco Village". Modeled after a Jamaican settlement and loosely emulating Falmouth (an ocean-side city to the west), the original resort has 180 gardenview, oceanview and beachfront rooms. The property upon which it rests was owned by the same family, Parnell, which owns much of the land along the ocean from Rio Bueno to Falmouth. One of the Parnells was once the mayor of Falmouth (see the bronze bust outside of the resort's "Courthouse"). Additionally, GLB property now includes the buildings of a never-opened family resort (which would have been known as Braco-Pebbles) that has been converted to an au natural section of the current GLB. SuperClubs took over the management of the entire property on June 15, 1997, and its official grand opening as Grand Lido Braco was on December 1, 1997. The au natural section has 52 rooms, which needed renovation from family-style to two-person-per-room maximum capacity. The resort rests on 86 acres and has over 2000 feet of beach. The architectural style is of 18th Century Jamaica, called Georgian & Gingerbread.
My husband and I entered the front gate off of the main road and rode through the 9-hole golf course, between the water reservoirs and small "lakes" that are a part of GLB. Our taxi driver informed us that the football (soccer) field at GLB has served as residence and training grounds for the Jamaican national team, the Reggae Boys, who are destined for the World Cup in France in June. The driver dropped us off at the "Town Hall" to check in. The concierge, bellmen, activity directors and front office are located in this building. We were greeted with what we have come to call "Lido Treatment" which includes the traditional three forms (the credit card imprint form for incidental charges, the in-room safe information card, and the return flight confirmation form) and the opportunity for a beverage. I had an orange juice and Mike had Pepsi. Before we could finish, we were on our way through the "village" to our suite and were greeted by some friends we had made plans to meet up with at GLB.
The suite - we were pleasantly surprised by the size and feel of the suite ... the largest room we have ever had in Jamaica. Located on the au natural (west) side of the resort, on the third floor, the "luxury suite" has vaulted ceilings, and one and one-half bathrooms. The Master Bedroom offers a large closet, a king-size bed with two nightstands, three lamps, a telephone, and a four-drawer dresser, a t.v. stand, and television (CNN, ESPN, TNT, USA, TBS, NBC, CBS, HBO, Cinemax and Jamaican TV) with remote. The full bathroom is adjacent to the Master BR, offering in-shower dispenser (of shampoo, shower gel and lotion), plenty of towels, an on-wall hair dryer, and soaps. The bathroom is very plain, but immaculate and new ... with a shower/tub, one sink, large vanity, large mirror and a toilet. The water temperature is difficult to control in the shower. The Master BR is on the ocean (north) side of the building, with a huge balcony overlooking the shore, offering a stunning beach view. The sitting area of the luxury suite offers a fold-out sofa (just in case you have a lovers' quarrel?), a wet bar and refrigerator (that is stocked with Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Ting, 7 up, and Red Stripe), a coffee/tea maker, a kitchenette table with chairs, a decorative corner desk, and a four-drawer television stand complete with t.v. and remote, lamps, and a another telephone. A closet (stocked with iron and ironing board) and a tiny half-bathroom are located on the sitting room side of the suite. Oddly enough, there are two stove hot plates above the small refrigerator ... remnants of Pebbles (we were told that these would be being eliminated over time).
Rooms are spacious and very clean. Light concealing curtains, tile floors, plenty of lights, two air conditioning units (one for the sitting room side, the other for the Master BR side), ceiling fans. The color scheme is playful ... lavenders, yellows and subdued tones of magenta grace the fabrics, and a pale yellow provides a nondescript backdrop. (The fabric colors in the rooms on the "normal" side are more dominant.) So many lights. But, we got the hang of light and ceiling fan switch locations by the end of our stay.
There is an in-hotel television channel that outlines activities, times, locations and reservation requirements for everything that goes on in GLB. There was also a folder that had room service menus, breakfast "door hanger" menus and complementary dry cleaning/laundry information and forms. I inquired about the absence of an in-room directory describing ALL activities and amenities and was told that a comprehensive one is currently in development. There is a TV channel guide, an inter-resort phone directory, and outgoing call information located in the room.
The Village - Our tour through the village began with a stop for pizza with our friends at La Pasta. We sat down to absorb the pace and feel of the "village," enjoying a Red Stripe and a Pepsi. Dining al fresco, we took in the view of blooming foliage, a quaint fountain at the center of the turnaround (town square), and the "Jamaican hustle" of employees and guests. The architecture is charming. The ambience is relaxing. The "streets" are paved to look like cobblestone, and every so often a bicyclist passes through. La Pasta is on the west side of the turnaround.
Streets approach the fountain from four directions ... one from the north, south, east and west. Continuing on - clockwise. A fieldstone staircase leads to the entrance of Piacere, the French Nouvelle cuisine restaurant.
In the street rests a cart filled with iced sugar cane and coconuts. Servers teach guests how to drink the coconut water and eat cane ... authentic Jamaican treats! At night, a cart filled with roasted warm peanuts is parked here, too. Guests help themselves, tossing shells into the street. Some of our Jamaican friends who came to visit us at GLB said that the peanut cart was truly a genuine Jamaican highlight.
If one takes the road to the north, there is a "casino" to the left, consisting of a collection of slot machines. Beyond the entrance to the casino is a dimly lit disco, in the decor of Jamaican dance hall. (One of our Jamaican friends who came to visit told me that the "disco" is what made her fall in love with the verifiability of GLB.)
Further down the street, to the left, is the Victorian Market which offers breakfast and lunch buffets by day and is called "Diamond Room" restaurant at night.
Further to the left, as if you have passed through the Victoria Market, is the soon to open Japanese Restaurant that will be called Stir Crazy. Beyond it, on the ocean shore is the new gym. The spa (see below), adjacent to the new gym, is not yet open. We were told that the gym would have an aerobic platform and superior Cybex training equipment, as well as free weights, treadmills and bikes that will be moved from the current exercise room. Although the exercise area will be open air for a time, there is talk of eventually enclosing and air conditioning it. We were also told that both of these facilities are scheduled for completion by the end of March.
Backing up to the entrance of Victoria Market again, and looking further down the road, from the north one will see the unusually shaped main pool with its swim-up bar, oversized deck, cool pool bridge, and beyond that the expansive beach. My opinion - GLB spared no expense on pools. At one end of the pool, there is a "cove" that allows for a nearly full-size volleyball court set away from the rest of pool activities. During the day it seemed as if there was always a game going on there. Plenty of chaises, chairs and towels were available poolside.
Crossing the street, and heading back toward the fountain, on the left (across the street from Victoria Market) is the White Gaulin, the main bar. A plaque inside says the bar is named for the white birds that pick the ticks off of Jamaica's cattle. The main bar offers inside and outside seating, as well as seating around the circular bar. I'm not sure what times the bar is open, but I never walked by and found it closed. The While Gaulin also has a piano inside, and "sing-a-long" is offered at 11:00 PM most nights.
Behind the bar is a staircase that leads up to the current fitness center and the "games room," which has tabletop games, darts and pool tables. Further behind the bar is a sitting room that features Karaoke on some nights.
If one continues on, behind the bar, Nanny's Jerk Pit offers authentic Jamaican cuisine ... from 11 AM to 6 PM. Thatched roof and woven place mats are just the beginning of the list of things that gives the restaurant atmosphere credibility as authentic Jamaican. A road leads from here to the east, taking guests to the first row of rooms on the normal/textile side.
Backing up to the road and continuing toward the water fountain again, the White Gaulin takes up the entire "block" back to the center of town. Back at the circle, and continuing on in clockwise fashion is the Courthouse. This building serves as special meeting and function space. The steps of the Courthouse serve as the stage for the Friday night street dance.
Moving along, a road leads off to the east on the other side of the Courthouse separating it from the Town Hall.
If one were to go east on this road or the road in front of Nanny's, they would end up in the "main residential" area of the village. Here lie the 180 units that comprise the sleeping rooms for the original Braco Village resort. Cleverly painted in pale colors and carrying out the theme of Georgian & Gingerbread, these twelve to twenty-four unit blocks are purely charming ... with white trim and unpredictable architectural elevations, they are inviting to the eye. The units are situated in two rows, one adjacent to the length of beach to the east, and the other row of units running parallel behind the oceanfront buildings. A Clubhouse, with full bar and fast food-type service is on the eastern most end of the property, beyond the sleeping unit complexes. The Clubhouse also offers a hot tub. Beyond it lies vacant beach and fields.
Again, the Town Hall is where all "business" occurs in GLB ... Concierge Celene is extremely friendly and helpful. All of the people who work at the front desk are busy but very kind. Bell men are located to the south of the Town Hall. If a guest needs anything, they should either call or stop by this building and most likely they will find help. Chelsea Galleries has a very limited collection of artwork located in the Town Hall and Courthouse.
Crossing to the west side of the southbound street, a string of village shops on two levels offer almost anything one needs: toiletries, souvenirs of all kinds, cigars, coffee, Jamaican cassettes and CDs, duty free shopping, logo embellished items, lots of "Irie" and "No Problem" gizmos, clothing, swimsuits, etc. Caution: BYOB (book) ... one should not count on finding any good reading materials here. Additional shopping can be found on Wednesday and Saturday throughout the Village in a traditional Jamaican craft-market-type setup. The only thing missing from the real-Jamaican-market-experience on Wed. and Sat., is the feeling of being chased down to haggle a price on something you don't care for ... very pleasant!
Before finishing the walk around the circle and returning to La Pasta, there is one more street, which runs to the west. On the left-hand side, when one's back is to the fountain, there is a dive shop with swimsuits and water/diving paraphernalia. The next door down is the nurse's station and medical center. Upstairs, there is a beauty salon that offers full-services (Miss Betty's Beauty Shoppe), and one that offers the complementary pedicure and manicure featured in the brochures. I believe the complimentary mani/pedicures will be moved to the new spa once it is complete. I took the time to have both the complementary pedicure and manicure. One should book these as soon as they arrive because it may take a few days to get in; I had to book three days out. The end-result of the mani/pedicures was beautiful, but I experienced what I have experienced so many times in the beauty shops on these vacations ... unfriendly staff. Oh, after a while the mani/pedicurist warmed up, but I don't understand why I should have to work hard to get her to be pleasant. Everywhere else on the property, the staff is pleasant ... even enjoyable and fun.
If one continues on to the west, they will arrive at the au natural beach/pool/sleeping unit complex. The sleeping units separate the pool area on the southern side from the beach on northern side. Touted as the largest pool in Jamaica, the au natural pool area will certainly give any other pool a run for its money. It is vast and uniquely shaped, with a swim-up bar, a beach-sloped entry, stepped entry, many floats (flats and recliners), a bridge, and more. There are two whirlpools, one seems to be enough to seat 30 - 40 people comfortably, and the other is about a six-person hot tub removed from the main pool area and separated by plantings. There are many, many chairs, tables and chaises all around the pool, maybe 80. The unique setup offers shade as well as direct sunlight. While we were there, the au natural sleeping rooms were filled to capacity yet, because of the size of the complex, the beach and pools seemed nearly vacant. It seems as though there is enough beach/pool room for five times the number of occupied sleeping rooms on the c/o side.
The sleeping unit complex runs parallel to the beach and separates the beach from the pool area. On the ocean, or northern, side are spacious private balconies. Open-air hallways connect rooms for entry on the pool, or southern, side of the building.
There are 80 chaises and chairs (our friend counted) on the beach in front of the au natural side. A man-made breakwater of huge rocks keeps the surf breaking at a distance off shore. It prevents beach destruction, creating a natural barrier for safe swimming and floating. It is really quite beautiful to the eyes and ears, as well.
It is very important to note that there may be guests who prefer the textile beach but who have been placed in the au natural sleeping units. For this reason, the hotel policy is for au natural guests to wear cover-ups to and from their room.
Also, we asked a few questions of the resident manager during our stay and found that inappropriate/explicit behavior will not be tolerated. It will take a while for the GLB staff to learn the ropes, however the au natural security and bar staffs have been educated to be conspicuously present and to deal with explicit and/or inappropriate behavior on an individual basis. If a guest experiences or observes this type of behavior, it should be reported to security (or better yet, the manager on duty).
There is a tennis court and Clubhouse (with a fast-food restaurant, beverages, ping-pong) located on this side, too. A pool table is on order for the Clubhouse.
Before I even begin breaking the dining descriptions into restaurants and times, I am compelled to note that the presentation of the plated foods and the buffets is tremendous. I just don't know how they can feed so many, keeping the hot food hot and the cold food cold, and still presenting it all so beautifully. I truly enjoyed watching the workers set-up the buffet on Friday Night (see below). There was so much activity. And the food artists created displays right before our eyes. Further, I recommend that guests take time to chat with their food and beverage waiters a bit to get not only a taste of dinner, but a taste of the real beauty of Jamaica, as well.
Dining Options: 7:30 - 10:30 AM Victoria Market Breakfast Buffet: No reservations. The servers along the hot buffet are outgoing-ly friendly and will explain what is in certain dishes, to the extent that they even walked along side me and explained hot entrees. More or less the hot buffet line is beautifully-displayed, but straight forward breakfast food like waffles, pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs or eggs Benedict, omelets made to order, sausages and bacon, breakfast potatoes, and Jamaican breakfast foods. The bread display includes many types of sweet breads, breakfast rolls and muffins. Bread and bagels for toasting are available along with appropriate condiments. Also available are lots of fresh fruits, breakfast cereals and milk, hot breakfast cereal. Coffee, tea, and juice are served at the table. I did not see a breakfast menu for plated meals.
12:30 - 3:00 PM Victoria Market Lunch Buffet: Different every day, but the buffet always included an extensive hot food line (Chinese, Jamaican, German, Mexican, etc.) The buffet included many types of salads (green, pasta, vegetable, etc.), sandwich ingredients (cold cuts, cheeses, vegetables with condiments), a plentiful fruit and vegetable display, soup du jour, a huge bread display, and most importantly, a phenomenal dessert table. There seemed to be so many tempting desserts to choose from, I found it impossible to finish a meal without indulging. The food presentation was a treat for the eyes first, and the palate later. Coffee, tea, wine, juices and full bar service offered at the table.
Musical note: There was the most beautiful string quintet playing at lunch every day except Sunday (on which day they played for dinner). The ensemble, called "Fantasia" was from Cuba and was only there for a few weeks, at which time they will move on t, I believe, Grand Lido - Sans Souci. Comprised of three violins, a cello and a bass (with one of the violinists trading in his strings for a clarinet occasionally), the music was impeccably performed -- classical, jazz, and contemporary favorites. The most perfect backdrop for a romantic lunch or dinner. Note: Victoria Market becomes the Diamond Room in the evening. No matter what the restaurant is being called, there is a no smoking section in this restaurant. Seats are available for groups of 2, 4, and for larger groups. During the day the dress is very casual, shorts and/or appropriate cover-ups are required, shoes and tops are required of all. In the evening, the "Diamond Room" is a little dressier ... I'd classify attire as sporty casual. Men seemed to wear dressy shorts and casual pants. Women were wearing casual dresses/skirts and dressy shorts with dressy t-shirts and casual blouses. 7 - 10 PM a la cart dining in the Diamond Room: No reservations. Menus change nightly but include appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts each night. A sampling of menu items is listed below (I permanently borrowed menus to be able to print this section, but have only listed half of the items).
Appetizers - Shellfish and smoked salmon terrene on a bed of marinated vegetable fettuccini with chunky avocado salsa; Pork and shrimp spring roll with Asian slaw and orange plum sauce; Open ravioli with a shrimp and mussel ragout served on a chunky tomato sauce; Pinwheel of smoked salmon and marlin in flour tortilla served with salsa picante and sweet corn relish; Crab and vegetable taco with tomato and black bean salsa; Homemade country pate with pistachios, served with a zesty island Cumberland sauce; Antipasto selection of prosciutto, shrimp, grilled vegetables, jerk sausage and mixed olives; Mushroom and escargot vol-au vent in a creamy garlic sauce; Spicy Texas chicken empanadas presented with chili, bean and avocado chutney; And many, many more. Soups - Garlic and potato soup with frizzled leeks and herb croutons; Smooth pumpkin cream with flakes of smoked capon and high-fiber croutons; Cucumber and dill soup, served icy cold; Multi-bean soup with mesquite smoked chicken; Jamaican bouillabaisse flavored with star anise and garnished with an assortment of local seafood; Jamaican pepperpot soup flavored with callalloo and garnished with local seafood; French onion soup with Swiss cheese croutons; And, many, many more. Salad -- Always a Victoria Market assortment of garden fresh leaves with tomatoes and cucumbers on the side and a choice of dressings. (My favorite was blue cheese.) Entrees - Nightly menus include many of the following, all prepared in unique, unpronounceable ways ...lamb, sole, turkey, gray snapper, New York sirloin, pork loin, brook trout, chicken, shrimp, beef tournedos, tenderloin, marlin, grouper.
Piacere with dinner seating from 6:30 - 9:30 nightly, except Friday: Reservations are required, reserve with the concierge. Currently proper attire is semi-formal (no jackets were required, however long pants and leather non-sneaker shoes were for men ... dresses were appropriate for women) ... However, when the Japanese restaurant opens they will be switching to formal attire for men and women. This means leather shoes (no sneakers), jackets and collars for men -- dresses and dress shoes for women.
The dcor is of a sparse "islandy" floral and dim ...very pretty. Our waiter "Shorty" was just great, and friendly. A seasoned, talented harpist plays in the corner throughout dinner (phenomenal). Separate waiters carry out separate service functions: water, wine, cocktail, and food. White gloves are worn, and service is elegantly formal and impeccable. The menu was the same both nights, with the addition of a page of Chef's nightly features. We ran into the Executive Chef (during setup for the Friday night street party) and he said the menu is soon to be changed in the Piacere, so our information will not be of much value. However, we do know that the menu will change every few nights and it will continue to include a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sorbet palate cleanser, entre and dessert. Both evenings we enjoyed dinner with another couple, and both evenings we over-indulged in good tastes. The only thing we missed was a super-chocolate dessert (although we were able to satisfy our chocolate hankering by stopping at the bakery on our way back to the rooms). There is no smoking allowed in the Piacere, although people did step onto the balcony to have a between-course puff.
Stir Crazy: Soon to open ... Japanese cuisine restaurant. Spiffy casual attire will be required, meaning no ties, no jackets ... that is all I know for now. I believe that reservations will be required, but the resort seems to be working on all of those details at this time. The restaurant is scheduled to open in April.
Nanny's Jerk Pit offers authentic Jamaican cuisine from 11 AM to 6 PM daily: No reservations. Authentic Jamaican atmosphere. Menu includes: cocobread, rice and peas, jerked pork and chicken, yams, and other Jamaican standards. I did not eat in this restaurant, but I was aware that attire is very casual (cover ups and shoes required). I walked by during the day at several different times and it seemed as though this was, with exception of the clubhouses, the most casual of atmospheres at the resort.
La Pasta, noon until 2:00 AM, pizza and pasta: No reservations. Attire is casual during the daylight, switching to a nighttime blend of casual and sporty casual based on the mood of the dining guests. The menu: Soup is offered each day, along with the Jamaican specialty fish tea (soup). Salad is served from the small antipasto/salad bar. Garlic bread was served in a basket at the table. Pizzas, made-to-order with an assortment of toppings to select from, take about 15 minutes to arrive to the table. Pastas were made-to-order as well. Guests select a pasta type and select from a choice of six sauces that include combinations of seafood, meats and/or vegetables. Dessert could be personally selected from the Bakery showcase (right next door) which included an array of ice creams, desserts and coffee/tea/espresso.
Service at La Pasta was normally excellent or very good (waiters friendly, eager to please and efficient), but we did hit one off night on which the service was not good ...an example of how GLB is still in its polishing stages. Room service was consistent and took only 10 minutes for a pot of coffee. We never ordered anything else, although the menu is listed below: Breakfast Menu (hang on your door before bed and room service will deliver at the time you specify). Items include: Cereal, toast, bakery basket, yogurt, fresh fruit plate, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, mango nectar, V-8, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, apple juice, tomato juice, clamato juice, orange juice and milk.
Standard Room Service Menu: Snacks: Nachos, Stuffed Potato Skins, and BBQ Buffalo Chicken wings with blue cheese dressing and crunch vegetables. Soup of the Day. Two Salads. Sandwiches: Braco Clubhouse, Build your own. Main Courses: Hamburger, Marinated Lamb Chops, and Grilled Boneless Chicken with cocobread. Each main course is served with French fries, tomato and pickles.
Note: I hear that the lamb chops are incredible. Also, note that the hamburgers have the weird spices that all Jamaican hamburgers seem to have on them. Desserts: Tropical fresh fruit salad with toasted coconut curls, banana bread and yogurt, mint dip; Vanilla ice cream with caramelized pineapple and banana, chocolate sauce and whipped cream; Chocolate brownie.
Clubhouses: There are two, one located at either end of the property; one is au natural and one is textile/normal. Both clubhouses have bars, serve the room service menu, and are distribution points for room service. Each is offers open-air service.
Friday Night Jamaica Street Dance Dinner (7 PM) / Jamaica Street Dance (9 PM): This was one of the most unique evening events I've ever witnessed or been a part of. And, good food was everywhere. Food carts and food tables were set up all around the center of town. The streets were filled with dining tables, set for two or four. Buffet lines began serving without fanfare or announcement at 7 PM. I had three grilled lobster tails and to-die-for dessert. There was a special feeling to sitting in the street and dining with our friends. And, the wine didn't hurt anything, either. We had heard that the Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson, would be in attendance that evening. Little did we know that we selected the table right next to his. So, my friend and I flirted with P.J.'s bodyguards enough to persuade them to ask the Prime Minister for a photo with him. He obliged ... what a hoot! And the photo turned out, too. Our waiters were outgoing and friendly. We egged them on to be a little less formal. The entertainment was a street dance. Nearly everyone got up to dance to the sounds of Soca (specifically, the Dollar Dance) and a bunch of other line dances. All of the entertainment was centered on the Courthouse steps (stage) and the street in front of it. Great entertainment! If one goes to Braco, they surely should not miss this evening event.
Bars: There are nine bars on the grounds, each serving top-shelf alcohol. Two clubhouses, the main "White Gaulin" bar, the main pool and the au natural pool bars, the disco bar, the Italian restaurant has a bar, as does Victoria Market, and (when it opens) Stir Crazy will, too. Note: one must specify top-shelf brand names, or call brand liquor will be served in blended/mixed drinks. My thrill: Diet Pepsi is now available in the bars. My husband's thrill: Pepsi that tastes decent is now served, too.
Golf: GLB offers a nine-hole executive golf course, par three. Green fees are complimentary, but there is a rental fee for clubs. To golf, simply walk out to the clubhouse.
More golf: Also, GLB provides complimentary transportation and green fees at Breezes Runaway Golf & Beach Hotel. It is an eighteen-hole world-class course about twenty minutes east of GLB. Guests pay for caddy and equipment rental. Reservations are made through the concierge's desk.
Fishing: GLB has two ponds on property for fishing, one named "Fun Fishing," and the other "Fishing at Sea." Sticks and baits are available by contacting the social directors' desk. Fish that are caught will be prepared for guests at Nanny's Jerk Pit, unless fishers wish to practice catch-and-release or give the fish to a favorite employee.
Spa: Scheduled for completion by the end of March 1998, the spa facilities will offer complimentary manicure and pedicure, steam room, sauna. Massages and body treatments will be available for a fee.
Wines: The wines are good. I am the type of wine drinker that likes a wine simply for its taste and I had no problem finding pleasant ones to drink at GLB. GLB's wines are Chilean, French and Italian. If one is going to GLB expecting a huge selection of vintners and vintages, their expectations will disappoint. If one is a wine connoisseur, expecting the best or most expensive of wines, bring your own. Because of the import duty and tax structure in Jamaica, a $20 bottle of wine in the US becomes a $50 bottle in Jamaica. Mathematically and logically, it would be impossible to offer expensive complementary bottles to guests. We asked why the hotel does not stock better wines for sale, the answer was the same, "who will pay $50 for a bottle of wine they can get at home for $20?" Hint: if a wine is unfavorable, request a replacement. The waiters are eager to please and offer tasting prior to pouring even an individual glass. Foliage: The plantings at GLB au natural side are young, although they are full and lush on the older normal side. In a few years, the au natural grounds will be breathtaking.
Grounds: The grounds are kept immaculately. I'm sure the youth of the property contributes to its ultra clean/tidy appearance. But, I know that it is also due to diligent efforts by maintenance and grounds crews ... and they were working everywhere during the day. Weddings: We were told GLB averages three weddings per day. We saw a bunch one day, and few thereafter. While the resort does have a wedding gazebo, we were informed that many of the weddings are performed among the flower gardens and on the lavish lawns of GLB. We were informed that they plan to upgrade the grounds around the existing gazebo in the near future. GLB, as with all SuperClubs, offers complementary wedding arrangements. Activities: Orientations at 10 AM and 5 PM each day Aerobics and power walks each AM except Sat./Sun. Sat. personal training Sun. Nature Hike Aquacise each AM except Sun. Additional physical training every afternoon Tennis and Golf lessons each AM and PM Beach and pool volleyball Golf Tennis Golf and Tennis Tournaments Fishing
Misc.: Music Trivia, Scavenger Hunt, Drink Mixology, International Trivia, Pool Olympics, Jamaican Cooking Class, Pool Tournament, Jamaican History Class, Jamaican Trivia Quiz, Table Tennis Tournament, Domino Tournament, Treasure Hunt.
Truly Unique Activities: TeaLeaf Reading, Fortune Reading, Crab Racing. Nightly entertainment: Special nights are Friday (Jamaica Street Dance Celebration) and Wednesday (Beach Party Show and Fun and Games). Lunch Entertainment each day, with "Lunchtime Funtime" at 2 PM. 10 PM nightly DanceHall Disco opens Karaoke and Sing-a-longs every night at 11 Pajama Party at 11:30 PM Thurs.
Water Sports: Complementary SCUBA diving, wind surfing, sailing, snorkeling and water-skiing. Free lessons are provided for beginner SCUBA diving. And, PADI Certification is provided at additional cost.
Notes: Once I am there, I tend to forget why we keep returning to the all-inclusive type of resort. I forget, that is, until we arrive at the airport on our way home and we have to pay more than a buck for stale coffee. We're no dummies, we know we pay up-front, but we enjoy the feeling of not paying for stuff every time we turn around. Locking our money in the safe is relaxing. Consequently, all-inclusive is the way to go on vacation for us (or, my husband would have us eating at Burger King on a nightly basis). The no tipping policy simplifies things, too (although my husband and I do bring along candy bars to give away). Why is it the coffee always tastes better in Jamaica? I don't know, but it sure is the truth. Even Blue Mountain coffee brewed at home is not the same. The beach rivals the beauty of any I've ever seen. We did not notice any mosquitoes at GLB. While we were there it was very windy, so that may have factored into the mosquito-less visit...? Other than wind, we had great weather, with drizzly rain on our arrival day only. And, I never needed a sweater or sleeves at night.
Our friend told us the ocean floor is quite rocky, so aqua socks might help if one is planning on swimming.
Housekeeping -- is timely, complete, and the gals seem pleasant. We had beautiful towel sculptures on our beds after housekeeping and after turndown service.
Pack lightly --use laundry and dry cleaning services you have paid for. There seemed to be an abundance of beach towels and beach chairs/chaises everywhere. Those who normally get up early to mark their chair and grab a towel may sleep in at GLB.
Chocolate -- For me, the equation is Chocolate + Sun = Vacation. Everyone has their own tastes, but I think there is a slight shortage of the stuff on dessert menus. Although, trust me and my bathroom scale, there were plenty of other awesome desserts available!
Massage -- my husband signed up for a massage through Miss Betty's Beauty Shop. It was the one service we paid for during our visit. The cost for one hour and fifteen minutes was $80. He looked like he had melted afterward, saying he had never had a better massage (and the man has had plenty). The Fruit Lady - A middle-aged Jamaican woman walks around the property in an 18th Century peasant dress and her Nikes. She carries a basket of fruit. I had fresh coconut and it was awesome. I was told she serenades guests, too, although I did not hear her for myself. She is a memorable addition to the feel of the place.
Remember, Jamaicans have their own pace... a Jamaican hustle is in slow motion. Perhaps it comes from the heat. If you don't slow down and enjoy your vacation, all you will get is upset that things are not moving at rush hour pace. Relax, settle into the Jamaican timing and enjoy.
Jewel in the rough -- It is evident that GLB is diligently working at the polishing stages of resort infancy. From discussions with various managers during our visit, we found that the resort is pursuing a diligent training schedule in all areas. The service shortcomings are rarely noticeable here and there, but so are the giant efforts of the employees ... They really are trying! My guess is that by mid-summer or early fall the service at GLB will compete with the best any resort anywhere has to offer. Service with a smile - as I said, any service shortcoming is nearly excuse-able because of the efforts and pleasantries of the servers.
Bottom line, I plan on returning! Sara