Thursday, January 19, 2012

Two Hotels in Jamaica to Reopen - former Grand Lido Braco and Hedonism III

As reported by the Jamaica Gleaner 
888 8Classy
Two hotels to reopen

The National Insurance Fund-owned Rio Bueno Resort, previously operated by SuperClubs as Grand Lido Braco Resort, and up to April 2011 as Breezes Rio Bueno. The hotel is to reopen under new management in the coming weeks. - File
The National Insurance Fund-owned Rio Bueno Resort, previously operated by SuperClubs as Grand Lido Braco Resort, and up to April 2011 as Breezes Rio Bueno. The hotel is to reopen under new management in the coming weeks. - File
SOME 900 jobs will become available within the next few weeks, as two hotels, one in Trelawny and the other in St Ann, which have been closed, are set to reopen.
The former Grand Lido Braco in Trelawny and the former Super Fun Resort in Runaway Bay, St Ann, will be reopening following last week's signing of lease agreements between the Government and two tourism entities.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett in making the announcement said, "The 226-room Grand Lido Braco has been leased by Sun Wing Limited and will be operated by Blue Diamond Resorts Limited, while the 226-room Super Fun Resort will now be under the management of Royal DeCameron which currently has two other properties - one in Montego Bay and the other in the Runaway Bay area."
"The reopening of these properties comes at the start of the 2011/2012 winter tourist season and will result in some 900 jobs being made available. We signed the management contracts for the companies to take over the reins of the resorts and I am looking forward to the reopening."
Winter season boost
Bartlett said the reopening of the resorts, which will bring back some 550 rooms into operation, could not come at a better time, as Jamaica is expected to welcome approximately 1.3 million visitors during this winter season.
He said the new operators of the resorts have given their commitment that their engagement with these hotels are long-term.
The Grand Lido Braco Resort and the Super Fun Resort were closed earlier this year, at the end of a management contract with the Super Clubs Group.

800 7CLASSY
FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS






Monday, January 16, 2012

N Resort Trip Report from Go Classy Tours

N RESORT
800 329-8145
N Resort has blossomed since our last visit in December. Plants and shrubbery have matured and the beach has more sand; yet some things remained constant - quality meals and outstanding, friendly service. This is not a resort for the all-night party crowd or the “drink ‘til you drop” bunch. This is a nude resort with a nice beach, a big pool with a water-slide, all staffed by people who really care. Located about 30 minutes from the Montego Bay Sangster Airport, this is a place for couples - a place to sit by the pool with your partner, a good book, and a Red Stripe. This is the place for a long walk up the beach - there is nothing for two or three miles. This is a place for an unrushed meal, either with friends or just together.

The rooms are located along the ocean east of the port city of Falmouth. You can see the large cruise ships as they dock there for a day with their masses, but not have to fight the mob. Each of the ten buildings is made of knotty pine, and the rooms are large and have everything you need. The large king-sized bed is surmounted by a mosquito net (which was not needed), 
How Romantic ;)
Room with a REAL Ocean View!
and a small fridge, phone, desk, day-bed, TV, and safe are included. There is WIFI in all rooms (AND IT'S FREE), but if you didn’t bring your computer, you can use the one near the main desk. The oceanfront rooms are really ocean-front!
Your balcony comes with either two chairs and a table or a daybed and a table and is almost in the water. The ocean-view rooms are a little further back, but have real ocean views. The garden view rooms are currently not in use.  The rooms are rustic looking but quite comfortable, but, frankly, I was in our room only at night and during one afternoon thunderstorm.

The meals were delicious. The cuisine was a mix of American and Jamaican dishes. My favorite was probably breakfast with a large selection of goodies, including custom made omelets. Lunch was a choice - eat at the pool bar or the main dining room. 
YUM!
Both were good choices. The evening menu varied from day to day. At least three to six main entrees, including vegetarian, were offered. One night was a beach night with a fire-eater as entertainment followed by dancing on the beach. Every night was different. The Italian restaurant was open two nights, along with the main dining room. The Italian is the Jamaican version of Italian adapting some of the local vegetables and  spices. People are requested to dress for the main dining room, as required by Jamaican law. What is considered “dressed” is open to your interpretation - pareos and loincloths were in vogue, although in the evening, sport shirts, shorts and sundresses were seen.

We were at the resort during Halloween. The decorations, meals, and entertainment were outstanding. A number of “deceased” performers were starred, including the late Michael Jackson who arrived with glove, in a custom fitted casket. The guests joined in with costumes, and a lucky couple received three free nights. “Pirate’s night” also saw many guests in costumes of one sort or another. Some participated, others didn’t, but everyone had a good meal.

The greatest obstacle to overcome was “sand gravity” - the tendency to park on the beach or by the pool and luxuriate. 
Can't you just see yourself laying there?
For those interested, there are two tennis courts, with a resident tennis pro, water aerobics, water volleyball, and a water-slide competition, along with other poolside
games. A glass-bottom boat was available most mornings, weather permitting, and a snorkeling trip was scheduled. A Jamaican cooking demonstration was done one day by Chef Jeffrey Martin, winner of the “Best inJamaica” competition in 2008.

For those desiring pampering, spa treatments, massages, and hair styling are available at a reasonable rate.

While we were there, there were about sixty guests present. This provided a nice number to support activities. The one thing that really impressed me was the quality of service. The entire staff was dedicated to make our vacation the best.
Drink anyone?
 
See you in Jamaica!
Dates of visit - October 25 - November 1, 2011.
Ray & Pat

Call today to book this FAB Resort!