|
Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa
Royal treatment awaits guests at this stately all-inclusive
By Paris Permenter & John Bigley
Editors' Note: In Summer
2005, SuperClubs made the decision to retire the M/Y Zein due to escalating
costs and maintenance. The royal vessel is no longer at this resort but
Grand Lido Negril is still regal in many other aspects, from its exceptional
beach to its fine dining. We've left the M/Y Zein in our story, though,
as a fond memory for all the guests who enjoyed a sunset sail on this
unique vessel.
“May I pour you a glass of champagne?” the steward
asked. In the distance, the setting sun turned the crystal flute into
a rosy promise.
We were enjoying a sunset cruise aboard the M/Y Zein, a stately 147-foot
yacht which now calls Grand Lido Negril home. Four times a week, elegantly
attired guests rejoice in the end of another day of tropical bliss aboard
the cruise. At other times, the yacht is booked for weddings or chartered
by names whose presence draws the paparazzi--like Star Jones’ recent
birthday bash aboard the celebrated vessel.
But for all its current appeal to the rich and famous – or those
whom Grand Lido just makes feel so blessed for a few special days –
the real draw of this yacht dates back over half a century. This vessel
was given as a wedding present by Aristotle Onassis to Monaco’s Prince
Rainier and his new bride, Princess Grace. Aboard the elegant yacht, the
couple charted a honeymoon course for Corsica and Sardinia. Today, many
of the yacht’s furnishings remain the same, adding a regal touch
to an already stately vessel.
 But
the royal touches found on the M/Y Zein are just part of the regal atmosphere
at Grand Lido Negril, one of the island’s most upscale adult-only
all-inclusive resorts. While the westernmost resort town of Negril is
known for its laid-back atmosphere found at properties ranging from mom-and-pop
properties to the neighboring (and fellow SuperClubs member) wild-as-you-dare
Hedonism II,
at this resort the atmosphere is one of pampering tranquility.
The dramatic entrance of marble floors and columns sets an elegant tone,
one that’s carried out throughout the resort in muted tones and traditional
furnishings. We found that the stately atmosphere continued in the guest
suites as well. The 210 suites spread across the expansive property range
from junior suites with sunken living rooms to luxury one-bedroom suites
with a private Jacuzzi on the patio, complete with a fully-stocked wet
bar as well as walk-in closet.
Our suite was just steps from the powdery beach—one of two at this
large resort. The main beach, adjacent to the public areas, is a crescent
of sand the shade of shredded coconut, the perfect place to spend a lazy
afternoon. Nearby, a rockier, more secluded beach is the setting for Grand
Lido’s clothing optional beach, a quiet area which includes its own
pool, hot tub, bar, and grill.
While lazy beach walks are a top draw, active guests have a whole menu
of activities from which to choose: windsurfing, sunfish sailing, water-skiing,
kayaking, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, scuba diving, and more,
all part of the all-inclusive package. Landlubbers find plenty of distraction
as well, ranging from a tennis lesson with the resident pro or a bicycle
tour to fitness classes or golf at the 18-hole Negril Hills. The all-inclusive
package includes greens fees and transportation but not clubs, carts,
or mandatory caddies. A day of sports – whether sunbathing or something
more challenging – can be followed by a pampering spa treatment.
Treatments ranging from massages to facials are available on an a la carte
basis.
 More
pampering comes at mealtime. The resort has a full range of dining options.
Guests can opt for 24-hour room service with gourmet dining and champagne
on ice for pure privacy. Or break up the day with afternoon tea, an elegant
event that brings the regalness of a British tea service to the tropics.
Nine bars serve liquid refreshment in other forms.
But it is the evening dining which has brought Grand Lido Negril awards
and plenty of guest appreciation. We’d enjoyed many of the resort’s
other options, from the Japanese Munasan to the fiery Scotch Bonnet restaurant
to the casual pasta bar. But for our final evening, we opted for the crown
jewel of Grand Lido’s restaurants: Piacere.
We made our reservations early for this, the most formal of the resort’s
restaurants. While many Caribbean resorts have gone the way of casual
elegance, this restaurant recognizes the specialness of an evening in
dressy attire; jackets are required for men and formal attire for women.
|
Paris Permenter &
John Bigley aboard the M/Y Zein
|
As the door was opened for us, we were greeted by the sophisticated
sounds of a piano playing softly. White tablecloths punctuated the subtle
pastels of the eatery where the well-heeled clientele enjoyed Nouvelle
cuisine served by white-gloved waiters. For the next few hours, we enjoyed
a spectacular meal and sampled Piacere’s extensive wine list.
We strolled from the restaurant and back toward our suite. The resort
was lit in tiny twinkling lights, the moonlight dancing off the still
waters of the bay. In the distance, we could see the M/Y Zein, anchored
and awaiting another day in paradise.
The next day we’d be airport bound. For tonight, though, we were
another prince and princess in this royal resort.
For More Information:
- Grand Lido Negril
Negril, Jamaica
Telephone: 876/957-5010
Facsimile: 876/957-5517
- www.superclubs.com
- Grand Lido Negril is a 90-minute drive or a 15-minute
flight from the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Photos 1, 2 courtesy SuperClubs
|
