By: Marcia Abramson
Unfortunately, the hill residential areas did not fare as well. The fifth resort, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa, started accepting guests a few days later on Sept. 19.But Butch Stewart's Air Jamaica was taking off with all its usual fanfare of a complimentary Champagne breakfast with all the trimmings. There was no need for me to bring my own bagel and "smear." It was also comforting to hear John Issa, Super Clubs executive chairman, reiterate: "The island of Jamaica is working hard to restore everything that makes Jamaica such a desirable vacation destination for North Americans and we are looking forward to welcoming our guests with the same high level of service and amenities they have every right to expect of a Super Club holiday anywhere in Jamaica."The Hon. John J. Issa pioneered the all-inclusive concept in Jamaica and created the first all-inclusive hotel on the island dating back to 1976. Everything is included in one up-front price. There are no hidden costs like tipping. Issa is also responsible for making the SuperClubs a family market. He founded the first all-inclusive family resort more than 20-years ago and won awards around the world for his innovative children's programs. My grandson, Bradley Wasser, thoroughly enjoyed his stay a few years ago when he won a kid's dance contest.The Welcome Mat at the Grand Lido Braco was extended to all the guests who arrived on that Air Jamaica early morning flight with assorted goodies. My only regret was that I forgot that part of my amenities package included a complimentary manicure and pedicure and had one just before I left New York. You just had to be impressed by the design of the Grand Lido Braco. It resembles an actual Jamaican village, cobble streets, open-air markets with a taste of the Jamaican culture closely resembling a classic Mediterranean vacation. In fact, there is the yacht for guests which did sail in Mediterranean waters at the harbor. I learned from SuperClub's Shantini Ramakrishnan that this was the very same yacht that Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco sailed on their honeymoon.There are no children under the age of 16 at the Grand Lidos. Families are accommodated at Starfish Trelawny where the kids have their individual nanny and their unique programs with a plethora of learning experiences by well-trained instructors particularly in aquatic sports. This program is the only one that comes with a $5-a-day extra charge. Tipping is strictly forbidden at all SuperClubs.Of course there is no skimping on food. There is 24-hour room service in addition to the five gourmet restaurants to satisfy every palate. They are the Nanny Jerk for Jamaican delicacies, the Munasan for the Sushi lovers, Piacire for the French food savants, La Pasta, serving Italian favorite foods, and a casual market. Friday Night is Beach Party time with lobster, suckling pig and all types of barbeque treats. All sporting equipment is available at no charge. That includes golf on the premises, tennis, sailing, snorkeling and just about every conceivable water sport. My favorite spa treatments are available as well.The all suite Grand Lido Negril and the Grand Lido Sans Souci in Ocho Rios are equally as elegant and luxurious as the Grand Lido Braco and will be jumping for the upcoming holidays. Future columns will deal with the other SuperClubs throughout the Caribbean and South America. I am eagerly awaiting the opening of the new hotels in SAO Paulo and Brasilia in Brazil, which will mark a new venture with one of my favorite hotel management companies, the Sonesta Company.For more information you can contact your local travel professional or call SuperClubs at (800) GO-SUPER or (800) 467 8737.
Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
