WPIC Goes to SuperClubs in Jamaica
By: Tracey Manailescu
On June 20th-24th, 2009, I had the extreme pleasure of attending a FAM trip to SuperClubs.
Along with four WPIC graduates, we were whisked away with Air Canada Vacations (Thank you to Debbie Cotton-Burinski), to view SuperClubs properties in Jamaica.
Our amazing representatives, Steve Koth (Sales Manager Groups & Incentives) and Delano Miller (Sales Manager in Jamaica) showed us how much fun, and how romantic a wedding or a honeymoon can be with SuperClubs. We spent two days at Grand Lido Negril, and two days at Grand Lido Braco in Runaway Bay.
We saw five resorts in four days, and learned how each has its own type of clientele and is suitable for different personalities. Each resort was special for different reasons, and I really saw the importance of why we needed to experience the properties, before recommending them to our couples.
Grand Lido Negril has the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The beach went on forever (actually it is on two miles of beautiful white sandy beach in Bloody Bay) and it was so clear, that I could see my groovy new turquoise nail polish, no matter how deep I went J
The first thing we did upon arrival was head to the Timber House (which is built like a tree house) for a cocktail or two, along with some potato skins and chicken wings.
We were invited to a wedding onsite. We even had champagne toast and cake with the beautiful couple! They did the traditional Jamaican “Bird feeding”.
We then went for a swim in the heavenly water and met for cocktails in the “Amici Piano Bar” before our elegant dinner at the French restaurant “Piacere”. What an incredible dining experience this was! Along with the attentive service, and a candle lit dinner, we had a world-class pianist to entertain us. We also had some of the most wonderful food we have ever tasted!
After dinner we decided to go next door to Hedonism II, to dance the night away. We were allowed access to it, as we were there on a FAM trip and would be viewing the resort the next day on our tour. Some of us tried pole dancing! I need a heck of a lot more practise, but it was a ton of fun!
*Photo with permission from couple
I really thought it was going to be sleazy and cheesy. It is actually, a beautiful property that is so lush with gardens and greenery. It was spotless! There are two sides to the resort (The “Prude” and the “Nude”). Really, that’s what they say, LOL! The staff are very warm and outgoing. They have rocks and totem poles all along a path for returning guests to paint and adorn with their names. (You have to have been thirty times or more and you wouldn’t believe how many there were!)
I actually felt very comfortable at this resort, after the initial shock of seeing some guests without clothes on.
Starfish Trelawny is a family resort. One word to sum it up would be “wow!” I kept picturing my kids here. There were so many fun things for the whole family to participate in; Mini golfing, a synthetic hockey rink (yes that is what I said) they lend you the skates, playground for the kids, four pools one of which is kids pool with water spouts and a huge waterslide, too!
There are also banana boats, rock climbing, waterskiing, flying trapeze, windsurfing etc. The beach area is beautiful too. We all mentioned how the children were all smiles and laughing with each other whenever we walked past them. (What better sound is there?) I want to go back there to do the sparkling water cruise. Oh yeah! They have the best strawberry daiquiris everJ
Grand Lido Braco– This is such a pretty resort with cobble stoned streets, shops, and a town square. The “Reggae Cafà©” had amazing curried chicken and jerk, as well. We were all surprised with a one-hour massage on the beach, as a gift from Grand Lido Braco. We all turned to jello afterwards…It was so wonderful to be pampered, and hear the waves in the ocean through the trees while having all of your stress disappear!
The “Piacere” restaurant was very romantic, and the staff was very attentive. We chose to do our “Trash the Dress” group photo shoot at this resort.
What beautiful spots to choose from. The reception rooms and restaurants are beautifully decorated.
Last, but definitely not least was the beautiful Breezes Runaway Bay. This is the resort where I would stay without the kids. As soon as we walked in, there were gentlemen singing old time reggae in the lobby. We were quickly greeted warmly by the entire management team and cocktails in coconuts.
This resort has such a charismatic vibe to it. It screams fun and happiness! We had a great tour where we saw training at the Circus Workshop.
This resort is the first and only, resort in Jamaica that offers “Underwater” weddings.*Couples must be certified divers. They also include a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride to their wedding couples. We had a fabulous time at the “Pastafari” restaurant.
Jamaica is truly a magical place!
Some activity highlights of Grand Lido Negril and Braco:
Black Jack Nights -Body painting on clothing optional beach
Jamaican Mixology Classes (learn how to mix cool drinks and taste them, too!
Yoga & Pilates -Arts & Crafts Classes
Fish feeding
Wine tastings, pastry making & cooking classes
Beach parties
Cool contests on the clothing optional side such as “Best Tanned Couple”
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