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

As reported by the Jamaica Gleaner 

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Two hotels to reopen

But no news on if they will have clothing optional areas.

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.

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FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS

Farewell "Champagne Sam" SuperClubs has lost a GEM!

 Any of you that have been going to SuperClubs for any length of time know Sam James.  Some of us know him as "Champagne Sam".  He was at one time the GM of Hedonism II, Grand Lido Negril and Grand Lido Braco.  It is with sadness for me, but for Sam great joy .... after 27 year with the SuperClubs, he has retired!   

You will be missed Sam!  

May your Champagne flow for many years to come and all your bubbles be crisp and light.

888 825 2779

www.goclassy.com

Breezes Rio Bueno former Grand Lido Braco to Close end of Month

SuperClubs' Breezes Rio Bueno to Close

Call us today to find out what other options there are for nudists and about the newest Nudist Resort to open in Jamaica N-Resort.

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA--(Marketwire - April 4, 2011) - John Issa, chairman of SuperClubs Super-Inclusive Resorts, announced that Breezes Rio Bueno, formerly Grand Lido Braco, will close its doors on April 30, 2011, after it became clear to him that "our strenuous two-year effort to arrive at a mutually satisfactory lease arrangement with the owners was not going to succeed."

SuperClubs terminated the lease for "force majeure" but continued to operate the all inclusive resort in good faith during negotiations. "The owners had ample opportunity to secure a new operator, but it appears none has been found," said Mr. Issa. "It is very unfortunate that we could not come to an arrangement to keep Breezes Rio Bueno open, but that is the nature of this business. Breezes Resorts are still as popular as ever, and we will be concentrating our efforts on all our all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, Curaçao, Brazil, Panama and Cuba."

"We deeply regret the prospect that over 300 loyal team members will lose their jobs in these harsh economic times," Mr. Issa concluded.

SuperClubs took over operations at Breezes Rio Bueno in 1996. Soon after, it received the AAA Four Diamond resort rating and became a favorite destination for vacationers who enjoyed its Jamaican Village setting. The hotel was also known for its annual "Best of Jamaica" event, which was held in partnership with Caribbean Travel and Life magazine every October since 2004.

SuperClubs, the world's only Super-Inclusive resort group, includes properties in the following brand categories: Breezes Resorts - Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Negril, Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club and Breezes Resort & Spa Trelawny in Jamaica; Breezes Bahamas; Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino; Breezes Panama; Breezes Búzios Resort & Spa in Brazil; In Cuba, SuperClubs operates three hotels, Breezes Varadero, Breezes Jibacoa and Breezes Bella Costa; and Hedonism II in Negril and SuperFun Beach Resort & Spa in Runaway Bay, both in Jamaica. 

Every SuperClubs holiday is Super-Inclusive -- accommodations; all meals, SuperSnacks and premium brand cocktails; unlimited use of all sports facilities, including equipment rental and instruction; entertainment; weddings; recreational activities; and hotel taxes. Tipping is not allowed. SuperClubs operates and independently markets affiliate ROOMS resorts. 

Rafting the Rio Grande in Port Antonio Jamaica

Go Classy Tours, Inc.

Recommendations: Best Taxi Service

Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios

His name is English !

English has always been very reliable for us. Born in Jamaica, English spent much of his life in England. As a driver for a nationally know touring company, he drove a full size bus all over England and Europe for many years. Returning to Jamaica some years ago, he continued his occupation with a great record and witty personality.  We've always felt English has been fair with his prices. Just ask him before you go. He will provide you with an agreed upon amount. English can be reached by calling Grand Lido Braco at 876-954-0000 and ask for English.

Falling in the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio!

Getting ready to raft down the beautiful Rio Grande River

Most recently we hired English to take us to Port Antonio. We had not been down the Rio Grande since 1974. The beauty is still untouched and awesome. If you have the opportunity to take this trip, we highly recommend it. From the Ocho Rios hotels, expect to pay about $200 for the van for 10 - 11 hours. Grab some friends, split the cost, and have a ball!

P ort Antonio is about 2 hours east of Ocho Rios. A long trip, but the opportunity to go to the Blue Lagoon and then river rafting on the Rio Grande is well worth the trip and the money. Albert was our captain as we went down the Rio Grande. He stopped along the way and picked Rose Apples for us to eat. The raft cost is about $40 per couple. It is customary to tip the river captain. It's how he makes his living.

Ask for Albert and tell him Lance sends his best wishes.

Rose Apple, Sir?

Drifting through the mountains on this beautiful river with gentle rapids and absolutely spectacular scenery is a must. It's a view of Jamaica as it must have been 100's of years ago.
Exploring Jamaica is fun. Whether its trips to Ocho Rios for some great shopping, or to climb Dunn's River Falls, or over to Port Antonio to go river rafting, we like English! He's well known throughout the area! Tell him Lance and Kay said "Hi!"