Grand
Lido Braco
Your long deserved vacation has arrived. With the wear and tear of your hurried life you have opted
for an all-inclusive luxury resort in Jamaica. You vow this trip to be
different. At Grand Lido Negril or Grand Lido Braco you will have guaranteed
(yes, it's true, or you get a voucher back) sun, sand, and all the food, fun and
drink you require. You will even have a complimentary manicure/pedicure at the
spa. S why should you even bring your credit card if it is all-inclusive? The
answer may be the difference between a good break and complete regeneration. A
little thing called the day spa could be your salvation.
RELAX! You tell yourself, as you breathe in the beauty. But it's like telling an
insomniac to sleep.
Grand Lido Braco and Grand Lido Negril each have their own Jamaican style. There is no competition
between these well-appointed sisters; it is a matter of taste.
Replicating the
Victorian town of Falmouth, Jamaica, Grand Lido Braco s the only all-inclusive
"village". It steps out of the past to share its cobblestone streets complete
with the town square, shops and eateries. The ocean and palm trees provide the
perfect backdrop to the street vendors selling their hand made woodcarvings,
palm baskets and crystal jewelry. You can also see your evening's meal arriving
by boat.
RELAX! You tell yourself, as you breathe in the beauty. But it's like telling an insomniac to
sleep. Remember your past vacations? It took four days just to unwind. So this
time around you are thinking, "Should I go into my pocket a little more and
begin my vacation with a massage, wrap or scrub?" The answer is YES! Meet your
stress head-on the first day so you can enjoy your entire retreat.
When I first sought out the spa at Grand Lido Braco, I followed the white star-shaped flowers (Herb
Vatinme I'm told) that peppered the trail to a small and unassuming entrance.
When I opened the door I was greeted by an aroma of tropical flowers. The
lavender and eucalyptus oils seemed to expand this intimate space. The bouquet
went to work on my nerves as I decided on a treatment.
I chose The Village Soother because it combined the traditional Jamaican resources with the modern
day amenities of Braco. I started my 3+hour treatment by meeting my therapist,
Soletta Porter. She escorted me down a hall illuminated by one candle. I watched
the light dance on the pale creamy walls, defining the silhouettes of wicker and
Victorian furniture. There were two treatment rooms with two massage beds side
by side. I was surprised as I turned into the room to see the ocean and palm
trees just past the French windows. The freshly tossed flowers and candle on the
windowsill complemented the room's soft colors and dark wood.
Jamaica is known for the slogan "Out of many nations comes one people." The Village sampler reflects
this notion by beginning with an eclectic scrub consisting of the now-famous
Blue Mountain Coffee from France, sugar (brought by the Spanish), black mint
(introduced by the East Indians), and native Coconut. My senses exploded as her
hands went to work, surprising every nerve ending. How my therapist discreetly
covered my body and still managed to scrub 98% of me I'll never know. She had
the talent that can only be acquired through care and practice.
When I was covered from head to toe I realized I was lying on a thin coat of plastic. Porter placed
my robe over my back. I laughed as the plastic tried to accompany me to my first
shower. I passed the flypaper challenge with my robe intact, retracing my steps
through the corridor to another revelation. I entered a private outdoor coral
and tile shower. The sky was a vibrant blue with cotton ball clouds. Feeling so
alive in nature, I thought of not leaving the shower at all.
But I heard soothing instrumental music playing, calling me inside to receive my warm wrap treatment.
There is no preparation for the rapture of warm coconut cream, almond oil mixed
with milk, and honey powder splashing all over your body. The aroma and warmth
followed by the stimulation of the air dancing across my skin was pure elation.
Just as I thought I might get chilly, I was wrapped in another layer of plastic
and left for several minutes to melt in my cocoon. My skin was taking on a new
texture as my therapist gently began to give me a facial to put an end to my
toughest tension lines. My metamorphosis was almost complete as I tried to wash
off the cream in the indoor shower. I realized then that the silky sensation was
my skin.
I returned for my final aromatherapy treatment. A blend of coconut, rosemary and almond oil left
me feeling completely renewed. I not only left behind work, home and stress, but
I was now able to see the possibilities my holiday afforded me. As we said our
good-byes, Porter presented me with a colorful sarong - a thoughtful gift to add
to my wonderful experience.
As I left the spa I observed that it isn't the size of the facility that matters. The Village
Soother blended the natural ingredients of the island with the love of its
people. The spa manager, Charisse Pink, agreed as she spoke about her staff.
"They love what they are doing," she said. "It is the small spa with a big
heart. It is the caring that brings clients back again and again."
For a special treat, you can take your partner and your massages to the au natural beach. When your
treatments are finished you are left to enjoy the sunset with champagne and
petit fours by the light of torches.
If you are seeking a healing of a different kind you need not travel far. In the heart of the center
you'll find Jasazii. You can't miss her with her small frame, open face and
dreadlocks to the ground. She can provide you with a crystal to unblock the
energy that ails you. If you crave more from this earth mother you can schedule
a session of Reiki.
The gym at the back end of the spa offers the opportunity for thorough workouts without breaking the
serenity of the mood. The cardio machines are arranged before a plate glass
window, framing the ocean in front of you. Your body can work out as your brain
drifts off to sea with the gentle waves and flying fish.
Except taken from Spa Review Magazine (www.spareviewmagazine.com).
Article by: Colleen Dunn.
