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All-Inclusives in Negril

As Negril's popularity has grown so has the number of all-inclusves. Negril's classiest resort, the 200-room Grand Lido (tel. [phone], fax [phone]; Box 88, Negril), set on 22 acres, is an all-inclusive member of the SuperClubs hotel chain. Quite a bit more laid back (and also more luxurious) than sister Hedonism II across the road, this hotel is popular with couples with the occasional group of Japanese peace corps volunteers and the odd contingent of British female travel agents thrown in. One major advantage of an all-inclusive on the Grand Lido's scale is that you have a number of options to draw upon.  Possibly the most intriguing of these is a late afternoon cruise on  the  M/Y Zein.  This 147-ft. luxury yacht was once owned by Anstotle Onassis and given by him as a wedding present to to Princess Grace and Prince Ranier as a wedding present.  The cruise features live mento accompaniment (by the "Westerners") as well as cocktails; after reaching the lighthouse, you return.  Note that shorts are not allowed on this trip. You'll find a movie room with a wide-screen video (bring your faves as the selection--in the library--is far from comprehensive) and a windowless, heavily a/c library.  If you wish to have a complimentary copy of the Daily Gleaner, you must request it the day before in the gift shop.  Rooms are a/c suites and junior suites with TV and boom box (some have Jacuzzis). There's also a fitness center, two beaches (including a nude beach), five Jacuzzis (including a nude Jacuzzi), nine bars, a library, glass-bottom boat trips, free weddings and vow renewals, and conference facilities. Classes offered include aerobics , reggae dance, and a delightful yoga course taught by a French instructor. Art exhibits are in the hall.  The Piacere Restaurant serves gourmet French dishes. Menu items include appetizers suchy as "wild mushrooms and goat cheese strudel" and "symphony of nigiri and maki sushi;" typical entrees include "charcoaled swordfish steak" and "seafood medley," and sesserts include items like "pillows of Stilton." ; La Pasta is a casual pasta bar; and the CafÄ Lido is a casually elegant continental restaurant only open for dinner.  You must be 16 or over to stay here, and there's a three-day minimum stay. In addition, meals are also served in the main area; breakfast buffets here offer items such as cream cheese, bagels, lox, pancakes, and even cappuccinos.  In the US and Canada call 800-859-SUPER and in the UK call 0992 447420.
    Perhaps Jamaica's most famous resort, Hedonism II (tel. [phone], fax 957-4Z89; Box 25, Negril) is another SuperClub all-inclusive; it's right across from the Grand Lido and has many superficial similarities. Despite the name, it's not that wild of a place, although this may depend upon your timing. Despite the fact that it's in Jamaica, it has a New York boisterousness to the clientele, some of whom appear to be unaware that they have left. Facilities includes restaurants, six lighted tennis courts, horseback riding, body building, circus workshop, walk-in aviary, and watersports, as well as a separate nude-only beach and an enormous and much-famed outdoor nude Jacuzzi. Meals are served buffet style.  If you're a single and don't want to share, you'll have to pay extra. You must be able to pass for at least 16, and the minimum stay is three nights. In the US and Canada call 800-859-SUPER and in the UK call 0992 447420.
    Local representative of the all-inclusive couples-only chain of the same name, Sandals Negril (tel. [phone], fax [phone]; Box 12, Negril) is also at Bloody Bay. Rooms range from standard to beachfront suites. Facilities include a sports complex with raquetball, squash, four restaurants, and watersports.  The "Stay At One, Play At Six" program also applies. Heterosexual couples are the target clientele here. The hotel has three rate seasons. There's a three-night minimum stay.   Rates run from US$1,515 for seven nights off-season for deluxe rooms to US$1,610 for the same rooms during the winter months.  In the US or Canada call 800-327-1991, 305-284-1300, fax [phone]; in the UK call 071-581-9895 or fax [phone]; in Sweden call 468-748-0015 or fax [phone]; and in Germany call 49-89-592-106 or fax [phone].
    On the beach, the  Poinciana Beach Hotel & Villas (tel. [phone], fax [phone]; Box 44, Negril) is Negril's only all-inclusive which is geared towards families and couples; it offers 130 units ranging from studios to one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and villas.  Rooms are set in four separate three-storey blocks as well as two blocks of villas. Some have kitchenettes, and all have views. Oriented towards families, it has complimentary toddler and children's programs daily. Other facilities include business center, casino, shuffleboard, live entertainment, disco, restaurant, shops, pools, Jacuzzi, gym, PADI 5-star center, tennis courts, children's center, fresh water fishing, miniature golf, and various watersports including diving.  Wedding, dive, and other packages are offered. From the US call [phone]  or write Box 16003, Plantation, FL 33318.
        One of Negril's best run and most attractive resorts, the all-inclusive 134 a/c suite Swept Away (tel. [phone], fax [phone]; Box 77, Negril) is Negril's only health and fitness resort and one of the best of its kind in the Caribbean.  Facilities include restaurants, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis and squash courts, two racquetball courts, gym, yoga and aerobics, Jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths. Using only natural products, the spa opened in Nov. 1994. The spa and sports complex is on one side of the road, and the other facilities face the beach.  The restaurant serves quite good food. Only couples are welcomed, and wedding and honeymoon packages are available. Winter rates are from around $400 d per couple up to US$550.  From the US and Canada call 800-545-7937, 305-666-2021, or fax [phone]. In the UK call 081-367-5175 or fax [phone].
    On the beach, Rondel Village (tel. [phone], fax [phone]; Box 96, Negril) offers eight elegantly-designed octagonal-shaped villas with Jacuzzis, satellite TV, kitchens, pool, juice bar, balconies, and maid service. Living rooms have marble floors and French doors. There's also a small restaurant. Rates run from US$100-200 including tax and service during the high season.  In the US and Canada call 800-544-5979. Or contact Vacation Network at 800-423-4095.  In Canada and FL call [phone].
    A smaller all-inclusive set between Whistling Bird and Arthur's, the Negril Inn (tel. [phone])  offers 46 rooms with a/c and balconies on the beach.  Facilities include pool, restaurant, and watersports. In the US, phone [phone].  In Canada and FL call [phone].
    Finally, Couples Negril--which will have facilities similar to the orginal in Ocho Rios--is scheduled to open sometime in 1996 or 1997. For more information call (800) COUPLES.  In the UK, call 181-900-1913.
    These are just a few of the places to stay in Jamaica which are covered in Jamaica: A Visitor's Guide. For more information on the area surrounding Mandeville as well as comprehensive coverage of the rest of Jamaica, you may purchase the Third Edition of Jamaica: A Visitor's Guide ($14.95; IBSN 1-55650-703-8) which is available at your local bookstore. (Request them to order it from Hunter or from Ingram if it is not in stock).
    Copies of Jamaica: A Visitor's Guide may also be ordered directly from Harry S. Pariser (1327 9th Av., No. 1, San Francisco, CA  94122) at the above address for US$20 (check or money order); copies are shipped via priority mail. Please mark ╥BOOK ORDER╙ on the envelope.
    Other books by Harry S. Pariser include the  The Adventure Guide to the Dominican Republic, (Second Edition) $14.95; The Adventure Guide to Costa Rica, (Third Edition: Feb. 1996) $15.95 ("best-balanced, most comprehensive guide"--Lan Sluder, Tico Times); The Adventure Guide to the Virgin Islands (Third Edition) $14.95; The Adventure Guide to Puerto Rico, (Second Edition) $14.95; and the Adventure Guide to Barbados (Second Edition:  October 1995).
    All are available from Hunter Publishing, 300 Raritan Parkway, Edison, NJ 08818.  Call (908-225-1900) or fax [phone]). Also distributed nationwide by Ingram.  For more information contact Harry S. Pariser at [phone] or send e-mail to [e-mail]