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Rio Bueno - Jamaica |
Alert: November 1, 2009, Grand Lido Braco will be re-branded
as: Breezes Rio Bueno Spa & Resort.
Nude side facilities will continue
to be offered. |
| This is a
beautiful, upscale all inclusive 5 star resort for adults only, singles and
couples. It is truly one of the finest resorts in Jamaica. |
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Resort Overview |
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U.S. Citizens: Passports are
required for international air travel to all destinations outside the
USA.
 Think of a cross between a Caribbean/Victorian
village with classic Jamaican gingerbread architecture mixed with a Disneyworld
touch in an elegant setting and you've got Grand Lido Braco. Got that? Just
take a look at the Photo Album for Grand Lido Braco (Bra' co) to see what me
mean.
This award winning property is one of the prettiest resorts on the
island and includes arguably the best clothing-optional facility in the
Caribbean or anywhere for that matter. Choose either the clothing-optional
(nude) or textile (prude) sides of the resort, you can't go wrong...there's not
a bad room on the property. Isolated from any other resort on Jamaica's north
coast, only  a
few miles from the little village of Rio Bueno, Braco is typically less than an
hour's ride due east of the Montego Bay airport, on the road to Ocho Rios. In
fact, Braco is about half way between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, on 85 acres
facing the north coast of the island. With 232 elegant rooms to choose from,
this beautiful, adults only, all inclusive property is hard to beat. There are
52 suites on the nude side and 180 on the prude side. Adult singles and couples
are welcome.
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Getting There |
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Fly into Montego Bay's Sangster Airport, hop on a
shuttle bus and you'll be at the resort, usually between 45-55 minutes,
depending upon traffic. There is no commuter airport nearby, so a short bus
ride is your primary option, included automatically in your resort
accommodations' package. The bus may stop for a passengers' beer or pee break,
depending upon the whim of the bus driver or guests. The coastal road eastward
from Montego Bay takes you through the areas of Trelawny, Falmouth and Duncans
where you'll pass lots of roadside stands selling sea grapes, excellent wood
carvings and, of course, Red Strip beer and jerk chicken, the island's
specialty.
U.S. Citizens: Passports are
required for international air travel to all destinations outside the
USA.
 A
little useless trivia: A movie classic filmed years ago called "Papillon" about
a Devils' Island (French penal colony) starring Steve McQueen and Dustin
Hoffman was filmed in the old warehouse complex in Falmouth, which also boasts
the second oldest church on the island. Duncans is the boyhood home of Harry
Belafonte, a Jamaican calypso singer popular in the 50s and 60s in Jamaica and
the USA before reggae became established in the 1970's. In addition, several
James Bond classic movies were filmed there, including Goldfinger.
Air
service is provided by both scheduled air carriers and charter airlines
worldwide to Montego Bay. Typically, charters are your best value, but the
flights usually operate once or twice a week from the USA and Europe. If you
want convenience, scheduled airlines offer the most flights, most often, to the
island. The trade off for you is price vs. convenience. The choice is yours.
Take your pick of flights that service
Jamaica….but plan to fly into MONTEGO BAY as your final destination since
it's the closest international airport to Braco. Kingston is several hours away
over mountainous roads, too.
Options: Charter airlines worldwide,
American Airlines, Continental, U.S. Airways, Delta, British Airways, Condor
and many others service the island, too. The most charters originate in Europe
from the UK, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.
TRANSPORTATION
If you wish, you may hire a private taxi upon arrival, too. Or, take
the shuttle bus already provided in your resort package. The ride is usually
less than an hour. There is no commuter air service.
Grand Lido guests
in premium category rooms enjoy exlusive airport transfers in a Mercedes Benz
luxury air conditioned bus called the "Lidosine.
NOTE: Make sure you
arrive in Montego Bay and not Kingston, the island's capital. The ride from
Kingston will cost you money out of pocket, since complimentary airport
transfers are included only from Montego Bay. Kingston is 3-4 hours away by
car..
NOTE: Security is tighter nowadays so make sure your name on your
international airline tickets match your Proof of Citizenship. Married women
without a passport: You must be able to prove who you are if you have a Birth
Certificate with a maiden name different than your Drivers License. Take these
two documents AND your Marriage License to tie in your maiden and married names
with your other documents for Proof of Citizenship. Best bet is to call your
airline company for verification directly since the air carrier is the one you
have to satisfy first to board your international flight. A passport usually
costs $65 or so and typically takes about 4-6 weeks to be issued. You can also
use an expedite service for quicker turnaround but this special, fast service
costs 2-3 times what the passport itself costs. Prices subject to change
without notice.
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| World Map |
Caribbean
Map |
Jamaica
Map |
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Services |
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 This
resort has just about everything. The all inclusive program includes your air
conditioned room or suite with private bath, all meals, snacks, premium bar
drinks, water sports (sailing, Scuba, snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking, water
skiing, two swimming pools, 3 hot tubs, etc), nightly themes, entertainment,
five (5) restaurants, 2 snack bars/grills, organized activities for BOTH the
nude and prude (clothed) sides of the property, optional tours off site,
complimentary manicures and pedicures, optional spa treatments (waxing, wraps,
etc.), 24-hour room service, complimentary laundry and cleaning, free golf,
free tennis, hotel taxes, tips and service charges.
There is a 9 hole
executive golf course on site plus several tennis courts.
 Professional instruction is provided for both golf and tennis.
You may also play a full 18 holes at the SuperClubs golf course in Runaway Bay,
about 25 minutes due east, with complimentary transportation and tee off times
provided. Carts and caddies are mandatory and are an additional charge. Green
fees are included in your package automatically. Make golf reservations at the
front desk. Make manicure/pedicure appointments at the spa.
Tipping is
not necessary since it's included in the price. Your kind words and especially
a written recommendation of an employee's performance you have witnessed is the
most valuable token as anything you can tip.
Introduce yourself to your
waiter, bar tender and maid and make them a friend. The junior wait staff are
often new or are trainees so they may be a little shy so be friendly. They will
often reward you with better than expected service. On the nude side, make sure
you share high fives with Wayne, the bartender, at "Wayne's World" as the nude
bar is affectionately known.
Did You Know...
Castaways Travel KNOWS Grand
Lido Braco. We've been there and visit often; we know the place and the
people so we can tell you accurately about the location, layout, daytime and
evening activities & themes, dos and dont's, where to have fun and tips to
make your trip more enjoyable.
See:
12 Reasons to
use Castaways Travel |
Typical organized daily/nightly activities include
daily orientation, yoga, aerobics, scavenger hunt, trivia contests, karaoke,
sing alongs around the piano bar, golf and tennis lessons, pool volleyball,
fashion shows, beach Olympics, dance classes, pool Olympics, toga tieing, ping
pong, pool, bingo, dominoes, Casino night, cards, pool, battle of the sexes,
newlywed games and on and on.
NOTE: This list may be modified
occasionally by resort to fit holidays on the calendar or for other special
occasions. Example, the resort anniversary date is December 1 annually and
special events may supersede the list below.
| Monday |
Black and White - Caribbean Showcase
Mento Band entertaining you throughout the week Caribbean Showcase/ Soca Jam
Session/ Caribbean night in the disco until the last person leaves/Sing-A-Long
(Piano Bar) |
| Tuesday |
Sultry, Sexy Toga Party/Casino Night
Casino Night (We give you the money and you win the prizes, you can only do
this at Braco) / Showtime/ Toga Party - Togas are required for disco and will
be provided/Sing-A-Long (Piano Bar). |
| Wednesday |
Braco Beach Party Dinner Buffet
Treasure Hunt/ Beach Showcase/ Fun & Games/ Karaoke Session/ Salsa &
Latin night in the disco until the last person goes home. |
| Thursday |
Staff & Guest Talent Show &
Pajama Party Guest & Staff showcase/ Pajama Party until the last person
leaves/Sing-A-Long (Piano Bar). |
| Friday |
Jamaican Street Party Steel Band
Entertaining you for Lunch, then a Party in the streets like never before.
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| Saturday |
Mardi Gras and Retro Night, Craft
Fair Day & Oldies Party Oldies Showcase/ Oldies Party/Sing-A-Long |
| Sunday |
Las Vegas Casino Night (We give you
the money and you win the prizes, you can only do this at Braco) |
ALERT: Theme nights are subject
to change without notice. If theme nights are important to you, let us know so
the current schedule can be determined….but please be forewarned: Themes
can change at any time.
 For those of you who choose the nude side, here is
a list of additional services you'll enjoy: All suites are beach front in two,
3 story buildings with 26 rooms each, separate 24-hour snack shop, bar and
grill n(with pool and ping pong), swim up pool bar, an additional open air
grill and bar open from 9AM-5PM daily, a huge 225 foot swimming pool, chaise
lounges and floats for everyone, a separate nude beach, one of the largest hot
tubs on the island, a separate Jacuzzi and a nude tennis court! Each nude side
suite includes a stocked refrigerator, coffee maker, color cable TV, CD player,
sitting area, balcony or patio and remote controlled air conditioning. Nice
touches include a separate activity program and games for nude guests,
twice-weekly bonfire at 1030 PM on the west end of the nude beach, Thursday
buffet lunch, a fitness program and entertainment scheduled throughout the week
such as body painting, joke telling, mixology, etc.
In addition, the
resort thoughtfully puts all guests on notice that the clothing-optional side
of the resort is for the exclusive use of those who wish to enjoy their
vacation nude. All other guests are politely reminded in writing in their guest
packets upon check in to use the conventional water sports areas for clothed
swimming, hot tubbing and beaching.
At some of the bars and
restaurants, service can be a little slow at peak times. Tip: Order two of
whatever drink you prefer, since you may have a wait for a second helping,
especially at meal times and 8 PM or so at the piano bar.
Marriage
ceremonies and vows renewals are complimentary with the service, pastor,
flowers, cake and champagne provided. An administrative charge of $150 is
levied by the local parish to register your marriage certificate. Rate subject
to change.
Tip: Offer a token of your appreciation to the minister
conducting the ceremony, as your own private Thank You, too. To qualify for
your marriage on island, residency is usually established after 48 hours
(subject to change so always check with Castaways Travel for any current
changes).
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Dining |
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 You
cannot go hungry at this resort. Choose from the following for your meals and
snacks: Two beach side grills, a nude side 24 hour snack shop and bar, Munasan
(moon-a-san) Japanese restaurant, Piacere (pee-a-sherry) Continental
restaurant, Victoria Market for breakfast, lunch and dinner, swim up bars on
both the nude and (prude) textile sides, La Pasta Italian restaurant and our
personal favorite, the Reggae Cafe (formerly Nanny's Jerk Pit) for some of the
best spicy Jamaican chicken, pork, beef and burgers on the island, served with
hot, fresh baked coco (folding) bread....mmmm, melts in your mouth with a
generous helping of butter.
It's common knowledge that for each resort
on the island that serves coco bread, its chef has his or her own secret recipe
for making this delicious concoction. We've tried to get the recipe, but so
far, no luck. Be careful if you have delicate taste buds....Jamaican jerk sauce
will rival anything you've tasted with Mexican or Chinese foods.
Reservations are required for both Munasan and Piacere. Long pants for the guys
both places and jackets are required for Piacere only...but NO ties whatsoever.
(Note: Occasionally, we've eaten at Munasan with shorts). If you don't bring a
coat with you, a jacket will be provided upon entering Piacere. All other
dining locations are informal, with Victoria Market serving breakfast and lunch
buffet style with dinner provided ala carte. The snack shop and the open air
grill on the nude side allows you to dine au naturel. On the nude side, there's
a lunch time buffet usually set up for a limited menu with main dishes served
as lamb chops, burgers, skirt steak, vegetables, salads and deserts.
TAKE NOTE: Frequently, if the resort is crowded or even full, it's hard to get
into Piacere and Munasan, since seating is limited. TIP: Let us know when you
want to dine there and Castaways can request your dining date and time at both
restaurants BEFORE you even depart on your vacation.
One night of the
week, Piacere and Munasan are closed (on different dates).
The week
ends in grand style: Each Friday night, the weekly street dance and party kicks
off including open air dining with BBQ meats, steak, seafood, fabulous salads
and deserts. The music starts about 9 PM and goes 'til after 11 PM so you have
a great excuse to dance off your calories outside under the stars after the
meal.
There is also a bar and grill on the far eastern side of the
resort adjacent to building # 6. Make your dinner reservations for Munasan and
Piacere with the concierge adjacent to the tour desk.
On the nude
side, a daily luncheon buffet is available for guests who wish to remain au
naturel for their noon meal.
Some of the finest meals we've ever had
on island have been at this Piacere.....great for service, presentation and
menu selections with a modest wine list included. Elegant and romantic, to be
sure.
Afternoon tea is served at La Pasta, in the village center,
starting at 430 PM.
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Rates |
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All room rates are seasonal and can vary from
$175/person/night to over $400/person/night, all inclusive. Make sure you visit
the GROUPS section of the CASTAWAYS TRAVEL website for dates of group trips
with special room rates and host couples provided. Nude side rooms are a higher
value than conventional accommodations with more amenities.
Airfare to
Jamaica is extra.
For the budget minded, you can stay on the textile
side of the resort and make the 1 to 5 minute walk to the nude side to enjoy it
anytime, as long as you're nude. For the most luxury, you can choose from a two
room suite on the conventional side or a huge luxury one bedroom suite on the
nude side with two full baths, a separate living/dining area for entertaining
plus a large private bed room with king side bed.
For the ultimate in
luxury, try the Presidential Perks package at the resort, which includes, among
other things, special VIP transfers from the airport, luxury one bedroom suite,
premium champagne, in room dining and meal preparation supplied by the master
chef and lots, lots more. Ask your Castaways Travel counselor about this great
program.
Group Trips To Grand Lido
Braco
Check out our group trip listings to see
what's coming up for Grand Lido Braco and other resorts as well.
Our Group
Trips are a BLAST! |
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Age Ranges |
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Adults only, singles and couples. Most guests are late 20s
to the 60s with most in the middle. We've seen a younger crowd during low
season (summer) lately. Few singles vacation at Braco.
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Ambiance |
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As the resort introduction says, this is a magical resort
in quality surroundings with a real Jamaican feel to the place. Our compliments
to the designers, Clifton Yap Architects of Jamaica. In addition to almost 85
acres of grounds and resort, there is a 9 hole golf course on site, putting
green, driving range and a big soccer field, the official home of the Jamaica's
national team, the Reggae Boyz.
Between day and night, the resort takes
on a different flavor from a quaint village to a romantic tropical paradise
with lush foliage and wonderful colors and lighting.
A nice touch with
24 hour room service: If you're in the nude hot tub at midnight, it's no
problem to order up another bottle or two of the resort's champagne for you and
your friends.
 All
rooms have great views and for those with balconies, you can't beat having your
morning coffee (nude) overlooking the ocean. Or, at about 6--630PM, share a
(nude) sunset drink with your honey on the same balcony, patio or beach. Nude
side rooms have French doors that open out to a small porch in first floor
rooms or out onto a balcony/veranda for those rooms on the second and third
floors.
Since service can be a bit slow during peak periods (like around
8 PM at the main bar), you might consider ordering two drinks instead of
one.
Always make friends with the wait staff and treat them with
respect...learn their names and introduce yourself.
Tips:
Check IN time is officially 3 PM. DO NOT count on a room being
available beforehand. If you get one, consider yourself blessed. If not, leave
your luggage at reception, stash your carry on bag at the nude pool bar (Wayne
of someone there will take care of it for you), drop your drawers and carry on
at the nude pool. We've witnessed numerous couples waste a half day or more
waiting around the lobby for a room which won't be ready until after 3 PM
anyway. Just go ahead and have fun....you can go back to the reception area
after 5-6 PM to claim you room key. One of the bellmen will take your luggage
to your room and you can leave your bags with him while you do your thing if
you wish.
As soon as you arrive at the resort, ask the concierge to
make reservations for Munasan and Piacere and for your complimentary manicures
and pedicures as well as optional spa treatments. Get a massage outdoors under
the palm trees, for a real treat!
Check with the water sports shack to
schedule your snorkel or dive trips. Divers, bring your "C" Card with you for
scuba trips. Dive in the morning and do your sailing in the afternoons, since
the wind picks up after lunchtime, usually.
Make sure you keep a set of
clothes to change into for travel home, if you can check in your bags ahead of
time for your departure home, do so (but stay "tropical" as long as you can!).
CHECK OUT time is 12 noon daily. Just stash your carry on luggage in a
friend's room if you stay after 12 noon and party on until your shuttle bus is
scheduled to depart the resort.
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Sightseeing |
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Did You Know...
Castaways Travel KNOWS the
surrounding area around Rio Bueno to help you plan to get the most out of
your holiday in and around Grand Lido Braco and the Trelawny and Falmouth
areas... plus Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios.
See:
12 Reasons to
use Castaways Travel |
 There are almost 20 choices for optional tours and
sight seeing off site. Highlights include a shopping tour to Ocho Rios, a
downhill bicycle tour from the mountains, past villages and ending at sea level
for a meal and drink, a tour of Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios for a great,
wet climb up a waterfall (do it once at least), a rafting trip down one of the
many scenic Jamaican rivers, sunset cruises, a chance to swim with dolphins at
Dolphin Cove, horseback riding (nude or prude), and deep sea fishing trips to
other villages such as Negril or Port Antonio. These trips can be arranged at
the Tour Desk at the resort.
Private drivers can also be hired right at
the resort for a do-it-yourself tour if you wish. Rental cars can be arranged
at the resort but don't expect any deals since both vehicles and gasoline are
no bargain in Jamaica.
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Uppers-Downers |
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You will want for hardly anything at this
resort. |
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The nude side beach (about 400-500 feet long) is
separate from the prude side with its cove protected by a shallow reef offshore
which breaks up the wave action, producing a nice little lagoon in which to
enjoy the salt water and great for snorkeling. |
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Never a difficulty finding a chaise lounge or towel
on the nude side...actually, the scale of the nude swimming pool and service
areas are oversized on the nude side compared to the number of guests
there. |
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If you are due a No Sunshine guarantee voucher, make
SURE you receive the voucher BEFORE you depart the resort. See next section
below. |
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The resort has a Return Guest program where you can
receive a free night letter from Management after you complete your second
visit of 6 nights or more, usually. This policy is subject to change without
notice and may vary from year to year. |
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Service can be slow at the bars at peak periods, such
8 PM nightly, if there's a large crowd at the resort. |
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The Friday night street dance and BBQ with steak,
lobster in season, seafood and other wonderful munchies are a site to behold
and is a unique experience. Take your camera for the spectacle, complete with
ice carvings. |
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Bar service on the nude side is available with a
waiter or waitress occasionally touring the area to take your drink order. |
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If the crowd at the nude pool seems sparse, you may
find your friends over on the nude beach side of the resort, opposite the two
nude suite buildings. There is PLENTY of space for all nudists and lots of
places to park your butt without any crowding whatsoever. |
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All of the nude side suite rooms have refrigerators,
many on the textile side accommodations do not but those rooms are undergoing a
renovation which will include such improvements. |
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If you're into massages, ask the spa to schedule
yours outside late in the afternoon under one of the palm trees...you will not
want to leave, with the sound of the surf and cool breezes bathing your
body. |
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Plan on rain during your vacation....you're in the
topics so take an umbrella. |
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Special day and night time activities are available
for the Nude Side guests. |
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Best Time to Go |
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Just about anytime is great in Jamaica. Hurricane season can
bring potentially unstable weather during late August, September and early
October. But, such storms are not frequent.
SuperClubs offers its "no
sunshine" guarantee which will qualify you for a free night on a return
vacation at the resort for each day the sun does not shine at all during
daylight hours. Check with the resort on those days where this may occur. NOTE:
A Sunshine guarantee can only be used at the resort from which it is
issued.
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Wish List |
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Wish there were more palm trees around the nude pool, but
the regular vegetation is beautiful anyway. (However, there are plenty of
umbrellas at the nude pool for shade. The nude beach has many chaise lounges
and thatched roof umbrellas for your enjoyment).
Wish there was
consistent bar service on the nude beach.
Keep the bar open later in
the evening on the nude side.
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| Photo
Album |
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• View the Photo
Album
Check out our Grand Lido Braco photo album. We're always
looking for more photos... If you have some,
send them in!
Virtual Tours of Grand Lido Braco
Video Tours of Grand Lido Braco
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| Trip
Reports |
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• View Trip
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