Trip Report GL San Souci Oct 23-29, 2002
Just returned from our first trip to Jamaica. Booked the Lido Lottery and found out 7 days prior that we would be going to San Souci. Worked out perfectly as that is the resort we wanted. I am going to write this report for the benefit of other first-timers or people considering a Lido resort. Will mention the things I think important or useful to someone who has never been to an all-inclusive resort before or someone wanting to compare different resorts. A little background. We are 50 somethings , although never been to an all-inclusive resort before, have traveled fairly extensively over the last 10 years including 3 trips to London, Athens, Istanbul, 3 cruises, etc. Not total novices anyway. We are VERY laid back travelers and little things never bother us. Due to extraordinary circumstances, this would be our first trip in 3 years and we were MORE than rarin' to go.
After an uneventful 1 hr 15 min flight on American Airlines from Miami (I threw my watch away before I got on the plane in Miami, so all times are approximate), we arrived in sunny Montego Bay. 10 minutes thru immigration, 10 minutes thru customs, 15 minute wait for transportation and we were on our way. We had a small van to ourselves. The ride to San Souci was about 2 hours, they tell me. For those of you use to rush hour traffic in Dallas, L.A. or other metropolitan areas, the bus ride will be no big deal. For those of you from more rural areas, you might want to consider closing your eyes for the duration of the trip. After the obligatory stop for jerk chicken and Red Stripe ($2.00), we rolled into GL San Souci early afternoon.
Beautiful grounds, very tropical. 5 minutes to fill out a brief registration form, during which we were given ice cold towels and cold drinks, and we were on our way to our room C-3. Everyone has a different opinion of which rooms are better. We liked ours immediately (even more so as the week passed). We had a suite with living room, bedroom, and huge bathroom with 2 sinks, 2-man Jacuzzi and separate shower. Water pressure was no problem. Wish I could have brought the shower home with me. Also no problems with hot water and wife reported excellent success with the provided hair dryers. She was sorry she packed hers. We had a very nice, large verandah with table and chairs as well as 2 chaise lounges. We liked this room because it was close to the main restaurant and the beach, but still not too bad a hike to the lobby/game room/Casanovas. One thing you should know, there are lots of steps at GLSS and NO handicap access facilities that I could see. The trade off is absolutely beautiful tropical grounds with hundreds of different tropical plants.
We changed into swimsuits and took a walking tour of the grounds. Had some jerk pork and a cheeseburger at the main pool. Lost in the finals of the ping pong tournament to a kid half my age, probably has a table in his basement. Strolled over the the CO pool which was absolutely deserted. There were not a lot of people in evidence our first day (Wednesday), but a large wedding party and more guests pretty well filled up the place by Friday.
After a hilarious bubble bath episode in the Jacuzzi (wife now knows that a LITTLE bubble bath goes a long way when using high powered jets), we decided to have our first dinner at the Bella Vista, which is what they turn the main pool bar/snack bar area into for dinner on evenings when there is not a special event (Tuesday nite beach party and Friday nite Gala). The menu changes every day and this was the nite for lamb chops, one of our favorites. This turned out to be our favorite meal of the whole trip. Not only were the lamb chops as good as I've ever had, but the combination of ocean breezes (water 15 feet away), twinkling lights and probably first nite excitement, made it very special. Then it was on to Casino Nite at the Balloon Bar which is next door to Casanovas. After an hour or so of gambling with play money, there was a blind auction. I won the very first auction and ended up with a hand made wooden turtle with Jamaica carved in its back. Then back to the room for room service chips and dips (very good) before calling it a nite.
The next 5 days settled into somewhat a routine of breakfast at Palizzinas, the Italian restaurant which served a bountiful buffet for lunch and breakfast. Besides American breakfast staples there was tons of fresh fruit and some interesting choices each day such as cornmeal porridge, banana dumplings, sautéed kidneys, etc. After fortifying with some bacon and eggs, we headed over to the Clothing Optional pool. This would be a first for us, but we had talked about it before and were looking forward to the opportunity. Arriving sometime around 9:30 (I think) we found ourselves ALL ALONE except for a few staff. This was a tad disconcerting, but it only took a few seconds for wife to go topless and yours truly to bare his exhibitionist soul (and other parts). We were soon joined by another couple. Although we visited the CO pool nearly every day, the most people there was probably about 10 or 12. Not the most lively spot. And, as has been remarked elsewhere, the average age of bathers was older than at the main pool. Had a waterfall and typically better music than the main pool. There were topless ladies, nude ladies, guys with suits and guys without. Did not see anybody say anything to anybody about dress. The last 2 days, 2 older couples who remained fully clothed, set up camp in the best chairs, at least one of the guys made no pretense that he was there to do anything but gawk. Made wife a little uncomfortable and we probably should have said something, but, as mentioned before, we are pretty laid back travelers, so we just left after awhile. Went to the main pool and got involved in some raucous pool volleyball, which was more fun anyhow.
We also renewed our wedding vows on this trip (have been together for 22 years, only married for 2, we got married in front of a county clerk and played golf afterwards, so this was a honeymoon for us also). Beautiful setting for a wedding. It was hotter than Hades and I sweated up a storm, but I was my usual charming self and persuaded wife to tie the knot once again. Minister, flowers, cake, champagne all provided at no charge (no gratuities either). Very nice.
Played golf one day at Runaway Bay. About a 30 minute ride from GLSS. Caddie $14, clubs $14. Nice course, narrow fairways. Hot, hot, hot and I can't remember the last time I walked 18 holes. Started off bogey, par, birdie, then reverted pretty much to form, but still broke 100 which I considered pretty decent given the heat and the walking and my talent. We did sailing one day, I tried sailboarding the last day. Looks so easy when those kids hop on that board! I persevered and did manage to actually sail about 100 feet, before deciding that I had had enough exercise and diving (falling) practice for one day. There was not a lot of wind which made keeping your balance even harder I think (at least that's the excuse I made to myself). We had been looking forward to doing some more snorkeling, but the jellyfish were in season, and we decided discretion was the better part of valor.
Now for the food (knew you were waiting for this). The lamb chops on the beach was hands down the nicest dining experience. We ordered several times from room service and the food was consistently on time, above average quality and hot/cold as required. Recommend the chips/dips and the lamb chops. We had dinner twice at Casanovas, the gourmet restaurant. Despite many years in the food and beverage business, I am not a big fan of "gourmet" food. There were NO appetizers and NO desserts on the menu that I could or would eat. The onion soup was very good, the salads were excellent and the Chef's Special Salmon that I had the first time was absolutely divine. Truly spectacular. The 2nd time I had the chicken because nothing else really appealed. Wife had the rack of lamb, which was good, but not as good as on the beach. The night we did eat at Palizzinas, I had the tenderloins and wife had the veal marsala. Both very good and the salad/antipasto bar was excellent.
The Friday Night Gala, with tents set up on the main lawn was very nice. We renewed our vows that afternoon and told everyone that they were putting on this Gala as a reception for us. Carving stations with prime rib, Salmon Wellington, and lots more great choices. Lots of gooey desserts which I can't stand, but wife found one that she really liked, so all was well. Very nice evening although the entertainment after dinner was terrible, we thought. When I hear songs that I like, I like them to at least RESEMBLE the renditions that I am familiar with. Still in all ,a nice night. By contrast, the entertainment the next evening at the Balloon Bar was terrific. Kevin Malcolm really heated the place up with great covers of some of the best love songs of all time. After his set, the house band/singer heated things up even more with some great rock n roll and reggae. The dance floor got very busy with slow dancing, jitterbugging and even reggae line dancing. This was by far the most lively the place was during our entire stay. Was also really our only late nite. Lots of fun.
Our last night, they had a fashion show. VERY HOT and I don't mean the weather. Jamaican women in general are beautiful and the staff at GLSS are some of the cream of the crop. The swimsuit portion of the show was stunning. As you can imagine, a very enthusiastic audience kept the energy level high. Finally, sadly, it was time to go.
Left the resort about 9 AM (I bought a watch at the duty free shop this morning). One other couple along and then we stopped at Braco to pick up 3 people. Still made it to the airport in about 2 hours. Hint: wait till you get to the airport to buy your booze. As a gift for my Sales Manager, I bought a bottle of Appleton V/X rum in a nice presentation tin. Paid $22 for it at the hotel. Same bottle w/tin was $12 at the airport.
Here are some general observations, based on what we were expecting, what we actually experienced and recommendations. This is a great romantic getaway. Never felt crowded, even when full. We were surprised at the large number of young people at this resort (mostly honeymooners). For some reason we were expecting a much older crowd. Expect to be pampered within an inch of your life. The staff is, virtually without exception, warm and friendly and willing to please. The food is abundant and excellent and there are always several choices for dining. There was a CD player in our room along with color TV featuring HBO, Cinemax, CNN and ESPN. Was my first ever pedicure/manicure and it was wonderful. I needed internet access and took my laptop. No real need as they have a computer with MSN access in the air conditioned game room. $3 for the first 10 minutes and .25/minute after that. (With webmail, we were able to access all of our email) As I mentioned before, no problems with hair dryers, hot water or water pressure.
Now the big question. Would we go back? Absolutely. I think this was wife's favorite trip of all time. I enjoyed it also. I would have liked to see a few more activities as I am not really into just laying around in the sun, although I did enjoy the chance to catch up on some of my reading. I think I would like to try Braco next time as I've heard (from talking to the people we picked up from there on our way to the airport) that there is a lot more activity, both during the day and at night. Also think Breezes Runaway Bay might be an option given that it is right across the street from the golf course. Maybe somebody who has been there as well as the Lido's might give me some feedback. All in all, a wonderful trip that we would repeat in a heartbeat.