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Rio
Bueno - Jamaica
(Formally Grand Lido Braco) |
| 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 Breezes Resort & Spa Rio Bueno.
Got that? Just take a look at the Photo Album for Breezes Resort & Spa Rio
Bueno 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, Breezes Resort & Spa Rio
Bueno is typically less than an hour's ride due east of the Montego Bay
airport, on the road to Ocho Rios. In fact, Breezes Resort & Spa Rio Bueno
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 the resort. 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.
Breezes Resort
& Spa Rio Bueno 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, optional spa treatments (waxing,
wraps, etc.), free tennis, hotel taxes, tips and service charges.
There
is a 9 hole executive golf course on site plus several tennis courts.
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 Breezes
Resort & Spa Rio Bueno. 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 Breezes Resort & Spa Rio Bueno) / Showtime/ Toga Party - Togas are
required for disco and will be provided/Sing-A-Long (Piano Bar). |
| Wednesday |
Rio Bueno 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 the resort) |
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 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.
The Au Natural section of the
property is for the exclusive use of guests who purchase rooms in that section.
Guests on the prude side of the resort must purchase a day pass that costs
$85person to use the facilities of the au natural side if they wish to use that
area.
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.
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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 this resort.
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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.
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 Breezes Resort & Spa Rio Bueno 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 Breezes Resort & Spa Rio Bueno photo
album. We're always looking for more photos... If you have some,
send them in!
Virtual Tours of Breezes Resort & Spa Rio
Bueno
Video Tours of Breezes Resort & Spa Rio
Bueno
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| Trip
Reports |
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• View
Trip Reports
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Photographs page.
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