RELAX! You tell yourself, as you breathe in the beauty. But it's like telling an insomniac to sleep. our 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 will 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. So 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. 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 is 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 leaf 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 a 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 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. Among the natural ways to shape up outside the resort, a trip to White River Valley Adventureland ranks high. This colorful establishment is nestled in the mountains just outside of Ocho Rios. The fun begins as a peaceful jaunt on horseback through the jungle. Knowledgeable guides will point out the huge variety if plants including fruit trees such as breadfruit, ackee and mango. But don't linger too long or your horse will eat them as a snack. In a clearing at the end of the path you trade your reins in for an inner tube and glide down the White River. Guides accompany you drifting down the crystal clear river with the occasional surprise of white water. As you gaze at the light filtering through the towering bamboo you are transported to a time when the native Arawaks arrived from Venezuela in their tree trunk canoes. They named this island Xaymaca - "land of wood and water." Shedding the feeling of the small town village, you may opt for a more modern luxury at Grand Lido Negril. From the moment you step on to this resort you feel at ease with its clean lines of marble and glass. There is harmony between nature and architecture, and in the smiles of the people. I left the white powder beach for the A-frame spa structures clustered on the hill. At Negril, the spa and gym facilities are in separate buildings situated next to one another. Negril's spa, like Grand Lido Braco's, reflected the resort’s personal style. Here the focus was on the beautiful landscape, as it spilled from the circular dipping pool to the surrounding treatment buildings. If you just took a book and lounged by this pool, you would feel content under the palms. I met therapist Inez Plunkett at the information building and we walked to the first treatment room. When I entered the room I was struck by its simplicity. As I got ready for my treatment, Plunkett asked about the complexities of my skin. She quickly got to work choosing the right products and educating me as we went along. After the initial steps of cleaning, toning, exfoliating, toning (notice a pattern here?), I was given a mask for my skin type. While the mask was left to settle, Plunkett went to work on my feet. Her concern for my wellbeing was reflected in her skilled hands. When my facial was over I walked across the center to the nail salon to complete my day of beauty. Suzette Lindsey topped off my Jamaican experience with skilled hands and her generous smile. We were the only two people in the nail salon, and as we exchanged stories of love and marriage, we laughed – just because it felt good. I would lift my foot out of the soaking tub and she would carefully place it on her lap, clipping, buffing and rubbing to perfection. I gazed out of the window of this simple structure toward the dipping pool and beautiful surrounding gardens. Most of the massages on the resort don't take place in the relaxing area around the spa; at Grand Lido Negril you can take your massage outdoors in open-air huts along the shoreline. These outdoor spaces for two offer a special connection to the ocean. Since Negril caters to so many weddings, they offer special spa packages for the bride and groom. "No Problem" is the Jamaican answer to your every request. After the pleasures of the spa, you can match the relaxation in the beauty of the island, the culture and its people. The Village Soother at Braco is $380.00 US for 180 min. The Purifying Facial at Negril is $85.00 US for 60 min. Grand Lido Braco: www.superclubs.com/brand_grandlido/resort_braco Grand Lido Negril: www.superclubs.com/brand_grandlido/resort_negril