More

Contributed photos

From right: Lee Issa, Rebecca and Alex Issa, and Tom Finn, owner of Island Getaways, the top producing travel agency for Couples Resorts at Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril ninth Anniversary celebrations recently.

From L- Ricardo Bowleg, general manager of Couples Swept Away, Gary Stephens, vice-president of operations, Couples Resorts and Nancy Beckham, interior designer, giving the peace sign at the Couples Swept Away Negril Retro '70s Theme Party during its 9th Anniversary celebrations recently.

Paul Issa (centre), director of Couples Resorts presents the first place prize to Gary Williams (right) and Anthony Ziadie at the second annual Couples Resorts Negril Charity Golf Tournament at the Negril Hills Golf Club.

From left: David Hall, CEO of Digicel and his wife Liz, with Paul Issa and his sister-in-law Jane Issa at the Couples Negril Anniversary Party recently.

Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away celebrate ninth year

Janet Silvera, Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator

Diana King's Shy Guy by Tammy Tease, Caribbean Regal's steel panning, complemented by the vibrant colours of aqua blue, orange and yellow was the perfect bridge connecting guests with the Couples Negril Ninth Anniversary Gala.

Those who fared the rains to come out two Saturdays ago never allowed their spirits to be dampened, as the sight that greeted them was exquisiteness and magnificence, accompanied by a communal feast fit for a King.

Couples Negril's general manager, Karen Lannigan and her team had outdone themselves, with a fabulous and richly-decorated sushi station that played host to an ice bar and two makeshift overpasses hanging across a swimming pool that shared place with Mediterranean, Asian and Jamaican food stations.

tropical transformation

As if this was not enough, ginger lilies and helliconias created a tropical transformation throughout the resort, while a striking beach bonfire warmed the hearts and souls of lovers privileged to hear the sounds of the unique and melodious Carol Lemonious.

And this was only night two of the weekend of celebration for the sister properties.

Couples Swept Away had selected a 1970s Retro themed party to mark their celebration. Theirs was a night of Playboy bunnies, excitement galore and the unleashing of tapped talent known only by that resort's general manager, Ricardo Bowleg.

On Sunday, some of the countries most charitable took up their golf clubs and balls and played for the Clifton Boys Home and other local charities.

At the end of 18 holes at the Negril Hills Golf Club, $1.4 million was raised.

Today, through a pictorial, Hospitality Jamaica highlights the faces of the people behind the scenes who helped to make a difference in the lives of others.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Lee Issa (centre) is flanked by two gorgeous playboy bunnies at the Couples Swept Away Negril Retro '70s Theme Party during its ninth Anniversary celebrations recently.