Playa del Este Sanctuary Private Resort owner
Michael Headley stands between resort manager
Pat Dillon, left, and executive assistant
Jennifer Singh. Photos: Jennifer Watson

The weekend past was pure heaven, as I spent it at the newly opened Playa del Este Sanctuary Private Resort in Salybia. Owned by former Poison bandleader Michael Headley, the expansive venue has previously been home to the very popular Carnival Thursday all-inclusive fetes on the north-east coast. The resort is basically subdivided into four themed villas—We Beat, through which local indigenous music, including soca, parang and chutney, is piped; La Tropicana, catering to the riveting vibrations of Latin music; Motown, which caters to golden hits, rock and soul; and, Caribbean Rhythms, its seaside deck, served with the sounds of reggae, zouk, bachata and merengue.

Headley has hand-picked a well experienced management team that is headed by former Miami resident Pat Dillon; Venezuelan executive chef Victor T Padron; and Jennifer Singh. Dillon holds a degree in travel and hospitality management and has worked at a senior management level at both South African Airways and American Express Centurion Travel. Having attended almost every fete held at Playa del Este for more than ten years, I got my mind blown by spending time on the property. I relished the delicious fare served each day so much that I was forced to enquire after the hands that prepared the meals. Dillon revealed that beside Padron, the delectable Caribbean dishes served were prepared by Chandra Boodoosingh, Avinesh Jagroop, Michelle Dyer, MUST student Martha Patrick, and Dillon herself, who prepared a mean king fish on Saturday, the creole seasoning evident to the bone.

Stomach room had to actually be made on Saturday for dinner, which comprised dhalpuri roti and buss-up-shut, complete with curried chicken, channa, mango, pumpkin, bodi and potato. By the time the waitress announced dessert—cheese cake, Black Forest cake, homemade ice cream and fresh fruit salad—nary a soul could indulge. Oh, on Saturday night, guests were entertained with a special performance by veteran Chutney Monarch Rikki Jai. Sunday’s breakfast was total local, inclusive of coconut roast bake, fry bake, accra, smoke herring, bhuljol, sardines, fried garlic yucca (cassava), tomato choka, fresh fruit, yogurt and cereal. Porterhouse steak, spinach rice, macaroni and potato pie, callaloo, and an assortment of provision constituted Sunday lunch, also served with ample desserts.

As the visit wound down, it was most challenging to decide between having siesta, wading in the jacuzzi or swimming pool, or venturing down to Salybia Beach for a dip in the salt. The weekend—specifically catering to the media—also included massages, the choice of two jacuzzis, two swimming pools, and use of the gym and spa. It was just what the doctor ordered. With the sound of waves caressing the shoreline, forgotten were the stressful issues of the week, like the cost of flags and performing arts centres, security for prison officers and the CHOGM. Headley is all excited about his Vista Alma Incentive Programme, which the resort offers to corporate T&T as a productivity incentive for staffers. This includes attractive rates and a virtual sanctuary away from the office. Dillon said the resort is now officially open to the public, with all the perks included. For bookings, call Pat or Jennifer at 691-5227. Headley confirmed that the annual Escape to Playa del Este would be held next year on Carnival Thursday (February 11), and his traditional Carnival Sunday all-inclusive fete in Valsayn falls on Valentine’s Day.

It all ads up
When watching television I usually mute the set during ads as I find most of them to be quite boring and nonsensical. However, every now and again, someone comes up with something actually entertaining and original, like the Lucozade Stick Man and yesteryear’s Guardian Life’s Love in the Cemetery and Ten to One is Murder, produced by Peta(sp) Bain. These days, one particular newspaper ad has been catching my eye and it’s the “We’re excited about our new “Drawers”! by Wood You furniture manufacturers of Port-of-Spain. I’ve found this one to be refreshingly humorous and original. Could be that it was inspired by Trinidad Rio’s ditty, No Drawers. Look for it and let me know what you think.

RIGHT: Executive chef Victor T Padron, who holds a BA in Hotel Management, is reputed for creating unique fusions between Caribbean and international flavours.

LEFT: View of Salybia Beach from Playa del Este Sanctuary Private Resort

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BLOODNOTES

The hills come alive
Tomorrow evening, Witco Desperadoes and Desperadoes Elders’ Organisation are staging their second annual awards function for the elders of the illustrious steel orchestra, and the community, who have served with distinction, some for over half-century. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 pm at the band’s Pan Theatre on Upper Laventille Road, and posthumous awards recipients are Rudolph Charles, Clive Bradley, Stanley “Levi” Goodridge and Kelvin Rollock. Also being honoured are Jean Reid, Ursula Tudor, Vilma Vincent, George Saul, John Christian, George Coussaint, Jefferson Waldrond, Clyde Thomas, Sonny Bernard, Ralph Gilford and Charles Banfield.

Tomorrow’s programme also includes the launch of Desperadoes’ C2K10 mas presentation—Stop the Blood. Elders PRO Muhummad Shabazz said this week: “As you know, the Desperadoes has been a pioneer and innovator in taking our national instrument forward. We are committed to the awareness that is necessary and important for the enhancement of our community.” Desperadoes has 11 National Panorama titles to its name, the most for any steel orchestra.

Bring yuh music
For those artistes who still do not know, Trinidad Publishing Company actually owns five radio stations (The Vibe 105.1FM; Sangeet 106.1 FM; Akash Vani 106.5FM; The Rock 95.1FM; Inspiration Radio 730AM), and a television station (CNC3). The T&T Guardian also has a music critic/reviewer. So when you come to the Guardian Building on St Vincent Street to get your new music on the airwaves, why not also venture to our offices to have your CDs reviewed?