Michelle LaPorte - Contributed
Destination Jamaica is still one hot getaway for rich and famous, and not to mention the Hollywood set!
Following the host of celebrities who jetted into the island to usher in Christmas and the New Year, the fab are still arriving, with the latest Hollywood celeb being actor Robin Thicke, who jetted into Montego Bay and kicked back for a few days, the preferred place being the Rose Hall Resort and Spa.
And speaking of fabulous people, social lioness, the absolutely grand Iris Day, jetted in from the United States and is currently holidaying on the north coast, where she is definitely the belle of the ball, as the one-time Kingston socialite and art collector, who now calls Florida home, is soaking up the sun, sea and sand, as well as catching up with her long-standing friends before returning home in mid-February.
Sugar Cane Ball
And speaking of the north coast, the only buzz across the social centres of the globe is the much-anticipated annual Sugar Cane Ball, hosted by Hanover Charities at the oh so fabulous Round Hill Villas and Resort near Montego Bay.
We are talking an absolutely good thing here, as the ball, being hosted on Valentine's Day, is the main fund-raising event for the organisation that has been raising funds and assisting the needy for the last 50-plus years. They have raised millions over the years. One of the features of this fab event is the annual raffle that offers such goodies as trips to Africa, shopping sprees, jewellery and visits to local vacation spots.
Well, if a ball or a raffle is not your thing, then y'all can't miss the polo and high tea that follow the very next day at the Chukka Blue Ranch Polo Field in Sandy Bay, Hanover, to round out a dream weekend. Just think: Round Hill, the ball, polo and high tea - the opportunity to simply have fun and, at the very same time, is exactly what the doctor ordered! And with fabulous Katrin Schafelner Casserly of the Hanover Charities promising a ball, y'all know it's going to be all that!
And still speaking of the fabulous things, the gastronomic circles and the happening crowd are all abuzz with the news that Cecile Levee is all set to take her wine bar and restaurant to St Andrew. Montego Bay's first lady of haute cuisine and international style is all set to open her signature Wine With Me Bar and Restaurant at the fashionably hot Courtyard, in the Market Place on Constant Spring Road. Wait for it, as dining out will be that much more exciting as she brings her style and great food to this city!
Then it's definitely the age of Aquarius and beautiful people, with among those celebrating this water sign being the absolute darling Victoria Windle, whose special day was on the January 24, at her Encino home in Southern California. Celebrating last Sunday were hotelier and bon vivant Josef Forstmayr; former head of Digicel Jamaica, the affable David Hall and social writer Novia McDonald-Whyte.
Celebrating birthdays
Businessman and honorary consul of Portugal, Paul Issa, celebrated on Monday, February 2. The esteemed dancer extraordinaire, choreographer and founding director of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company, educator, author and intellectual, Professor Rex Nettleford, celebrated his birthday the day after. The lovely Donna Feltis-Coore celebrates her very special day today; the absolute dish of loveliness, Carla Newsam, celebrates tomorrow, as will child prodigy turned social activist and law student, Courtney Foster.
On Sunday, the very talented artist, Aloima Suarez, will celebrate her birthday with a special brunch. Christopher Reckord will no doubt uncork a bottle of fine wine on the 10th; the fabulous Maureen German will celebrate in fine style on the 11th; the celebrated Carl Bliss will usher in another year on the 12th, and Junior Wellington will celebrate in Connecticut on the 13th. And on Valentine's Day, the fabulous first lady of Pulse, Romae Gordon, will take birthday honours, as will former Pulse model, fashionista and glamour puss, Michelle LaPorte. On Sunday the 15th, however, it will all be about the lovely Seya Ann Wilson, who will take the birthday honours.
Happy birthday wishes all around!
( L - R ) Katrin Casserly, David Hall, Aloima Suarez
( L - R ) Carl Bliss, Romae Gordon, Rex Nettleford - FILE PHOTOS