Inside the 'X.clusive' celebrity playground

Come this Emancipation Weekend, Jamaica's elite will flock to Negril to revel at some of the most premium parties that collectively make up the Smirnoff Dream Weekend.

Smirnoff X.clusive Celebrity Playground - the most exclusive among the plethora of parties that will be happening in the western city - will see socialites and celebrities alike clad in their red-and-white beach couture, also known as 'Smirnoff-wear', as they enjoy food, liquor and laughter while they party at its Margaritaville venue.

Garth Walker, one of the promoters of the exclusive party who knows a thing or two about luxury (he heads the upscale Adam and Eve Day Spa), says the image of Smirnoff X.clusive is 'celebrity', whether you actually are one or just want to experience what it would be like for a day.

"We're ensuring that all our patrons get a feel of what it's like to be a celebrity. It's not that you have to physically be the high-profile person, but the vibe we'll create at the event is that when you arrive you'll feel like one of those persons."

The Diamond Experience

This year, the promoters have included what they term as 'the diamond experience', which will allow diamond-band holders to have access to VIP areas at all the Dream Weekend events. The VIP area at Smirnoff X.clusive will be expanded this year to two areas - upstairs and downstairs - as patrons can expect top-shelf liquor and delectable food, inclusive of the full assortment of shrimp, lobster, beef and pork.

The party, happening on Monday, August 1, will cost $4,000 at the gate and $5,000 for VIP, outside of the presold Dream Weekend season band, which costs $15,000. Season band holders can be upgraded to VIP at the gate for an additional $2,000.