Last week Sunday, Kingsley Cooper and the Pulse family invited shareholders and friends to share an evening of introduction to the Villa Ronai Destination Spa, the first phase of which is now nearing completion.

The function took place within what will be the main spa building, and some guests took the opportunity to generally look around the nine-acre property.

The first phase of the project encompasses the four-floor, 4,500-sq ft spa and the first 10 guest suites, as well as three restaurants, a gift shop and a small museum. The restaurants, gift shop and museum will be located in the main building. This first phase is expected to be completed in six months.

Villa Ronai was originally built by the Ronai family, which came to Jamaica in the late 1940s, after World War II. Although Hungarian, Arpad Ronai became the Belgian Consul in Jamaica. A popular attraction at the time, Ronai played host to thousands of tourists over the years, most of whom came to Kingston on cruise ships and visited the property, courtesy of Martin's Tours. Villa Ronai was featured in several international travel publications, including National Geographic and on NBC TV's Luncheon Date show.

The second phase of the new project will incorporate 40 additional suites as well as the rehabilitation of the art, water features and landscaping in the gardens and the final phase will include eco-trails and rest stops in the 'forest', as well as the installation of furnishings and equipment in all facilities. The entire project is expected to be completed in three years.

Guests attending the function included: Lois Sherwood, director Gerd Jarchow, former European Union Ambassador to Jamaica, and his wife Mara, visiting from Brussels; Marco Alemanni, current European Union Ambassador to Jamaica; Jeffrey Cobham and Hilary Phillips, QC, Pulse directors; Romae Gordon, general manager; Katherine Phipps, Minna Israel, head of RBTT; Clovis Metcalfe, head of FCIB, and Mrs Metcalfe, Tanya HoShue, Patrick Bailey, attorney; Mike Henry, Minister of Transport and Works and wife Dawn, Professor Carolyn Cooper; Donnette Cooper, attorney-at-law, visiting from Washington, Safia Cooper, Red Stripe brand manager; Carlysle and Diane Hudson; Neil and Dawn George, visiting from Toronto.

Also out were: Kenny Benjamin, Nalissatou Diagne, the Ambassador from Senegal Mutabaruka and his companion Amber Cohen; Harold Brady, attorney; Sade Powell, Claro marketing manager; Harry and Anmarie Smith; Dr Leahcim and Cecile Semaj; Cecil Cooper, Margaret McGhie, ceramist David McBean, head of CVM Group, and McBean Keneea Linton, fashion designer; Lennie Little-White, film-maker, and many more.

Jennifer Silverstein (left), Nadine Willis and Christopher Wilson spend time together at Villa Ronai.

From left: Neil George, his wife Dawne George, Diane Hudson and Lois Sherwood relax in the soon-to-be spa's main building.

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Gerd and Mara Jarchow are intrigued by the beauty surrounding them at Villa Ronai.