Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

He is known and celebrated internationally and nationally as a world-class architect. His creations stand like pillars of good taste and unimpeachable style in the preferred neighbours of upper St Andrew, such as Old Stony Hill and the 'Golden Triangle' and its environs, and are to be found in the more exclusive resort neighbourhoods outside of Kingston.

And little wonder here, as man in question, is the celebrated Earl Levy, whose distinct style and architectural prose are faultlessly uncommonly styled and suited for grand and gracious living.

His success as the island's leading architect saw him not only designing stately homes and villas for the well heeled; he also designed some office buildings that now shine like beacons in downtown Kingston.

It was during the period of his transformational work in the downtown area of the capital that he took the opportunity to acquire real estate holdings in the exclusive Port Antonio enclave, near San San, the area dubbed the 'Jamaican Riviera'. He ventured into the resort and leisure industry with his construction of the Trident Hotel and Villas, a symbol of luxury resort living that boasted as its guests, the uber rich and fabulously famous.

Dears, over the years, jet-setters and the uber wealthy have demonstrated through their patronage and acquisition of summer homes, that Port Antonio and San San are their preferred playground. It was to cater to this high-end demand that saw the creation of Trident Hotel and Villas.

Years later, the Trident Castle was added to the Trident Hotel and Villas portfolio, adding just the right touch of élan and fantasy to the skyline and social stratosphere of Port Antonio. Though some thought it somewhat quirky at the time, the Trident Castle, was a stroke of marketing brilliance, adding as it did another dimension of fantasy and escape to the product and fast became not just a favourite get-away for the wealthy and famous, but was greeted with enthusiasm by the residents. They see the castle as a worthy landmark, helping to cement the status of their neighbourhood as a preferred destination.

Still king

Well, today, Port Antonio, Jamaica, is still the preferred destination of the international 'A-crowders', particularly so among European nobles, their scions and the very wealthy. The Trident Hotel and Villas have changed ownership, but Levy, is still king of his Castle. And on Easter Sunday, he threw open its doors and hosted what was a most delightful lunch that was so fabulous, it's still the buzz all over!

Luvs, the Trident Castle is not only a legendary Jamaican landmark, it has made of its owner and builder a celebrated figure in Port Antonio where he is reverentially referred to as The Earl of Trident. This is a sign of respect for his vision and accomplishments. It has earned him quite the grudging respect of many a titled Europeans, who has come to regard it as creative architectural intervention, adding to the appeal and diversification of the appeal of sun and beach.

And so it is my dears, a charmingly imposing structure, that quietly screams grandeur, style and chutzpah, representing a most charming slice of fantasy comes to life, and how!

Trident Castle is a fabulous get-away, located east of Port Antonio, on the way to San San, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with a lagoon of sorts, providing a kind of moat-like effect to complete its allure. It boasts 11 bedrooms, all decorated in fab style. Its master suite, along with its banquet hall, are the signature statement of opulence and grandeur. Naturally, there are turrets, dungeons, an inner courtyard, a family size swimming pool, beautiful grounds and the occasional sighting of ghosts to add to its charm and appeal.

Little wonder, the Trident Castle is favourite not only among the wealthy, diplomats and the jet-setters, it's also the preferred location for many young couples getting married, both as a wedding location and a honeymoon destination.

Now my dears, add to this fabulous backdrop, a gathering of Port Antonio's social elite, with a number of leading Kingston's socialites and powerbrokers, and a smattering of international personalities, and you know we are talking one fabulous luncheon.

And so it was my dears, in tone and content, a fabulous do and nothing but. The lunch was singularly the most satisfying fare and palate pleasingly so, with a liberal serving of reminiscences, chronicling the life and times of the castle as well as some of its more distinguished guests over the years. It made for a perfect Sunday afternoon my dears, and nothing but!

Among the notables out sharing each other's society were the legendary Mrs Patrice Wymore Flynn, widow of the late great screen idol, Errol Flynn; Mrs Fiela Mazzocchi-Alemanni, wife of Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni, head of delegation, European Union; the celebrated socialite, art collector and philanthropist, Charles Hanna; Robert MacMillan and his companion, the lovely Candy DePass; the celebrated iconic Marguerite Gauron, her twin sister; Dr Marilyn Duff, and her hubby, Don Duff. Also out were; American Eastside socialite and realtor, Judy Cacase; German entrepreneur Fred DeTroy and his Jamaican companion, the lovely Nadine Steens; Attorney Seyon Hanson, plus a number of others.

(1) From left: socialite and author, Mrs Marguerite Guaron, Earl Levy, Dr Marilyn Duff and Charles Hanna take time out from lunch for a Kodak moment.
(2) Host Earl Levy (foreground left) and guests at lunch at Trident Castle.