Lively Up - Mo'Bay Hot Spot

The Groovy Grouper, Jamaica

DEEP BACKGROUND: Doctor's Cave Bathing Club in Montego Bay is renowned both for a beach considered one of the best on Jamaica's North Coast and for waters fed by a network of underground rivers that reputedly have healing powers. Since 2001, the club's claims to fame have been bolstered by the Groovy Grouper, a spirited bar and restaurant located smack on its sands.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: During the week, patrons include cruise-ship passengers on shore leave and guests from hotels that share the club's choice location along Gloucester Avenue, the city's "Hip Strip." On weekends, local families join the mix, as well as such homegrown luminaries as boxer Lennox Lewis and reggae star Beenie Man.  

SUSTENANCE: At Friday night's $20 all-you-can-eat seafood beach buffet, you can pick your own fish from ice-filled canoes and have it fried, steamed or escoveitched to order. Groovy's regular all-day menu includes jerk calamari and wings, conch chowder and fritters, salads and burgers.

DIVERSIONS: Doctor's Cave is a private club, but a $5 daytime admission fee (for adults) gets you access to Groovy and the club's beach. (Once the club closes at 5 p.m., just walk right in.) Rent umbrellas, deck chairs, floats and snorkel gear all day for an extra $5 each. Hungry? Waitresses take your order at your chair and serve you right on the sand.

LOCAL KNOWLEGDE: Revelers "dress in white and glow all night" at monthly Full Moon Frolic beach soirées. Just ask at the bar for an invitation. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 876-952-8287

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