Ooshan opens its doors at the exclusive Tryall Club
Published:Thursday | December 12, 2024 | 12:09 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica’s Tryall Club in Hanover has unveiled its newest gem – Ooshan, a stunning beachfront restaurant that redefines elegance and Jamaican hospitality.
This much-anticipated addition marks a significant milestone for the exclusive club, showcasing a harmonious blend of architectural innovation and culinary ambition.
During the launch event, speakers reflected on the rich history of Tryall and the remarkable journey that led to Ooshan’s completion. The event also marked the culmination of eight years of planning, development, and collaboration.
Offering a glimpse into Tryall’s history, Kenton Jones, the property’s managing director, recounted a 1958 Gleaner report that detailed the transformation of the property from a 2,300-acre coconut and banana estate into “one of the most luxurious exclusive clubs in the resort world”.
“The vision of Tryall’s founders emphasised careful, deliberate development – an ethos that continues to shape the property today,” he shared.
Fast-forward to 2016, when Julia Merck-Utsch, the current board president and board member Suresh Kavan took the reins of a new vision for the club, laying the groundwork for its transformation. Their partnership, built on Merck-Utsch’s design acumen and Kavan’s organisational prowess, steered the ambitious eight-year journey.
“They turned up at every meeting, sometimes we wished they wouldn’t,” Jones joked. “But the result is what you see here today – a world-class coastal development.”
The journey included extensive planning, budgeting, re-budgeting, and countless hours of collaboration to bring Ooshan and the surrounding beach complex to life. The result is a breathtaking venue, featuring water sports, an infinity pool, event lawns, and now the crown jewel – Ooshan.
Merck-Utsch expressed her joy at seeing the project come to fruition, highlighting how the entire beach complex now seamlessly integrates with Ooshan. “The final product is beautiful,” she said.
Kavan reflected on initial plans to renovate the old restaurant, which were ultimately abandoned after structural surveys revealed its foundation would not last. “I don’t mind admitting when I’m wrong,” he said. “Looking around now, OMG – this is unbelievable!”
Ooshan not only replaces the old restaurant, but elevates the club’s dining experience to new heights. Guests will enjoy contemporary design, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking ocean views. The management team expressed excitement about the restaurant’s potential to deliver “a new level of magical Jamaican hospitality”.
Opened for lunch and dinner, the restaurant features a modern reinterpretation of Jamaican cuisine from Head Chef Kevin Betton. “The bar at Ooshan will be the fun social spot for ‘Sunset Hour’ and this is the first time that Tryall has opened a culinary outlet to outside guests, which promises to be one of the top new dining spots in Jamaica,” says the Tryall team.