Trip Report... 5/26/98 - 6/2/98
Bill and Kathy...Hedo Virgins no more!!
We have just returned from THE BEST vacation we have spent in 28 years of marriage.
Never done "the nude thing"... just wanted to "blow it out" to celebrate the "passing of our youth". Yes, it was the big 50 for both of us this year. As they say "you only turn 50 once". I did extensive research on various message boards, ordered and read Chris Santilli’s book (The Naked Truth about Hedonism II ) Highly recommended, if you’ve never been there. Gives you a real feel of what to expect!
Flights...
Flew Air Jamaica ATL-MBJ then picked up AIRJAM Express over to Negril. Non events for both. Returned using Air Negril over to Mobay...most enjoyable for this white-knuckle flyer. AIRJAM back to ATL. Next time we plan to take Air Negril round-trip. Had heard they had on-time problems, but the small staff couldn’t have been nicer - and, yes, right on time!
Check-in...
Again, we expected a fight with all we had read regarding overbooking, long waits, etc.
Non event...5 minutes and we were in our room. I also believe as other trip reports have noted, there are advantages to mid-week arrivals. Don’t think they are as booked (at this time of the year, anyway) . Happened to go up front on the weekend and saw a long line waiting to check in. We will do the mid-week thing again next time for sure!
The Room...
Can’t say anything new that you haven’t read before. Our room was 2158/nude garden (just what we had booked too!) It was fairly close to the Disco, but the noise didn’t keep us from sleeping. I would prefer next time to be a little closer to the beach, but couldn’t complain. Rooms were clean - but nothing special. Must say we enjoyed the mirrors on the ceiling!!!! Don’t be in a rush to have your room cleaned, however. They do give priority to cleaning rooms of check-outs and leave those who ‘are here for the duration’ for much later in the day. We tried the ‘clean the room now’ sign on the door, but it didn’t help. No problem, Mon...we just stayed on the beach all day and didn’t worry about it!
The Food...
I enjoyed it more than my hubby. He’s pickier, though! Meat and potatoes men might have a problem. The quality of the beef dishes was not good - but edible! The chicken and fish entrees were always wonderful (in my opinion). Seems hubby pigged out on salads (an abundance for sure) and the dessert bar. Did have one dinner at Pastafari’s and, I’m sorry to report, we both had the same dish and got food poisoning! Still, I would recommend the place for the atmosphere and just for a change. Never have seen anyone report a problem before. Breakfast was the "fav" of all meals. We started early in the week having cakes and coffee on the nude beach every morning. Then opted the rest of the week for the main dining room breakfast. Get your money’s worth and ‘do the bar’.
Staff...
Everyone we came in contact with was most hospitable. No complaints here at all!
Augustus, the beach raker, made it a habit daily to ask if we were enjoying our stay.
And, of course, Delroy... Respect, Mon!
Splurge...
If you’re into massage... splurge and do it! The only drawback is that you’re right there on the main walkway to the nude beach. Lots of traffic asking prices, etc. So, could be a bit more private. The weather cooperated as if I had ordered it...a small shower during my massage. Really set the mood. We have added massage to our ‘must do’ list for next time.
As for side trips, cruises, Rick’s Cafe, etc., we did none of that! We are in high stress jobs and just wanted to float for a week. That’s what we did!! And at one point in the week, we even forgot what day it was! Locked my watch in the room safe, and didn’t look at it again until we checked out. Now that, my friends, is a relaxing vacation!
Heard good and bad reports of the side trips. The younger crowd loved the island picnic. Heard bad reports from the older crowd that it was too much like a frat party. Just depends on what you’re looking for, I’m sure. Heard good reports regarding the ‘cave cruise’.
Entertainment...
The main room entertainment I would rate good to mediocre! The toga night entertainment was enjoyable. The circus stuff, didn’t ‘turn my crank’, but I really didn’t go to be entertained! PJ party ( the first night we arrived!) was GREAT!!
I know most of those who have been many times won’t believe that we didn’t even make it to Veronica’s! I guess we got too much into the nude thing and just didn’t feel like getting dressed! Can hardly believe that - but it’s true. We plan to add that to our ‘must do’ list for next time too!
The Wet T-shirt contest was fun. Seems Playboy was doing a shoot later in the week (after we left!) and several girls who were to participate in the shoot entered. The competition, therefore, was "stacked against" the "non-silicone" girls.
Things we heard that are REALLY true...
Statement -" Pack your suitcase, then take out half of what you packed." That is TRUE!!
If you are on the nude side, definitely TRUE!! If you’re into dressing up for dinner every night, OK, pack...but we wore shorts - only changed tops several evenings. Next time we can do it with a carry-on per person.
Statement- " Take a raft and a permanent marker to date your raft so it won’t be used".
We never inflated the rafts we brought!! There was an abundance of ‘orphans’ on the beach, plus the new lounge cushions which can be used as floats were in great supply.
We preferred the cushions and just dragged them back and forth from the water to our lounge. DO take a permanent marker to ‘autograph’ a rock to leave in the collection you’ll find along the walkway by the rooms. Didn’t notice them until the second day. We left our rock and will look for it next time!
The Mood...
Can’t really explain the feeling that came over us after only one day at Hedo. I guess everyone goes for different reasons, but we found the atmosphere to be sexual, friendly, relaxing - wonderful! And, yes, what you hear about the state of depression that hits you the day before you leave IS TRUE. We both were very "down" that day. Almost tearful when the taxi drove up to take us to Negril Airport (hut better describes it!).
The Sex Police...
We were disappointed with the hot tub the first few nights, but the action picked up in the middle of the week. And then, yes, the sex police were in full force! We found it interesting, however, daylight shenanigans were the norm...and were not policed. It was really a show to see the reaction of different people. Some would get up from their lounges and just walk leisurely by ‘the event’ some looked around at others to see who was watching and what their reaction was...and then it gets real quiet. Sorta’ like just before a tornado!! The sky didn’t get green though.
I know I missed something, but can only say to wrap up...we cannot wait to return. We hope to go twice a year - whether we need it or not!!
Great report, thanks! - Denny