We took our trip May 2 - May 8. First, I want to thank Denny for the message board and the visitors list and posting of the trip reports. The trip reports give you an idea of what everyone thinks of Hedo, but I knew to keep an open mind, as I would have my own opinions. The message board really helped. We didn't overpack, we had insulated mugs and rafts. We never opened the rafts, there were plenty laying around that were past the dates. The visitors list was the best! We were connected with people before we went, some for months and some only once or twice.
I'm not going to do a day to day report, I don't think I'd keep it straight anyway! Our trip started out wonderful, with special thanks to Dave, a new friend we met before we went from the visitors list, who got our airline seats upgraded to 1st class. We met up with Dave and Donna in the Charlotte airport. He recognized us by the pics we had e-mailed. I heard a voice behind us say "that looks like a Hedo walk". We turned around and shook hands. He took us to meet his wife and wait for our final flight.( Sorry again Dave that you two had to sit in coach!) We shared a Timair flight to Negril. They had joined Biffs Bunch and we had the discount letter from Jamaica Jim. We both paid $55 per person each way. The flight was great!
We arrived at Hedo around 3. The rooms weren't ready so we went and looked around and had a drink. Back to the front desk, Dave's room was ready, but not ours. We waited awhile and went back to check again. They wanted to give us a gardenview for a night, so Larry asked for the difference in cash, since we had paid for an oceanview. They didn't want to do that, so Larry was persistent, and guess what? They did find a room after all. It turned out to have two single beds, so we just pushed them together for that night. The next day we went to the desk and after reminding them a few times during the day, they replaced the mattress with a king. We also had two safes in the room, but there was no keys to either. They said they were never turned in. So, thanks go out to Dave and Donna again, who kept our cash in their safe. These are the only two minor problems we had all week and we didn't let them get to us, because we were on vacation! I do have to mention that the sand fleas at the beach drove me crazy, but I'd just get up and go into the water (not polite to itch certain areas in public)
We went to our rooms to unpack and told Dave and Donna we'd meet them at the beach. We put our stuff away and grabbed our towels and said let's go! It was now or never! We had never been anywhere nude and were a little apprehensive. We had decided to come here and had booked nudeside,so....... We hit the beach and it was great! I can't say that it wasn't a little strange feeling at first, but it quickly disappears. Dave and Donna came out soon after and walked by us. Me, usually the shy one, yells out Hey! Dave, Donna, didn't you recognize us without any clothes on? They came over and Larry pointed out another couple that looked familiar from e-mail pics. Just then they decided to come over near the bar where we were and we asked them if they were Jerry and Debbie. They were, and we all introduced ourselves. They were with another e-mail couple, Lisa and George. So, within a couple of hours of arriving, Jerry's Kidz were formed.( Sorry Jerry, I know you weren't fond of this name, but we didn't come up with anything better!)
The eight of us spent the entire week together. I felt like we've known these people all our lives. We did meet other e-mail buddies who joined us at times for dinner at Pastafaries, nights at the hottub, pj party, or for a chat. It was great! The eight of us I'm sure will be friends for a lifetime. Everyone had a great sense of humor and we shared many laughs. We also have many great pics. We've all made copies and sent them around (where are yours George?)
I really didn't plan on writing a book here, so I'll try to sum this up. Hedo is about the people. Without the great friends we made I'm sure the trip would have been totally different. Larry and I can now understand nudists. Just people and personalities, that's all there is! No social status! It also just feels really free. Hedo lets you just let loose and be the person inside you. I don't know how many times during the week I heard one of our husbands say, she really isn't like this.
We thought the food was excellent! Great variety, great drinks, we even did Flaming Bob Marleys with Jerry, right Lisa! There's plenty to do all the time, if you don't want to just lay around. The staff was great! Larry got his picture with Shaka. Not one person asked for a tip or even hinted about one. The hottub late at night did get a little uncomfortable with the vinnies! That's when we would call it a night. Some of us participated in the body painting (good job Dave!). One went on the shaving cream raid to Grand Lido(Dave). We all went to the pj party (nice rooster Larry) and the Toga party (might see us in the Mens Health magazine, July issue). I tie dyed my shirt (Jerry liked it better white, more sheer). Missed the rock painting (next time!). Watched the wet tee shirt contest (men drooled). Watched the mens competition (women laughed) A couple of us went to Rick's Cafe to see the diving and the sunset (clouded up, no sunset), that was ok though. We all went for a walk outside Hedo to the (mall) to buy souvenirs (nice parrot Jerry!).Watched some contests out by the nude pool (lots of fun and laughs).We also found out they serve appetizers out by the prude pool before dinner (around 6). The lunches out by the nude pool, at the grill, are very good (great french fries, right Donna). I'd like to try the parasailing next time (you with me Debbie?).
From day one the routine was pretty much the same. We'd go to breakfast around 8 or 8:30, maybe run into 1 or 2 couples from our group, then off to the beach. Whoever got there first saved lounges. We'd lay around then it was off to lunch, either at the grill or mostly to the dining room, watch the entertainment, then back to the beach. Then off to get ready for dinner, whoever got there first got our table for 8. We drank and enjoyed the shows or went to the parties or Veronicas. Pj party was in the disco, way too crowded! Then it was off to the hottub for a few laughs.
The week ended way too soon and we were saying our good-byes to Dave and Donna on Friday. Then Larry and I and George and Lisa left the next day. Then Debbie and Jerry brought up the rear. We did get put on an earlier flight out of Mobay and put in 1st class again! Great way to end the best vacation we've ever had! We'll never forget it and do want to return someday. The eight of us want to take another vacation together in a year or so, we're not sure where yet. We may want to try something else, but it will never be the same as Hedo! So, in the meantime you all keep writing, ya hear! Sandy and Larry