This was our second consecutive Turkey Day at Hedo and ninth trip overall (we
usually go in February). The flight from Charlotte to Jamaica was uneventful as
usual, but the bus trip to Negril was rougher than ever. Construction on the new
road is progressing pretty well and you actually get to ride on the unpaved
roadbed part of the way. We have flown over several times, but for us the 1 ½
hours extra time to make the trip doesn't justify the additional cost of flying.
We consider the bus ride to be time for mental adjustment from hectic US to
Jamaican soon-come time and now we can amuse ourselves by inspecting the road
construction.
Hedo was overbooked and we were bumped over to the Grand Dildo (Lido) for two
nights, which seemed to have plenty of rooms available (that should tell us
something, huh?) We don't mind being bumped over there though because we get
room service if we're tired and the run of both resorts. Some of the overdressed
GL types gave us some strange looks as we roamed about and to and from the zoo
wearing only pareo's and sandals.
The move over from the Dildo to Hedo was quick and painless. Our room had a
new air conditioner, which worked just fine, and a new comfortable king mattress
(they apparently are replacing all mattresses). Our water temperature on first
floor "H" block was constant and plenty of hot water until the last
two evenings when it was barely warm. Other than those items, the facility was
about the same (as since the nude pool, bar, etc. was built).
The food was definitely improved over our last few trips. Last year
Thanksgiving dinner was just passable, but this year there was a nice spread and
everything was quite tasty. (Thanksgiving is not a Jamaican holiday.) We don't
agree that the quality of food has gone down the past few years, as others have
posted. At least since '93 the food has been up and down, adequate, but not
gourmet. The addition of the soft serve machine for lunch and dinner ice cream
was a plus, and the flavors were good too.
The entertainment coordinators seemed to be Un-coordinated this trip. We
think several are burned out. Toga party was very poorly run and had poor
participation. PJ party was OK, but only a few outstanding creations for bedwear.
Entertainment was about the same, except for addition of an art auction (REAL
BUMMER). The auctioneer became totally discombobulated when two tables mooned
him. Apparently it is a Superclubs thing because they also had one over at the
Grand Dildo. A manager told me the Hedo auction will disappear soon due to
popular demand.
The sex police were non-existent this week. One of the coordinators ate some
popcorn in a front row seat while watching an afternoon exhibition, er… um…frolic
in the coolie pool. Two couples from Sandals were initiated to guest
participation in hot tub sporting events, complete with cheering squad, by some
Hedo-hot tub-vets one evening. The Barber of Negril's (Dude's) shop was busy
nearly every day.
The absolute best part of the trip, as usual, was the people. One of the
managers said there were 75-80% repeat offenders for the week and the newbies,
even the visitors from Sandals, were great. The hot tub was nearly full of
congenial spirits every evening. Last year, the annual Macy's Parade (down the
beach past Sandals) drew 72 participants, but this year all records were broke
with 122 marchers, plus 2 in the Hedo kayak navy. Maybe we need to recruit more
swabbies for the next Macy's parade.
We want to thank all our new and old Hedonist friends for another great
vacation. On the way home we visited more Hedo friends to begin preparations
(just a few temporary tattoos and assorted toys needed) for our February return.