Hedonism II Trip Report 3/30 to 4/6, 1998 Michael and Karla
In early March my friend Karla called and left a voce mail saying she needed to get away in April and would I like to go with her. She suggested the sun and I suggested Hedonism II. Her travel agent booked it and we asked for a room on the nude side. She was a little apprehensive at first but soon realized the joy of the nude experiences we enjoyed at the beach and the hot tub. Rather than do a day by day synopsis I will leave my thoughts on some topics for those who have been there and those considering a visit.
Denny's Page. We checked this great sight for insight into the resort ( we were first timers) and I felt like returning the favor of a trip report.
Getting There. We flew direct from Cincinnati to MoBay. Quite easy to get on the bus because the Hedo folks have a desk just past Customs and get you on the bus. I enjoyed the bus ride, as you do see a bit of this land called Jamaica.
What to Take. Two bags. Max. I have a prescription dive mask and my own fins. If I had not taken this I would have had one bag. Shorts & T's and a few shirts with collars. Sneakers & water walkers, maybe flipflops,sunglasses, camera. Karla enjoyed dressing for dinner. She only had one bag and plenty of clothes for the stay.. Bring bathing suits for walks to the prude side. I kinda wish the entire resort was nude. Bring plenty of sunblock. They sell some tanning products there but the price is high. Some couples had tanning salon time in and I recommend this if you have time. CD's. It is nice to have a choice of music to listen to at night. Delroy and folks at the nude beach bar will play your CD's on their system if you like. I will admit it sounded weird hearing classic rock songs one day after a steady diet of wonderful reggae music. No big deal but a thought for music lovers. Dress (I use this word loosely) for the P.J. Party. It's well worth it. We did and noticed that those who did not make the effort for the occasion seemed like they wished they would have. Several of the ladies at the toga party used a sparkle effect on their skin that was quite alluring however I have no idea where to get this product.
Nude Beach Area. This is the side to be on. More couples. Nice folks, Congenial. The gawkers were around but not really bad when we were there. Camera's seemed to be okay as long as you were discreetly shooting pictures of those you came with. Security did a good job of chasing away those who were randomly shooting naked bodies. This did not happen often. The nude side was mostly older (30+) couples, compared to the prude side. Also they put out fresh fruit and coffee every morning at the nude beach bar so you you needn't go for breakfast at the dining area if you wish to get an early start on the sun!
Food. We thought the food was fabulous. There is something for everyone. I was amazed to hear repeat visitors comment that the food was better before.(?) Hard to believe. The Pastafari was okay (you need to dress up and they wait on you) but I preferred the buffet area. You tend to make friends when you are there and the main dining room is the place to be to mingle.
Hot Tub. Surreal. The first night we were there we were in the tub with about 4 other couples. No music blaring, just the moon, stars, gurgling water, and singing frogs. Everyone in the tub that night was engaged in some type of intimacy.Beautiful and erotic. Other nights there were single guys gawking, various couples and single guys in the tub, and various vibes. For the most part we found this a very warm and relaxing way to end the day. Met some nice folks just lounging in the tub relaxing and shooting the breeze. Never saw the 2-4am crowd. We were there usually some time between 10p to 1am.
Alternative Lifestyles. We were approached on two different occasions by single guys looking for sex with us. Both were pretty obnoxious in their come ons. (I mean this one guy couldn't get picked up for jay walking.The other was into pleasuring himself. No need to waste any more of your time on these bozos.) We politely declined and they went away. We are not into this activity, but you should know that the resort has a reputation for this. No big deal to me. In a way it is part of the charm, however it can be shocking at first to the uninitiated.
Single Guys. Obviously there were more of these guys than anticipated and not much appreciated by the couples like us on the nude side. However, if you are a single woman, this is an advantage. Karla will direct her single female friends to Hedonism II.
Alcohol and Ganga. Bars open 19 of 24 hours. All top shelf hard liquor, but only Red Stripe beer. We don't drink much at all. Despite all the free flowing alcohol (and invitation for abuse) I only saw one guy passed out at dinner and no incidents of alcohol asshole-ism. Pretty cool. The Ganga will find you. We heard a few stories of repeat visitors who got stopped in US customs on the way back simply because the smell had immersed itself in their clothes! Be careful.
Activities. Here's the best part. If you want some thing to do there is plenty (snorkeling, scuba, boat rides, sailboats, tennis, trapeze, day trips, escorted shopping excursions to Negril, etc.). If you just want to lay back you can do that too. We did more of doing nothing.I recommend the orientation for first timers.
Beach Art. There are many various locals on the beach with some great art carvings of the native ironwood. I brought back 4 carvings. These guys will deal. This art is so much better than the tacky touristy junk that is available.
Service. These operators know what they are doing. The hair dryer died one night and they had someone there in a jiffy. The nicest touch was the day before we left we had a note telling us when our bags had to packed and when the bus was leaving!
Natives. Those working the resort understand the value of tourism to their island. Treat them with respect and be friendly.Smiles and sincerity go a long way.
Hedonists. Most of the folks we met and talked to were very nice. After all, they are on an adult fantasy playground "I can't believe I'm doing this" holiday just like you! Don't be shy. Just say hello! One game I talked to one couple about was making up a different story everytime someone asked where you were from or what you did. Although this is kind of funny I never did this because at Hedonism II this would have been too awkward. Besides, if I had run into any Marine Biologists from Virginia I might have been found out!
At first I did not understand the appeal (magic?) of Hedonism II that brings people back again and again. After a few days I could understand.
I have never returned from a vacation feeling so rested and recharged!
Take a lover and go for at least 10 days. (Figure two days travel there and back and one day just to get into the groove.) The value is real. If you are a single guy, find a woman to take with you. She will never forget you.
We will return. Fabulous resort!
P.S. I will be glad to answer any questions via E-Mail.