Ann - June, 2013
Ann, The TravelSlut's 9th Trip to Hedonism II resort & 7th Annual Group
Trip Adventure
I was most recently at Hedonism II from June 21 to July 1 and wow, what
a positive difference from my June 2012 trip!
I did this trip with about 30 other Krewe de Krazy Life members for 10
days and the bottom line was that this Hedo experience ranks near the
top overall thanks mainly to a great Krewe including: (PF& ISS, M & J, R
& Dr. T, LD & R, BB & BBS, L & J, T & M, J & M, K & T, D & R, A&A, B &
M, R & T, YR, M & A, M & M, and a few others).
So, in a manner not so normal, my trip report as follows comes from my
notes during the week and are random and certainly not chronological. I
hope you pick up a few tips and ideas though. Remember to check my 300+
photos from this trip also as pictures tell a better story sometime.
When you are in the main dining area, be sure to check the wall with the
Daily Activities Board next to the new Wine Bar and walkway to
Reception. The board changes daily and has relevant information
including the theme night dress, main and nude pool events, and special
announcements.
Also, on the main dining area wall between the start of the buffet
station and Martino's, you will find the food menu for breakfast, lunch
and dinner.
One more thing: On the ceiling above the lobby bar are some of the
pictured specialty drinks that Hedo bartenders can concoct. I have tried
most, if not all, of them during the 75+ days I've spent at Hedo. And it
is so hard to decide on a favorite but I was told by several bartenders
that the three most popular drinks at Hedo are: Rum & Coke, Dirty
Banana, and Red Stripe beer.
At the nude bar, feel free to enjoy the Delroy and Scumba drink specials
but be forewarned...they are tasty but potent!
I had several options for transport and transfers between Montego Bay
Airport (MBJ) and Hedonism II resort in Negril including a private
driver (Jason) but I opted for:
Sunholiday Travel and Tours Ltd. Kiosk #5 inside the Montego Bay airport
lobby is easy to find and my experience of transfers were nothing less
than superb. They were professional, courteous, handled all baggage
nicely, were on time and most importantly, drove safe. Plus, there were
no stops either to or from Hedo so the driving times were 70 minutes to
Hedo and 75 minutes from Hedo in air conditioned comfort. I met a very
nice couple on the trip to Hedo (A & S) but no others on the return to
the airport. I paid $33 roundtrip not including the tip I gave the
driver who also handled my all baggage (four bags of costumes of course)
I want to thank a few people that made my 9th Hedo visit special. This
is not an all-inclusive list because everyone of the Hedo staff I
encountered this trip were at a minimum kind and courteous and others
helpful and resourceful.
Naomi, room attendant; Scumba, Sharma and Delroy, nude pool bartenders;
Paulette, main pool bartender; Delano, Latoya and Byron, main office;
Winston, Entertainment Crew
Be sure to complete your survey of your Hedo stay while waiting for your
airport-bound bus transfer or during breakfast on your final day.
The locked survey collection box is located on the shelf behind the main
reception desk. I normally pick one up the day I arrive and keep it in
my room and when something deserves noting (positive or negative), I can
complete it right away instead of trying to remember something that
might have occurred days before.
In the lobby, I checked the internet room several times during the week
and found recent USA and international newspapers and magazines (along
with some paperback books) in case you are looking for some reading
materials.
On one day I did some travel business in the internet room using my own
laptop and even noticed that someone left a thong on a chair! And yes, I
worked all 10 days on business, either with the Group I brought to Hedo
or two of my pending travel groups, and I probably averaged three hours
a day working…. but I definitely made up for lost time at night…lol.
Also, the wi-fi internet costs were US$15 per day or $80 per week and
with the exception of the days where thunderstorms ruled, wi-fi coverage
and speed was excellent, even in my room. Several times though I had to
reboot but I did not worry about it but took it as a sign to get back to
the pool and my Krewe.
Hedonism II has so many venues and some, like the piano bar, gift
store/boutique and fitness center, are frequented often but other
locations are often less visited (or never experienced) like the
beachfront Reggae Café (clothing optional side) for great Jamaican food,
tennis courts (behind the gift store and piano bar), billiard/ping pong
rooms, slot machine “casino”, or even the miniature golf/putt-putt
behind the piano bar. I would recommend that everyone take time during
the day to explore all the nooks and crannies of Hedonism on both nude
and clothing optional sides and you might be surprised how much of Hedo
goes unnoticed.
The gift store/boutique has been revamped and now includes an entire
section devoted to "adult" toys and other adult items for your fun and
pleasure.
Hedo room #2157 (a garden view nude room and the first building down the
ramp and stairs from the Spa and Fitness Center) was my home for 10
nights.
Actually I had booked my normal nude oceanfront room but changed to the
garden view room when one of my group members was about to be bumped to
garden view due to all the oceanfronts being sold out. I had never
stayed in the garden view nude rooms and I must say, I was quite happy
being halfway between the nude pool and main dining area/reception and
especially how quiet it was.
Some notes about my room.
In order to use a hair curling iron, I had to use the bedroom mirror
vanity area (and sit on the small stool) as the bathroom did not have
another outlet.
Extra, but sometimes overlooked, storage areas within the room include:
under the bed; under the bench by the window; under the desk where the
stool is stored.
The TV receives about 40 channels including international news and
programming, sports, and three adult-only (two XXX and very explicit
channels plus the Playboy channel). NOTE: The TV remote control device
will not turn on the TV unless the wall switch by the door is also
turned on.
Some ideas I left on my survey for both new and existing rooms were the
addition of wall hooks for hats and other items to hang plus more
hangers for the closet.
Also, I used scotch tape (but Velcro strips would work too) to secure
the room curtains to the frames and wall so that light would not leak in
during the morning. I loved the black-out drapes but it was difficult to
overlap the curtains completely to eliminate all the cracks of light.
The thermostat for the air conditioner worked great for me and at 22C
degrees (72F degrees). I was always cool and less humid plus the white
noise masked many outside noises (except of course the always present,
nighttime “chirping” tree toads).
Note: the closet contains and extra big pillow and blanket plus an iron,
ironing board and safe).
I liked the idea that I had a choice to not do a daily exchange of
linens and towels in keeping with a green/eco theme.
I also used the room’s coffeemaker every morning and enjoyed the
complimentary Jamaican coffee.
Finally, upon 1st entry into your room, disable your desktop alarm clock
unless you have a real need to wake up (unexpectedly) early.
I also made a point every night to close my bathroom door to muffle any
hallway sounds plus I used one of my towels to tuck under the room entry
door to block any light, noise or bugs. Fortunately, I did not encounter
any room insects this trip.
My shower always had plenty of mostly hot water (not lukewarm but not
scalding hot either) but it did take some time to heat up so I just left
the shower run for a minute or so. Depending on your room, the shower
activator dials might take some time to learn as my bath had 5 shower
heads controlled by two dials.
In all my times at Hedo, I have never seen the rock climbing wall being
used. Anyone know why or whether it is ever used?
Many of the guests commented on how nice the new loungers were and how
there were an adequate supply even when the resort occupancy was near
80% for a few of the days I was there.
Be especially careful about the wading areas of the lagoon and beach
areas. Please wear aqua socks or water sandals to avoid being cut on the
coral rocks or stepping on a sea urchin! It happens every time I go to
Hedo and makes for some uncomfortable times for some guests.
Towel exchanges were no hassle both at the nude pool near the grill area
and also at the marina’s watersports shack.
One thing I did not see this trip was anyone playing sand volleyball or
playing bocce ball. Maybe I was just there at the wrong times.
I completely forgot about checking out the family of stingrays that had
been seen recently at the marina dock area after dark. Oh well, their
loss….lol.
I would suggest doing the complimentary snorkel trip that leaves every
day from the watersports marina and dock about 2 pm and it uses one of
the Hedo boats out to the Middle Sound Reef. The trip is about 90
minutes (20 minutes out, 45 minutes on the reef, 20 minutes back) and
the boat trip is relaxing and the water is nice, warm and clear even if
you don’t snorkel.
I was excited for those in the oceanfront nude rooms that received the
new multi-jet hot tub jacuzzi’s while I was there.
I am also excited about the new wine bar addition being developed in the
main dining area. I understand from talking with the bar manager that a
plan to implement use of this area is pending and there may be REALLY
premium wine and alcohol available for purchase or supplemental fees
including high-end items like Cristal, Dom Perignon, and Opus.
I still find (and my group/Krewe will confirm) that Martino’s is a
dinner venue not to be missed for both a wonderful service and great
dining experience. It has a full choice of menu options and great
service and all in an air conditioned environment.
Close behind Martino’s is the “new” Harry San (formerly Munasan)
teppanyaki-style Japanese outdoor restaurant (off to the piano bar side
of the main dining area). I especially loved it this year because I
scheduled our group dinners at 7 pm so that we had plenty of time to
socialize and talk (without having to shout) before the main stage
entertainment started. Both nights it was also right after a
thunderstorm so it was cool even around the teppanyaki grills. Consider
the earliest or latest booking in order to enjoy conversations around
the grill (which seat 8 to 10).
Hedo rocks: For the first time I did not update nor create a new rock
but instead I commissioned a wooden plaque by woodworker Christopher who
is on-property. I did find one of my older rocks just past the skybridge
on the pathway to the nude pool. I also saw some very descriptive and
creative rocks throughout my walks inside the resort though and I think
they are a great memento to all visitors and next year I will bring a
bag of rock painting paints for both me and the Krewe.
A couple miscellaneous thoughts:
EVERYONE loved the pizza served at the nude pool grill late at night &
the early morning hours. It was awesome! Speaking of the grill, the fish
sandwiches and jerk chicken nachos and sandwiches were a great snack in
the afternoon and before dinner. I did manage to be the last out of the
hot tub and pool when it closed for cleaning & chemicals about 8 pm each
night.
The new white mattresses for the outdoor gazebos were well received by
all and very comfortable both day and night.
The nude waterslide: it is a FAST and a quick, wild ride that ends in
the disco pool. Be prepared for a dunking.
If it is raining, be extremely careful near the Hedo legend/map sign
located at the end of the fitness center and entrance to the main stage
area. The tiles are slippery when wet and there is a slight slope where
slick-bottomed sandals or shoes may cause a fall. I witnessed at least
two slips.
Also, several people took the slip/fall-plunge between the nude pool and
conversation pool where the steps are depth-deceptive. Just be careful
transitioning between the two pools, especially if you are under any
influence from alcohol.
This trip I did get some bug bites and probably from the Super Moon
night (summer solstice) where I was on the beach for 30 minutes or so
without any bug repellent while taking some photos.
I rarely saw anyone take advantage of the soda and ice machine located
at the rear of the nude hot tub. There is filtered water and ice which
is nice to take back to your room at night.
Some of the Krewe again this year did either (or both) the catamaran to
Ricks (US$55) on Thursday afternoon and the One Love Bus that does the
Pub Crawl on Wednesdays. Both are nice and safe ventures off property
and allow for a guest to see some of Negril and meet up with others that
they might not have a chance to interact with otherwise. The Pub Crawl
is free but tipping the driver is expected and paying for drinks at the
various stops.
Our Krewe will consider a totem pole with names/nicknames for 2014 as
crafted by Christopher, the woodworker near the nude pool. Christopher
made me a commemorative wooden plaque this year that is a great
representation of my TravelSlut character and it should be hanging near
the nude pool bar. (If anyone can get a photo of it and email me, I
would really appreciate it).
I had a few moments at Hedo this trip (again) where I created some
smiles including spending an afternoon in the nude pool complete with my
trademark big blonde hair and accessories. This brought me a standing
ovation and applause for which I was humbled. Then some of my "Ann-tics"
in the piano bar (and sideroom) apparently raised a few eyebrows...lol.
The two pool parties (thanks Hedo Naughty Rockers & Wild Women)
featuring glow sticks and a "rave" atmosphere with live DJ were awesome!
I hope I did not embarrass anyone that I decided to "dress up" in one of
the Krewe members costumes I "borrowed". It was all meant in good
nature.
In conclusion I wanted to add my updated Top 10 tips for those going to
Hedo for the 1st time or anyone that is returning after a lengthy
absence.
10 things to remember about trips to Hedonism II all-inclusive resort in
Negril, Jamaica
1. Bring or buy or borrow and then USE mid-high range SPF
sunscreen-especially your 1st few days and don’t forget both to reapply
often and don’t forget the SENSITIVE SPOTS! I have seen way too many red
lobster-skinned people during my previous 9 trips to Hedo and spending
your vacation/holiday time applying aloe vera while sitting in the shade
and taking aspirin to reduce pain and swelling from sunburn cannot be
enjoyable.
2. Consider bringing or buying an insulated drinking mug... but a
caveat: using big cups or containers means more drinking and means more
and quicker absorption of alcohol. Since trips to the various bars can
take time and you might hydrate with more ice waters in between...by
drinking with just one big container your hydration takes a back seat.
Not necessarily a good thing in the heat and humidity.
3. Have an idea what you might like to do indoors should the occasional
passing rain showers decide to linger for several hours or longer.
Whether it is a game of billiards, drinks under the roofs of the pools,
lobby bar area, taking a well deserved nap, socializing in a pre-planned
spot or even working out in the well-equipped fitness center, have a
back up plan. All that green foliage comes from the rains.
4. Consider making a beaded name necklace or have your group leader
include them in your packaged trip. If you are uncomfortable using your
real name, then use a nickname. The name necklaces certainly help
initiate conversations and socializing.
5. Flights to Jamaica and getting to Hedo II can sometimes require
almost a full travel day despite your point of origin and reconsider
doing an all-nighter on your arrival date if you plan on being at Hedo a
week or more. My simple flights from Florida take 8-10 travel hours
doorstep to doorstep and I've seen new arrivals never pass a bar without
drinking within hours of arrival and seeing them passed out early in the
evening. If you are new to Hedo II, then take time to explore the
various areas and if you are a veteran, then check for new developments
and start the “pacing” of both time and energy so that you can make it
through your entire trip with maximum fun and energy levels. A supply of
energy bottles or drinks can also help.
6. If you seek quiet areas, then you may want to remain flexible and
when one area gets to noisy or busy, move to another. I know a few times
around the nude pool, people either moved to the nude beach or one of
the clothing optional pools where the noise level was more acceptable.
If you seek activities, check the board in the main dining area for the
"what's happening now" schedule.
7. Consider joining or at least learning about any group or groups that
will be at Hedo when you are planning to be there. A great source to see
who might be there is:
hedonism.com/events.php (and it
includes my group). If you can't join our group in 2014, then try to
find a compatible group that you might like to join or at least meet
people that are members. Every June we add many people to the Krewe de
Krazy Life during our visits and often see them again at Hedo the
following June, one of our annual private rendezvous parties and even in
Key West for Fantasy Fest every October.
8. Expect the unexpected at either the hot tub/jacuzzi or the nude pool
at night. The liquor flows freely (literally) and the jacuzzi is called
a "hot" tub for good reasons. :-)
9. Tipping (gratuities) are not required, expected or preferred at Hedo
but it does happen on occasion. The rules state "No Tipping". IF (and a
big if) you do decide to tip one or more staff members at Hedo--please
do it both one-on-one and very discreet--and please explain that while
the tip is from you alone for above & beyond service, that your positive
feedback on your departure survey form will reflect and earn more for
them job-wise.
NOTE: baggage handlers at the Montego Bay airport and your shuttle bus
driver ARE NOT employed by Hedo and therefore rely on tips.
10. Rule #1 ---Hedo is about what YOU want, when you want it, where you
want it, with whom you want it, and how you want it-----or NOT WANT IT.
Rule #2 --- When in doubt, refer to Rule #1
I try not to dwell on the negative because I’ve often felt that just
about any “bad day” on holiday or vacation is better than most good days
at work.
Remember, for those that have experienced Hedo, no explanation is
needed. For those that haven't--no complete explanation is possible.
Please consider my 8th Annual Group Trip from June 21-28, 2014 or any of
the many groups going throughout the year. You owe it yourself to
indulge and enjoy life.
In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!
Ann, The TravelSlut
INFO:
groups.yahoo.com/group/KrewedeKrazyLifers4Hedonism
EMAIL: TheTravelSlut@yahoo.com
PHOTOS, ETC:
www.flickr.com/groups/hedonismresortgrouptrip
Ann, The TravelSlut