Peter - December, 2013
Trip Report Dec 5 - 12, 2013
For the information of Canadian readers, we took a Sunquest package to Hedo with the mid-afternoon flight out of Toronto on WestJet. It had us at the resort in plenty of time to check in and have a late supper. Very easy connection bus from the airport. The return flight was 20:15 with arrival in Toronto just past midnight. The transfer was by Cadillac Escalade, with a chauffeur (not just a driver!)
This was a great trip (third of the year). We overlapped with two groups: the Bloom were predominantly single black men from Jamaica and the US, with 'an alternative lifestyle'. The other group was WWW (I think it means wet wanton women) [kidding].
The first group appeared (to us) as very well-mannered and easy to get along with. Some very active 'lifestylers' were shocked and offended by these guys. As I pointed out, in jest, here in Canada, if they get out of line we make them get married — it slows most of us down. They were a good group.
As the Bloom 'faded', the WWWs led by DennyP arrived. We fit right in. The average age at the resort headed up toward 55+ and the fun level shot up too. Some of the younger singles had a hard time keeping up. A pair of young marines received an evening to remember (for a lifetime) from a stunningly attractive guest. The whole group resonated fun in a less frenetic style. A good time was had by all.
R&R (repair and renovations)
We received an upgrade to the nude side. That was a nice bonus.
The room upgrades continue. Some of the new hot tub rooms were being used. Some had all the features working. I'd not pay the difference. Many of the older rooms were receiving paint, new beds, and needed repairs. The grounds were under landscaping care. Other areas were receiving paint.
The whole place could use a safety audit. The new hot tub steps were in place when we arrived. One had been ripped out of the concrete by mid-week. The simple use of epoxy would have fixed that.
A plumber could easily fix the leaking wash basins and poorly flushing public toilets. How much water (some of it hot) gets leaked down the drains unused?
Food
We enjoyed some excellent meals. The kitchen staff appears to be all Jamaican. The various chefs all wear (with pride) their individual school uniforms. They show tremendous interest in their work and the results are apparent. Serving staff are also working diligently to please.
Ps & Qs
We noticed a whole sector of the guest list who appear unable to be kind or polite to the serving and bar staff. While multiple visit guests know the staff by name, and are recognized with a 'welcome home', some newer guests never offered a 'Please' or a 'ThankQ'. Politeness and 'respect' go a long way in Jamaica. It's not all about leaving excessive tips.
ECs
Someone has been working with the co-ordinators. They are spending more time visiting with guests at meal times to have a chat. Some of the younger ones seemed stunned that old farts like us know long time ECs by name (not to mention their families).
Your hard won Hedo Bucks are not worth much at the morning 'exchange' anymore, and the selection is very poor. But winning the bucks is part of the fun.
There is some great entertainment talent on the staff. But the ECs still do not make the calendar of activities happen, most days. Perhaps too much is demanded of them by management. Many of them are looking elsewhere for their future. The turnover is not good for the resort.
Noise & music
We were an older crowd than some weeks. Many of us would have appreciated a more relaxed choice in music. Jamaican techno is not our thing. However the music trivia was a success — we had lived the music.
Can someone please lower the noise level at dinner time, so we can enjoy a conversation with new friends?
The piano bar was jumping and well attended. Some excellent guest performances (on and beside the piano). Wow.
Looking forward
We had such a good time and experience that I think we'll make a tiny effort to do it all again at WWW time. Good job Mr P.