We are a couple in our 40's that went to Hedo 3 from 3/5/00 to 3/12/00 for our honeymoon. Since we had never been to Jamaica before, we have no way to compare it to another places. We got to LAX at 8:00pm for our 10:00pm flight, only to be told that our flight was not until 3:00 am. No problem mon...I was in Jamaican mode already, and was ready for almost anything. The flight was very smooth, and soon we were landing in Jamaica. We got off the plane, and went straight to customs. It seems busy, but the lines move very fast, and soon we were downstairs at the Super clubs check-in. We were greeted by a very friendly host, and told to have a seat for a few minutes, until the bus was ready. It only took about 10 minutes, and we were on our way to the bus, and also showed where we could get a beer for the ride, and off we went.
THE BUS (VAN) RIDE
We had the nicest bus driver, and he explained all the driving rules of the road.."we drive on the left side..which is the right side". We were ready for the bus ride from hell..but we loved it!! The road is rough, the drivers are "crazy", but it was a great drive with lots to see. Keep the camera ready, as there are lots of photo opts... Soon we were at the "pit stop" so we could use the rest room, have a smoke, get more beer, or just stretch your legs. After about 10 minutes were were on our way again. We had to stop and let off all the others on the bus at Breezes, and then on to Hedo 3 for us.
CHECK-IN
We got off the bus at Hedo 3, and were greeted by Kevin (Terri says he has the cutest butt in Jamaica) as soon as we got in the entry way. He got our paper work started, then went to the bar for drinks for us. Within minutes, we were on our way to our room, even though we were 5 hours late getting there, things went very smooth. But we were ready with our bathing suits in the carry-on, just in case we needed to wait (thanks for the tip on the message board).
THE ROOM
We were in the 700 building, on the ground floor, with the volleyball court just outside the back door. The room has a great view, very nice layout, and everything you could want in it. TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board (why would you iron a bathing suit?) large bed, air conditioner that gets real cold (and a remote control for it), a safe for valuables ($50.00 US if you loose the key mon) tile floors for wet feet, and a drain in the bathroom that came in handy...lol. The jacuzzi tub is the best... I figured if you open the windows, fill the tub just to the right amount of water, aim the center jet up, plug some other jets with your toes and fingers...it sprays right out the window...Yes...2:00am fun at its best..Red Stripe did it again. The only problem we had with the room is the lighting, as it is on the dim side.
THE FOOD
The food was the best! The main dinning room has great food, with more than you could ever think of. Take a look around before you fill your plate, as you always find something good at the end of the line. We had the best burger at the Scotch Bonnet, and the jerk pork there is just as good. The nude bar has the nicest cook (Soffia), and the food is excellent. Try the jerk chicken caesar salad, or the jerk sausage sandwich.
THE POOLS
We are not really pool people, but you have to try the water slide at the main pool. Wow is it fast. I am sorry I missed the night that the nude side took over the slide, but next time I will be there. The pool at the swim-up rooms is very nice, and is out of the wind, so it seems to be a bit warmer. It also has a great sun deck to lay on. The nude pool/hot tub was great. We only had one night that the water was to hot to get into.
THE BEACHES
We only walked down the prude beach once, and that was to get on the Hobie cat for a ride. What a ride it was!! I should have done it again, but never got back there. We spent lots of time on the nude beach, which we felt was not as bad as we had heard. Yes there are some rocks, and the current is strong even though it is protected from the waves, but the beach you sit on was fine. We took our chairs right down to the water, as it is cooler there. We never even got out on the two sun decks on either side of the beach, but the pool deck has both the sun and the shade, thanks to some palm trees.
FRIENDS
We made friends with two couples before we left town through Denny's board. It was really nice to meet them in person, and I think we will see each other again, somewhere down the road. We were from all over the U.S. and Canada. We also made several nice friends while we were there. Kurt & Alana..the first people we met..I hope friends for a long time..thanks for a great time. Wayne & Maria..Very nice meeting you both..remember..Toga! Jeremy & Sara..Thanks for your friendship...it was nice to meet you both. Chris & Heather...You guys looked like you had a great time..I wish I was going back so soon!! Ron & Shelagh...it was nice to meet you both.
THE STAFF
What can I say...they are the best. They are always around, trying to get games and things going, but willing to sit and chat with you also. I do need to name a few, as they did make my trip what it was. The front desk staff is the best, always willing to help, and very friendly also.
Simone..I wish we could have chatted longer, I think you will help this resort grow to a super place. Lewis and Streach..what great show people you are. Keep up the good work. Antoinett..thanks for keeping our room so nice, after we trashed it so many times. Marjorie..Terri just loved the massages. "air brush" John..I wish I had your talent. Thanks for the great painted pj's, for PJ night. They should give you a full time job there. Soffia...Your the best cook, and to put up with all of us nude people too. And you still have the prettiest eyes we have ever seen. Ann-Marie..great bartender, and what a smile. Charmaine Haye...thanks for the great waitress service. Super Sonic..."No pressure mon"... you keep the place hopping. You have my respect. Rohn...great job. Courtney...You are my buddy. You were always there with another Red Stripe, and then named me "King of beers"..how cool. Sean...You have the best games at the nude beach. Everyone should try his treasure hunt. I will keep in touch, and thanks for the time you spent with us. last but not the least...Kevin...you were the first person we met at Hedo, and you were always friendly. I just know better than to get into your drinking game again. I hope that your there when we come back again.
THINGS TO DO
There is so much to do, that you will go crazy trying to figure what to do next. We saw some mean Ping-Pong games, dominos game, shooting pool , and basketball one on one. The volleyball was used only once while we were there. The Hobie cats are the greatest..take a water-proof camera, and take pictures. Do the water slide!!!
WARNINGS
You have heard it .."The tile is slippery"..yes it is...and there is a 3 inch step between the main dinning room, and the pool..it only took me 5 times to remember it was there. I finally gave up the thongs, and just went bare foot.
several sidewalks are not level either..watch your step.
Watch the door in the men's room at the nude pool. When inside the bathroom, washing your hands, someone will knock you out coming in.
SUGGESTIONS...for the guests
Things to take... In your carry on bag...put in a bathing suit in case your room is not ready..insulated mugs(cups), water shoes for tender feet, lots of sun tan lotion, stuff or a good toga's (rope, jewelry, head piece, own toga material), PJ's for PJ night, string or chain for room key, $1.00 bills...the vendors never have change, sexy clothes, and a half empty suitcase..I will go with nothing but a carry-on next time. Get involved with several games (hedo bucks add up quick). Battle of the sexes was a great time!!! The wet tee-shirt contest is a no miss event. And if you dare...try the sundae contest at the nude beach..ask Sean for that one. And last thing...it is Jamacia...take a deep breath, relax, it will happen (soon mon), smile, learn who the staff is, call them by name, ask questions (from staff or guests...it helps).
We also took some advice from David and Donna's trip report, and printed some new reports from Denny's site, and gave them to Simone. Please do the same, as it helps them see the problems to work on. Feel free to email us if we can answer any questions that you may have.
Phil and Terri pdcarnine@home.com