Jan. 20 - 27
We knew what we were looking for in our vacation: R&R,romance, good food, lots of activities, above average accommodations and wildnights. It was hard to find a resortthat offered all of the above so we chose to spend half our time at Hedo3 andhalf at Braco. We were not disappointedat all! I will try and give you thepositive and negatives that we saw.
On arrival: Hedo3: The check-in was poor that evening. I don’t think they had it all together. It was very slow and NO welcome drinks! After the long drive from the airport weneeded one! They were very slow inprocessing our paperwork and did not honor our upgrade voucher. We did come back the next morning and one ofthe managers (didn’t get her name but she was very helpful) upgraded us to the600’s block! More than we expected. What a move from the 200’s. I wouldn’t have minded the 200’s if we hadhad more of a view than a wall (we were in a corner). The rooms are much nicer at Hedo3. The Roman tub and the loveseat was a nice touch.
Braco: Check in went smoothly. We were offered Champagne while we finished paperwork. Our upgrade voucher was granted withouthaving to ask! We were in the 200’ssection…beachfront BEAUTIFUL!
Rooms: Hedo3: Wins hands down. Weloved the Roman Tub! The bathroom had large windows that opened and a mirrorabove the tub. Luxury after the longtravel day! We enjoyed sitting on theloveseat, looking out the large window at the ocean. There is another mirrorabove and behind the king size bed. H3also had the Playboy Channel.
Braco: Room was nice but nothing to write home about. Small bathroom. The French Doors leading to a small patio overlooking the beachwas very nice. More cable channels.Normally wouldn’t watch much T.V. but the weather didn’t cooperate.
Staff: Hedo3: Again, Hedo3 without a doubt wins! The staff went out of their way to make you feel like you were aVIP. They made a point to know you byname. This was true with ALL thestaff. Not just the ActivitiesDirectors, but also the Housekeeping Staff, Managers and Food Service. The Activities Directors wereFANTASTIC. They really seemed to beenjoying themselves as much as the guests. Simone(Mgr.), Tristen, Romeo, Tina Turner, Foxy.... and all therest........ Thank you all for making this the best vacation ever. We miss you already!
Braco: Upon arrival, reception was very nice. Very few of the staff would say much ofanything to us. We did have one verynice Waiter (unfortunately, don’t remember his name) in Victoria Market. The service was better in Victoria Market.The waiters were right there and quick! The Activities Directors were not as outgoingas Hedo3, as a whole. A few stood outbut we never had the chance to talk to them. There was only one Activity Director who approached us andasked our names and if we were having fun. During the Street Party somethingwas actually said on the order of “ Hurry up and get the women out here (for adance-off) so we can go”! Might nothave been that strong but I thought it was a little rude. I do realize that they work long and harddays though so I guess I can understand. It may have been in better taste to say it quietly to each other though…out of our earshot. I do have to givecredit…… the service in the restaurants at Braco was much better!
Food: Hedo3: Pastafari –Excellent food, wonderful service Japanese Restaurant- service was way off the night we werethere. Food was very good. Scotch Bonnet- loved that Jerk Chicken! Grills-as far as grills go…… good
Braco: French Restaurant: Wonderful! I’m still dreaming of theirsignature dessert (with the chocolate harp! Recipes anyone?) Room service was great! We ordered all the desserts and appetizers on it! Things get quiet earlyso having room service in bed was heavenly! Victoria Market: more selections at Hedo3 but food at Victoria Market was better.
Activities: Hedo3: Activities Directors were better at getting everyoneinvolved. Thought some of the naughtygames were fun. The evening shows andspecial nights (PJ Party, etc) were great! We didn’t get to use many of theamenities because of the weather. L But there was still plenty to do.
Braco: The shows were very good! Especially Beach Night! TheStreet Party was a lot of fun. Theweather wasn’t too good so again, not many amenities. Most of the activities were cancelled. I felt they should have done more because we couldn’t enjoy thesun and everything that goes with it! (kayaking, windsurfing, scuba, etc) Amassage on the beach is not to be missed! Horsebackriding (CO) on the beach and into the water was an experienceI’ll always remember!
Braco’s grounds are lovely. The village concept is very quaint. It was more upscale and luxurious than Hedo 3. I like the way that Hedo was set up. Everything was in focused around a centerarea. This was nice on those days whenthe weather didn’t cooperate. Everyoneseemed to be in a central location.
Braco is romantic. We found that the guests seemed to stick a little more tothemselves. Although, we did meet a fewvery nice couples. At Hedo…. You couldn’t help but meet people! It was wonderful. I have never been to aplace where people are friendlier! Everyone seemed to just want to meet peopleto hang out with and have FUN! Danny & Lauren, Adrienne & Jimmy,Vanessa & David, Norine & Bill, Stephen, Farhood the list goes on and on……… Thank you forthe fun times! It was great! It was a pleasure meeting you all! To all those Dirty Bananas… maybe next yearwe can all go the same week. We wouldlove to meet you!
We booked through David Parker at All The Way Travel……..Thanks David for all your help! We madesome changes along the way and he was very accommodating.