Having booked at Hedo II and subsequently been scared by the reports of construction and loss of various amenities during our trip dates, we called our agent and got switched to Hedo III for the same week. We missed out on "Lifestyles" week, but as first-timers, perhaps this made for a smoother transition into Hedo life :)
US Airways didn't make any major changes in our flight schedule, and our travel plans were only adjusted slightly to accommodate the need for increased airport security - meaning... getting to the airport far earlier than previously necessary. The security measures at the airport (BNA) and in customs (CLT) seemed cursory - there were armed guards posted, but very little of the baggage got additional attention. The chief change was the time required to wait in lines (lines that were created by telling flyers to arrive 45 min - 1 hour before check-in counters were even staffed, or the gates to the concourses were ever opened) - so we all sat on the floor and for an hour or two in Nashville - yawn, and had to flash ID regularly in each airport.
Once at Mo Bay we went to Superclubs Desk and confirmed that our reservations really had been changed, and took the exciting bus ride to Runaway Bay. The bus ride was entertaining in an amusement park kind of way, and if you've seen some of the driving practices in other small countries, you'll feel right at home on the bus (or motion sick, or scared like hell) LOL. We did see one accident on the roads... someone trying to pass without enough time/room. Both our bus drivers seemed relatively careful. They, unlike may others on the road avoided passing on outside curves and where visibility was limited.
Check-in was quick! We were at the desk, checked in, bags in our rooms in 15 minutes, and this with a recent reduction in staff of 170 people at Hedo III - occupancy was also quite low! Kind felt like we had the place to ourselves.
We were placed in the Quad - the ocean-side rooms having been all switched in preparation for the Hurricane that never, thankfully, hit us in Runaway Bay. We did get a little extra rain, and the water was milky for a few days, delaying some of the water sports. I did get in two 40 ft dives, which were quite nice later in the week.
The staff was excellent, entertaining, and quick with a greeting and to cheerfully answer any questions we had. Wear a smile, and be considerate, and they'll treat you with extra care. I saw people attempt to get their way by being curt, surly, and vocalizing their sense of entitlement - it fucked up the mood of the staff, other guests, and generally was rewarded with less pleasant/efficient service (naturally). We attempted to act like guests when uncertain, and family once names were exchanged and the ice was broken. In return we were treated exceptionally well. We were served coffee each morning at the buffet, in spite of it being self serve, and over our mild protestations that we could get it ourselves. The guests that sulked to a chair and glared about the dining room for some to make demands of, seldom could even gain eye contact with the staff and were generally avoided. I guess the point I'm trying to drive home is that when you visit another country, no matter how much you pay for the privilege, you must try to remember that it is indeed a privilege, and not an entitlement. Be an ambassador of good will wherever you go, and it will be nicer for you, and other guests, and in turn nicer for you in the future if the staff of these resorts don't come to resent us for our bad attitudes... okay off the soap box and back to the trip report!
The Quad was essentially the nude side, but with a little less grief dished out to the occasional non-nude. (we were not the non-nudes very much of the time :) We had a great time, spending much of out time there (the Quad), and it was a source for all manner of exhibitionist/voyeuristic pleasures in the evenings. The bar in the Quad was only open till 5pm, so we had to wrap up and walk to another bar for refills - big cups are a must. We only had one, ad needed three between the two of us :) This being out first time to Hedo, we eased into the scene gradually, and weren't part of the "entertainment" until well into our second day. :) Fun is contagious. Before the trip was over we wrestled wearing nothing but olive oil, did body shots, were generally groped and fondled, tested a hammock, went scuba diving for the first time (learned for free at the resort), and generally reexamined our boundaries. There was a fair amount of public sex, but it was easy to find or avoid as personal tastes allowed. The non-nude side only rarely saw even nudity, and that was most often in the form of Nudes going down the water side (which runs thought the disco). If you walked into the quad after dark, or ventured to the nude pool or beach, you were likely in for a show if you stuck around a while. I never encountered "sex police", was never scolded for wearing too little (and I'll point out that a little common sense goes a long way to prevent any trouble).
Food was plentiful, served quite often, and generally quite good. There were foods to suit many tastes, and a wide compliment of juices, soft and hard drinks, few wines, and champagne. I have heard some complaints about food at the hedo resorts and find them to be without a basis in fact. Both the Italian and Japanese restaurants were nice enough, with our preference running to the Japanese, where we dined a second time.
We did run into some participation problems for some of the theme nights... just not as many guests to get the parties going, but when activities seemed slow there were always unscheduled diversions. This did not seem a good vacation spot for single guys. I saw a lot of singles drifting around lost. The single women seemed to be assimilated into groups better than the men, unless the men were looking to hook up with a couple (yes, that includes the Husband, and not just the Wife), and not picky. We weren't looking for a third, unless it was a really cute girl :) Which was easy to find. It's was definitely B.Y.O.P.
We had the best time, met some great people, staff and guests included, and will certainly do this again as soon as possilble. We were sad to leave our new friends, some of whom we'd only known for a few days, and we're bummed at having to leave before a couple of our hedo friends got married (about the same time we flew back to the states) - be sure to exchange email. I expect to be traveling with some of the people again some day!
In closing, be nice, be naughty, take advantage of all the games and events that the clubs puts on, dive or snorkle if you're able, get naked enough to be comfortable with yourself... you'll likely find that you'll like yourself and everyone better when you're stripped off the facade (and your clothes). You won't be judged or discriminated against because of your looks, but why not get in shape, and stay healthy between trips to hedo?! Life will be better here and there.
Fun, Love, and Respect!