Hedonism III Trip Report
Dates: 5/25 - 5/29 2001
Well here it is, after going through several days of
severe Purple Rain withdrawal symptoms, we were finally able to put together
this report - don’t worry it will take just a few Jamaica minutes to get
through with it. Hang on.
Getting there:
After looking around we decided the best offer was
through US Airways Vacations. We had a very good experience, received our
travel documents promptly, the flights were mostly in time, service was OK (it’s
US Airways after all, mon). I would certainly consider it again when planning
future vacations.
We came out of Washington DC National, then Charlotte,
NC. That’s where we met Margie & Larry, who we had already met via the
Wild Bunch (http://www.artibbs.com/public/hedofun.htm)
e-mail list. Jamaican Immigration was painless, just a short wait to get
through. Customs was a breeze. Immediately followed to the Super Clubs desk at
the airport. It was kind of chaotic at first, but I was promptly directed to
the lady with the Hedo III guest list who instructed us to wait for the next
bus. While waiting (still inside the airport), I was approached by a man
asking if I wanted to “smoke” - a simple no, thanks, and he was on his
way. We didn’t even wait 10 minutes when we were whisked out to our bus.
Margie and Larry had already taken their bus to Hedo - we rode with another
couple who were staying at the Breezes Runaway Bay resort. Our driver was
excellent - very safe but not slow either. He did not make any stops,
proceeded directly to Breezes in about an hour and a half. Dropped the other
couple, then on to Hedo III, which is about 3 minutes from Breezes.
The first few hours:
The staff was very helpful, got checked in quickly.
Unfortunately we could not get the wild bunch upgrade to the 6 or 7 building
because the resort was full. No problem, mon. Got room 416, on the quad side
closer to the nude pool. We met Michelle Davis, who took us herself to our
room, showed us around and even took us to meet the rest of the bunch at the
nude pool. That was the weirdest experience of our trip. Standing there fully
clothed shaking hands and socializing with naked people. Little did we know we
would loose the clothes pretty soon ourselves. We promptly said our good-byes,
thanked Michelle and went back to our room to unpack and get ready to walk
around and check out the premises. We were immediately surprised with the
facilities and the overall ambient. We made our reservations for Pastafari and
Munahana, then hooked up with Margie and Larry again at the Scotch Bonnet for
our first try of the jerk pork and chicken. We enjoyed their company and then
went back to our room to regroup and plan the rest of the night.
The Au-Naturel Experience:
We took advantage of the apparent “cover” provided by
the night to make our first attempt. We discretely took our clothes off and
jumped in the pool on the far away side from the hot tub. Eventually made it
to the hot tub - pretty much kept to ourselves. It wasn’t as bad as we had
thought, and didn’t have any reserves coming back the next day. We spent
most of the time in and around the nude pool, bar and hot tub. We had a blast
- met many wonderful people, and in fact got so used to it we were bummed
every time we had to put some clothes on to go to dinner, the disco, etc. We
were told by Hedo III staff that the quad pool area was “clothing optional”
but other than a few topless ladies we didn’t see anyone going nude over
there. At first we were shocked that the shower side was completely open to
the outside via the window (aggravated by the fact we were on the first floor
right on the quad) and gave some free shows before we figured out there is
indeed a blind you can pull down to block the view. No one told us, of course….
J No problem mon.
Dining at Hedo
Overall the food services were excellent. The service at
Pastafari was extremely slow (the restaurant was mostly empty Sunday night)
but the food was so incredibly delicious
we quickly forgot about the wait. Munahana was awesome. Our cook was
Casper, he was a delight. I must say that this was the best food we had. It
was so delicious. We’ve been to Benihana and other Japanese restaurants and
Munahana is right up there with the rest of them. That night they didn’t
have the green tea ice cream, but oh well, something to try next time. The
dinner buffet was good, just make sure to walk around and see everything
before you start to choose what you’re going to eat. Scotch Bonnet is
terrific, service is kind of slow, but the beautiful view of the ocean is
worth the wait. Definitely try the jerk-anything.
The nude pool grill was great too. Good burgers, fries, nachos, etc.
The breakfast buffet was phenomenal. The made-to-order omelets were out of
this world. Good variety as well. The best way to go is have a good breakfast
at the main dining area, head to the nude pool and have lunch/late afternoon
snack over there, then head to the restaurant or main dining for dinner. If
you get out of your room too late for breakfast (like we did almost everyday)
just grab lunch at the Scotch Bonnet. Can’t lose either way.
Activities/Entertainment
We were so caught up in the whole experience we don’t
have a good recollection of the night entertainment at the main dining room -
but the music was good, the house band (extasi) was very entertaining. Do not
miss the Wet-T-Shirt contest at the main pool deck. It was so much fun. Do
participate of all the activities at the nude pool area - it certainly makes a
difference and they all are great ice-breaking experiences. We did the body
shots, and Ida participated in Miss Nude Hedo. We missed Truth or Dare but it
looked liked a lot of fun from a distance. Volleyball in the nude pool is a
must. Go prepared for every night activities in the disco. Ida participated in
the masquerade theme and had a lot of fun. In our experience, we didn’t find
the disco too loud at all - after experiencing some clubs in DC it was nothing
at all. If it’s still too bad, there’s a bar right outside the disco and
some stools and a nice overview of the resort. You can also look over the side
at the water slide landing.
PDA’s
I’ve heard there used to be a waterfall on the nude
pool but apparently it is not working anymore or at least while we were there
this time. It must have made a tremendous place to share some intimate moments
with your partner. The grotto was very popular, the lounge chairs, and even a
pool raft sometimes did the magic. We didn’t see any security people
haggling anyone who decided they would enjoy themselves a little more in
public. It’s not openly in your face but it’s there. I know for a fact
(*wink wink*) there was some action going on the nude beach piers in the
middle of the night, pretty much away from everyone else.
No one ever made any advances to us, but if that would have been the
case, a simple no thanks should have done the trick. Everyone we met was
courteous and respectful to each other.
Staff
Michelle Davis was very helpful; it was very nice to be
welcomed by such a friendly person right away, especially for us Hedo Virgins.
Anne Marie and Suzzette at the nude pool bar were always prompt, efficient and
friendly. They are very cool. Nola at Scotch Bonnet was very nice. Casper made
our Munahana visit a memorable one.
Do’s
Try all the bartenders’ specialty drinks!
Learn the staff members’ names
Be polite and always say, “thanks - great job”
Little things like that will make the world of a
difference
Bring:
(1)A beach towel - shortage of towels was not a problem
at all but be prepared
(2)Insulated cup/mug - saves trips to the bar
(3)Bug spray - a must if you want to enjoy nightly “activities”
- bug bites are quite distracting !!!
(4)Appropriate attire/costumes,etc for theme nights
(5) Spray-on sunblock - works like a charm
(6) Single dollar bills for tips.
Don’ts
Overpack - you’d be nude anyway - how much clothes are
you going to need?
Bring too much cash. You won’t need it unless you go
shopping outside the resort. We had about $200 in small bills when we arrived
and when we came back to the airport I still had most of it. The gift shop in
Hedo III accepts Visa/MC (as do the duty-free shops at the airport). They have
most of the things you would need if you forget something at home, but is
somewhat expensive. They do carry Bud Lights as well, if you can’t help it.
I’ve heard Red Stripes are good. Not sure about the tours - but I think you
can charge it to your room.
In Conclusion
Be wicked for a week ! You make your own fun. Don’t
depend on the weather or the staff to seek out the fun opportunities.
Socialize, take part of all the activities or make up your own. Hedo III is
the perfect place to live out any of your fantasies, but you have to leave
home the worries, the inhibitions, and get into that wonderful Jamaican laid-back attitude … no problem mon! Enjoy every Jamaica
minute you have. It’s
definitely true that everyone’s experience is different but you have to make
the best of this experience by yourself. It all depends on your own attitude.
Next Time We’ll Try:
Visit the Scotch Bonnet terrace upstairs
Horseback Riding Trip
Water Slide
Watersports
Green Tea Ice Cream @ Munahana
Glass bottom hut tub
Piano bar
Red Stripes !!!
Please send any questions/comments to:
Rob & Ida