First we want to say that while there were some problems with our trip this year, we are thrilled to have met and hung out with so many great people. Both those from Cocktails International and those we met and adopted during our weeklong stay in paradise.
We decided after last year’s terrible customer service with AJ that we would not fly with them again, so we ended up on American. It was a longer trip, but the stews and staff were accommodating and nice on each leg. We had the overnight to Miami, then Miami to Montego. Met up with a few other people in the airport in Miami, where the 1.75 of rum was opened, and the party started early. Quick flight down to MBJ from there, a short wait for the bus where we met up with a bunch of other Cocktails people, then the bus ride where the rum got worked on, and some crazy people decided Mr. Cuervo should make a brief appearance. Crazy fun on the bus. I know it was an hour and a half or so- but it sure did not feel that long. It was nice to visit with some of our old friends and talk with some new ones as well. The 2 couples who were going to Breezes must have thought the Hedo crowd was absolutely out of control- yea us! We took advantage of their brief drop off to raid their bar for some cocktails to go.
On arrival- surprise- our room was not ready, so we had our bags put in Dan and Juju’s room for safekeeping as we were to have the connecting room- 616- poolside ocean view AN. Off to the nude pool where we got reacquainted with some old friends, as well as enjoying the Rum and Pepsi’s- they were good last year- this year you almost needed to order a pepsi and rum to assure that there was actually some cola in it. We had read on Denny about the water quality issues, and they held true. The water was murky, but there was not the debris and detritus that some people commented on after the last big storm. The new yellow rafts are nice, but got in the way of volleyball sometimes. The bar staff was good as always, especially Nareen- who was just a total doll. Our room was finally ready so we got moved in.
The good: AC excellent all week, and when it started to weep, the maintenance guy got right on it thanks to our attendant Nichola- wonderful service from her. The room was always clean and towels well stocked.
The bad: the first day, Kerry went to take a bath. She turned on the faucet, and the large gooseneck spigot rose into the air a few inches then CLANG back down into the tub. We immediately called to have it fixed. The maintenance person came out, took the spigot, and long story short we had no bathtub all week- only shower. Repetitive calls did no good. I understand island time, but geez.
After about four days there were around 20 people from our group getting mild skin rashes- itching with hives. I have fairly sensitive skin I guess, because I got a nasty rash which pretty much killed our romantic life the rest of the week. I Went to the nurse, who called the doctor, who then gave me medication for hives, some cream which was mildly helpful, and a hydrocortisone shot in the butt. The standard $175 for essentially no real treatment of the condition or explanation. Contact Dermatitis- thanks doc. I spent maybe an hour in the water the rest of the trip- afraid of it getting worse. Huge thanks to my lovely wife who put up with my whining the last 3 days of the week. I know the staff was trying to get it under control- and by Friday it was a lot better.
The nude beach is still too small, but a nice place to float. The eastern dock is down from the storm- probably hurts the psssssst guy’s business- though we saw him over there each time we went in the water.
The resort staff was great about our group issues. Always very accommodating and making sure all was well with us. As co-hosts this year we got to interact on a more mellow social level with some of the EC’s- who turned out to be pretty amazing people.
We ate at Pastafari 2 nights, and Munasan 2 nights. Racquel at Pastafari took very good care of us, and it was nice getting to chat with her. At Munasan we did not have the pleasure of Spongebob unfortunately, but the food was very good and plentiful. The buffet was- well- the buffet, but we did enjoy the midnight service quite a bit after some time in the disco- and the breakfast omelet bar was always not to be missed. The bonnet was good- or reggae café I guess it is now. Love them patties. Nachos were a new addition to the nude pool grill- very yummy.
The theme nights were great- but it did not seem like the participation level was what it was last year from those people who were not with Cocktails. The WWW group was a lot smaller this year, hardly saw them at all except on the bar in the disco. The music was MUCH better this year- just dance music is all we ask- last year’s techno wore a little bit.
Bottom line for us- we got to hang out with a huge group of great friends. It’s a wonderful escape into a week of irresponsible eating, drinking, and whatever else you enjoy. Some friends we just made, others we have known and all we want to know for a long time to come. R/I, D/J, S/T, B (the spooner/spoonee)/S, and all our other Cocktails friends YOU ROCK! We absolutely cannot wait to go back next year- hopefully for 2-3 extra days.
Nick and Kerry sdnakiepeople@yahoo.com
Cocktails International Co-Hosts