TRIP REPORT – August 17th – August 23rd
Prior to actually spending time at Hedo3 we had so many questions and concerns and although we read everything we could find on the Internet and even purchased the book, “The Naked Truth About Hedonism 2”, I had so many unanswered questions and that little uncertainty just would not go away. So, I vowed to write a trip report to possibly help those “newbies” who would deal with the same thing I did. Sorry if I ramble, I want to cover the things that I had anxiety about as well as the things I considered to be important. So, here goes……….
ARRIVAL: After months and months of extensive research and reading everything on the internet, we thought we were ready for the Hedo3 experience and, to a large degree, we were. Although there was much apprehension and even some minor anxiety, we set out from Savannah, Georgia on the drive to Atlanta to spend the night before flying out on Delta Airlines for Jamaica. All was smooth sailing departing the US and even arriving in Jamaica was smooth. The line for immigration was long and the terminal was hot but so what, we were embarking on a week long vacation at Hedo3. The ride was as I had expected after all I had read and we really enjoyed the drive and the opportunity to observe the beautiful landscape of Jamaica. The driver (Mason) talked to us all the way about the Jamaican culture, lifestyle and shared so many interesting facts about his country. We made the Red Stripe stop where the highly anticipated drug deal was presented without any discretion whatsoever (we weren’t in Kansas anymore!). Check in was a breeze and we were greeted in the lobby by Rob who I had met on line a few weeks earlier. It was so nice to know someone prior to arriving. My top suggestion would be to try to meet folks on line who will be visiting the resort at the same time you are. Thanks Rob and Sue for making our first stay at Hedo3 a little easier and warmer; we truly appreciate all you did for us and look forward to a long friendship.
ROOM: We were in building 6 on the third floor with a great view of the nude pool and beach. The room was clean, cool and nicely appointed; about what I expected. I had read all the stories about no hot water, air conditioning mold, etc., etc., etc. I arrived armed with Lysol, Clorox wipes and so forth – all which went unused as everything in our room was just great. John particularly enjoyed the mirror on the ceiling above the bed and whirlpool tub. The whirlpool tub was also wonderful, worked great, no worries at all in the room department. NOTE: The resort is very compact and you can easily get to any point. So, whether you choose to room on the prude or nude side doesn’t really matter so much. What does matter however is where you spend your time – strong recommendation is that you go straight to the nude pool, disrobe and immediately get into the rhythm of things.
NUDE OR CLOTHES?.......... Okay, this is the true skinny on the clothing issue. I was horrified at many reports of the clothing police. Like the sex police, I never saw the clothing police. Clothes are worn in all dining areas, the lobby and of course the prude section of the resort. You can, and I did, wear a cover up from your room to the nude areas. Once in the nude pool and beach area, you don’t wear clothing. When you leave that area to walk to your room or to the dining areas, it is perfectly acceptable to throw on your cover up or wrap a sarong around your body. So, don’t be so uptight about the whole clothing thing!
FOOD: I had read so many negative trip reports that I didn’t actually know what to expect but we found the food to be plentiful, available and good. Not what you might expect at a fine dining restaurant at home, but definitely much better than I had read. We were in Jamaica at Hedo3 – the food seemed quite secondary to everything else! The omelet station at breakfast is a must do; the fresh fruit is wonderful and the service from the wait staff was impeccable (more on that later). I personally liked the Italian more than the Japanese, but many folks had just the opposite opinion that we spoke with. Reservations are required at both specialty restaurants and you need to make those early in the morning with guest services. Although I never made it to the midnight buffet, I had heard it was good.
RESORT/POOLS/BEACHES: How anyone could complain about the resort or the amenities is beyond me. I wouldn’t compare the beach with some Caribbean islands with world famous beaches, but it was quite acceptable. I found the small nude beach to be quaint and perfectly charming. Most folks gravitated to the nude pool and nude bar so the beach was never crowded or uncomfortable. The pier between the nude beach & pool was also very inviting and offered a great deal of privacy. The resort was beautiful, nicely laid out, easy to get to most everything. The resort sits right on the Caribbean Sea and offers incredible mountain and ocean views. The pools & hot tubs were clean and we never had a problem with overcrowding.
ENTERTAINMENT CREW: (ECs) I could never say enough about the ECs; they are the most hard working, energetic group of people at the resort. Their job is to keep things going and that they do. I strongly encourage everyone to join in the games and contests, win the Hedo Cash and just have fun. All of the games, from Jamaican trivia at the nude pool to Find Your Mate (also played at the nude pool) to the Beach games, which were played on the prude beach, were designed to get everyone involved and provide for much, much fun. And, they did! It appeared to me that their job was to perform at the shows (very good dancers!), and to make certain that everyone had a superb time. Whether performing or mingling with the resort guests, they made everyone feel at home and have fun! So hats off to Spike, Spectra, David, Chad, Thrill, Romeo, Destiny, Vixen, Chardonnay, Sapphire and Mystery. Our trip to Hedo would not have been as much fun without them and we will miss them most of all!!
THEME NIGHTS: First of all, there is a natural rhythm to Hedo and its best to learn it on day one. Since you are up very late at night and generally rise early in the day for the breakfast buffet, a much needed nap around 4PM is a great idea. Most of the folks we hung out with were at breakfast by 10 AM or so. Then it is off to the nude pool or nude beach or to water sports. Games generally occurred in the early afternoon and after a full day of hanging out at the nude bar and drinking margaritas as fast as Bev could make them, you needed a nap. 7:30 – 8:00 PM is a good time to think about moseying over to the main bar to meet your dinner pals. Then it was dinner, the after dinner show and then off to the piano bar before heading up to the disco. There is a natural progression that begins at the Terrace bar and ends at either the disco or the hot tub. The typical evening ends after a relaxing dip in the hot tub followed by a cool down in the pool, usually around 2-3 AM. A couple of hours snoozing in the late afternoon can help you with the fuel you are going to need for the evening. Toga is a big theme night, the skimpier the better. The leather/lace is another big night, as is Jamaica night and PJ night was actually my personal favorite. We had checked out the proper attire for each evening and were prepared. It makes it much more fun if you bring the appropriate outfits. The printed schedule that you receive at check in will be most helpful with keeping up with the activities and times for dinner shows, etc.
PDAs: I think it is part of what makes Hedo such a wonderful place to be. Sex police? I never saw or heard anyone stop a couple who were engaging in any form of sexual activity. Offensive? Definitely not! It was a natural occurrence to see someone enjoying themselves through a sexual expression. After all, everyone was naked and being naked is somewhat conducive to sexual activity. So, not making too much out of this, I’d have to say that I found it very much a part of the entire Hedo experience. Body shots at the nude pool with Rum Cream was something that we will never forget and infact wish we had brought home more Rum Cream!!
PEOPLE: Like the ECs, the people were phenomenal! We met so many wonderful people who we will stay in contact with for a long time. Non-judgmental, caring, polite and respectful people made our first visit to Hedo one that we will never forget. After all, when you are sitting at the bar naked talking to someone you just met moments ago who is also naked, there is a connection or a bond that is just impossible to describe. And, just like I read everywhere, there are all sizes, shapes and ages of people at Hedo. And, everyone fits in to the degree they want to. There is never any pressure from anyone; there were lifestyles couples there, monogamous couples and singles. And from my view point, everyone had total respect for one another. I think the world leaders should stay at Hedo for a couple of weeks; it may very well change the way we feel about each other!
STAFF: Wait staff, bartenders, ECs, housekeeping --- EXCELLENT. We barely sat down at breakfast before the dining room staff was bringing my tomato juice and my husband’s decaffeinated coffee. They remembered exactly what you drank and brought it immediately. You could hardly lay down your fork before they were clearing your dishes. I never wanted for anything! The service was terrific. I wasn’t impressed with the front desk staff or Guest Services. With the exception of front desk and guest services, the entire staff was the most accommodating, friendly and pleasant group of people I have ever encountered in travel. The Jamaican people have a wonderful attitude and a true “no worries” outlook on everything. It was humbling to me to observe their lifestyle and culture and to see how very pleasant they were. Incredible!
SUMMATION: I strongly recommend Hedo 3; it is impossible to describe the feeling you have when you are there. You must be open minded, confident in your relationship and most importantly, non judgmental. It is not a luxury, pampering, five star – five diamond resort; it is a place that exists only in the imagination of most people. We would never trade our time there together and are planning to return in November of this year, just a short three months after our first visit. We came back home, cancelled our November cruise and made plans to return to Hedo and we can’t wait to get back! I would be happy to answer anyone’s questions; just email me at sherryandjohn@comcast.net.