Hedonism II Trip Report - 2020 (Ron & Judy)

Sept 18-28, 2020

Travelling during the COVID "crisis" made things a bit tricky but we did it.  First of all, do NOT believe the Travel Authorization website when it tells you that your customs form is filled out also.  Take the extra minute and fill it out online like normal, or fill it out on the plane.  It doesn't tranfer from the Travel Auth site to the JA Customs/Immigration computers very often.  If you do not have it filled out, you will have to fill it out in the airport. 

After exiting our plane in MoBay, halfway to the Immigration hall, we had our temps taken and given a piece of paper with the result on it.  In the Immigration hall, we had to sanizatize our hands, and were ushered to a table for a health screening.  Typical "have you had these symptoms" and "where are you staying" type questions.  Then we had to sign a statement saying we would not leave our resort or be subject to a 14 day quarantine. Then to the actual immigration desk.  We had the Club Mobay service, but the regular lines were very short.  We will ALWAYS book Club Mobay, though.  Zinged right through, got our bags, zinged through customs, had a couple of beverages and snacks in the lounge while our CM rep made sure Clive's Transport was ready for us, he was :)

Uneventful ride to the resort.  Before entering the lobby, must hand sanitize.  Check-in was uneventful. 

Hedo was found to be clean, lovely and all staff extremely nice and accomodating.  We felt so catered to the entire week.  You could always find someone cleaning/sanitizing something at any given time.  Witnessed staff wiping down the entirety of the tables (even the stand and underside) and chairs in the dining room on several occasions during our 10 days.  

Restaurants alternate nights for dinner, due to the very low occupancy.  Main buffet was closed a few nights, one night the only options were Pastafari or HarrySans, and neither were even half full.  My estimate was at the height of the week, 50% occupancy, on our last couple of days, we heard from staff it was down to 11%.  The Prude pool bar, and Prude side grill were closed the last couple of our day due to low occupancy.  When the buffet is open, you no longer serve yourself.  There are staff members to put whatever you want on your plate.  I was concerned as I like my bacon less than crispy, but the staff did fine at serving you what you want and in the quantity you want.  Egg station went as normal.  Tables are not set in advance, your silverware, napkins and water glass is brought when you sit down.  In the restaurants, there are no individual menus now, there are menu boards on stands brought to your table to read.  

Food was outstanding no matter where we ate, and at all times.  

Room was fine.  Only issue was a burned out lightbulb which was replaced within 10 minutes.  Quick call to the main desk and we had an extra blanket.  There were no coffee pots in the rooms unless you ask, we did and our housekeeper made sure we were stocked at all times.  Housekeeping service is upon request only now, with a special door hanger to put out of you want servicing.   No more "Go Green" program.  

Repeater party went on, even though there were very few people there.  Kirklando said he sent out 80 invites, but there couldn't have been more than 50 people at the party.  We did win the "Most trips since last using a winning voucher" prize.  YAY Us!

Nude pool was the nude pool, few of us as there were there.  I never once saw anyone told to social distance.  Never even saw security on the pool deck.  Bar staff was as nice and attentive as ever.  All staff were genuinely glad to see us, and thanked us umerous times for being there.  We truly felt appreciated. 

Diving was awesome.  Better than it has been in quite some time.  I believe the reefs needed a break from humans.  Lionfish were scarce and those still there were much more skittish than they ever have been and hiding in holes more than they have in the past.  Colors were beautiful and fish were plentiful.  We even saw a seahorse!  Sadly, we learned our beloved Grantley is retiring this week.  We are grateful we were able to see him and wish him well.

Leaving the property.  I saved this part until we got home as we did NOT want a visit from the Jamaican authorities.  We did sign the statement that we would not leave the property ( in the airport) but we asked several locals (our driver, staff at the resort etc) and even the front desk.  Everyone said the same thing, yes the expectation was that we would stay onsite, but that no one was going to tackle us and drag us back.  We went into Negril twice.  Shopping at several locations, including Times Square and the Hi-Lo market.  Red Dragon for lunch both times.  It is very sad the state of things in Negril.  So few tourists there, the local people are hurting so bad.  We made it a point to at least buy something small whenever we could, without buying more bead necklaces that we already have a drawer full of at home.  Mask requirements of course.  Negril does have an 8pm curfew, but we have very rarely been in town that "late" anyway.  When we went to town, we used our usual driver from outside the gate, Dennis.  He is an approved "red plate" driver and much more reasonable than the Hedo cabbies. We had no issues, we wore our masks when required and did nothing to draw attention to ourselves.  Had a wonderful time, other than being just about the only tourists around town, seemed almost normal.  It was nice.

We felt very safe at the resort and in Negril from the plague.  Our only concern was on the planes.  Seems there is a segment of society that believes they do not have to wear a mask or they don't have to wear it correctly.  But I digress....

Customs/Immigration inbound was quick and easy as well.  We arrived at Orlando FL (MCO) airport and at the C/I desk pulled down my mask to have my pic taken, and before I could present my passport, the officer had my info up, it is all facial recognition now.  We did not even have to fill out forms at all.  They asked us the questions and took our answers verbally and that was that.

All  in all, a very MUCH needed vacation for us.  I would not hesitate to go back tomorrow, except for that whole "funding requirement" (work) that I have.  We were catered to like never before and had a fantastic vacation.  I highly encourage all who are able to just go and enjoy yourselves.  You deserve it.