Our second
trip to Hedo II began on April 5th, and lasted for seven days. We had a
great trip, and although while we were there we missed our little home and our
pets, now that it's over we can't wait to get back again. This trip was
kind of a last minute thing, and we only had three weeks to prepare. We
used a travel auction websight. Doing this has both it's positives (saves
money) and negatives (less than average customer service, couldn't fly straight
through from Atlanta, had to change planes in Miami each way). Hedo has
changed a good bit since our first trip in June 2000. Yes, occupancy is
down, and it does make the feel of the place somewhat different, but you can't
go to Hedo relying on others to make your fun. All the new additions are
wonderful. We absolutely loved the new gym, and worked out there three
days. The equipment is fabulous with lots to choose from. The spa is
lovely. We didn't try any of the paid services, but did use the pools, the
sauna, and the relaxing sitting area behind the waterfall. That is an
extremely peaceful place where you can get away from it all. The slide is
great. Tim tried it several times. Since I can't swim I didn't do
it. The ice rink isn't finished and looks a little odd and out of place.
Didn't try the rock climbing wall. The miniature golf area also looked
unfinished.
It's hard to remember all the days and what exactly happened so I'll probably
skip back and forth. Hope it isn't too hard to follow. We ate at
both Munahana and Pastafari. Both were excellent. The food in the
dining room was very good. They do tend to bring out some of the same
foods over again. It may sound silly, but I hope people appreciate the
lovely fruit, vegetable, and ice sculptures. Somebody puts a lot of time
and effort into those. Drinks were great, but best down at the nude pool
bar. The nude grill food is still delicious. Love that grilled
cheese. Our room was nice. Only problem was what seemed to be faulty
a/c, but spoke to front desk, and don't know if they checked it or not, but it
worked fine later in our first day. No other serious room
complaints...just little things like lumpy pillows, etc. Our room was
garden prude, and looked out on one of the new little jacuzzis. We saw a
few shows in there. LOL. They're a nice little addition, with one on
the nude side and one on the prude.
We wanted to try to do more water sports stuff this time. One day took out
the yellow water beetle. That was fun, but very exhausting. Also
took out a hobie cat. A lot of fun, but with the way the wind was that day
we had trouble getting back to shore. We drifted over the ropes and into
the nudes trying to float in the ocean. It was embarrassing at the time,
and then one of the fellows in his water taxi got out of his boat and came out
to help us. That was really nice of him. All the water sports guys
were great, especially George. This time we spent equal time on both the
nude and prude sides, and really enjoyed both. While we were there there
were folks to hang out with on both sides. The prude side wasn't dead at
all. Tim played pool volleyball there, and had a blast. We also had
great fun playing ring toss on the nude side and won a bottle of Cocomania.
Also enjoyed nude body painting. The wet t-shirt contest was a big
surprise. I had no intentions of participating. Tim was sitting down
on the floor as one of the judges, and they already had all the contestants
behind the stage and ready when one of the entertainment coordinators called me
out of the crowd over the microphone. I am sure at that moment that I
turned many shades of red. I guess a lot of people think you can't be shy
and go to Hedo, but I am. I couldn't say no though. I told myself,
"Heck you're at Hedo, and you'll be kicking yourself when you get back home if
you don't do this." I went out last, did my best, and to my surprise won
first place. It was fun. So, we took the cat cruise (part of the
prize) the Thursday before we left. It's a nice way to see the coastline,
and we'd always wanted to go to Rick's Cafe. Rick's is nice, but there's
not much to do, or really a lot of space to walk around. Tim decided he
had to dive off the cliff against my tearful pleas. LOL. He did
fine, except he came up without his watch. Thank goodness it was a
cheapie. On the way back we got to see the famous sunset, but look quick
because from when it starts till when it's gone was a matter of like 20 seconds
or less. We saw a little partner swapping on the way back too. We
just laughed and tried to look the other way.
Which brings me to PDA's since everybody always wants to know about them.
We saw a little activity around the nude pool during the day, but not a lot.
A little more at the hot tub at night, but still it wasn't a great deal.
Didn't see a lot of people smoking ganga either, but definitely did smell it.
We actually found some near the door to our room. Since I couldn't smoke
(drug test for prospective job after returning home) and Tim didn't want to
smoke without me we gave it to a really nice guy we met from Canada who was
staying for two weeks. One day we toured Grand Lido with another couple we
met from Atlanta (Lee and Caroline, hope we keep in contact with you guys).
It is lovely, very nice, and we'd like to try it sometime too. I know some
Hedo die hards put it down as being dull, but it's just a change of pace, I
think. It really is beautiful. While one of the sales guys was
walking us around the property and near the rooms we almost couldn't breath for
the strong smell of ganga. It was the strongest stuff I've ever
smelled...and at Grand Lido. LOL. Also, it was a nice little treat
to get free bottled water there.
We truly got a surprise Saturday night. Lee said he thought Denny was at
Hedo too, but I was doubtful. Well, we went into Veronica's Saturday night
and there he was. I'm sure many of you reading this have already met
Denny, but for those who have not he is such a nice, friendly, down to earth
guy. It was a pleasure to meet and talk to him. He was always
helpful and informative. I felt bad always asking him: well why'd
they do that, why is this like it is, and what are these little bumps all up and
down my back and legs (probably sand fleas he said). Denny, you are a
great guy, and I'll bet you send Hedo at least 50% of their business. They
need to keep a room ready for you to use at your whim, and at no charge!
:)
Veronica's was a blast every time we went. Dave is marvelous, and the bar
service was excellent. Felt a little sad to know that Veronica isn't there
anymore. Piece by piece is always hilarious to watch. There is no
island picnic anymore...missed that. On the whole the staff was good to
great. I guess with occupancy down their spirits might be down too.
We sure missed all the old EC's from our last trip, but were pleased to see Paul
(Chubby) is still there, and couldn't believe he remembered us. Dining
room service was from fair to excellent depending on the day and the hour.
One sorta annoying thing...on toga night the fellow who was working in our area
seemed in such a hurry to get the tables cleared, I mean tablecloth and
everything. I have no idea why. It made us feel like we were being
rushed.
The road was rough on our trip from Mobay to Hedo. It took one hour and
forty-five minutes with no stops. Our driver was great, but it was very
hot and tiring. So we decided to take Timair for the first time. It
is well worth the money, and interesting to get in the little plane and fly over
the water. When we left security at Sangster was a nightmare. I've
talked to a few other people who left a day of two before or after us and they
had no complaints, so I'm wondering what happened. Anyway, we arrived in
plenty of time but only made our flight by about five minutes. Each and
every persons bags were checked, and not once, but twice, in two separate areas
of the airport. It was unbelievable, and honestly seemed rather
disorganized.
All in all the trip was great and we can't wait to go again. Hopefully we
won't wait another two years. If Hedo has anymore money to spend I'd like
to see them do a little renovating in the rooms, and fix up the bird aviary.
I love those birds, and enjoyed taking some bread to them after breakfast.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something. A lot happens in seven days! If
you're reading this and are thinking about going to Hedo II for the first
time...go! You will have a wonderful time, and won't regret it. I've
included a pic of us with Denny. Best wishes,
Jennifer and Tim from Georgia
p.s. thanks to whoever left the gold spray painted ivy headdresses on the little tree (by the hammock) on the prude beach. we wore them with our togas, and then put them back for someone else to use. :)