This is my 3rd trip to Hedo and I thought I would write my 1st trip report. Please remember that this is my 1st trip report and while you might not agree with some of the things I have written again this is from my perspective. As well as a perspective from a single guy traveling alone.
Flight:
Flew from San Jose to Lax to MBJ. Left the day before Thanksgiving and I could not believe how easy it was. The lines were really short. I left San Jose around 5 PM so maybe everyone left earlier in the day. The flight from LAX to MBJ was about an hour and 20 minutes late. That sucked but did not really affect my trip so I just dealt with it. One of the advantages of the red eye is that it is one of the first flights in I think, so the only people at the airport seemed to be the folks flying in from LA.The flight down from LA was a little under 6 hours ( a little over six hours on the way back). About 10 to 15 minutes to clear customs and immigration, then off to the Super Clubs lounge. 5-10 minutes later we were on the bus and rolling. I thought I would take the bus because coming down as a single guy I thought it would be a great way to start the trip and meet people. Needless to say 5 minutes into the trip I along with everyone else was asleep. I think I woke up a few miles away from Hedo. At least it made the trip go by faster. Trip to and from the resort to approx 1 hour 10 minutes.
Check in:
No problems here, they had my info, handed me my key, picked up my bag and they off to my room. For the last two trips I was not offered a welcome home drink. Did they stop this practice?
Room:
I went with the prude garden view. I really dont need a view from my window or mind the walk so I thought I would save my money. I only have one complaint about the room (1158) and just a thought for anyone that gets put in that block is the noise from the street. It is very loud. You dont really notice it at night but during the day, big difference. I usually wear ear plugs when I travel because I like it quite and I can still hear the noise (where did those frogs hide during the day). The walk to the main bar, pool and dinning is not too bad of a walk. But if you are going to the nude area make sure to pack your back bag because you probably wont be doing a lot of back and forth to the room. I might suggest to guests if you are partying late at night after 3 AM in your room to please think about your neighbors. I work up and heard some interesting noises coming from the next room. Hey you were having fun. Lucky you.. But I don't think you need to have the TV blasting. Those TV's are right next to the walls and it is not really fair to those who like to wake up early.
Running/Gym:
Thanks to all the replies to my post about running in Jamaica. I did it and never had a problem. Went out to the main street made and right turn and went down about 2 miles, turned around and came back. I made sure to run against traffic both ways in case I need to dive out of the way of any,,,, Well you all took the bus you know what I am talking about. The gym is very nice. A lot better than many of the hotels in the US. They have the usual equipment even the bikes that we use here in the US for spin classes. Just turn it to face the window and you can see people walking to breakfast, and some other views. Plus the sweat you work up a great sweat.. It makes me feel not as guilty eating those 3 plus meals a day. I even had the trainer put me through an ab workout. He knew what he was doing and I am even going to try and incorporate some of the tips at the gym tomorrow.
Daytime:
You can do as much or as little as you like Diving.. Free and is a must do. The equipment is decent. It will operate safely. Is it top of the line no but again it is safe and you dont have to pack your own gear for the flight down. I would say bring your own mask. Other than that they have everything else. Oh if you have odd size feet you might want to bring your fins to make sure you will find ones to fit you. All the other water sports are there, and like most everything else it is free so do them or not you cant go wrong.I have not done any sailing but I want to try it on my next trip.
Spa:
I have had 4 massages and two gentlemans facials in my three trips and I have loved every one of them. I was so relaxed on this past trip that when two couples that were sitting outside of the spa trying to decide if they should do it saw the relaxed look on my face I think that made up their mind for them. The prices are about what you expect to pay for the same services.
Food:
I am a picky eater and really dont try new things but I would say the food is okay. Not great, not poor, just.Okay. I think everyone can find something they like. If I was going for more then a week at a time I would say then it might be a challenge. Heck if I get too hungry I just go to Roberts grill and get a burger. Can never go wrong there. I would say coffee and dessert is my favorite.
Disco.:
I like hip hop and current music so I like the disco. I was quite slow this past Thanksgiving weekend. I went by there few times at 11:30 and only saw a few people there. Maybe it just got a late start on this trip who knows.
Overall I had a good trip. I met some people I all ready knew, and met some new people along the way. Being a single guy I was able to talk to a few other singles about their thoughts and I think we all agreed that for during the Thanksgiving week and maybe just coming to Hedo in general it would probably be better to come down with a companion. There were not really many single ladies (not counting Teasums). One of the guys I was talking to on the beach said it was tough during dinner to decide whether to just grab a table solo or join a table where other where all ready sitting. I think that while I love Hedo.The staff and the people I have met have been great , but during a period where there will be groups going I would say single guy might want to find other times of the year to go or again bring someone with you. I know some singles on this board will disagree with me, but again just my point of view. I know it would make my naps a lot more Ummmmmmmmm fun.
Spanksgiving parade was a blast, and I even loaned a costume (The hand) to a couple who I ended up hanging with during the trip.We walk a good way down the beach with a 150 people chanting, tossing out beads. We even got a few of the guests from ladies and guys from Sandles to flash us.. Kat, Thanks again, Anita,, Always had a smile on her face and always has such a positive vibe. To all my friends under the palm trees on the beach, everyone from Torondo, the advice I got from Japan, the talk about cave and shark diving I enjoyed it.... To the person who took the picture of my butt I hope you won the bet ( You know who you are) Dennyp, Thanks for giving all of us guests a place to chat, meet friends and give out points of view. You will see me again next Spanksgiving Crew, even if I have to beg and plead for someone to join me.
The airport was a breeze on the way back home. 15 minutes in the Air Jamica line, about 35 for security and imigration. If I had one suggestion I was have them move the imigration a little deeper into the airport. It really backed up the security/xray area. From the time I left the resort to the time I got to my gate was about two hours total.
My final thought The staff at Hedo reads these pages.. I know that first hand.. So when things are wrong or need to be fixed yes as a group we should address them But when you have a great trip and something was above and beyond your expectations we should post that as well. I am sure that the staff at Hedo would like to hear the good things that they do. Especially those staff members that go above and beyond the call of duty. The ones that went out of their way with that little extra touch that made the trip that much more special. Hedo says we can't tip but a Thank You and a firm handshake letting that staff member know how special they were to you goes a long way.
The cost of vacations at other locations $$$$$$$$$$$ a trip to Hedo II Priceless..
Respect Mon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Till next year.
Paul the Single Bald Guy aka The Dragon