Ann - June, 2011
Friday, June 17:
My 5th Annual Group Trip of FantasyFesters and KrewedeKrazyLife
friends to Hedonism II resort in Negril, Jamaica is now within
24 hours. This will be my 7th overall trip to a SuperClubs
Hedonism all-inclusive, clothing optional, beachfront and
tropical resort.
I’m so excited and packing my 3 luggage bags and 2 carry-ons
only adds to the excitement as I try to figure out how to pack
and balance my costumes, wigs and boots. Believe me, it’s a real
process and has taken me years to figure it out and it is not
for amateurs---lol.
I also had 2 late night/early morning and last-minute bookings
for the Hedo trip adding to our group numbers!
Saturday, June 18:
A few short hours of sleep and a 6 a.m. wakeup for a drive to
the Orlando International Airport for my flight. Actually I went
to the Park and Fly to drop off my car and catch their shuttle
to the Jet Blue terminal. Yikes! Talk about some LONG LINES—even
for curbside check-in but then the security line was only 10
minutes so it was a trade-off ---almost.
A quick bite to eat, short wait and change of gates before my
flight whisked me away to Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica.
Arrival in MBJ was uneventful and the usual nice reception in
the SuperClubs lounge with complimentary water and 30 minute
wait. While waiting, I treated myself to a margarita from the
Margaritaville just outside (behind) the SuperClubs lounge.
On the shuttle bus, which was full, I met with so many great
people including several that knew of me and the 90 minute ride
went quick and
even included a quick stop at the ‘Golden Apple” bar.
Pulling up in front of Hedonism II-Negril, I was very happy. I
was also excited about meeting in person with some of the staff
that I had worked with over the past few months telephonically.
Needless to say, I love the Hedo staff.
After a quick and efficient check-in, I headed to my room for a
change of clothes, a shower and my 1st glass of champagne of my
8 night adventure.
Overall, the process in getting to Jamaica was 10+ hours from my
doorstep to room #2128, which was a standard room just one
building away from the nude pool in the nude section. Time wise,
it was not too bad but considering my flight was only 80
minutes, it did make for a long day.
Once cleaned up and dressed down in something very “airy”, I
located several friends and Krewe members plus I was stopped by
several guests who knew me or knew of me and my travel exploits.
This happened almost every day and considering it was my first
lengthy stay at Hedonism II (I did do Hedo III on 6 different
occasions), I was pleasantly surprised that some many people
knew me. I guess my reputation as the TravelSlut preceded me.
I have to say that with the other two groups there that we all
meshed very well and fed off each other’s fun attitudes, energy
and actions. You all know who you are and you are special
friends now and in the future.
And THANK YOU Miss Jodi for the wonderful “TravelSlut” beaded
necklace. Wow, what a nice surprise and awesome gift!
For the next 168 hours (8 nights/7 days) many things blur and
both day and nights blend into each other so I’ll just point out
some highlights and add some tips and mostly non-judgmental
observations in no particular order. I’ll do my Top 10
TravelSlut Tips for Hedo II later.
NOTE: In addition to misplacing--- or having my waterproof
Olympus digital camera stolen while on a catamaran to Rick’s
Café on Thursday’s clothing optional cruise---, I ”lost “(or
failed to save properly) two full pages of notes made on my
computer from earlier in the week from this trip so you will
have to excuse me as some of my information may be scanty or
slightly skewed and much will have to come from memory (see
above about things “blurring and blending” during the week). J
Sunday, June 19 to Sunday June 26:
Late morning sleep-ins were the norm for me and they were such a
gift. My room was mostly dark (adjusting the curtains to insure
that minimal light seeped through was necessary though) and
always cool/cold so it made sleeping in or napping a real treat.
I was usually up late with the Krewe and others and rarely got
back to the room before 2 a.m. after a late night snack (only
available from the main dining room area) and my nightly
after-midnight swim and drinks in the nude pool.
I did costume up every night except for the last Saturday night
(when I was exhausted and simply could not make it to dinner or
anywhere else after a week of partying—plus, I have posted in my
personal Flickr and Yahoo! Hedonism Groups a photo of me
sleeping soundly on the ride back to the airport on my departure
day that tells the whole story—lol).
I got lots of positive feedback from Hedo staff about our
Groups' costumes and antics in costume as it seemed to raise the
energy level wherever we went. Plus, it was contagious and
interacting with the other guests and two groups only made the
nights even more and wild. (Remember, some of what happens at
Hedo--stays at Hedo!)
The nightly “themes” at Hedo saw (surprisingly) a high
percentage of participants—and this made for great interaction
at dinners in any of the three restaurants (Munasan, the outdoor
Asian teppanyaki-style grill; the main outdoor terrace buffet
restaurant; and Martino’s, the indoor Italian restaurant.
NOTE: All three restaurants had “relaxed” approaches to guests
in either non-casual/resort attire or costumes that were much
more revealing. I did Martino’s three times, Munasan once and
the buffet three times plus I skipped dinner twice.
The nightly Hedo II themes included:
Futuristic Fashionistas (or any variation from alien to robotic
to whatever)
Rock Star (which ranged from glitter and glam to over-the-top
wild and crazy but always sexy)
Toga (probably the most participation by the guests and the
costumes ranged from simple draped bedsheets over the body to
elaborate Roman soldiers and even an Egyptian pharaoh (good work
Y!)
Jamaica night (all Jamaican colors and I loved D’s bodypainting
of T with the Jamaican flag)
School Girls & Boys Uniform / Retro (always fun with lots of
plaid which fits in with ourFantasyfester and KrewedeKrazyLifer
theme parties)
Sexy Wear / Lingerie (easy and so many different, unique, fun
designs and variations)
Pajama Night (how easy is this?)
Fetish and Fantasy Night (another theme that brings out the
wickedly-wild in many guests)
The large, accommodating, nude hot tub always seemed to have
people in it but it was REALLY active after midnight until
nearly dawn on some nights. Space could sometimes be extremely
limited. Don't be surprised at the creativity of some people
also but if you blush, no one will notice.
Despite being included in the all-inclusive price of the resort,
I saw very few guests utilize any of the marina’s watersports
opportunities. An occasional kayaker was about all I ever
observed yet Hedo has a full range of complimentary watersports
and even an extra-charge activity that includes scuba diving
and/or certification.
A Piano Bar must is to get there early (before the 10-10:30
start each night) and the closer you get to Deon, the wonderful
piano player, the closer to the infamous piano-top action you
will get. And don’t be surprised if you see things you never
expected to see on top of a piano. The sound level can be high
at times but the bar service is just steps away and if the air
conditioner is working right, the room is filled with energy and
laughter.
Throughout the week, the entertainment crew (EC’s) could often
be found in and around the pools. I will say the sound system at
the nude pool is not the best. The EC’s were all friendly though
and they made up for any audio deficiencies.
Before I forget, I want to say that I REALLY enjoyed being with
our Krewe (C&J, C&B, M&M, T&D, L&R, M&J, C&R, R, Y, & C) and new
friends from the other groups and such (T&A, C&J, M&T, J&T
(thanks again for the beaded necklace!), M&C, J&G, M&T, B -(K),
R, and of course my BoyToy for the trip. My special times with
both Krewe members and others that I met during the week (from
the B-52’s and Travel Naked Group) will always be remembered and
I hope we all get together again next June. :-)
The iconic and famous watertube slide (on the prude side near
the pool and ending in front of the disco window) went “nude or
clothing optional” several times during the day while I was
there. Just check with the attendant when you see him and ask
about its operation. Even if it is not working, it may simply be
a matter of the attendant turning it on for you.
The reception marquees also list the daily events and activities
and you can check the day(s) and time(s) the slide goes nude.
On any cruise to Rick’s be extremely careful when disembarking
the catamaran into the shuttle boat (a large rowboat-type)
off-shore from the steps up to Rick’s on the cliff bluff. The
day I went the waves and swells were large and significant and
the transferring back and forth between boats was difficult for
some and challenging for everyone.
Also, thank you T&A for the gracious invite to your birthday
party on the Caribbean waters on the catamaran. The trip out to
the caves and the snorkel sites were awesome and the special
"fun" with the alcohol-infused whipped cream made for a good
show and good time by all. It sure is a great way to spend a
birthday in a festive, clothing-optional manner.
During my time at Hedo I tried not to do much comparing between
Hedo II and the former Hedo III but it was difficult not to do
so. The point is, however, it that it is all moot now anyway and
hopefully Hedo II will continue to make improvements and
renovations for the comfort and convenience of all its guests.
With an 85% return guest rate, keeping some things the same and
adding new methods of having fun and comfort will only increase
guest satisfaction and repeat business. I try not to dwell on
the negative because I’ve often felt that just about any “bad
day” on holiday or vacation is better than a good day at work.
Don’t be shy at breakfast asking for fresh fruit smoothies (the
machine is between the bread and ice cream stations), or
personal waffle or omelets at the individual stations in the
buffet. The breakfasts were available until about 10:30 a.m. and
seemed to be a favorite of some of the guests with enough
choices so that something was there for everyone’s liking.
The internet café across from the reception desk and next to the
Tour Activities desk in the lobby was often busy and the one
time I accessed the internet I found the speed very fast
compared to the Wi-Fi that I utilized the during the week on my
personal laptop computer. I did pay $90 for a week of 24/7 Wi-Fi
access and I had no issues except on the two days where we had
some thunderstorm and lightning in the area and even then any
service interruption was just temporary.
There are swinging rope web-mesh hammocks scattered throughout
the resort property but I think in 8 days I don’t recall ever
seeing anyone use them (including me).
Here’s a tidbit you might like to try. Before 1 PM, massages in
the Mahoe Spa are just US $1.00 per minute with a 30 minute
minimum but the people I spoke with that did it said the full
hour was well worth it and recommended it highly.
Next to the spa is the fitness center which is air-conditioned,
modern and well-equipped with new machines and the center is
often occupied during many hours by both guests and staff.
The gift shop located between the piano bar, tennis courts and
billiards/ping pong/fitness center outside the main dining room
had some great 50% off sale items which put the prices either in
line with or below what the nearby Negril straw market had
available (The straw market is located within walking distance
across the street from the entrance to Hedo II) or the Montego
Bay airport shopping mall. The gift shop has some nice costumes
and Hedo-related items if you dare bring any back home.
In my room 2128, I had both adequate quantity and quality hot
water in my shower (no tub unfortunately) but be prepared to get
somewhat sprayed as the shower has opposing nozzles that sprayed
from both ends of the tub. I don’t recall how I figured out the
procedure but I know I got unexpectedly wet the first time I
tried to turn them on.
My room had either too-short or well-used and overworked rubber
seals under the door and the room is not soundproofed from the
outside. Don’t be surprised to hear people’s voices as they come
to or leave their rooms (or walk up and down the stairs in the
staircase outside the door). Plus, expect cicada bugs buzzing in
the night. However, I found them soothing as white noise.
NOTE: TURN OFF your room clock radio alarms before you go to
sleep the 1st night. I do this as a habit whenever and wherever
I travel in the world. There is nothing worse than being
unexpectedly startled-awakened early in the morning when you
might be jet-lagged or hung-over.
Switch #1 on the wall plate by the door turns on the TV. NOTE:
Always have your bellman show you the little details of your
room when he delivers your luggage and be sure to ask him
anything you can think of about the room that you might have
questions about.
There are numerous satellite TV channels and some in different
languages (German, French, and Japanese) and there are at least
two channels in the 105-110 range that are adult-only
oriented---VERY adult oriented. One is the Playboy Channel and
another is more explicit.
I liked the fact the rooms are green-eco compatible and you have
the choice of re-using your towels and sheets but no worries---
your room attendant will exchange them whenever you wish.
My room attendant was super nice and kept my room spotless. She
made me some towel animals and I’ve always made it a point to
leave either a tip, school supplies or gifts for them as they do
a great job.
Christopher the Wood Carver was there most of the week and he
was working on both a new totem and custom wood-carved planks.
His work is awesome and I intend to have both a TravelSlut plank
created with my caricature image next year and also start a
FantasyFesters and Krewe de Krazy Lifers totem pole with our
group name and any member’s names that wish to be immortalized.
he even maintains the pieces after you leave.
Also, some of my group had rocks custom painted for them on the
beach for US$ 20. I failed to get a new one painted
professionally so I did a quickie (all in red) and placed it
just outside my door (room #2128). See if you can find it.
NUDE POOL NOTE:
Be careful on the last step of the ladder as it is a
longer-than-expected distance to the pool bottom. Several people
learned this the hard, wet way.
Also at the nude pool grill: Don’t forget that you can ask about
guacamole and salsa (kept cold inside the grill) to add to your
chips from the nacho station table next to the grill window. You
can also add some grilled Jamaican chicken to the nachos to make
an excellent lunch or snack. The grill usually closes around 5-6
pm. One more thing at the nude pool grill.
There is a popcorn machine plus a heated, rotating rack for
yummy (when real fresh) Jamaican meat patties. Still my favorite
lunches/snacks at the nude grill (and the Reggae Café) were the
grilled sea bass dishes. So good!
Drinks by Scumba at the nude pool bar can be as varied as you
ask. All I know is that they never ran out of champagne and I
saw everything from special flaming drinks to colorful
concoctions that wowed the guests. Red Stripe (Jamaican) beer
was the drink of choice by many but many variations of fu-fu
drinks could also be seen. Remember, if you try a drink that
does not suit your tastes, you are not obligated to drink it and
simply return it or discard it and try again. That is one of the
great things about an all-inclusive resort like Hedo. You might
never consider pouring out a $6-7 specialty drink at home but at
Hedo, drinks are 24/7/365 and you should consume only that which
meets your bodily approval.
Down the beach towards the marina and prude pools, you will find
the Reggae Café Beachfront shack with awesome good Jamaican
food. It seemed to be overlooked by many looking for local
foods.
A nice touch is the hand sanitizer dispensers in the restaurants
and various locations around the resort. Between sunscreen,
sand, and perspiration—they do come in handy (literally).
For a little variation, ask one of the gardeners or staff
members to show you the herb, vegetable and plant garden behind
the bathrooms of the nude pool. Very impressive plants.
And in the area between the nude hot tub, nude pool and path
back to the rooms is a self-service vending machine that has
water, sodas, ice, etc. and I utilized it several times coming
from and going back to my room.
As for the disco, the few times I went inside, either it was too
early (midnight or so) and too empty or it was way too loud for
me. A quick walk through in costume was generally sufficient.
They did have some well-attended and wild theme nights but it
can be hit or miss.
The mini-cabanas scattered throughout the prude side (primarily)
appeared to have little occupied use. They are nice from what I
observed however.
Martino’s, the Italian restaurant, was an excellent choice 3
nights for our group and the “relaxed “ dress codes later in the
evening (never crowded) allowed us to have fun and enjoy great
cuisine in an air-conditioned venue. The food was almost always
rated excellent by the Krewe but on three nights, there was no
lettuce for salads. That was the only downside. Our servers were
efficient and fun.
Munasan, the Japanese/Asian restaurant, was also fun and the
food was great however it was REALLY hot outdoors especially
being so close to the teppanyaki grills blazing however the
biggest drawback was the noise from the adjacent dining area and
main stage where the nightly entertainment and music was
occurring while we ate, and the noise prevented comfortable
conversations amongst us.
All in all, Hedo trip #7 for me rated an solid “A” and I can’t
wait to return next June 2012 with an even larger group of
friends—old and new. I’ll be posting exact dates probably in
October but right now it appears to be June 16-24, 2012 for the
6th Annual TravelSlut Group Trip. Anyone wanting information or
details for future trips or photos and trips reports, etc. from
past trips need only check my two primary Hedonism-devoted
groups online:
groups.yahoo.com/group/KrewedeKrazyLifers4Hedonism
or
www.flickr.com/groups/hedonismresortgrouptrips
Remember, for those that have experienced Hedo, no explanation
is needed. For those that haven't--no complete explanation is
possible.
In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!
Ann, The TravelSlut
Email:
TheTravelSlut@yahoo.com