Brian & Kathleen - April, 2012
This was our 5th Annual Trip to Hedo with Biff's Bunch, and one of the best.
Things went smoothly at the airport coming and going and we tried out the Club MoBay deal to save time and relax on the way back. It's a little pricey, but you avoid the worst of the lines and can relax at the bar or in the lounge and enjoy complimentary sandwiches and drinks. Although we would have preferred Margaritaville, for sure, and have enjoyed that at the airport in the past when we had a lot of time to spare. It was still a decent deal and we may do that again. It's $35 a person and you have to sign up in advance. We flew United and they didn't even give us peanuts. And the bus to and from Hedo did not stop for a Red Stripe for the second year in a row. I wish they would sell them on the bus if they aren't going to
stop. I got used to that tradition. Grab your own first if you get a
chance.
Check in was faster than ever and there were some perks on this trip that made it nice. They flew in a good DJ from the US, and there was access to the play room that I had never seen before, and many long time regulars have still never seen it. It's a hidden gem, believe me. I don't know how often they open it, but it was fantastic. They give you clean towels and sheets for the mattresses, and the ambiance is romantic, especially for a public room. The lights are dim for privacy, and there is music, candlelight, a pool in the middle, open air roof, and the feel of a Roman bathhouse, not that I have ever been in a Roman bathhouse. There were couples, and threesomes and foursomes, but due to the candlelight it was hard to make out faces, so that added to the mood. And it was a lot more comfortable than the lounges and cement around the nude hot tub for public displays of affection, even for those who are shy about public play, not that I know about that trait. I hope they expand on this because it has been solely missing, and was much nicer than I would have ever expected. The sex swing on display by the hot tub may have been put to better use in this room too.
It wasn't displayed that well or as inviting as it could have been standing alone by the hot tub, although we did try it out on land and in the water
when no one was around. It was a conversation starter anyway.
Those new features made up a little for what was missing this week. I only saw Winston once. And Dion was gone from the piano bar, and that is a real loss. I hope they can lure him back somehow. We tried out the piano bar several nights, but it was always disappointing. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, and the new piano player has enough talent, but not the right personality for the job apparently. He did not engage the guests at all. I didn't see anyone dancing naked on the piano or even dancing fully clothed on the piano for that matter. And none of the old favorites were sung, and the crowd was thin most nights, whereas it used to be jam packed. He also had a bit of an attitude. But Dion is a hard act to follow.
I didn't see any EC's around the pool or beach, and if not for people in our group taking up the slack, and the imported DJ, it would have been an issue.
The Catamaran cruise was fun, and I always enjoy the staff on the ride. The water was rough with red flags on a few days, so Brian only got in two dives. He was lucky to get the first one because some sign up for every day way in advance and take up all the spots. There should be some limitations so others have a chance to sign up too.
We paid to drive/ride the jet ski this time and that was enjoyable. I wish we had done that sooner. It's not cheap but was easier than we expected. We also walked the 7 mile beach again, which is always an adventure that I recommend, even with the locals and their hard sells. They can be
entertaining and one group showed us their dog and all her new puppies. And they are typically very social and welcoming, even if you don't buy anything from them, but especially if you do. And we always take home some trinkets.
The food and bar were good, as were the meals in the restaurants. No complaints about that. I am always happy to see fruit salad. And Dirty Bananas add to my joy. I wish they would relax and stop telling me to cover up when I am already wearing a sarong at the prude grill though. I heard them say that to a lot of people during the week. That said, I enjoy that area for the bar and the cabanas. Just wish it was more clothing optional.
After all the men get away with being topless there. What's the big deal?
The room was okay, except for a bad leak in the bathroom all week which resulted in a permanent wet puddle on the floor near the closet. It was annoying, but with the resort booked solid, we knew there was no sense asking for another room or expecting a quick fix either. SO we just used up a lot of towels. I think the room are overdue for a good facelift. Our bed had two comforters cut in half instead of one big bedspread, for example.
And everything in the room is mismatched, not that we spend a lot of time in there, but it's very dated and not that appealing. I did appreciate the big body pillows and love the mirrors on the ceiling and the window seat, and the housekeepers work hard and do a good job.
People were very friendly and I felt more comfortable than ever, even with different groups. Staff is always pleasant and helpful.
The parties and dancing by the pool and especially in the dining room was good. I would like to hear more Reggae, but that's just me. What can I say about the disco? It's still the biggest waste of space on the resort. Why not turn it into another play room? The lighting is good for that and they could turn down the music, and the bar would get more use.
The beach wasn't as clean this year with all the seaweed or whatever it is washing up on the shore. And we like to spend a lot of time on our double raft. The water was prettier down the beach by that unnamed place next door, for sure. And the nude hot tub water got so bad that we had to stop going there. That has never happened before on previous trips, and should be remedied, since that's a favorite hangout.
The time went by way too quickly and we never get our fill. Until next year!
Click on thumbnails below for a larger picture.
