David & Qian - September, 2015
Trip Report 29 September – 12 October
Well, we could not stay away for long! If you are keeping score at home, this was our second trip this year and our second trip ever to Hedo. We were last in Hedo the first week of March.
We live in Beijing, so we travel a long way to get to Hedo. We began on Tuesday September 15th by flying to Hong Kong. Two days in Hong Kong for business. A short 14 hour non-stop flight from Hong Kong to Dallas. A week and a half in Dallas to see friends and parents, and get over jetlag.
We left for Jamaica on Tuesday the 29th of September. Flight from Dallas to Miami, and on to Montego Bay. But things did not go smooth. We boarded in Dallas, taxied to the runway, and the pilot announced that we would return to the terminal because of a mechanical issue. Four hours later we were on our way to Miami, but we had missed our connection and would not get to Jamaica until the next day.
American Airlines put us up in a hotel for the night. The Clarion Suits by the Miami airport. If you need to lay-over in Miami and you need a hotel, do not use this one. Just sleep on the street.
As we did our last trip, we booked Hedo and our transfer with DennyP. I cannot say enough good things about using Denny. And when we got delayed a day in Miami, I found another good reason to use him. I emailed Denny as soon as I learned we would not make it to Jamaica as scheduled and Denny notified the resort and the transfer company. I did not have to do a thing other than let Denny know. And everything was sorted when we finally did arrive.
The next morning, Wednesday the 30th of September, we were on the 10am flight to Montego Bay and arrived on-time about 11:30am. There were no lines in immigration and we were feeling very fortunate. When our passports were checked before getting to the counters, we were told we had to meet with the health inspector. Seems if you live in China Jamaica has concerns about the diseases we could be carrying. SARS, Bird Flu, MERS, EBOLA this type of thing. Of all the un-healthy things we live with in China, these are the least of our concerns. The check took about 10 minutes and after, we did have to wait in line at immigration for another 15 minutes.
Only two of our three bags made it to Jamaica. We would not see our other bag until the next day as there was no other American flight from MIA to MBJ that day. American did deliver the bag to the resort late the next afternoon.
JLT provided our transfer to the resort and everything was smooth and comfortable. Trip took about 90 minutes. It was a big bus and only one other couple going to another resort. We were the first stop. Driver asked us if we wanted to stop on the way, we said “no”.
We arrived at the resort and were confronted with the construction fencing. I do want to write a bit about the construction, so bear with me. We had read a lot about the construction happening at the resort. There was so much posted on the forums. We knew what was going on. We knew about the relocated reception and the extents to the construction, and we were prepared. But even still, it was quite jarring when we first saw it. And our impression did not get better as we walked to reception.
After we checked-in, we were taken to our room by a bellmen. As we walked by the construction fencing, it was more and more apparent how much of the resort was out of commission. It was like a giant black-hole in the middle of the resort.
Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining. But we did read that some people thought the construction was no big deal and that it did not diminish the experience, and I am not sure that is true. It did not ruin the experience for sure. But for those people that did have to deal with the construction on their holiday, we should not trivialize what they had to endure.
We were very fortunate with the construction. We only had to live with it two days. And that was more than enough. Dinning on the beach was ok. But it was hot in the tent. And the sand made it less formal. People were spread out in three locations. It was not a conducive environment for mingling or people watching. The great thing about the dining hall is the U-shape. Wherever you sit, you can see most everyone. That is brilliant. In the tent, everyone was facing the stage, so you saw only backs.
We ate in the tent the first night, and in Pastafari the second night. And on our third night the dining room opened! And it is very nice. The reception area was the biggest surprise.
When the construction fencing came down, the energy level on the whole resort went up. The first night was so much fun. Everyone had something to talk about. No awkward conversation starters. More people wore costumes. And there were no first-night issues that we could tell. The black-hole of construction just went away.
The first three days we were there the resort was very empty, but over the weekend five groups arrived and the house was suddenly full. We were associated with a group called International Delights. On our last trip we did not travel with a group, but thought we would try a group this time. We asked DennyP to help us contact International Delights and he was again, very helpful.
The largest group there was Young Swingers. Other groups included Grown Sexy Crew, SLS, and I think Topless Travel and maybe Wild Women. I am not too sure really. There were lots of groups and lots of banners. All these groups meant there was an incredible diversity of people on the resort. We met people young and old, from all over the world, of all races and backgrounds. Honestly, we had some of the most interesting conversations we have had in a very long time. And a lot of fun.
We partied a bit with The Young Swingers. Not too much. We are not young. I am 50 and Qian is (almost) 40, so Young Swingers are out of our demographic. They did not exclude us; it was more the other way around. We just do not have that much to talk about with 20-somethings, and I am sure they feel the same way about us. Don’t get me wrong; in the pool there were high-fives and joking with the younger people. But, and this is just me, I feel a bit wrong playing grab-ass with a 20-something. When we did mingle with Young Swingers, they were mostly older members. And they were great.
Grown Sexy Crew. This group should come with its own warning label. And that warning label should read: do not travel with this group if you have a heart condition, cannot consume copious amounts of alcohol, and cannot twerk. We were invited to their pool party at the prude pool and we may never be the same. This group is a party. And they are awesome people. Awesome.
Our group, International Delights, was perfect for us. A bit more mature group with members from all over the globe. We made some good friends in this group and began some meaningful relationships. We hope to see them again in the future.
Our room was 2245 in H-block. As our last trip, we liked our room. No issues to speak of. The porn was fuzzy on the TV which bothered Qian. She likes porn. I liked the view out the window. I would sit on the window seat and watching people walk to and from the nude pool. Relaxing.
Our daily routine picked-up right as when we left in March. We were up at 7:30am. Go to gym for workout. I do treadmill, and Qian lifts weights. Go for breakfast. Check email. Back to the room about 10:30am. Beach, snorkeling, nude grill lunch, nude pool, back to the room for a nap, clean up and dress up for dinner. We would go up for dinner about 6:30pm. Have a drink before dinner.
Every night we would go back to the room about 10pm so Qian could change into something more revealing. But for the first week we would go back to the room, play around a bit, and fall to sleep. Jetlag was still an issue. If I am honest, one night we were in bed at 9:30pm. We were walking around the main pool and I asked Qian what she wanted to do. She looked at me and asked if we could just go to bed? So we did. This did help with getting up early in the morning.
As the week went on our nights became later and later, and so did our mornings. At night we would go to the hot tub, and the beach. As the resort was full, the hot tub always had people. We wanted to try the playroom, but somehow we never made it there. The playroom schedule is a little inconsistent and that made it just confusing enough that we never focused enough energy on going to it.
The biggest and best change since our last trip was the main pool deck at night. Most (not all) of the nights they had a DJ on the main pool deck. And I think this is evolving into something. Most of the people were hanging out on the main pool deck and courtyard. It is like an outdoor club/lounge. It is really what the resort needs as an alternative to the Piano Bar.
Now I know this is going to sound like I am down on the Piano Bar, but I am not. It is just not our scene. And we were not alone. The resort was full, but when we stopped in the Piano Bar there was always plenty of room. And this is not a knock, but the age of the people in the Piano Bar skews a bit older, if you know what I mean. Qian and I are not young for sure, but maybe we still need to grow into it.
By far most of the people every evening were on the main pool deck. If I could make a recommendation to the resort: Put more lounge seating in the courtyard and on the main pool deck, and turn the disco into a playroom. Keeping everyone up in one area energizes everything. And being outside partying is better than being in that disco.
The one night we were in the Piano Bar was the first and only time I have seen tipping. I know there are lots of debates about tipping at Hedo, and I guess I fall on the side that tipping should not happen. The Gentleman who tipped must had been in his mid-60s. Not sure why his age matters in this story other than to paint the picture. A well dressed, dignified looking man. I was standing next to him when I saw him take 2 dollars from his pocket. I looked at him and jokingly said “you know the drinks are free, right?” and laughed a bit. He did not respond and shot me an f-you look. He then gave the bartender the tip-handshake and walked away. I came away thinking that this guy thinks he is so cool and is getting special treatment for his 2 bucks. But really this nice looking older gentleman looked sad and pathetic somehow.
I think it was the amount of the tip that bothered me most. I mean, who tips a bartender $2? I completely understand that the Jamaicans are not an affluent population and this is more money to them than me. I live in China, so I understand this more than most people. But if you are going to tip a bartender at any resort in the world, $2 is not enough. This guy had an attitude and thought he was a big-shot for two dollars, which is just insulting to all the staff and guests of Hedo. Tip appropriately if you must. Or better yet, just follow the rules.
We did the catamaran cruise twice. We did the snorkeling boat twice. We took a bus tour into Negril and on to Rick’s one afternoon. We kayaked and we walked the beach to Margaritaville.
Part of the diversity of the crowd this trip included several single guys. I mention this because of all the questions we get about Hedo, single guys always seem to be a concern to people thinking about going. And we just do not understand the worry. Everyone at Hedo contributes something to the vibe, and this includes the single guys. I will say there was one younger single guy this trip who spoke to Qian at the beginning of the trip while she was working out. Qian politely told him we were not interested, but after that he always seemed to be around. We thought it was just us, but we heard from a few other couples that he seemed to be stalking them also. As the days past, it became kind of a game to see where he was, because he was never far. Was a bit weird but harmless.
The meals were good. We found ourselves having lunch in the main dining room a few days, and lunch there is very good. Yes, we like the burgers and chicken at the nude grill, but having a proper lunch feels good once and a while. Dinners were just as good or better. Friday night, lobster night, was a treat.
We watched the shows almost every night. We like the entertainment and appreciate the talent.
We met one very special couple who asked us to have dinner with them and another (very special) couple to celebrate their 15 year wedding anniversary. I am not going to say much about this because words cannot describe the dinner or the people. If they read this, they know who they are, and we cannot properly express our gratitude to them for including us in their celebration.
We checked out on a Monday so the weekend before our departure the guests turned-over. Being there the last weekend was strange watching all the people we had been with all week leave…and the new guests arriving. That Sunday when we got to the nude pool, we knew hardly anyone. It was like starting over again. We did not socialize much that day. We mostly kept to ourselves, which was fine. Maybe next time we will do weekend to weekend. It makes sense to schedule that way, because that is how the people you will meet and make friends with will schedule. The days before everyone arrive were fine. It was the days after everyone left that were not the same.
In total we were at Hedo 12 days and although quite a long time, seemed to go by quick. JLT got us to the airport on time and without incident. Flight to Miami was a little delayed, but uneventful.
We spent 5 nights in Miami South Beach after Hedo. Stayed at The Clevelander. Rented a convertible Mustang. The Clevelander was nice. It is in the heart of South Beach. But next time we will probably stay at a proper hotel further up the beach. Or Dream Hotel where we stayed last trip. The Clevelander was just a bit loud, and I like to have a pool. Otherwise, it is a good hotel. The staff are exceptional.
We left for Beijing on a Saturday afternoon. Got to the airport at noon for a 2:30pm departure to Chicago, connecting to Beijing. Everything was on-time and the trip was smooth. About 3 hours to Chicago, 90 minute layover, 13 hours to Beijing. Door-to-door it was exactly 24 hours of travel. We arrived in Beijing at 8:30pm Sunday night. 50 degrees and PM2.5 of almost 400.
We will go back to Hedo. We are already talking about a trip over Chinese New Year. Qian and I are not lunatic Hedo enthusiasts. We see it for what it is for us; a beautiful place with clean air, blue water, fun people, where I can look at Qian naked all day. And by any measure it is exceptional value. There is no denying that those who are lunatic Hedo enthusiasts have a point. Hedo does have that “special something”. It has history, mystique, a reputation, a legacy. You cannot build a new resort and have those things. Hedo is Hedo and will always be Hedo, because of the past. Yes, it is evolving, and we think getting better. But it will always be Hedo because of that “something special”.
And Hedo is special. Take it from a couple that travels from the other side of the globe to get there. If there was any place like Hedo closer to us, we would be there. And everywhere is closer to us than Hedo. It is that special.
Thanks again to DennyP for all his help above and beyond. Thanks to International Delights, and our adopted groups of Grown Sexy Crew, and Young Swingers. Thanks to the staff of Hedo who make everyone feel special. Thanks to all our new friends and to the guests of Hedo. And thanks to all who post on Denny’s forum and write trip reports. In the entirety of the world, you are all very unique people.