November 8-18
Arrival
This was our 12th trip home, our usual stay was around the 3rd week of September, we did that for 9 years until we grew tired of watching the hurricanes and then Ivan sealed the deal, we would switch the time. So two years ago we decided to switch to November, we have been at the resort the same time as Vals-Pals but never met them until this trip. The thing is we had our trip booked before we joined so our dates didnt exactly line up with theirs; we got there after them and stayed about a week longer.
Flight out of Detroit to Charlotte to MoBay- no problem. Jump into a bus and were off. The bus ride was uneventful, seems like everyone was going to Grand Lido, we make a beer stop, drop off the Lido people then onto Hedo .As we were getting out of the bus at Hedo we hear a familiar voice saying drinking already its our friend from back home Precious, hell yeah were already drinking! As luck would have it P & Vs friends were in the bus right in front of us and they were coming to give them a Hedo welcome. So we get a welcome shot of B-52s that Verchema brought to the front desk to start the party. The Body Shot Marathon was in progress so they had to get back, we tell them well be there as soon as we get a room. We booked ROH for the first time so we didnt know what to expect and we end up getting room 1157, which is waaaaaaaay on the prude side, about four rooms this side of Sandals. We later hear stories of people who got bumped, not to Grand Lido but to the resort next door, they werent good stories so we were glad to be where we were. No complaints.
We throw our luggage in the room and make our way to Delroys, first stopping at the Dining Room bar to wet the whistle. By the time we make it to Delroys the BSM was over and from what we now know it was a great success. At this point were still in travel mode, trying to slow down and start chilling. We see our friend Myron that used to work the dive boat at Hedo but now works at the dive shop next door and start talking with him at the fence that separates the resorts. At this point Brent, Chris & Nancy approach us and introduce themselves and invited us over to partake. We were introduced to more of Vals-Pals, Val herself for one, and sat on the jetty taking it all in, finally here!!
The Resort
Since we were reading the posts on Dennys site for months before the trip we had some concerns before arriving, everyone heard of the lack of hot water, the lack of towels and the food sucking. What we found was the same Hedo we have come to love.
Hot water: Well we now know there was a main pipe that broke a few weeks before we arrived which caused all the posts about a lack of hot water, it was fixed before we were there, we always had hot water.
Towels: We never had a problem getting towels, they may not be in the first place you look but we always found clean dry ones. You just have to know where and when to look.
Food: The food last year was the best we ever had, I would venture to say it was outstanding, Tina loves sushi and there was plenty last year in the main dining room but there wasnt any this year - that we saw anyways. This year the food seems to be back to normal since there is a different chef than last year. We never have a problem eating well.
The dining room has been painted a new color scheme, tropical colors, it looks good with the new table & chairs. I may be wrong but it looks like they painted the exterior walls as well. I do like the way they modified the center portion of Delroys they removed the shelving that held the liquor and there is just a flat surface, now it doesnt block your view when looking across the bar. Everything else was as we expected, we dont have anything negative to say, everything looks like it is improving.
The People
This was the first year we signed up with a group before going, that group being Vals-Pals, We did meet PDUB & Vee a couple of times before going and they are established members so we knew we would be able to find them. We didnt have to worry about that as Brent, Chris & Nancy saw us first and invited us to the jetty. Thanks guys! We really had a blast partying with everyone but since we only had 3-4 days before most of the group left, it was difficult to meet and chat with everyone.
We did get to officially meet two Hedo celebrities, Mr. Mayor was there. When we made our first trip there we noticed a guy there who was dubbed Mr. Mayor, we couldnt help but take note of him because he exemplified how to vacation, meaning he always seemed to be having a good time either chilling in the hot tub or rousing the bar for a group shot. On all our other trips we never saw him again until this one, 12 years later; I dont think we would be able to recognize anyone else from that long ago. So we had to introduce ourselves and tell him that exact story of him setting an example of how to properly vacation. So we sat around with him and got to hear some good stories of Hedo, how he became the Mayor of Hedo, how he helped in organizing the hot tub and Heineken parties. You can read about him on page 167 in The Naked Truth about Hedonism, which leads to the next Hedo celebrity, Chris Santilli. I had to introduce myself to her, who could pass up that opportunity, and tell her that my parents bought us her book as a Christmas gift about five years ago.
Thanks Brent & Val for leaving us your extras, we finished what you left on the final day, nothing went to waste! That goes for PDUB & Vee as well.
George & April, we had a great time seeing you on the snorkel boat, we get a chuckle thinking of April jumping in the water and then remembering she couldnt swim!
Chris & Nancy, it was great to finally meet you after the weeks of emails back & forth. I expect well get to see in the states or across the river.
Precious & Verchema, it was awesome seeing you there, finally after 3 years of talking about it. I know well be seeing you back home, both Michigan and Hedo. Precious is the Pimp!
Charlotte & Rita, We couldnt keep upnuff saidsee you at home.
Highlights
Its sometimes the small things that make going home fun, like finding the lime tree, picking fresh limes and proceeding to get drunk off Tequila, now that was fun!! Hearing and watching Verchema sing on talent night, wow, what a voice. We finally had the motivation to go find the hidden hot tub and once we found it we utilized it for some hedo fun. We also decided to visit the spa and check out the steam room, we had some hedo moments in there, we would recommend everyone venture in there and see how hot and steamy it really is. Watching PDUB the Pimp stroll into the piano bar with 3, not one, not two but three Hos on leashes, yes on leashes, you da man. Getting drunk on red wine in Pastafari with some of the Vals-Pals group. Waterskiing in Bloody Bay, everyone should visit the bay, even of you dont ski. Snorkeling every day, this was the first time we went to the cove over by Lido, what a picture perfect spot that is. Hanging out and sharing drinks and conversation with the Watersports guys: Carleton, Sean, Dermoth, Noel, thanks for making our trip that much more enjoyable.
Ten days
This was our first 10 day trip, and even though its only 3 days, it did make a difference. Usually we party about the same from day one until we leave, we dont hang out in the room much because we didnt come all that way to sit in the room. But on this trip I hit the wall on day 6 or 7 and one night we did just lay in bed and watch tv like we were at home. It was weird to think here we are at hedo and I dont want to drink or party, were just going to lay in bed until tomorrow. Having the one night of rest worked out well I was totally refreshed and ready for the next 3 days.
What I enjoy the most about Hedo by Rick:
I love to watch the love of my life Tina in the care free atmosphere that is provided at hedo. I love to watch her going down the slide and running back up to do it again with her smiling face. I love to watch her when we go out on the snorkel boat, she doesnt even take a mask or fins, she just wants to swim nekkid and be care free, its priceless to me. I just love watching her have the best time of her life and am so happy that she is mine all mine!
Departure
We had to bail at 10:00am, the bus ride back was smooth and uneventful. The new portion of the airport is very nice, better than the terminal in Detroit, theyre doing a great job. Well be planning a return trip again, there is always something we have on our list of things to do that we never seem to get to, I guess well have to try again next year!
Respect,
Rick & Tina