Bruce & Katrin - January, 2016
We were just there 8 weeks ago in November so just a few changes since. This trip was third week January 2016 during swingers month. We took TimAir to the resort for the first time in over a decade. It was really good, fun, and fast. $140 pp each way. We purchased a return bus fare from the concierge desk at the resort for $25. The new direct flight from LAX to MBJ was great. We left LAX at 11 pm, were on the beach at Hedo at 8 AM. They even had a room ready for us! New stuff: water slide is gone forever. I guess someone was seriously hurt. I'm sad because it was fun and would be safe with proper staffing. Infrastructure continues to improve gradually. Plenty of hot water, AC worked. Rooms haven't changed in years unless you pay for a remodeled room. I think they listened to my complaints last year about the paucity of Jamaican dishes served. There was more curry, jerk dishes but the spice level lacks. I spoke to the head chef. He says they can't make the spice level authentic because some people complain. If you walk across the street there are several huts that cook for the Grand Lido construction crew. $5 will get you some amazing authentic food. Sad that we need to do that. Unlike a year ago, they seemed to now have consistency in the "sex on the beach" policy. Anything goes now around the nude pool and hot tub. Security even tells you to go there if you are going too far. Touching and oral seems OK on the beach, not intercourse. Anything goes on the floating raft because the enforcers refuse to get wet. The prude beach grill has become an outdoor steakhouse at dinner time. Crab cakes are great. No one thought the steaks were great but there are other choices. HarrySan (Japanese) is the only restaurant that takes reservations now. All the others are first come, first served. Overall it's getting better and I will return. My biggest complaint is the lack of decent smoking area at night. I like to have a cigar after dinner but the designated places are away from the flow of people that are moving around the piano bar, courtyard, and dining room. Smokers felt like they were being punished. There are many ways they could create a classy and visible covered smoking area, near the crowds, that complies with Jamaican law. They just don't seem to want to.