Hedo Safety?

**ChiTownHedoCpl** · 11-04-2013, 08:52 PM

So my wife and I almost went to Hedo about 8 years ago. We made the deposit and the countdown had begun, but unfortunately a family tragedy prevented us from going. Flash forward to now and the urge to strike out and cut loose for a week has resurfaced. However before we step up and book a deposit I wanted to ask the regulars here about my wife's concerns about safety. She has pored over this forum and another and learned that Jamaican locals are allowed to be at the disco at night. Not that she believes all Jamaicans are criminals, of course, but she is worried that if you are a criminal it is an easy way to gain access to Hedo and do all sorts of bad things (her words, not mine haha). Can anyone tell us what they think of her fear? Or what about safety in general? When i asked her what she thought was going to happen she said, "Sexual atmosphere+Nudity+Alcohol=Potential issues." Anyone have any thoughts whether she is being paranoid or do you all take certain precautions you might not otherwise do while on a "normal" vacation? Thanks for you any help anyone can offer up!

**foxxyandhound** · 11-04-2013, 09:13 PM

for us we have been doing this kind of thing for around 20 years... but we only started going to hedo 3 years ago.... this will be our 3rd time in jan.... in our opinion if your wife is thinking all this maybe its not the place for her... she might be always looking around wondering what will happen next... and that will make for a not so nice vacation.... but we have never had any problems at hedo... we know others that has been going for 10+ years and never had a problem.... sometimes its the over thinking thats the worst part... but its hard for some to stop doing that and just enjoy the vacation... but like we said... maybe hedo is not for her.... just our opinion

**Brian&Terri** · 11-04-2013, 09:14 PM

I wouldn't worry about safety too much. We saw lots of security at night all over the resort. But you still need to lookout for yourself no matter where you are. We felt safe at all times. From what I know about the people that visit Hedo if anyone would try anything with your wife a simple yell will have every guy running to kick the shit out of anyone stupid enough to try.

**ChiTownHedoCpl** · 11-04-2013, 09:26 PM

Thanks for the replies, both of you. And Foxxy, I think you nailed it. It is the overthinking that is the worst part. I dont think she is code red with her fear. She just voiced it so i said well hell why not just post a thread an see what people say, but your point is valid. If she is not comfortable she will just have a bad vacation. However I think she will get there and have an absolute blast, as will I. Just hearing what people say they have never had an issue should put her at ease. And I am glad to hear there is lots of security, Brian & Terri, and I am totally in line with everyone having each others' backs. Can't wait to figure out when we can make this happen. We are thinking a spring break end of March time frame is the way to go.

**foxxyandhound** · 11-04-2013, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by ChiTownHedoCpl

Thanks for the replies, both of you. And Foxxy, I think you nailed it. It is the overthinking that is the worst part. I dont think she is code red with her fear. She just voiced it so i said well hell why not just post a thread an see what people say, but your point is valid. If she is not comfortable she will just have a bad vacation. However I think she will get there and have an absolute blast, as will I. Just hearing what people say they have never had an issue should put her at ease. And I am glad to hear there is lots of security, Brian & Terri, and I am totally in line with everyone having each others' backs. Can't wait to figure out when we can make this happen. We are thinking a spring break end of March time frame is the way to go.

we are sure that you both will enjoy it after she gets there and see for herself.... the over thinking is always a problem... but we hope you guys go and has a blast we know we have in the past and will again in jan.

**we2are469** · 11-05-2013, 02:13 AM

You do need to be cautious, as you would be at any resort. Some rooms were broken into about a month ago, security was no help. The gate at the resort fence line, on the beach to Sandals, is closed in the early evening, and unless you have a boat, no one is getting in.
But, as was stated, if the wife does have a problem, help is always near, and then there are the security guards too. I've seen it before where a guest has come to the aid of a damsel in distress.
She'll be safe.
Ray

**rookie brits** · 11-05-2013, 02:32 AM

Originally Posted by ChiTownHedoCpl

So my wife and I almost went to Hedo about 8 years ago. We made the deposit and the countdown had begun, but unfortunately a family tragedy prevented us from going. Flash forward to now and the urge to strike out and cut loose for a week has resurfaced. However before we step up and book a deposit I wanted to ask the regulars here about my wife's concerns about safety. She has pored over this forum and another and learned that Jamaican locals are allowed to be at the disco at night. Not that she believes all Jamaicans are criminals, of course, but she is worried that if you are a criminal it is an easy way to gain access to Hedo and do all sorts of bad things (her words, not mine haha). Can anyone tell us what they think of her fear? Or what about safety in general? When i asked her what she thought was going to happen she said, "Sexual atmosphere+Nudity+Alcohol=Potential issues." Anyone have any thoughts whether she is being paranoid or do you all take certain precautions you might not otherwise do while on a "normal" vacation? Thanks for you any help anyone can offer up!

This will be our 4th trip, we have never felt intimidated in any of our previous visits and always feel safe when walking around. In the Disco we have seen some locals but have found them to be friendly and courteous. you may have more fear going to the ladies restroom near the buffet, a slippery floor thats had its share of victims. Hope this puts your mind at rest.

**Ken_Memphis** · 11-05-2013, 08:59 AM

I am sure if something was to begin to happen there is nothing worst for the offender than a disco full of naked women pissed at one person.

**critter2** · 11-05-2013, 09:08 AM

10 trips and we have been out and about at all times of the night and wee hours of the morning and no problems but we do always walk together at night.

**mac_r_a** · 11-05-2013, 10:00 AM

We have never had a problem when we have been there, always felt safe. However, we stick together after dark, only makes sense. But that would be the same at any resort. The few locals I have seen there (usually a few on the weekends, but other then that there are usually not a lot) they have always been respectful.

I have a question for the original poster - have you ever been to Jamaica or any place else in the south? I am kinda thinking it might be your first time and if that is the case it is normal to be concerned about travelling to another country. When were you thinking of going? We go the end of every April, love that time of year

**smallandtall** · 11-05-2013, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by rookie brits

you may have more fear going to the ladies restroom near the buffet, a slippery floor thats had its share of victims. Hope this puts your mind at rest.

Two days ago we saw a member of the staff cutting a lattice work pattern of grooves in tiles at some places around the resort, obviously to aid grip when they were wet.
I didn't look at the floor of the ladies restroom (I go to the opposite rest room :-) ), but it sure sounds like those tiles could use a bit of roughing as well.

**smallandtall** · 11-05-2013, 11:21 AM

Safety wise we've never felt threathened, intimidated or otherwise bad by locals visiting on a day or night pass at the resort.
On the contrary, the ones we met are usually civilised, well mannered and often better than average educated folks, who come there to have a good time, just like us.
It's one thing to go walk after midnight in your kinkiest Hedo outfit through some of the worst neighbourhoods of Kingston, it's another to be worried too much while at the resort.

Granted, we have travelled a fair bit all around the world but I guess it boils down to relativity. If your home town is some Mexican drug war shootout city with corpses littering the street every day, almost everywhere else will feel peaceful and safe. Act normal, don't do something stupid like carry lots of cash and showing it to everyone on and off the resort or for example leaving your purse unattended on some table (on this planet there are plenty of criminals who don't have a black skin, after all...).

Mind you: The safety deposit boxes are there more for your (false) sense of security than for real protection of your valuables. I can pick the one in our room right now up and walk out the door with it under my arm since it's not bolted to anything (however, I expect to be stopped by a guest or staff before I get too far with it :-) ). Also, if you do a little searching on the internet, you will find that it's very easy to open it without knowing the security code that is used by the room's occupants.

Just don't take on your holiday stuff that it too valuable for you wanting to lose it. Yesterday we talked to a couple from Colorado who had spread their cash all over their pockets and bags. They found it strange that the scan of their luggage at Denver airport took longer than usual. It wasn't until they arrived at Hedo that they found that two of their packets of cash (about 800 US in total) was missing. When I asked them why they brought so much cash (several thousand dollars in all) to Hedo, they replied that they thought it was safer than get their credit cards maxed out by some thief... -Sigh-.

**PNK** · 11-05-2013, 04:39 PM

We've been going to Jamaica for over 30 years. Twenty plus times to Hedo, and booked for our third trip this year. The worst 'safety' issue was this April when I slipped by the pool steps and sprained my wrist. New hand rails were put in after that tumble.

Security is all over the place. Other guests are out and about all hours. At places like Hedo, it's not the locals (who depend on tourists to make a living) you need to be concerned with, but badly behaved guests who get drunk and then argue with wives and girlfriends.

Jamaica is NOT a crime hot spot (though Kingston has it's neighbourhoods!). May I respectfully suggest you discard safety concerns that might apply back at your home town. Like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, don't flaunt your possessions, act respectfully to everyone you meet and (most importantly) enjoy your vacation, and thank those who make your trip a success.

We love Jamaica because it is fun and safe. We enjoy Hedo for the new friends we make each trip. Safety from the locals is NEVER on our minds. Read the letter above to see how worried people can act so stupid.

PNK
back again, Dec 5 - 12, 2013

**CopNkitten** · 11-05-2013, 05:10 PM

Be sure to book with a group, that way you get to meet and know people, sometimes before you go and definitely when you go, plenty of people you know to watch out for you. Plus even without a group we all kind of watch out for each other to make sure things don't happen.
Cop..