Printable View
Hey All! Although we are regular Hedo offenders, we are traveling next time with good friends that are newbies. We tell them about how to prepare... what to bring, what not to pack, etc. I'm looking for other opinions and points of view for them. Care to share your Hedo Newbie Tips with them? Less than 80 days.. Serious DIF ... ::dif::
Hi there...I have only been to Hedo 10 times so far but during those trips I found a few tips that helped me along with my Krewe members and friends.
10 things to remember about trips to Hedonism II all-inclusive, nude/clothing-optional, tropical/beachfront resort in Negril, Jamaica
1. Bring, buy, or borrow and then USE mid-high range SPF sunscreen-especially your 1st few days and don'’t forget both to reapply often and don'’t forget the SENSITIVE SPOTS! I have seen way too many badly sunburned people during my previous trips to Hedo and spending your vacation/holiday time applying aloe vera while sitting in the shade and taking aspirin and applying ice to reduce pain and swelling from sunburn is not enjoyable.
2. Consider bringing or buying an insulated drinking mug to keep drinks cold... but a caveat: Using big cups or containers means more to drink which also means more and quicker absorption of alcohol. Since trips to the various bars usually take time and with a big container you won't be returning to the bar as often, so you should consider pacing yourself--- especially the first few days. Also hydrate with more ice waters in-between drinking & post drinking too.
3. Have an idea what you might like to do indoors should the occasional passing rain showers decide to linger for several hours or longer. Whether it is a game of billiards, drinks under the roofs of the pools or lobby bar, taking a well deserved nap, socializing in a pre-planned spot, taking an off-property excursion or shopping trip or even working out in the well-equipped fitness center, have a back-up plan.
4. Wireless internet has been generally good the past few years but can be slow and sporadic at times. I have always had better luck in early morning hours for speed. If you plan to use it more than 30 minutes a day, consider a weekly plan for about $90 for unlimited use. If you just need 5-10 minutes a day to check emails, track me down and I'll set up my laptop at lunch, etc. Also, free Wi-Fi is planned for the new courtyard area once it is completed.
5. Flights to Jamaica and getting to Hedo II can sometimes require almost a full travel day despite your point of origin and reconsider doing an all-nighter on your arrival date if you plan on being at Hedo a week or more. Even simple flights from Florida can mean 8-10 travel hours and I've seen new arrivals never pass a bar without drinking within hours of arrival and seeing them passed out early in the evening. If you are new to Hedo II, then take time to explore the various areas and if you are a veteran, then check for new developments and start the “pacing” of both time and energy so that you can make it through your entire trip with maximum fun and energy levels. A supply of energy bottles or drinks can also help.
6. If you seek quiet areas, then you will want to remain flexible. When one area gets too noisy or busy, move to another location or ask staff to reduce volume. I know a few times around the nude pool people either moved to the nude beach or one of the other clothing optional pools where the noise level was more acceptable. There are places to meet everyone's needs and wants from the air conditioned disco or piano bar to the main dining area.
7. Consider learning about and then joining any group or groups that will be at Hedo when you are planning to be there. A great source to see who might be there is: hedonism.com/events.php (and it includes my group). If you can't join our group in 2015, then try to find a compatible group that you might like to join or at least meet people that are compatible and like-minded members. Every June we add many people to the Krewe de Krazy Life during our visits and often see them again at Hedo the following June or one of our annual private parties and even in Key West for Fantasy Fest every October. Being with a group will give you lower room rates, instant staff and guest recognition, and even some "perks" ranging from special or exclusive parties & events, gift bags, etc.
8. Expect the "unexpected" at either the hot tub/jacuzzi or the nude pool at night. The liquor flows freely (literally) and the jacuzzi is called a "hot" tub for good reasons. :-). PDA's are often spontaneous and range from mild to wild so be prepared. There always seems to be no shortage of special "energy" around these areas.
9. Tipping (gratuities) are not required, expected or preferred at Hedo but it does happen on occasion. The rules state "No Tipping". IF (and a big if) you do decide to tip one or more staff members at Hedo--please do it both one-on-one and very discreetly--and please explain that while the tip is from you alone for above & beyond service, that your positive feedback on your departure survey form will reflect and earn more for them job-wise.
NOTE: baggage handlers at the Montego Bay airport and your shuttle bus driver ARE NOT employed by Hedo and therefore rely on tips.
10. Rule #1 ---Hedo is about what YOU want, when you want it, where you want it, with whom you want it, and how you want it-----or NOT WANT IT--whatever "it" is. Rule #2 --- When in doubt, refer to Rule #1
9th Annual Group Trip set for June 20-27, 2015---open to all fun loving and open-minded adults.
In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!
Ann, The TravelSlut
TheTravelSlut@yahoo.com
http://twitter.com/TheTravelSlut
www.youtube.com/user/TheTravelSlut/videos
don't wait 3 days to get into the festivities, it's only a 7 day trip and you will beat yourself for not having taken full advantage of your week... so many times we see people that need 3 days to warm up, and regret it when they leave... walk up to people and introduce yourselves. offer to go for a round of drinks everyone likes that lol be respectful and you'll have a great time!
cheers
KM
This forum is fantastic resource. I learned so much before we went for the first time. There are tons of packing lists in various places, and so much info about the resort. Make sure all of your group spend many hours trolling through this forum. There is no better way to prepare for such a different experience than to read about the experience from others that have been there. Don't be afraid to ask very specific questions. There is somebody out there that will gladly answer it. Once you have been to Hedo, you realize how different a world it is, and you don't want to waste a second of it.