One of the questions
most often asked is "What's the difference between Hedo #2 and Hedo #3. This
comparison might get a little long winded, but here's the long and short of it.
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Hedonism II vs. Hedonism III
Where the party really started.....and where you really can be
wicked for a week.
Hedonism II and Hedonism III are both great resorts
for one thing: Meeting people: compatible people, party people, fun people.
Whatever your sexual persuasion, more than likely you'll find someone
compatible at either resort: couples, singles, threesomes or "moresomes."
Hedonism II in Jamaica, is probably considered the grandfather of the
adults only, all inclusive resorts in the western hemisphere. Opened originally
in the late 70's as Negril Beach Village Resort, after a change in the
short-lived socialist government that unshackled the Jamaican tourism industry,
the name was changed to Hedonism II which emerged as the original "mother of
all parties" in the early 80s. There was never a Hedonism I. The official birth
date the resort observes is November 1 each year, starting from about 1981.
Owned by the John Issa family of Jamaica, SuperClubs is the company
that operates Hedonism II and its newest addition, Hedonism III in Runaway Bay,
Jamaica. Hedonism III began operation in September, 1999. Both resorts are
located about 50 miles from Montego Bay: Hedonism II in Negril to the west and
Hedonism III at Runaway Bay to the east. Rooms at Hedonism II total 280 and
Hedonism III, 225. All rooms at Hedonism II are essentially the same while
Hedonism III offers both hotel rooms and suites.
While both resorts
have similar daily and night time activities and entertainment, the ambiance is
quite different. Hedonism II is located in a beautiful tropical setting on 28
acres at the far western end of Jamaica. Lots of existing foliage and natural
scenery surround the property that faces west and overlooks Bloody Bay in front
of Negril. Hedonism III, in Runaway Bay built on 19 acres in a man made setting
is well designed and manicured. The foliage and infrastructure has been
imported and built more as a formula resort. Terrific sunsets are perfect at
either resort, happening daily between 530 and 630 PM, depending upon the
season and weather.
The most defining elements that set the resorts
apart are their beaches. Both resorts cater to both clothed and
clothing-optional clientele. The "prude" and the "nude" beach categories are at
both resorts providing something for everyone.
Hedonism II has a
natural beach in a terrific setting with lots of natural foliage along the
coastline. The beautiful white sand beach stretches about 1,000 feet from Point
Village family resort on one side of Hedonism II to the Sandals Negril resort
on the other. The nude and prude beaches are split along the middle of the
resort.
The nude beach at Hedonism III is man made, about 200 feet
wide, blasted out of the coral outcropping along the north shore coastline.
Actually, the beach water is shallow and well protected by a break water from
ocean swells that kick up on the north side of the island. A more natural
setting and foreshore comprise the 400 ft. prude beach at Hedonism III. A big
wish is that Hedonism III will reverse the use of both beaches some day, since
most guests use the nude side anyway.
SERVICES
You'll find
services closely duplicated at both resorts ranging from daily adult games to
night time theme parties.
Similar activities have been successful for
years at Hedonism # 2 and most of the same events have been transferred to
Hedonism # 3.
Both resorts are for adults only, 18 years and older.
The "all inclusive" concept has been successfully pioneered at both properties.
You can read the full list on line but here's a quick summary: Selected room
accommodations, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and mid night snacks),
beverages including soft drinks, beer, house wines, bar drinks and after dinner
liquors, daily and evening activities (almost hourly), water sports,
entertainment nightly, themed events, airport transfers, hotel taxes and
gratuities.
You can get married for free on site and the resort
supplies the minister, cake, champagne, witnesses if necessary, basic photos
and options for VCR taping and a deluxe photo package. There is an
administrative charge of $150 for filing the paperwork with the local parish.
(Subject to change without notice).
A fitness center, internet
service, tour desk, jewelry and sundry shops and more are included on site. You
can even learn the trapeze but you can't drink during the day before your
lessons...but you can make up for it when you finish. You will want for
virtually nothing.
All the bells and whistles combine to let you do
one thing: Have fun.
DINING
Variety? You want variety? You'll
get it at both resorts. Not necessarily gourmet fare but you won't go away
hungry either.
Buffet lines rule both resorts for breakfast, lunch and
dinner. Great local dishes combined with classic hearty fare will keep you
satisfied. Veggies abound so you non-meat eaters, low carbers and South Beach
dieters will find something friendly to put in your mouth. Terrific local fruit
and vegetables give you a real tropical shot of the island including papaya and
mango as well as kalooloo, ackee and salt fish, probably Jamaica's most popular
local dish beside jerk meat; more about this later.
Variety continues
with the addition of Oriental fare at Munasan and the Pastafari Italian bistros
located at both resorts. Both restaurants serve plated meals with entrees and
table service; reservations are required. No coats, no ties, guys, but bring a
pair of long pants and a collared shirt to at least look presentable. Feel free
to dress up a bit instead of dressing down. Leave your jeans and T shirts in
the drawer. Gals, dress up or dress down anyway you please: you can always get
away with anything anyway!
The Scotch Bonnet Restaurants serve killer
jerk fare including jerk pork, chicken, beef and local side dishes. Robert's
Diner (burger bar) next to the nude pool at Hedonism # 2 arguably serves up the
best grilled burgers, chicken, fish, fries and hot dogs on the island. At the
end of the day, you can stand in line long enough to get some of Robert's jerk
chicken, served around 5-6 PM.
Jerk preparation is a combination of
local spices mixed in a witches' brew of hot sauce stuffed and spread over
whatever meat is handy and then barbecued. Mmmmmm, good. The only rap on those
two eateries: Both close down early evening. Hey, stretch your enjoyment: Wrap
up a little jerk chicken in aluminum foil and take it with you for dinner or
for a mid night snack. You won't find these jerk dishes at home, wherever you
live. Hedonism III has a grill at its swim up bar, too, for burgers, fries and
finger food.
SPORTS and WATER SPORTS
Where to start? When they
say "all inclusive" they mean it. Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water
skiing, sailing,glass bottom boating, sea kayaking and more are included in
your room cost. Want to get certified as a Scuba Diver? Do it in one week at
either resort, but be prepared to spend much of your holiday studying, swimming
or diving in the pool and in open water.
Water sports provides day
time diving, mostly in the morning and early afternoon , while night diving is
popular both places, but it's an extra charge.
Sports include pool,
basketball, tennis, darts, gambling (slots only),
Most fun: Try the
giant waterslides at both resorts...you'll feel like a kid again.
SPA
SERVICES
Mmmmmm....feel better now?
You'll be totally pampered
at the Hedonism II spa. A recent addition, spa facilities are some of the best
on the island, unsurpassed by any other resort of its size and category in
Jamaica. Services include manicures, pedicures, hair and nail salon, massages,
thelastopyx, face rubs, body scrubs, etc, etc.
There's even a private
plunge pool and open air relaxation pool within the spa itself plus a Jacuzzi
hot tub nearby, a great spot for private parties in the spa area in the
evenings. Hint: If you and your group want an on premises party spot, this is
the place to ask for in the evening and for night time private adult events of
your own.
Most similar spa treatments are available at Hedonism # 3,
facilities are limited but unique additions include a steam room as well as a
separate sauna. There's no hair salon at Hedonism # 3 and spa services are
located in a couple of separate small boutique buildings adjacent to the main
lobby.
Beauty salon and spa services at both resorts are extra cost
which can be added to your room charge.
ROOMS & GUEST
SERVICES
Singles, couples, triples and quads are welcome. How, you ask:
"I thought the most the resort allows is two persons per room?" Actually,
triples are easy: One couple can rent a resort room and the third person can
purchase a single share accommodation. Once you're on the property, there
aren't any bed checks, so the third person can bed down where ever he or she
prefers. The single share program allows a single person to buy essentially
"half a room" where you can share a room to avoid the single supplement, the
scourge of budget-minded single travelers everywhere. You will be assigned by
the resort a room mate of the same gender to share your accommodations.
Triples and quads are welcomed as long as it's three or four females
in a room. Hedonism Resorts offers this incentive: Three girls can stay the
price of two and four girls can stay for the price of three.
BLAH,
BLAH, BLAH.....so much for the travelogue. How about the good stuff?
The people, both guests and employees, make the party happen. Most guests range
between the mid 20s to the 60s with most in the middle. You will probably find
just about any type of guest there at the resort but few introverts. If you
like to hang out and watch the party, Hedonism resorts are great for voyeurs.
If you want to lead the party, this is the place for you.
Employees at
Hedonism resorts are fantastic and a national treasure. Although tipping is
included, each of the employees appreciates your extra thoughtfulness....but be
discreet about your tipping. Make sure you get to know your maids, bar tenders,
waiters and waitresses AND the entertainment staff...they will make your day
(and your night)! Treat all of them with respect and they will return your kind
gestures 10 fold.
Actually, both resorts have probably the best
action, all around entertainment and day time and nightly activities than any
other adults only resort. Yes, there are pretenders but you'll find no better
combination of adult themed entertainment, activities, services and liberal
venues than those at Hedonism II and Hedonism III.
Here's a glimpse
why:
AFTERNOON DELIGHT and NGHT MOVES
Daytime fun includes
body painting, adult games, body shots, water slide contests, bloody marys in
the hot tub at 5 AM in the morning after a night of partying, daytime spin
after lunch at the main restaurant at both resorts. Lunch time spin events
include the wet T shirt contest, musical mates and loads of other foolish adult
frolic....the best reason to put on your swim suit for lunch and take a hike to
the main stage and buffet restaurant to watch the action.
Evening
mellow out time includes chillin' out around the pool, watching the sunset from
the hot tub or from your chaise lounge at either resort or especially watching
the last rays from the patio atop the Scotch Bonnet at Hedonism # 3.
Actually, "chillin' out" may be the wrong words...if you're in the hot tub late
in the day, it may get a lot steamier than cooler. The edge of the hot tub
seems to be the favorite place most women want their men to sit.
Night
life is icing on the cake after a day of mischief.
Night time fun
starts at dinner, followed by entertainment on the main stage, then off to the
piano bar, then to the disco and finally to the nude pools and hot tubs to
continue the night....habitually to 3-4 AM and sometimes to dawn.
Theme nights are great excuses to dress up, wear masquerade costumes, act crazy
and meet new people. Both resorts have nightly themes listed below but they can
change without notice, especially for holidays and special occasions...such as
Halloween or New Years. Events below subject to change without notice.
Hedonism II
Monday Reggae Night and Dance Off Tuesday Battle of
the Sexes & Pajama Party Wednesday Disco Welcome Party Thursday
Guest/Staff Talent Show & Toga Party Friday Reggae Beach Party, Games
& Circus Show Saturday International Cabaret Night Sunday Oldies
Cabaret & Dance Contest
Hedonism III
Sunday Popping the
Cherry/Battle of the Sexes Monday Island Carnival Tuesday Sheer Fantasy
& Pajama Party Wednesday Pimp & Ho 70's Party Thursday Amateur
Talent Show & Toga Party Friday Roots & Culture Fetish Fantasy
Saturday Grand Gala Erotic formal Toga and Pajama nights seem to be
the most popular themes followed by 70s night and Battle of the Sexes.
Generally, more than half the crowd seem to get into the themes and when
there's a big group in house, the participation picks up markedly.
Disco fever and dancing starts after 11 PM nightly. The night club disco at
Hedonism III seems to be a bit better suited for crowds since the air
conditioning feels more effective there. One thing everyone disagrees on at
both resorts: Music to dance to...it's either too loud or too soft or too much
reggae, too much rap, not enough hip hop, on and on and depending upon your age
or how much you've had to drink, you'll probably love it or hate it. At least a
diversion around the discos are the water slides that are adjacent to them,
providing a hilarious continuous show.
Unless you get lucky, most
guests split their night time between the piano bars at both resorts, the
disco/night clubs, nude hot tubs and nude pools. During the evening buffet
meal, nightly entertainment is featured on the main stage during dinner with
most acts starting at 9 PM nightly.
No doubt the most adult mischief
occurs at the nude pool and nude hot tub at both resorts... when the sun don't
shine. Don't forget the hot tub in the Quad at Hedonism III either. The oft
forgotten Quad pool and hot tub are great places to sort of hide away at night.
Take your drink with you since the pool bar in the Quad closes in the evening.
The Quad carries that name because four guest buildings face each other and
form a square, which includes a pool, swim up bar and hot tub. For great
exhibitionism, try a Quad room.
Flash em? Every bathroom at Hedonism
III includes a mirror over the bath tub in the guest room. Plus, each tub
fronts a set of double windows which can be opened to "show your stuff." A
convenient pull down shade is provided for those who just have to have privacy.
Target your best shot for fun in the outside hot tubs for the end of
the day before dinner or late in the evening and after midnight. A nice touch
at Hedonism # 3: The swim up bar on the nude side stays open until 5 AM. At
Hedonism # 2, take your liquid fun with you in a cup.
For all around
adult fun with the most variety of day time and evening themes and
entertainment, Hedonism resorts offer the best value and biggest bang for your
buck compared to any other adults only resort....worldwide.
Warning:
You'll need a vacation to rest up after your first visit to Hedonism...there's
so much to do and so many people to meet, you'll run out of time to rest until
your body finally says: Stop!
Hedonism resorts have the highest repeat
guest percentage in the Caribbean. Go and see why. |
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