Overall from landing in Jamaica to leaving for our first time I’d give a 4/5. Mostly because of the actual airport experience but I’d thought I’d share since mostly fly in/out of MBJ who are going to Hedo.

I booked this trip for my husband and I through the hotel because he is a vet and got a discount on the rate. (Just to note: we are not in the lifestyle but aren’t opposed to it either.) We also purchased our flight directly with Southwest. For private transport, I contacted a handful of suggestions I received from the FB group. Lorna never responded to me and I sent her a message on FB to her personal and business. Devante Tours responded back within an hour or 2. The others were more expensive as well with also longer response time.

Arrival Day: We got the early morning flight at 5:30am. Oof. Then a layover in ORD. I had researched enough to try to get in before the rush. Our plane seemed to be one of the first because we grabbed our bags and flew through customs, even making a pit stop in the bathroom. We also walked right past the MOBay staff to customs. Hehe. As we walked out the doors, Desante Tours were right there ready with a sign of our names to the right. He greets us, calls on his phone, and Stephanie pulled up with water and Red Stripe in the cooler a few min later. Stephanie was awesome! I think we just clicked because she played all my old jams that I knew all the words to. They are amazing, professional, clean, friendly, and they were least expensive of all those that reached back out to me with rates. They really did exceed my expectations. We pulled up to the hotel around 3. It was about an hour and half drive as we didn’t stop off anywhere. From the moment we stepped out of the van, the staff was welcoming and helpful. The line to check in wasn’t long. We arrived on a Sunday so I’m not sure if that’s a busy day but we checked in pretty quickly.

The rooms: We stayed on the CO side. My main goal for this trip was to sleep then have fun. We have stayed at various types of places and YES, the rooms are a bit dated but they do maintain and keep them pretty clean (and I am a bit of a clean freak). Mattress was firm yet comfortable. Also the bathroom that we stayed in was updated. We weren’t in the rooms much so really if people are complaining it’s because they’re not having enough fun. Lol We didn’t think it was that far of a walk to the nude side. I guess if you’re hammered, then I can see it being a trek. But honestly it’s takes a few min. Yes, you can walk through the nude side with a coverup or whatever, just go nude once you find a spot.

Nude vs Prude: So we came during 2nd week of the Rascal takeover. It wasn’t crazy packed but there was a decent amount of people. Music was better on the prude side, playing mostly reggae. The nude side, maybe bc of the group, the music was stuff I hear at home. We favored the beach cafe on the prude side and always got the jerk chicken. If you don’t mind the heat, it’s pretty good. Drinks are weak unless you ask for a double or stronger. As for action…you’ll find the occasional oral on both sides. More on the nude and may see a bit more. Especially evenings in the pool/hot tub.

Food: It was better than expected. The only other time we did AI was in DR because it was a kids vacation. And the food was not good. Luckily at Hedo, we founds things we liked and then just stuck to it. Pastaria,was pretty good but we found the food portion to be pretty small as we went to the buffet after and ate more. Didn't get to try Harrysan as they had sushi out in the buffet the day we were going to check it out and were closed.

The shows: They were fun but a bit dated. When there was a DJ, music again I think was geared more towards the group as it was more like wedding theme music than anything.

The bad on the resort: Our fun got cut kinda short. I think because of the hurricanes there was something going around. So my husband caught a respiratory infection which led to pneumonia. And many before our arrival got the same. Then on the last full day, I got a different drink and got sick off the mix since that’s the only thing I had different. (Even from what my husband was consuming)

Above and beyond: The staff hands down make the place what it is. All of them are friendly, funny, and make this place special. The evening I was sick, everyone was watching the show and my husband walked into an empty fire grill with just a few staff and asked to make me something I could maybe stomach. From the moment we arrived to the second we left, they really do make you feel special.

Other rooms: I saved the playroom for the last day but because we both got sick it never happened. We didn’t check out the club or piano bar either so I can’t say much on that.

Other amenities: If you do go to the dispensary the prices are comparable to the dispensaries in the states. And the chocolates are good! Highly recommend. The store also has plenty of outfits, clothes, toys, jewelry if you are wanting something for theme night or anything. The gym…I know we don’t go on vaca to workout but this is probably one of the most well equipped hotel gyms I have ever seen. Even regular gyms you won’t see a hex bar. lol. Next time, I won’t forget my gym clothes.

Departure day: Stephanie from Desante Tours was right on time and sent messages on their pick up time the day before. We were ready for home since both of us were still recovering. We got to the airport and the SW systems were down and it was a mess to check our bag and get tickets. Going through the custom form & security wasn’t too bad. Once we got to the gate that’s when it got worse. It honestly felt like it was every SW staff’s first day. They checked every passport while standing in line during group boarding even though it was checked 3x prior getting to the gate. Flight was already delayed a little and it wasn’t a full flight. As I was boarding, a staff pulled me aside and said I was selected for random check. They didn’t check any before me so I got slightly annoyed. AGAIN asked to see my passport and f I’d had x, y, and z in my bag but didn’t search it. Then, I saw her pull the person behind me the same. I didn’t know SW did security checks. Once everyone boarded and got in their seats. Then a SW staff came onto the plane and started reading groups of names collecting passports, didn’t tell us what going on and this went on for 2 more hours. Missed our connection. Just a mess. This experience with SW was proof that they are no longer what they used to be. And trying to get help, they just brushed us off. Sad.

If you’re in the lifestyle or not there is something for you there. You can absolutely make your vacation how you want it. You can sense where most of the lifestylers are and all have been very respectful. Although, when you do walk to the bathroom from the nude beach through the nude pool you do feel like you’re a parade as everyone in the pool looks up and watches you walk by lol.

Overall we will be back. Maybe not right away and probably with another airline.