Negril, Hedonism II

Got off the plane in Robert Sangster International to find the airport looked like it had been in the process of being re-built for sometime. A bit of a march took us to immigration. Despite the stories told by friends we were through immigration in 20 mins, which was great. Changed some dollars for Jamaican dollars at the Bureau de Change. In the end we came home with them which shows how All Inclusive the holiday was!

A 20 minute wait in the Superclubs lounge with free drinks and then to our air conditioned minibus to take us to the resort. Friendly driver, bags soon packed and we set off. Normally the run is just less than an hour, unfortunately we got caught up the wrong side of 2 accidents and one lorry breakdown saw the run take almost 3 hrs. Still the driver made frequent stops, for comfort breaks and cool drinks.

A busload of slightly fractious passengers disembarked at the reception and an obviously well oiled machine sprang into life at this ADULTS ONLY resort. Receptionist took over and soon we were all sitting chilled on the comfy seats filling in registration forms and having long cool drinks.

They take an imprint of a credit or debit card in case you have any telephone or laundry charges. (Also you can charge things from the Resort shop to your room, which is handy as you do not need money for the duration of your stay!)

A short walk in our case to the room, valets brought the cases.

The room we had booked was one with a seaview, and definately was, we could walk out onto the beach from it! Couldn't have been closer.

Now a word of caution: the accommodation and the 2 beaches are split as "The Prude Side" and "The Nude Side". The rules generally get fully enforced. "Nude Side" basically means no clothes. Beachwear is none! No cameras allowed, not even camera phones are allowed in this area of beach, bar and pools. However the beachwear on the "Prude Side" is often topless too.

There was a mix from of ages, from 20 to 60 there on a very busy week, almost a full resort, there were plenty of loungers around for all and plenty of space and hide away places to explore.

Food and facilities were better than an average 3 star hotel and were plentiful! The main restaurant and bar was also adjacent to the evenings entertainment and dance floor. The entertainment crew were great and made sure the evenings didn't go by with folks being bored.

With regards to food, there was the main restaurant, that served food practically 20 or so hours a day (even after midnight until 3am!), there is a seperate Italian restaurant (clothing smart), Japanese restaurant (clothing smart/casual), seperate beach steak bars on both 'nude' and 'prude'side, so all are catered for. For an All Inclusive we were surprised that there were famous brands being served and not just local versions.

As to Bars, well there is the main bar, disco bar, "nude beach bar" and "prude beach bar". Oh and not forgetting the Piano bar where any karaoke fans will be appreciated!

Ladies also you must visit the Spa..... it is the only place that is not included in the price, but good value for money. My other half had a Swedish Massage, with aromatherapy oils ,a facial and a foot massage and all of which took 2 hours for a cost of around $85 (£43), she came out raving about it and wanting to go back!

A full modern well equipped gymnasium for all the keep fit fanatics is available.

The ubiquitous pool tables, slot machines, table tennis, tennis courts (including instructors), plenty of swimming pools, plunge pools and hot tubs all over the place. Can you find the three hidden hot tubs? We found 2!

And then the beaches, like all the beaches on this stretch on the small side but private, good clean sand when we were there, plenty of watersports from jetskis to sailing. Don't forget the catamaran party vessel, well worth a sail on it but keep a very open mind if you do!

We met a couple who had an evening pass that were staying at The Beaches. They said next time they were booking Hedonism instead.

A few words about the staff, all were first class and genuinely helpful and couldn't do enough for you.

Would we go back? In a heart beat says my wife!

As my new wife said one evening: "It's fantastic laying on a pontoon with no worries, off to a safe beach in the Caribbean looking at the stars!

If you are truly broadminded then this place is an eyeopener. However nothing is ever forced on you and we met a lot of people on the "prude side" that had a great relaxing holiday and were going back too.