My gfs and I want to spend New Years in Negril, Jamaica. We were told HedoII was a good place, but it looks pricey. Has anyone been there, have thoughts, feedback or recommendations to other places? (good for the mid20s)

thanks!!

peace,
emily

Emily - are you aware of the type of resort Hedonism is? It offers a style that is based on nudism, raunchy activities in the hot tubs, and lots of swapping/swinging. May not be for you, but if it is then go for it. We have stayed at Sandals Negril which is right next door. We walked the beach and thus walked through Hedonism property (all beach is public and open to anyone) and it was not a pretty sight. In a nut shell, the majority of the people that were spread eagle on the beach and in sun chairs naked would have looked MUCH BETTER with swim suits on (think grossly overweight, lots of tattoos on both sexes, and hairy backs)....oh my god it was something else.

Why not stay at a nice place?

Check out The Caves, Jackie's, Idle-A-While -- places with character and style. You can always hit The Jungle for ladies' night Thursdays, New Year's Eve anywhere on beach.

Tensing Pen and the Blue Cove Castle are also favorites with 20s. You'll get more for your money avoiding the big package AI places; I seriously doubt you'd find Hedo appealing...

wangchungemily - We've been to Hedo II 9 times and have trip number 10 planned for late October. We are a totally normal, in shape, 30 something couple who are NOT swingers. Hedo is not just a swingers resort, as alot of people think it is. There are certain weeks of the year that lifestylers do a take over of the resort but they also do take overs at Hedo III, Grand Lido Braco, Desire in Cancun etc. The people who go to Hedo aren't gross and all out of shape. Yes, there is a nude beach and nude pool. Yes, you will see some people who aren't in the best shape but nobody even notices because Hedo is a place where eveyone fits in. Yes, Hedo has a sensual atmosphere but it's not an in-your-face overwhelming type of thing(unless you're there during a lifestyles week). They have made alot of additions to the resort over the past few years including a Japanese style restaurant, a beautiful spa, plunge pools, waterslide, and all of the rooms have been updated and remodeled. But truly Hedo is about the people. You will meet some of the friendliest, fun loving people on the planet there. The age group ranges from early 20's to 80's, (we met a 86 year old man on our last trip, who was having a blast) with the median age being about 40ish. Check out the message boards and trip reports on www.dennyp.com for tons of info on Hedo from people who have actually been there and aren't making comments and judgments on someplace they've never even been to. Good luck.

I haven't been to Hedo in years but I would vote with Tracy216 - I loved the casual nature of Hedo. I probably went 6 times in a 2 year period. As a physician, any trip where I don't need makeup or pantyhose is a plus, and dressed up at Hedo is clean shorts and T-shirts. Is there nudity - yes. Can it get a little crazy - yes. Did anybody ever make me do something I didn't want to do - NO. Do you need a live and let live attitude there - yes. Sandals is only open to heterosexual couples so it is not an option for a group of single women traveling together.

All of the Superclubs are more expensive than some other all-inclusives but they are truly all-inclusive, no tipping, etc. And holiday weeks such as New Years are always going to be more expensive than regular weeks. If you are still a little concerned look into Breezes Montego Bay - it's a little less expensive, is right downtown MoBay so a much shorter trip to/from the airport [Negril is about a 2 hour bus ride], is on a good beach, would have less nudity.

Check out your preferences on Funjet [funjet.com] or Apple vacations. These package deals are always cheaper than booking directly with the hotel and include airfare, airport transfers, etc.

Emily you may want to know the code word....."Lifestyle" is just another way of saying partner swapping and this is what these resorts are know for.

I recently did a hotel inspection at Hedonism II. I've seen nicer hotels. The big slide into the pool was fun. Toga night is a blast.

I would recommend Riu Negril or sister hotel Riu Tropcial Bay. I stayed at Riu Negril and loved it. Beautiful beach, gorgeous rooms, excellent service.

Grand Lido next to Hedo is also amazing, but you might find an older crowd there.

Make sure you visit Rick's Cafe for the sunset!

check out dennyp.com for all the latest happenings at hedo.