Hedo's last hurrah

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

After just over a decade of operation, the world-famous Hedonism III Resort in St Ann closed its shutters last Sunday, signalling the end of an era. But perhaps, more important, it was the closure of one of the world's' first 'all-inclusive' adult resorts.

Opened in September 1999, under the expert managerial hands of Kevin Levee, the resort, which admittedly had its challenges in terms of location and lack of natural beachfront access, those who 'created' the hotel made do with a man-made cove that provided a beach. The void of a free-flowing beach area was filled by literally acres of pool areas. It became one of the hottest resorts worldwide and soon developed a fan base and loyalty that resulted in multi-repeat guests who regarded themselves as an extended family!

At the height of its popularity, Hedonism III welcomed international and national celebrities who not only queued for the right to holiday at the resort but took unto themselves the role of 'roving ambassadors', spreading word of the beauty, naturalness and easy manner of the staff and guests, resulting in a very inviting atmosphere.

So much so that amid the throngs of adult heterosexual guests, it was not unusual to spot a pair of lesbian lovers, holding hands or dancing up a storm in the disco. Also, from time to time one spotted gay men, not 'flaming queens', or the limp-wristed. To be sure, there was the resident 'drag queen', who for all intents and purposes was a regular guy, but when it came to the staff and guest shows on Thursdays, he donned his wig and female regalia and gave well-received lip-synced renditions of the popular female artistes of the day.

And there were the wheelchair-bound guests; young men and women who had suffered some debilitating illness, and could only move around with the assistance of an aide, a walker or mechanical help. They had heard of the all-inclusive atmosphere and wanted to visit a place of fun and enjoyment where they would not be ridiculed or made to feel any less. They found a welcoming atmosphere at the resort.

The young, elderly, able-bodied, infirmed, gay, straight, fat and obese all found a welcoming atmosphere and partied with the best of them, without ever a hint of discrimination.

One recalls the nude weddings, and the way the staff embraced and supported the concept. The Octopussy Disco, as it was then named, the first disco with a shower enclosure; the giant aquarium and its collection of rare species; the bed, placed in the disco, for pyjama-themed nights; the famed rump-shaking contests; the water slide, coursing through the disco, and much, much more.

Sex Police

The beauty of it all was that while it was all provocative, it was never lewd or vulgar. There was more simulation than action, and whenever there was action, it was restricted to consenting adults, in prescribed areas. And when extroverts were in the house, there were always the 'sex police' on hand to maintain order.

Truth be told, Hedonism III was the ideal adult fantasy playground. Make that more fantasy than playground. But one could never gainsay the sensational entertainment offerings over the years; the exquisite culinary fare, served up for gala nights, not to mention the offerings in the Japanese, Italian, and Jamaican restaurants, nude pool grill and midnight buffets.

From the front office reception, to porters and bellmen; staff in the various dining rooms; bartenders in the disco, piano bar, nude pool, the Quad; groundsmen and women; the housekeeping team; watersports; entertainment staff;musicians; DJs; culinary team; and, of course, management, it was all one gigantic team effort that resulted in a superb resort.

But it was not all fun and games, as over the years many a guest who visited the resort went beyond the gates of the resort, and built bridges of friendships that saw them helping communities; adopting schools; making donations to various causes and institutions; giving medical and hospital supplies to various institutions. They also hosted many Jamaicans on their first visit overseas - particularly to Midwestern states; providing access to schools and scholarships, grants and bursaries - all in the name of the extended Hedo family. These attributes made it a very special resort.

Mock funerals

For just over three weeks, the resort has been a beehive of activity, as guests staged mock funerals - coffin and all; goodbye cruises; send-offs; vigils and bonfires. Guests devastated by the impending closure, all sought their own very special way, to say goodbye not only to the resort, but to the many friends and staff they have come to know and love over the the years. It was a tearful last few weeks.

Luvs, we are talking tears running freely and then some here, but last weekend, the floodgates opened up as the harsh reality of the end of the era, sunk home. Guests said their final goodbyes to the resort many regarded as their home away from home.

They came from the United States of America, Great Britain, France, Italy, Holland; Belgium; and North Africa for one last hurrah. Party they did, as it was a case of mixed moods and attitudes mostly, all week, but on Friday night, all partying hell broke loose in the resort's disco and, precious angels, talk about going out with a bang. Well, this was one thermonuclear piece of fabness, and then some!

Luvs, definitely not a night for the faint of heart or virgin aunts, as this was a night that will long be remembered for its carryings-on on the dance floor and early-morning dips in the Quad and nude pools.

But it was the pulling away from the resort's portico on Sunday, of the last coach that transported the last guests, that will linger. The tears on the coach and those of the staff who lined the driveway to wave their goodbyes, flowed as freely and as with as much gusto as the resorts famous water slide, and dears, we are not talking tears of joy, here!

And little wonder, as it has been a remarkable decade; and an even more remarkable resort, the likes of which Jamaica and the world had never seen prior to its inception, but one that was embraced by all.

As the saying goes: "What happens at Hedo, stays at Hedo!" But for my word, what a decade-long party!