Hedonistic explorations still available

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

For many, it's an iconic symbol of Jamaican creativity and enterprise. This landmark resort, not unlike the phoenix, rose from what was then the supposed ashes of Jamaica's tourism to become a beacon of hope and promise.

Back in the '70s when destination Jamaica was deemed a bad brand in international tourism circles, compounded by the fact that many of those owning and operating resorts on this here fair land were foreigners, whose first and primary allegiance was to themselves and their profits, the emergence of a 'new' and exciting hotel, owned and operated by Jamaicans, made for a welcome intervention.

And so it was that the Negril Beach Village emerged from the ashes. Today, destination Jamaica is once again one of the world's preferred brands, the resort that defied the odds, having undergone a change from the Negril Beach Village in the early 1980s to the now often-copied model, the adults-only all-inclusive resort - Hedonism II. The innovative owners, in their wisdom sold the resort and Negril as if it were a destination separate and apart from Jamaica.

Well, the legendary resort has changed hands and there is a new majority shareholder in the person of American Harry Lange, who has been vacationing in Jamaica since the 1990s; with his other partners being fellow American Jon Gross, who has also been vacationing on this fair island since he was in college, and the John Issa-led branch of the Issa family and Kevin Levee who started at the resort nearly three decades ago as water sports manager and rose up the ranks to general manager.

So with a resort whose history shows that it was ahead of its time, and the current trending future of the international tourism industry and hospitality industry, y'all know, we are talking a sexy resort!

My dears, while the Issa have reduced their holdings, new majority shareholder Harry Lange and his partners have no plans to shelve the Hedonism II formula going forward.

Their regular guests can expect no major changes in the operational model, save and except an upgrade of the 22 acre, 200-rooms-plus resort, and how!

Luvs, Hedonism II is no ordinary resort. Boasting a mystique and charm of its own that lends itself to fantasy and hedonistic explorations is what the resort is celebrated for.

And dears, when we say celebrated, we do mean celebrated. At any given time, the guest list at the resort reads like the who's who of nationalities, where observers can be forgiven for believing that occasionally, an alien or two is visiting from outer space to enjoy the beauty and culinary and entertainment offerings of the racy resort! But dears, in reality, there are no aliens at Hedonism II as here, the atmosphere is one of family as guests over the years have not only bonded, but many have formed groups and make annual or biannual returns. The groups have grown so large, they do what is called a buy out or take over, bringing with them their own entertainers, DJ's etc., to enhance their holiday experience.

Easter

Well, my dears, the Easter season is upon us. And while Christians everywhere will be celebrating the death and resurrection of their Christ, for many, it will be all about the annual Easter parade of bunnies and beauties. Luvs, forget Easter bun and cheese. The preferred menu item will be the resort's chock-full entertainment offerings, and pumpkins, it promises to be all that and then some!

Sweet things, for years Negril has been a favourite getaway destination at Easter for many Jamaican who take off for the long weekend, for some fun and R and R. With this year being no different, hundreds of thrill-seeking party lovers, will be descending on the famous seven-mile beach strip, in the hope of securing a room or pass. At the famous resort, the partying never stops, but will move into high gear for the Easter holidays, with an exciting entertainment package designed with the Jamaican guests in mind, and then some!

Dears, we are talking the Miss Bunnylicious Bikini pageant, plus a number of beach and pool parties, not to mention fun and games, to set the weekend on fire. Contestants drawn from North America, with a number of the island's body beauties - will be strutting their stuff for prizes and surprises as well as guests parading in the most daring and arresting swimwear since the thong, so y'all know we are talking another Hedo sizzler here. So wait for it!

And so, my dears, this here Easter is all about acknowledging that, indeed, Hedonism II has been sold, but long live the resort as it continues in spirit and essence under new owners, but the old formula. So the entertainment gods be praised!