From the Airport to Check-in

When you exit the plane, follow the crowd to Immigration; There is only one-way to go.  This isn’t a large airport.   Go to the far end of the room, those lines seem to move fastest.  Don’t worry; the ladies singing island songs will help you pass the time. (since the airport expanded, I haven't seent the singing ladies in a while... I don't know if they wil bring them back. The other issue with the expansion is that the walk from the plane is a very long one through winding hallways.

 After talking with the immigration agent, you will go downstairs to the baggage claim.  There are typically only one or two carousels bringing in luggage, so look for your fellow passengers, since the signs don’t always get updated.  After getting your bag, go to the far left side with the signs“ Nothing to Declare” for the fastest exit.

After exiting the baggage area, walk along to the left.  Ignore all of the people offering you a fast ride.  Superclubs have a lounge straight aheadwith cool air conditioning and complimentary cold bottled water.  The guys that offer to wheel your bags to the bus are not working for the resort.  You can either choose to carry or wheel your own bags or let them do it and give them a tip.  This is the last place you will tip until you return to the airport on the way home.

The bus is either air-conditioned, or will have the windows open if it is cool. Remember to put sunglasses in your carry-on so you have them to wear on the bus. Welcome to sunny Jamaica!

I recommend buying a couple of beers or drinks for the bus ride.  If you want to instantly make friends, bring some rum from home, and buy a couple of Cokes at the stand outside the front door.  Give the guy a dollar tip and he will throw in a handful of plastic cups.  This way you can offer Rum and Cokes to your bus-mates.  This makes for an instant icebreaker.

The bus to Negril will take one hour, the bus to Runaway bay will take half an hour. The bus to Negril will typically stop on the way to the resort.  This is to let you use the bathroom and get a drink or snack if you want. 

The scenery on the way to the resort is really nice, and the conversation will likely be fun too.  You will most likely become friends with several of the people who arrive with you.  You are on the same schedule when it comes to adjusting to the island pace, and many of us often find ourselves hanging with those people.

When the bus arrives at the hotel, we recommend pulling out the room map.  When they offer you a room, quickly check where it is on the map to see how it compares to your needs.

LINK TO ROOM MAP WITH EXPLANATIONS OF TYPES OF ROOMS AT HEDO II

If you had a morning flight your room may not be ready yet.  Don’t fret; be mellow and absolutely not pushy (trust us, the attitude will help you get a better room faster you are dealing with Jamaicans who notice this stuff).  They may offer you another type of room, perhaps even an upgrade. Take the room they offer if it appeals to you.  If nothing that you like is ready yet, tell the desk clerk that this is no problem, that you will leave your luggage at the desk, and that you will head into the dining room to get some lunch.  This is when packing shorts, T-shirt, or swimsuit in your carry on comes in handy.  You can change into your other clothes in the lobby bathrooms or go into the gym and change. If you really feel at home, strip off on the beach and go the bar right away... just remember to stop back in an hour to find out where you are sleeping that night!

At this point get some food, and visit the bar for a cool refreshing drink.  It will do wonders to your wait.  I typically use this time to visit the dive shop and sign up for the next day’s dive.  Others will visit the Spa and book a massage (however we always call the resort two days before and reserve a couple’s massage for a couple of hours after we arrive.  It accelerates your adjustment to “island time”.)

At his point visit the daily activities chalkboard and see what is new and going on.  By now your room is likely ready, and they will bring your bag to the room.  You can unpack and your vacation really begins.

There is air service from Montego Bay airport to Negril Iif you ar going to Hedo II.  TimAir will fly you whenever you want to go. The flight takes 15 minutes and is in small 4 or 5 seat Cessna aircraft. The main advantage to TimAir is that it gets you to and from Hedonism II quicker.  Now that the highway work is completed, most people don’t see a need for this, but if you are really pressed for time, it may help. TIM Air: 876-940-7747