Hey beautiful people 🌟

Imagine spending your whole life hiding your body for fear of judgment. Then, one brave mother-fucking day, you tell your husband, “Do it! Book that trip to Hedo you’ve been begging for. Do it right now before I change my mind! And make sure there’s a hefty charge if we cancel!” Eleven minutes and thirty-two seconds later, you hear, “Booked, baby! No turning back now.”

Cue the 1am packing frenzy, laughing at the absurdity of bringing two suitcases of clothing for a week at a naked resort. Yes, planning and shopping for theme night costumes and “sexy breakfast wear” had been a blast. Even the FedEx guy got a margarita one day after his third trip to our doorstep with more glitter.

Picture it: The airport scene—good, moving on—we’re in Jamaica! The car slows down, there’s no traffic, and we realize: we’re here. This is real.  Mixed feelings of excitement and fear of the unknown flood in.

We check in, get to our room, and my husband opens the window to let in the sounds of rocking music, pool entertainers, and a very happy crowd. It sounds like “our kind of party.”

Frantically trying to tie the strap on my bathing suit, I get hit in the face by my husband’s underwear. “What the fuck are you wearing?” he laughs. Sheepishly, I say, “I thought we could go to the prude side to acclimatize.” With a sexy, stern look, he says, “I’m going to the nude pool. Get that thing off and let’s go.” Friends help friends rip off band-aids.

Calling in the jaws of life, I got the towel unwrapped, looked at Mike, smiled, and said, “Fuck it.” Led by my bravery, fighting the restraint of my fear, I walked to that cubby with purpose like they were handing out free vibrators—quick and steady but not running. Imagine if the lifeguard blew the whistle and yelled, “No running on the pool deck!” and all those people turned and saw me naked?!

Reality check: Not a single person was looking at me despite being nakid as a jaybird or hairless cat.  The lack of anticipated stares told both my husband and me that this was a safe space. No one cared about my body flaws or my A cup and a half breast size. We were immediately welcomed with hugs and connection. The energy felt playful, safe, and free-spirited. We understood why guests called Hedo “Home.”

Feeling parched since the 4 Red Stripes in the cab ride here felt like ages ago, we decided to head to the pool bar. Forty-five minutes later, I smiled, realizing we hadn’t even made it there yet. We were too caught up in the warm, authentic greetings from so many friendly people. Never have I felt so accepted, free, childlike, confident, and sexy.

Ever seen two adults throwing a temper tantrum because they don’t want to wear what they’re told to? I have. It was in my room. It was me and my husband, putting on our swimsuits as if at gunpoint. Laughing at ourselves, we grab our phones, hit the beach bar for a liquid snack to go, and make our way toward the little security hut, scanning our bracelets so they can keep track of their wandering party guests who venture through the gate onto what my husband and I playfully call the “beach walk of shame.” Picture us walking hand in hand, blatantly obvious Hedo guests with large rubber red resort bands, stirring 100 conversations among the couples enjoying their “Vanilla vacay” and taking “vacay pics” in front of the Sandals Resort sign because that’s where we told our children we were staying in Jamaica.

Fact and Myth Bust:

Yes, Hedo is a lifestyle resort. No, you don’t need to be in the lifestyle to have the time of your life. There’s no expectation to swing, and no one pressures you. Expect to be asked, but “no” is highly respected, and they’ll still want to party with you.

To Lifestyle or Not to Lifestyle: The only correct answer here is the one you and your partner have discussed at length and decided on. There is zero expectation for any guest to engage in any sort of play. You may be a voyeur, a naturalist, a hedonist, or whatever you want to be! Why? Because it’s Hedo, and this is “Spring Break” for adults!

Not in the Lifestyle: Amazing! Prepare for new and mouthwatering items on the menu never served before in your relationship cafe. There is no place for Granny panties here!! The Hedo environment is sexually charged, invigorating, and wakes you up to senses and feelings you might have forgotten you were capable of! Need I say more? I think not.

Lifestyle Curious: Be curious about all the things life has to offer. If you’re curious, approach someone in the lifestyle and respectfully ask if you could talk with them about your curiosities. You will be equally accepted and respected regardless of your choice. Knowledge is power.

Lifestyle Toe Dip: Ready to dip your toe? Feeling a rush of adrenaline and waves of feelings flooding your tummy? Naturally, because this is a big decision not to be taken lightly. There are key topics and discussions that couples considering non-monogamy should address to ensure a healthy, consensual, and fulfilling relationship. This is not a “13 margaritas, Jamaican weed, hot human across the pool giving me fuck-me eyes” kind of decision. No, seriously, please do not do this.

The resort is small, everyone parties in the same pool, and you cross paths all day long. It’s cozy, comforting, and intimate. It lends itself to cultivating connections quickly. Nightlife should be called “going to bed is for the weak.” Start training now. After dinner and the show, there’s entertainment in the courtyard, the piano bar, the wine bar, both pools, however the nude pool is home of the antics, located conveniently beside the hot tub for chilly nights. Thoughts of bed vanish with each new adventure.

How I Evolved: Tucked in that cubby on the first day was my towel, weed, and ego. I was fully exposed and vulnerable. The dance with my fear was invigorating. Freedom, lightness, acceptance, and community rolled in effortlessly. I felt gratitude for being in a place that fully embraces and finds beauty in all of us. This community is responsible for many tears shed as guests leave, only to return next year. I challenge you to leave without booking next year’s trip before you go.

Every day, I felt lighter, shedding layers of body shame and getting up close and personal with my sensuality and sexy. Confidence in accepting ourselves really is sexy. Our bodies are the vessels through which we travel through life. Thank your body, your temple, for being reliable every time you call on it.

Trip Tip: You think you’ve outsmarted your kids by turning off your iPhone location… so did I. I was proud, like “who’s lying now about where they are and what they’re doing.” Drop the mic!! Actually, pick the mic back up because you just received a screenshot from your kids of the avatar that is you standing on top of the Hedonism sign in Snapchat maps. Yup, no denying it, it even has your name. Turn off your Snapchat map.

Experience Takeaways:

I learned to walk bravely toward my fear: Dressed in nothing but a cowboy hat and my personality. No trendy outfit, no high heels, no phone to hide behind. Sink or swim, and into the pool of mystery and wonder that changed my life forever.

True Connection: In a world full of superficiality, finding a community that loves you for who you truly are is like finding the key to freedom. It’s about quality over quantity. Imagine having a group that truly “gets” you, supports you to take risks, and helps you grow while holding your hand along the way. That’s the magic of real connections. Truth Bomb: Look around your circle—unfortunately, not everyone wants you to succeed. There’s a good chance at least one person wants you to stay small with them.

Embrace Vulnerability: Ever tried being naked—literally and metaphorically? It’s scary, I know. But it teaches you to face your fears and embrace your true self. When you strip away the layers, both figuratively and literally, you find an incredible strength and authenticity within you. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s your superpower.

Celebrate Individuality: Whether you’re at Hedo or just living your daily life, being in touch with your sensuality and expressiveness is incredibly empowering. Don’t let the judgments of others hold you back. Own your unique self, flaunt it, and celebrate it. Life’s too short to play small.

Own Your Sexy: Own it, love it, feel it, expose it—your confidence will thank you! Why are we hiding our fucking sexuality still?! Whether you’re at Hedo or just living your daily life, being in touch with your sensuality and expressiveness is incredibly empowering. Don’t let the judgments of others hold you back. We are wondrous creatures and leaders, strong and fierce with innate survival skills and capabilities. We are beauty, and part of our allure is our curves and our sexiness. Own your unique self and celebrate it. Life’s too short to play small and Damn right we should own it and flaunt it!!

So, let’s embrace these lessons, support each other, and create a community where we can all grow, learn, be silly, and thrive. Here’s to keeping it real and living life boldly!

Much love,
Dawn

#TrueConnection #Community #Authenticity #RealTalk #CoffeeAndConnection #BeReal #SupportEachOther