Hedonism II · First-timer guide
First time at Hedonism II?
Negril's legendary clothing-optional resort has a reputation that precedes it — and it scares off plenty of couples who'd actually love it. Here's the honest, couple-to-couple rundown: the two sides, how fast the nerves wear off, who's really there, which week to pick, and how to book it right.
The short answer
Hedonism II is a clothing-optional, adults-only resort in Negril with a nude side and a "prude" (clothing-optional) side — you choose your comfort level and move between them freely.
It welcomes couples and singles, runs a theme night every night, and — the part that decides your whole trip — the takeover week you pick changes the crowd completely. Book the right week early.
The two sides: nude vs "prude"
Hedonism splits into two halves. The nude side is exactly that — clothing comes off at the pool, beach and hot tub, and it's the livelier, more uninhibited end. The "prude" side is clothing-optional and more laid-back, so swimwear is perfectly normal (though plenty of people are nude there too). Most couples drift between both depending on the hour and the mood.
Clothing-optional means optional. Nobody makes you do anything. You can spend day one in a swimsuit on the prude side and never set foot on the nude beach — and have a fantastic time anyway.
The nerves wear off faster than you think
The single most common first-timer report: "I was nervous, and within an hour I was completely relaxed." The atmosphere does the work — everyone's in the same boat, nobody's staring, and the no-judgment culture is real. Come with an open mind, a sense of humor, and zero pressure on yourselves to do anything in particular.
Who's actually there
Unlike couples-only resorts like the Desire resorts, Hedonism welcomes both couples and singles. The crowd skews friendly and social. A few honest notes:
- Couples are the heart of the crowd and fit in anywhere.
- Single women tend to have the easiest, most welcomed experience.
- Single men have a good time too, with somewhat more limited access to certain spaces.
The biggest variable isn't you — it's which group is in-house that week (see below).
The week is everything
This is the thing first-timers underestimate. Hedonism runs themed takeover weeks all year — lifestyle weeks, bi weeks, dance weeks, fantasy weeks and more — and they completely change the energy and the crowd. A quiet week and a big takeover week are almost different resorts. Decide the vibe you want first, then book that week — the popular ones sell out months ahead.
Not sure which week is which? The specialist agency we book through lists the takeover weeks and their flavor — see Hedonism II dates and availability →
Rooms: which to book
Rooms range from garden-view categories up to premium and nude-side rooms closer to the action. For a first trip, pick by how central you want to be: nude-side and premium rooms put you steps from the main pool and beach; garden rooms are quieter and easier on the budget. If a specific week is selling fast, lock the room early — the good categories go first.
Days, nights and the food
By day: pools, the famous hot tub, a long Negril beach, watersports, and optional activities. By night: a theme party every single night — dressing up is half the fun and the easiest way to meet people (here's what to pack for theme nights). There are multiple restaurants and the all-inclusive covers food and drinks, so you're never counting.
The unwritten rules
- Consent is everything. Ask, don't assume; "no" is always respected.
- No photos in social areas. Phones away — the privacy rule is what lets everyone relax.
- What happens at Hedo stays at Hedo. Discretion is the culture.
- Tip and be friendly. The staff and the regulars make the place; they'll look after first-timers who are easy-going.
Ready to pick your week?
Hedonism's takeover weeks sell out months ahead — choose the vibe, then lock the dates and the room you want.
Frequently asked
Do you have to be nude at Hedonism II?
Only on the nude side. The "prude" side is clothing-optional, so swimwear is fine — and most nervous first-timers are comfortable (and often nude) within about an hour anyway.
Can singles go, or is it couples-only?
Both are welcome. Single women have the easiest experience; single men a slightly more limited one; couples fit in everywhere. It's not couples-only like Desire.
Nude side vs prude side — what's the difference?
The nude side is bare and livelier; the prude side is clothing-optional and mellower (with plenty of nudity too). You move freely between them.
When should I book, and does the week matter?
Hugely. Themed takeover weeks change the whole crowd, and the popular ones sell out months ahead. Pick your vibe, then book early for the right week and room.
Still deciding where to go?
Hedonism is the wild original — but Desire, Temptation and the lifestyle cruises each suit a different couple. Take the 90-second match, or compare them side by side.
Open Latitudes is reader-supported. Some links — resorts, cruises, flights and hotels — may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you, which keeps these guides free and honest. We only point you at trips this audience actually books.