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In This Guide

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP

12. Before You Fly

13. Final Thoughts

14. Ready to Experience Hedonism II →

There isn't a single "best" swinging holiday - it all depends on the experience you're looking for.

If you want a luxury all-inclusive resort with stylish surroundings, elegant evening parties and a relaxed atmosphere, Desire Resorts in Mexico are hard to beat.If you're looking for a more playful, energetic holiday where the social atmosphere is at the heart of the experience, Hedonism II has been attracting people from around the world for decades.

For travellers who prefer to build their own holiday, destinations such as Gran Canaria, Cap d'Agde, and the Netherlands offer the freedom to choose your own accommodation and explore the local lifestyle scene at your own pace.

Whichever style of holiday appeals most, we'd always recommend making a few connections before you travel. Our Before You Fly section below covers how.

If you prefer the atmosphere of a luxury swingers cruise, see our guide to Lifestyle Cruises.

Or, if you'd prefer a private island event rather than an all-inclusive resort, take a look at SpicyIsland.

 OUR RECOMMENDATION

Ready to experience Hedonism II?

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Hedonism II has been one of the world's most famous swingers resorts for over 40 years, attracting people from around the world looking for a holiday that's as social as it is relaxing. While newer resorts such as Desire have brought a more luxurious approach to lifestyle travel, Hedo has stayed true to its reputation for fun, freedom and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. If you're looking for a holiday where meeting people is just as important as the Caribbean sunshine, Hedonism II deserves a place on your shortlist.

Hedonism II at a Glance

  Best for:  Couples & singles looking for a fun, social lifestyle holiday

  Stay:  5–7 nights

  Atmosphere:  Relaxed, playful & energetic

  Dress code:  Casual by day, themed parties at night

  Who you'll meet:  An international mix of couples, singles and many returning guests

  Would we go?  Absolutely - if you're looking for a social Caribbean holiday with a legendary reputation.

Hedonism II has earned its legendary status over more than four decades, and unlike many resorts that constantly reinvent themselves, Hedo has stayed true to what made it famous in the first place - a fun, welcoming atmosphere where meeting people is just as important as the Caribbean sunshine.

It isn't trying to be the most luxurious swingers resort in the world, and that's part of its appeal. Guests don't return because of marble bathrooms or fine dining. They come back because of the people, the sense of community and the unique atmosphere that's difficult to find anywhere else.

If Desire is about elegance and sophistication, Hedo is about letting your hair down and enjoying yourself. Neither approach is better than the other - they're just different experiences. Choosing between them comes down to the kind of holiday you're looking for.

Hedonism II has been welcoming guests for more than 40 years, and while the resort has evolved over time, the reasons people return remain remarkably consistent.

It's Incredibly Social

Unlike many Caribbean resorts where people tend to keep to themselves, Hedo is built around meeting people. Conversations start by the pool, continue over lunch, carry on at dinner and often end with everyone dancing together later in the evening. Many guests arrive not knowing anyone and leave with friends from around the world.

A Holiday With Personality

Hedo has never tried to be a conventional luxury resort. Instead, it's developed its own unique character, where themed parties, live entertainment and a fun-loving atmosphere are all part of the experience. That sense of personality is one of the reasons it has such a loyal following.

People Return Again and Again

One of the strongest endorsements any resort can receive is repeat visitors, and Hedo has plenty of them. It's common to meet guests who've been several times before and already have their next trip planned. For many, the people they've met have become just as important as the resort itself.

It's Unlike Anywhere Else

There are plenty of beautiful Caribbean resorts, but very few offer the same combination of sunshine, all-inclusive relaxation and such an open, social atmosphere. That's what has kept Hedonism II at the centre of the swinging community for decades.

05. The Atmosphere

Hedonism II has a reputation for being one of the most social lifestyle resorts in the world, but that doesn't mean it's non-stop partying from morning until night. Like any good holiday, the atmosphere changes throughout the day, giving guests the chance to relax, socialise and enjoy the resort at their own pace.

Relaxed Days

Most days revolve around the pool and beach, where guests spend their time enjoying the Caribbean sunshine, chatting with other people and making the most of the all-inclusive drinks and facilities. Some people join organised activities, while others are perfectly happy spending the afternoon with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

As the Evening Begins

As the sun goes down, the resort gradually changes gear. Guests return to their rooms to get ready for dinner and the evening's theme, bars become busier and the social atmosphere builds naturally as everyone gathers for the night's entertainment.

The Night Comes Alive

After dinner, the entertainment and themed parties become the focus of the evening. Some guests spend hours dancing and enjoying the shows, while others prefer quieter conversations with new friends before deciding where the rest of the night will take them. Like every good lifestyle resort, there's no single way to enjoy the experience - everyone finds their own pace.

06. Meeting People

One of the reasons Hedonism II has remained so popular for so many years is how easy it is to meet people. Whether you're travelling as newcomers or already know a few familiar faces, the resort is designed to encourage conversation without ever making it feel forced.

It Starts Naturally

Unlike a club, where you only have a few hours together, everyone at Hedo is sharing the same holiday. You'll see the same people at breakfast, by the pool, during afternoon activities and again at dinner. Those repeated encounters make it much easier to start conversations and build genuine friendships.

Join In, Don't Sit Back

Guests who get the most from Hedo are usually the ones who join in. Whether that's taking part in pool games, chatting at the swim-up bar or even introducing yourselves to other people, the resort rewards people who are willing to be a little sociable.

Before You Arrive

Many guests use swinging platforms such as SLS to chat with other people staying during the same week. More on that in our Before You Fly section below.

Everyone Was New Once

It's easy to assume everyone else knows exactly what they're doing, but every regular guest had a first visit too. One of the things Hedo is best known for is the friendly welcome newcomers receive, and many lifelong friendships have started with a simple conversation over a cocktail.

07. Accommodation & Facilities

Hedonism II has never been about creating the most luxurious resort in the Caribbean. Instead, the focus has always been on providing everything you need for a fun, sociable and relaxing holiday. The rooms are comfortable, the facilities are well-maintained and, most importantly, everything is designed to keep guests close to the heart of the action.

Comfortable Rather Than Ultra-Luxurious

If you're expecting marble bathrooms and five-star luxury throughout, you may be disappointed. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable room where you can recharge between days by the pool and lively evenings with friends, Hedo delivers exactly what's needed.

Everything Is Close By

One of the advantages of the resort's layout is that it's easy to get everywhere. Whether you're heading to breakfast, the pool, the beach or the evening entertainment, everything is within a short walk, making the resort feel friendly and easy to navigate.

You'll Spend Most of Your Time Outside

Like most Caribbean resorts, your room quickly becomes somewhere to shower, change and get a good night's sleep. The real holiday happens around the pools, on the beach, in the bars and restaurants, and wherever conversations with new friends happen to take you.

08. Food & Drink

As with any all-inclusive resort, food and drink play a big part in the Hedo experience. From breakfast overlooking the Caribbean to late-night snacks after the evening entertainment, everything is included, allowing you to relax and just enjoy your holiday.

More Than Just Mealtimes

Meals are often one of the easiest places to meet people. Breakfast is a chance to catch up after the previous evening, lunch is relaxed and informal, while dinner becomes the perfect way to start the night's entertainment. Many people end up sharing tables with new friends they met earlier in the day.

Drinks Are Included

Whether you're enjoying a frozen cocktail by the pool, a beer on the beach or a drink while watching the evening entertainment, unlimited drinks are all part of the all-inclusive experience. It helps create the laid-back, sociable atmosphere that Hedo is known for.

Relax and Enjoy It

Nobody comes to Hedo purely for the restaurants, but good food, unlimited drinks and the opportunity to spend hours chatting with new friends all become part of what makes the holiday so memorable.

09. Is Hedonism II Right for You?

Hedonism II isn't the perfect holiday for everyone, and that's one of the reasons it has such a loyal following. The people who love it tend to appreciate its friendly atmosphere, relaxed attitude and emphasis on having fun rather than taking life too seriously.

You'll Probably Love Hedo If...

You're looking for a sociable Caribbean holiday, enjoy meeting new people and like the idea of spending a week with other open-minded people. If you value atmosphere and community over luxury, Hedo could easily become one of your favourite holidays.

It Might Not Be For You If...

If you're looking for a quiet five-star beach resort where you can spend the week keeping to yourselves, Hedonism II probably isn't the right choice. Likewise, if you're uncomfortable around nudity or the open swinging atmosphere, you'll almost certainly feel more at home at a traditional Caribbean resort.

Come With an Open Mind

You don't need to be experienced in the lifestyle to enjoy Hedo. Many guests are first-time visitors, and the people who seem to have the best holidays are usually those who arrive with realistic expectations, a sense of humour and a willingness to meet new people. You don't need to have everything planned before you arrive - simply relax, be yourselves and enjoy the experience.

If you're travelling as a couple for the first time, our Talking to Your Partner About the Lifestyle guide can help you discuss expectations before you book.

10. At a Glance... Hedonism II or Desire

/  Both Resorts

  Lifestyle holiday

  Friendly community

  Great memories

  We'd happily recommend

Both Hedonism II and Desire offer unforgettable lifestyle holidays, but they deliver very different experiences. Neither is objectively better - the right choice depends on what you're looking for from your holiday.

Choose Hedonism II If...

You're looking for a fun, social atmosphere where meeting people is part of the holiday. Hedo has a long-standing reputation for being welcoming, energetic and unpretentious, making it a great choice for people who value community and a relaxed approach over luxury surroundings.

Choose Desire If...

You'd prefer a more polished resort with elegant surroundings, stylish evening parties and a stronger focus on luxury. Desire feels more like a premium Caribbean holiday that also happens to be a swingers resort.

Our View

If we were recommending a first luxury lifestyle holiday for a couple, we'd probably point most people towards Desire Riviera Maya. However, if your priority is a famously social atmosphere, making new friends and enjoying one of the swinging world's most iconic resorts, Hedonism II deserves serious consideration.

The good news is that there's no wrong decision. Both resorts have loyal followings, both attract guests from around the world and both offer a holiday experience that's very different from a traditional Caribbean all-inclusive.

11. Is It Worth the Money?

A holiday at Hedonism II isn't cheap, so it's natural to wonder whether it's really worth the investment. After all, there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that cost less.

You're Paying for the Experience

The accommodation, restaurants and Caribbean setting are all part of the package, but that's not really why people choose Hedo. You're paying for the atmosphere, the social side of the resort and the opportunity to spend a week surrounded by like-minded people in an environment unlike almost anywhere else.

More Than Just a Beach Holiday

Many guests return from Hedo talking less about the food or the rooms and more about the people they met and the experiences they shared. That's what makes it different from a conventional all-inclusive holiday and why so many guests return year after year.

Is It Good Value?

If you're just looking for sunshine and an all-inclusive beach holiday, you can almost certainly find cheaper alternatives. But if you're looking for the unique combination of a Caribbean resort and one of the world's best-known lifestyle communities, Hedo offers something that's difficult to put a price on.

Our Advice

Don't judge Hedo against an ordinary beach resort. Judge it against the experience you're hoping to have. If meeting people, enjoying the social atmosphere and becoming part of a welcoming community are high on your list, you'll understand why so many guests return year after year.

12. Before You Fly

Booking the right resort is only part of the experience. One of the best ways to make the most of a week at Hedonism II is to spend a little time connecting with other guests before you arrive.

Make a Few Connections

Many people use swinging platforms such as SLS to chat with people staying during the same week. Arriving already recognising a few names or faces can make those first conversations by the pool or at the bar feel much more natural.

Pack for the Theme Nights

Hedo is well known for its themed evenings, and joining in is all part of the fun. Our What to Wear to a Lifestyle Club guide has plenty of practical advice that's just as useful when packing for resort theme nights.

Arrive With an Open Mind

Every guest experiences Hedo differently. Some spend the week making new friends, others prefer to relax together and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine. There's no right or wrong way to experience the resort, so don't feel pressured to keep up with anyone else. Relax, be yourselves and let the holiday unfold naturally.

Our Advice

Don't over-plan your week. A few conversations before you travel can help break the ice, but some of the best memories often come from the unexpected people you meet and the spontaneous moments that happen once you're there.

13. Final Thoughts

Hedonism II has earned its place as one of the world's best-known swingers resorts, not because it's the newest or most luxurious, but because it offers something that's difficult to find anywhere else. It's a place where people go to relax, meet like-minded people and enjoy a Caribbean holiday with a genuinely social atmosphere.

Whether you're planning your very first lifestyle holiday or looking for a resort you'll want to return to year after year, Hedo deserves to be on your shortlist. It isn't trying to compete with traditional luxury resorts - it offers a completely different experience, and that's exactly why so many guests become lifelong fans.

If you're still deciding between Hedo and Desire, think about the type of holiday you want rather than which resort is "better". If you're a couple, looking for elegance and luxury, Desire is an excellent choice. If you're looking for fun, community and one of the most iconic swingers resorts in the Caribbean, Hedonism II could be exactly what you're looking for.

Whichever you choose, spending a little time connecting with other people before you travel will help you get even more from the experience. The memories you'll take home are rarely just about the resort - they're about the people you meet along the way.

14. Ready to Experience Hedonism II?

If Hedonism II sounds like the swingers holiday you've been looking for, the next step is to check availability and current offers. Booking through our link costs you exactly the same as booking direct, but it helps support Me Time You Time and allows us to continue creating independent guides like this one.

Why Book Through Our Link?

  Exactly the same price as booking direct
  Secure booking through the official reservation system
  Helps support independent reviews and guides like this one
  It costs you nothing extra

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Before You Fly...

Once you've booked, the next step is making a few connections before you go.

Find the platform most likely to connect you with guests travelling during the same week.

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Planning your first lifestyle holiday together? Talk through expectations, boundaries and what you both want from the experience.