HOW IT ALL STARTED

Hedonism! Its very definition is the philosophy that pleasure and happiness are of the ultimate importance and the most important pursuit of pleasure is of the Mind, Body, Spirit and Soul. From the very beginning, Hedonism II, at Negril in Jamaica, has tried to give its guests a place to realize that belief. It was originally known as Negril Beach Village, when it opened in 1976, but the name was changed to Hedonism II, more in tune with what it had to offer its guests. When Hedonism II opened it had an 'au natural' and a 'clothes side'. Guests had to wear some form of attire while in the resort areas but that rule has been relaxed over the years. All restaurants, at the resort, have a dress code but this too has not been fully enforced as guests can dine at the aptly named nude grill.

The two story buildings, where vacationeers stay are spread across the resort between the nude side and the prude side and vary from oceanfront, oceanview and garden rooms. Guests are usually asked for their preference when making a reservation, so there are no surprises when one opens their drapes and look towards the ocean.

Hedonism II has a very loyal following, some guests have been vacationing here since its opening and many have been here five, ten or more times. Many returning guests plan their vacations to coincide with other guests, who they met here, year after year.

For obvious reasons, the resort is restricted to adults only, it's popularity comes, not only from the unristricted lifestyle allowed at the resort, but the fact that this is an all-inclusive resort. Not only are all meals included, but unlimited drinks as well - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Drinks are served all day at the five bars and lounges, two of them swim-up bars so guests need not leave the pool.

While the credo at Hedonism is "your vacation should be whatever you want it to be" the resort makes sure that the line is clearly drawn, the au natural side of the resort has its own pool, hot tub, bar, grill, cabanas and even their own volleyball and shuffleboard courts. You might say that the clothed guest staying at Hedonism could go the entire week without seeing an un-clothed guest, you might say that but would it be true. In any case there is lots of space on the 22 acre resort to keep the two separated.

JAMAICA

Once a Spanish possession known as Santiago, in 1655 it became an English, and later a British, colony, known as "Jamaica". It achieved full independence in 1962. With 2.8 million people, it is the third most populous anglophone country in the Americas, after the United States and Canada. It remains a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.Kingston is the country's largest city and the capital.

Though a small nation, Jamaican culture has a strong global presence. The musical genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's vibrant, popular urban recording industry. Jamaica also played an important role in the development of punk rock, through reggae and ska. Reggae has also influenced American rap music, as they both share their roots as rhythmic, African styles of music. Some rappers, such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Heavy D, are of Jamaican descent. Internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was also Jamaican.

Ian Fleming, who lived in Jamaica, repeatedly used the island as a setting in the James Bond novels, including Live and Let Die, Doctor No, For Your Eyes Only, The Man with the Golden Gun and Octopussy and The Living Daylights. In addition, James Bond uses a Jamaica-based cover in Casino Royale. So far, the only James Bond film adaptation to have been set in Jamaica is Doctor No. Filming for the fictional island of San Monique in Live and Let Die took place in Jamaica.