By Staff Writer: Lisa Adelle-Jondeau
When one hears the words Hedonism, Negril and Jamaica strung together, whatever images, thoughts and beliefs that come to mind, I am sure they have absolutely no bearing on the word Zen. Zen on the other hand conjures images of mediation, Buddha statues and serenity. Zen “is a total focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind”. Zen is a way of being, a way of life, and a state of mind. Hedonism 2 purports to be the “sandbox for your inner child with pure unadulterated self-indulgence of your mind, body, spirit, and soul.”
One could argue that the celebration of one’s hedonistic side would ultimately satisfy one’s mind, body, spirit and soul. I see things a little differently.
I was booked to stay at Hedonism 2 on a work assignment related to the Negril Dream Week event. Having lived in Negril in the late 90’s and early 2000’s I was more than familiar with the “Hedo” brand and philosophy. Things have changed for me since those early days of living in Negril, where my attention has shifted and now includes, fitness, health and holistic healing. As a Certified Spinning® Instructor I had an eye opening experience when I entered the gym and saw the Johnny G Spinner® Pro Bike. For a Spinning® Instructor it was like finding lost treasure and then the question arose how did they get here? What are they doing here? Do they work? Upon seeing the Spinners® more questions arose, and I found myself ever so slowly connecting the dots between the Hedonism Brand and their tagline: “mind, body, spirit and soul”.
A fully equipped gym, newly renovated with panoramic views of the ocean, gardens, cabanas and private whirlpools where wood carvings placed strategically on the wall reminds you of the theme of the resort ‘Mind’, ‘Body’, ‘Spirit’. Tyson, the Resident Gym Instructor ensures that guests are never bored with the various fitness offerings, personal training sessions, Pilates® and Spinning® classes. As Tyson so eloquently states “even while on vacation, one can keep your fitness goals in check.”
Next to the gym is the Blue Mahoe Spa with over 8 treatment rooms comprised of single and double rooms, a Salon, Sauna, Steam Room, and Plunge Pools. The usual spa offerings are available, inclusive of facials, sports massages, body scrubs and body treatments. Products available for sale are locally made candles and oils with the warming, delightful scents of vanilla, coconut and jasmine. The beach massage cabanas are the most popular spots to have a massage, and why not? Views of the Negril beach, Caribbean Sea, Negril Cliffs in the distance with the gentle sounds of waves to soothe and ease away your stress and worries therefore freeing your mind, body and spirit.
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
Sounds quite hedonistic to me.