1st Trip, First Trip Report

Ok so I have never done a trip report for any of our trips but this one was so awesome I thought I tried. We stayed at Treehouse for 9 nights.

Sun 1/3
Left Milwaukee on Southwest and had no delays or flight problems. My biggest problem with the flight is we purchased early bird check-in right when fares released and people who bought tickets and early bird check-in a week prior to flight had lower number then we did. I just thought earlier bird check-in was based on who purchased first.

We arrived at MBJ at 1235 and had purchased Club Mobay as it was our first trip and did not know what to expect. Well, we really didn’t need it but as we needed to wait 40 min. for our ride it was nice to have a place to sit. Not sure I would purchase it again.
We had transportation with our hotel stay that was supposed to be shared but we were the only ones. Nelson from Kenny’s Tours was I driver and he was awesome. Very safe and stopped for us to pick up some supplies. We arrived at Treehouse Resort about 3:30. What a lovely resort. Nothing fancy but everyone was so nice and rooms clean what more can you ask for. Our room was towards the back which was fine with us. Our room has a comfortable king bed, bathroom, some dressers and refig. As requested and was clean. What more can you ask for. I unpacked and off we went to explore.

I knew I wanted to head to yellowbird (2:1 dirty bananas) and Drifters for music so off we went. Was great to not have to wear shoes and had great weather. Yellowbird had awesome dirty bananas and Drifters was fun. Great music and so social.
After a few we headed back to Treehouse and just had dinner there as we were hungry and tired. My husband had the pork chop special but the pork was mostly fat. This was the theme with the pork we had and we stopped ordering pork. I had the grilled lobster and it was EXCELLENT. Of course we are on vacation and I needed dessert. The caramel cake is to die for. If you are at the Treehouse and it available order it. The price for the meal was average for what we paid the rest of the trip but the drinks I thought were really expensive. Most of the time it wasn’t the actually drink price but the tax and service charge that is tacked on. Our bill had 10% gratuity listed but I just never know if the serve actually gets that so we tip more. I guess I need to ask.

Couple of tips from the first day: Have Jamaican and US money on you because some place do a 1:100 conversion rate and others price in American and do a higher conversion rate. One place was 1:125 and we paid in American then. If you don’t like the smell of weed don’t go to Jamaica as it is everywhere. We had no problem with that. All in all our first day was a great start to the trip.

Mon 1/4
Up early and off to do 30 min on the treadmill. This only lasted 4 days and then I said forget it. After treadmill was time for shower and breakfast. Breakfast at the Treehouse was included in our room rate and today was good as it had bacon but the other days was usually fish and after while it was enough with the fish. The nice thing is that they had someone making eggs anyway you wanted them so I knew I could always have toast and eggs in the morning with some fruit. It was a simple breakfast but a good start for the day.

After breakfast we started out walking the beach. This was the way that every morning was spent. Long walks on the beach. After that we would lounge around the beach. What an absolute beautiful beach and miles to walk. Loved it. Every day I had my 10,000 steps in by noon. The water was calm and so glad I brought a floaty.

We had lunch with the singer chief/movie star chief and he was awesome. The best thing about him was everyday he was there he made sure he was out in the morning greeting people and talking to them. Making them feel like family. I thought he was a great ambassador for the hotel. I know everyone says Gail is always around but, I never saw her. I even brought a bag of ambulance supplies and never got a response or thank you. Maybe she was gone. But, singer chief was great and food was really good except this was the 2nd and last time we had pork as it was fatty. The plates are so big that my husband and I would share and had more than enough to get thru until dinner.

Not sure what we did the rest of the day but we cleaned up and walked out to the road to take a walk. We ended up at a roadside bar called and owned by Roger and what an awesome little place and Roger was wonderful. I asked him about a cab to the West End and that our hotel charged $16-18 one way. He found us a nice driver that only charged $10 and off to Murphy’s we went. We got to Murphy’s about 5:30 and were the only ones there. We both had grilled lobster and tried the festivals which were very good. The lobsters where cooked to perfection and so yummy. Well worth the cab fare. We headed back and had a nightcap and off to bed. I think we went to our room by 10 every night.

Another couple was suppose to meet us today but there flight was cancelled and rescheduled for the next day.

Tip from day 2: Don’t go to restaurants hungry as you don’t get your food quick in Jamaica.

Good stuff!

Please keep posting!

VVHT

Enjoying the report & love the red tips

Tuesday 1/5
Another day in paradise. We were disappointed that our family didn’t make it in the day before but, took advantage of the day alone and went to Half Moon Bay. The driver that took us to dinner the night before arrived right on time at 1200 to transport us. Not sure what the round trip rate should be but paid $40. What an absolute gorgeous place. They have a wonder bar, beach and boat to go to Calico Jacks. They also have a few cabins that can be rented. Not sure I could stay for a week as it is secluded but maybe for a few day. The one thing I couldn’t figure out is if the cabins had air conditioning. That might be a deal breaker for us if they don’t. We did take the boat to Calico Jacks and it is such a cute little place and the best snorkeling around. The biggest problem is the water is really swallow and I got pushed against the reef and scratched my leg. It bleed and bleed but they do have a first aid kit on the island and the owner patched me up. We stayed out there longer than expected and never got to eat so not sure how the food is but the drinks were awesome. I had told the driver to return at 3:00 as I wasn’t sure how the day would be and think the next time would ask someone to call. I just didn’t know how it all worked yet but will next time.

We got a little snack when we got back to the room and hung out on the nice porch swing/chair until our family arrived. Once they arrived and unpacked we headed a couple doors down to Sunset Beach. No problems walking there at night. We walked the beach at night down a couple hotels and had no problem. The one thing I noticed was a lot of lights went out around 10 so we tried to be back by then. I also never walked alone and would not recommend it. I want to say that this was one of the best meals but all meals except one were beyond our expectation. We had fried fish, lobster pasta, curried chicken and Jamaican chicken. Everyone was impressed with the food and would defiantly recommend the food. I had the fish and it rivalled a good Friday Night fish fry in WI. Again, don’t go hungry has it took over 1 hour just to get our food. Our family went back their last night but we went somewhere else as I refuse to eat at the same restaurant twice on vacation unless we have eaten almost everywhere already. That’s going to take a while in Negril and many more trips (hint, hint)
Back to the bar at Treehouse for a night cap and to bed we went.

Tip Day 3- Don’t fly out of a small airport in the winter chances to high your flight will be cancelled and you will miss a day of vacation. Reef scratches can really tear you up and rum works good as an antiseptic. Next trip I will make sure I bring antibiotic ointment.

^^ Or just more rum for the antiseptic. lol

Or just drink more rum and you won't feel the scratches!

So true about the small airport!! We got stuck on the wayback in San Fran.. Let me tell you, maybe not as bad as losing a day of vacation, but being stuck in an airport for over 24 hours is not fun!! Especially tired and broke from your vacation.. Airlines would not give us any kind of vouchers for food or hotels.. Just a little blue blanket and a spot in the corner to sleep on the floor!! Well I have insomnia as it is, it is seriously impossible for me to sleep in an airport or on airplanes for that matter!! I was pretty cranky

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Originally Posted by mjc12771

Tip Day 3- Reef scratches can really tear you up and rum works good as an antiseptic.

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Is that applied externally, internally or both? :cool:

~Moose

Great report.....our first trip to Negril, we learned to always have a snack before going out to dinner....everything is Soon Come

Love it! Can't wait to read more!

I remember seeing Roger's Bar last year. What is across the street from it?

Lovin' your trip report! And all the tips! I will be at Negril Treehouse for the first time in April. Happy to hear that you are enjoying it!

Nice trip report how much s a red stripe & mixed drink at your hotel. Have fun today

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Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

Is that applied externally, internally or both? :cool:

~Moose

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Cosmic it was applied both

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Originally Posted by Kuda

I remember seeing Roger's Bar last year. What is across the street from it?

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Kuda- I'm sorry I'm not exactly sure but I know it is a little down(towards town) from Best in the West and on the same side.

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Originally Posted by lathomas

Nice trip report how much s a red stripe & mixed drink at your hotel. Have fun today

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A Dirty Banana or Purple Rain was just over $7.00. All prices at the hotel were in US $. Not sure on the red strip but I think it was close to $4. The cheapest red strip I heard was at Tony's hut $170 Jamaican

Wed 1/6
Today I discovered purple rain

Again up and hit the gym. The Treehouse has a nice new little gym that has weights, treadmill, elliptical and rowing machine. Simply but perfect for my needs. Then shower and breakfast for eggs and fish on the menu again. Today we walked the beach and on the way back it was about 1100 and decided to stop at Marley’s by the Sea at Coco Palms. Tried a purple rain and feel in love with it. This place had the best ones. The most interesting thing though is later in the evening we went to the smaller bar at Coco Palms and the drinks where about $2 less. Either way they make excellent purple rains and dirty bananas. After the drinks it was off to lay on the beach and float in the water until 2:30
At 2:30 we waited in the lobby to hop on the One Love Bus. Well it was close to 3:00 and still no bus. Front desk called and Lenbert was running behind because of an accident and asked if we could meet him at the road. No problem and off to the road we walked. Once on the bus it is just like everyone says very quiet at first and by the 7th bar everyone is best buddies and dancing in the aisle. Well come to find out that there had been a head on collision between 2 motorcycles and as we passed one was being wrapped up and placed in the hearse. We did hear the 2nd was taken to hospital and later passed. Very sad and scary and to hear this is very common. I was told it was the 4th death on a motorcycle in the last month. They just drive so crazy and no helmets.

Ok on to something lighter. This will be an absolute must on every trip. This was a very fun afternoon with many laughs and new friends made. I can’t remember the names of the bars we went to but they all had local flare and one even had pizza and a band playing. Just a great way to spend the afternoon and just enough time at each (about 30min). Couple of spots had children selling things or asking for money but it wasn’t overwhelming. The couple we were with brought little bounce balls and handed them out and the kids loved them. Next time I go I think I will bring little gifts for the kids. It was great seeing them get excited over something so simply.
Once back we decided to walk to Norma’s next to Treehouse for dinner. This was by far the worst meal that we had. I know we had pasta dishes and shrimp meal and it just had really bad tastes. Defiantly would not recommend or return.
Off to bed we went. Pretty sad when it gets to be 9:30-1000pm we are ready for bed.

Tip- Bring little gifts/toys for the kids. This next one is an important one. NEVER EVER GET ON THE BACK OF A MOTORCYLCE IN NEGRIL OR RENT ONE. To dangerous. Now someone will say it is no biggie and I’m sure it isn’t for some but you won’t catch me doing it.

MJc
thank you for your reviews . Keep the great stuff coming.

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Beach in front of the Treehouse. This is my first time posting pictures and I'm not a picture person but have a few.

Great Report and thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much for sharing. We have rented a scooter and did some exploring on the island on our last trip. We didn't have any problems but then again we were very cautious, it can be indeed quite dangerous. Do you mind sharing how the One Love bus works? It sounds like they pick you up and you travel to the different bars with the bus and its passengers, is that correct? For instance stop 1, you all get off, drink at the bar and then get back on the bus when its time and on to the next bar? That sounds like fun. What was the cost per passenger on the One Love bus? Oh and what is a purple rain, what's in it? Have you seen anyone making flaming Bob Marleys in your adventures?

You'll be back :)

1/7 Thursday

This was a rest day with no plans except to hit Ahhh Bees for dinner and music.
Did not make the gym today as I drank a little too much the night before and this throw me off the rest of vacation. Oh well, I’ll have to work harder starting next week. Up late and off to breakfast for eggs and fish again.

After breakfast we decided to take a walk north. We pasted Beaches-to many kids and Couples-too rich for our blood. Now I have no problem with all-inclusive as we have done our share but in Negril there is so many cool restaurants and places to see that I would never do one in Negril. I lie I might do Grand Pineapple as it is reasonably priced and won’t feel bad about eating out. We walked all the way thru the little woods and past Sandals and thru a little gate and realized we might have went too far. There are naked people. We hit Hedo. We looked at the little table of crafts and bought a few things but turned around as it is my understanding you can’t enter without removing your clothes. That is just not for us. I was hoping we could have walked to the Pointe Condo to check them out but it seemed you would have to use the road. No shoes so figured that was not a good idea. Just walking thru the woods without shoes was hard.
We headed back and just as we came out the woods we stopped at a little bar/restaurant for a drink. I can’t remember the name but it had awesome Purple Rains. We then stopped by Fireman’s to check out for dinner on Friday.

Once we got back to the Treehouse we took a break and then around 530 we headed to the Cliffs. Now we are new to this and a cabbie in the parking lot got us and took us to the cliff for 4 it was $16 and I know that was more we would have paid at the road but the men couldn’t say no. Anyway, we really liked the driver-JR was his name- and used him a few other time until…. You will have to wait until Sunday report to find out what happened.
Anyway we went to Ahhh Bees because of the great reviews and my husband talked to him at Drifter’s and he told us he was making his mother’s brownie recipe for Thurs and there would be a band. That is how we went here. Problem was he didn’t make the brownies but had someone run somewhere to get some and they were incredible. I guess I should have asked. Anyway, burgers where excellent. I had just a bacon cheeseburger and my husband had some kind of burger with an egg on it. I would really recommend this place. The band was good. Really an enjoyable night. We had the restaurant call JR and back to Treehouse we went for a nightcap and bed.

TIP-Best Purple Rains on the beach at entrance of woods and Marley’s. Don’t walk thru gate at end of beach if you don’t want see naked people or have to take off clothes.

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Originally Posted by madcam94

Thanks so much for sharing. We have rented a scooter and did some exploring on the island on our last trip. We didn't have any problems but then again we were very cautious, it can be indeed quite dangerous. Do you mind sharing how the One Love bus works? It sounds like they pick you up and you travel to the different bars with the bus and its passengers, is that correct? For instance stop 1, you all get off, drink at the bar and then get back on the bus when its time and on to the next bar? That sounds like fun. What was the cost per passenger on the One Love bus? Oh and what is a purple rain, what's in it? Have you seen anyone making flaming Bob Marleys in your adventures?

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The One Love Bus is a pub crawl that takes you to 6-7 local pubs for about 30 min each. There is no cost for the transportation you pay for drinks at bar. Lenbert works on tips. We tipped $20 per couple. It is so much fun. I believe he does the pub crawl 3 days a week and you can email him at bananaznegril@hotmail.com to get a pick-up.

Purple rain taste to me like those smarties candies.

NO flaming Bob Marleys

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Originally Posted by TizzyATX

You'll be back :)

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Tizzy- we will be back. Hoping 2 weeks or 2x next year. We have a ski trip with the kids in March already planned so no more this year. Well maybe Dec. for my BDay if I can convience hubby

1/8 Friday
This was our one and only all day excursion. We headed to Pelican Bar and YS Falls. We had heard/read great reviews on Ashton Pitt and book with him. He charged $180 total for the 4 of us. I’m sorry to all those Ashton lovers but I cannot recommend him. He drove absolutely crazy and we almost asked him to slow down. Passing like crazy and driving fast on bumpy winding roads. It was not called for. I have never been car sick in my life and was starting to get a headache and nausea on the way back. We paid for a private tour and planned to be back at 6 so there was no need to put us in danger to drive that crazy. We knew we had to leave YS falls by 4:00ish to get back in time. He also told a little history of the Island but was not very personable. The van he used was old and seats were so close to the ones in front that we needed to sit in separate rows to stretch legs a little. Literally so close my knees where pushed into the set ahead of me unless I turned sideways. Then I asked him about eating at a road side stand or somewhere called Howie's Healthy Eating that I had heard about and was no good food at YS Falls. Couldn’t even do what we wanted. Sorry was just not someone I would book with again or recommend to others.

Ok about the day. Ashton took us to Pelican Bar first. It was really neat and pretty but we were the only 4 there so kind of boring. We did talk to one young man most the and his story was interesting. Started smoking his dad’s spliffs at 9 and now is a wood craver that sells at Pelican Bar. We did float in water for a while and was gorgeous. After about 45 min we headed back to shore and then on to YS falls. Pelican bar was very nice but once was enough.

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YS falls what a gorgeous place. The us two girls did the Zipline. Somehow we got a price of $35. I’m not sure how that happened as I believe it is $50 but I’m not complaining. It was a lot of fun and better than I thought. Thank goodness I had been exercising prior to this trip or I would never had made it to the top without multiple rests. YS falls has lots of stairs. After the Zipline we had a guide show us all the different areas. I’m not sure if this is required each couple gave him $5 and was kind of nice to have some pictures of the entire group taken. You have to do the swing if you are a swimmer. Lots and Lots of fun. The water is cold and refreshing. After the tour we went and tried to find food as Ashton said some was available but it was hot dogs and salads. Not what we were looking for. We spent a little time in the pools and it was about 2:30 by now and I we were all hunger so we headed up front. There was a small restaurant and we had a snack but knew we didn’t want to eat a bunch as we would be heading to dinner when we got back and cleaned up. So we had festivals and rice and peas. These were excellent and cheap. I think I spend $5 for that and a coke. Plenty for 2. We got change and headed to find Ashton for our ride home we all dreaded.

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Well we made it home safe but with headaches and a little sick to our stomachs. We didn’t want to go to Fireman’s and eat lobster so we went to Sweet Spice instead. Again JR. gave us a ride and was $16 round trip. What a cute little place that had locals and tourist. We had curried goat and BBQ fried chicken. Tried my husbands curried goat and will not be eating that again. Just wasn’t my thing. He was ok with it but said he tried it and will not again. The BBQ chicken was excellent. The ice tea was gross. All and All a good meal and a good price.

Back for a nightcap and bed by 10.

TIP: Shoes are a must at Pelican Bar and YS falls. To many chances to slice your foot open. If you have a private driver make your wants known and don’t let them dictate.

Very nice candid trip report. We're coming up on trip 15 and still haven't done the Pelican Bar and you report mentions our biggest problem about that trip: 45 minute to maybe 1.5 hours sounds like the longest it would be cool but that's a long/expensive ride there and back and we've done all the other things like Black River, Appleton Estates and YS Falls

I am so enjoying your report - oh the wonders and pitfalls of Jamaica... but it sure gets under your skin.

good to see a honest review of the driver . . .
i would definitely have told him to stop and drive appropriately . . .
after all, you are the customer . . .
that's exactly what happened to me about 15 years ago, was so disappointed, that's what pushed me to drive myself . . .
it's just the last trip that i reluctantly went with linston and was pleasantly surprised! he was a great driver and would definitely use him again.

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Originally Posted by Georgia

I am so enjoying your report - oh the wonders and pitfalls of Jamaica... but it sure gets under your skin.

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Georgia- I agree I am already thinking about another trip

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Originally Posted by Homebrewer

Very nice candid trip report. We're coming up on trip 15 and still haven't done the Pelican Bar and you report mentions our biggest problem about that trip: 45 minute to maybe 1.5 hours sounds like the longest it would be cool but that's a long/expensive ride there and back and we've done all the other things like Black River, Appleton Estates and YS Falls

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Homebrewer- I agree a long ride. There are many things I would maybe want to see but the drive is always so long and takes the whole day away. I wish there were more things closer.

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Originally Posted by JitterBug

good to see a honest review of the driver . . .
i would definitely have told him to stop and drive appropriately . . .
after all, you are the customer . . .
that's exactly what happened to me about 15 years ago, was so disappointed, that's what pushed me to drive myself . . .
it's just the last trip that i reluctantly went with linston and was pleasantly surprised! he was a great driver and would definitely use him again.

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Living in the county and not driving in a big city much I don't think I could handle driving in Jamaica. I would be a nervous wreck. Don't get me wrong all the drivers we had did drive wonderful this one was terrible though.

You do NOT have to take your clothes off at Hedonism. As you entered on the Sandals side you would be on the clothing optional beach side.

Greg- can you walk thru to get to the other side or will they stop you?

I also want to report that Ashton must read reviews here or on TA but either way I received an email with his apologies. It doesn't change the experience but it does change my respect level for him. Very important in my book to acknowledged and apologize and not get defensive. Means a lot.

1/9 Saturday
This is usually when on vacation I start thinking about the few days that I have left. Only 3 full days left. So we knew that the rest of the trip would be relaxation days.
After a talk with Jr. (taxi driver) the night before my husband decides he would like to get a haircut and shave. So after breakfast the boys go off to see the barber and the girls start walking the beach. We walk all the way past Traveller and on the way back it is a stop at Yellowbird for dirty bananas. I have to say they have the best priced on the beach and they are pretty darn good to. The rest of the day is spend doing nothing and I mean nothing. Floating and laying in the sun. The Boys are back when we return from our walk and have nice haircuts and clean shaves for $10.

For lunch we share a plate of jerk chicken from Movie Star Chef and back to lounging.
Tonight Treehouse has a social for all the guests from 5-6 with apps, drinks and a band. It was really nice and right at 6pm Jr. is there to take us to Fireman’s. Cost us $16 round trip.
Fireman’s is awesome. We arrive and someone swims out to the cage and pulls it in to pick our own lobsters. My husband and I share a huge lobster and shrimp plate. The lobster tastes so wonderful and is beautifully presented on the plate along with grilled veggies and rice and peas. This is definitely a place to return to. I keep thinking about those lobsters.
After returning back to hotel we walk north on the beach a couple of place and found this little bar that was nice and quiet and the dirty bananas were excellent. Can you see a theme of the love of dirty bananas? I like the places that line the glass with chocolate. Just gives a good taste.

Tip: Relaxation is a must the last few day of vacation. Dirty Bananas with chocolate glasses are the best.


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Excellent report. Thanks for sharing.

I was on the West End on Thursday and saw the candlelight (memorial) for the young man that died in the motorcycle crash. Tragic. Just as a taxi driver told us, "the more they die, the stupider they get."

Awesome trip report!!! Thanks for putting the time in.

Do you recall what fireman charges for his tasty treats? I've yet to go there...

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Originally Posted by murph

Awesome trip report!!! Thanks for putting the time in.

Do you recall what fireman charges for his tasty treats? I've yet to go there...

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I Believe it was $25 per pound ours was $35 and shrimp was about $22

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Originally Posted by mjc12771

Greg- can you walk thru to get to the other side or will they stop you?

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In Negril you can walk the entire beach up to the high water mark. Some resorts will not let you onto the resort property past the high water line. You can walk the entire length of the Hedo property, but there is little reason to do so. (Unless you want to see LOTS on naked people on the nude beach) Just past Hedo is Point Village and their beach isn't great and just past that the beach stops at Rutland Point. There is no way to walk around Rutland Point.

Rutland Point is the dividing line between Long Bay and Bloody Bay. The combination of the two makes up 7 mile beach.

BTW.....if you do walk all the way to Rutland Point, the nude beach guests at Hedo will yell at you that you have to be naked. The guard might even tell you to get undressed if you stop walking, but you have a legal right to walk the entire beach line and do NOT have to get undressed. :)