How the AI resort was started in Jamaica.

[lisapat]

WHOA!!!! that IS a revelation, Muck. Ever since we decided to actually visit Negril, instead of just staying at Couples Negril, I've lost touch with the happenings of Couples except for an occasional visit to their site...That's a biggie that they are not only going to expand to another island, but one so far away....there was talk for years that the next Couples property was going to be a possible "Couples Trelawny"..making it the 5th Couples on the island..but I guess it never took shape. This is news....

[poolguywindsor]

From what I read Hedonism II was sold and appears that is the case as the website is not affiliated any more.

[Face Down]

Superclubs is down to 5 properties....4 in Jamaica and one in the Bahamas. As another poster stated the Breezes/Couples deal fell through and for the time being will remain. Hedonism II is sold pending the completion of the deal which is rumored to be by the end of this month. The Issa family is going to keep a small stake in the resort as well as Kevin Levee who has been the General Manager of Hedo II (and Hedo III) for many years. 10 Million Dollars (US) is going to be put into the old girl for some much needed renovations. Here is the press release dates 11/7/12.

HEDONISM II IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR GROUP

Company to be owned by Harry Williams, Jon Gross, John Issa Family and Kevin Levee

NEGRIL, JAMAICA November 7, 2012 – SuperClubs Chairman, John Issa, announced today that he is in negotiations to sell Hedonism II to Marshmallow Ltd a new company headed by majority stockholder Harry Williams and including Jon Gross of UnWind Travel (Fluffernutters), the John Issa Family and Kevin Levee.

The group has said that upon conclusion of a deal, there will be a smooth transition of ownership with no interruption to service. All reservations and tour operator contracts will be honoured and the property will not be rebranded and will continue to deliver and enhance the Hedonism Holiday.

Harry Williams expressed his excitement, “Hedonism II is John Issa’s legacy, the concept, formation and operation has so much of him in it. It has been a long-term goal of mine to own the resort and to invest the funds needed to enhance its facilities to even higher standards. We are proud that he has chosen to consider us to continue to innovate, modernize and maintain Hedonism II as the leading resort in our industry.”

“This ownership group is ideal and should calm any fears that Hedonists have had about their beloved resort falling into hands that have no understanding or experience in this market,” said Jon Gross, CEO of Marshmallow Ltd.

John Issa added, “Hedonism II is the ultimate gem in its market, not only is the location on the seven-mile Beach in Negril ideal but it is the storied resort that all its competitors attempt to live up to. It is an important part of my contribution to tourism and I am happy to be in discussions for it to be preserved for many years to come by people that hold it as dear to their hearts as I do.”

Kevin Levee, a 28-year employee of SuperClubs and the current General Manager of the resort added, “our first goal is to bring the operation of the resort back to 100% and to this end we are immediately investing in many of the facilities”.

Marshmallow Ltd has a US$10 million renovation plan including room renovations, which will begin immediately on completion.

Sitting on 22 acres on Negril’s scenic seven-mile beach amid ocean views and white sand beaches, Hedonism II has 280 beach- and garden-view rooms plus 12 suites with private Jacuzzis and terraces for intimate time alone. From a wide array of Super-Inclusive water and land sports to the late night Hurricanes club, nightly themed parties and five bars,

[poolguywindsor]

OK thats what I thought, this is good news for all those that love this place as it was in desperate need of a refresh. I stayed there back in about 93 and always wanted to spend a couple nights there just to refresh some of them long ago memories.

[Flipadelphia26]

PGW. Werw you cruising the beach balls out?

[takinitslow]

Damn 29 wow those were the days.

[Bnewb]

For the history buffs...
Frenchman's Cove located in Port Antonio and built in the 1960's is considered to be the first All Inclusive resort in the world.

[since75]

Hey Dave,

Coconut Grove was the name of the resort which in now Sandals. The original buildings are the on side near Hedo.

[groove16]

hey flipadelphia, yall decided where u r staying on the beach yet?

[poolguywindsor]

Ok, got it thought maybe the beach used to look like Punta cana.