Kink in the Caribbean is by now a well known fetish event worldwide. How could it not be? I mean, it's a decadent play party for all fetish tastes where like minded people gather together under the tropical sun to have a week of extravagant fun! This is not a pitch from me to you: this is how it is, for real.

For the first time on the LAIR, we present to you a special interview that I did with KINK creator Robert Fluty. I had the chance to meet Robert a few times in the past, most notably at the Rubber Ball and at Kink 3. It seems he's always easy to spot: he's the guy with a big smile on his face enjoying the parties. Sure it might help that he's always accompanied by astonishing women, often dominas that glow with power...
Over time through our meetings, it's become obvious to me that Robert is essentially a playful kid in a man's body looking to enjoy the most out of the rollercoaster of life. But don't mistake for a second his light-hearted attitude for imaturity! Robert Fluty is a man driven by an endless pool of creativity and ambition, and what I believe to be one of his most charming aspect: his love of being with people. Add to that a strong interest for all that is kinky, and you get a rough sketch of who Robert Fluty is and what accomplishments he is capable of.

In this interview, Robert tells us in details about how he got to organize one of the biggest fetish event worldwide. He gives us some insight on what's actually happening at the event and what to expect during play parties, plus a quick tour of the shows and fetish celebrities to attend Kink 5. Plus, he answers in details some of the essential questions anyonw would have abuot an event as intense as KINK, such as food, dressing up, toys and sex.

Please welcome to the LAIR Mr. Robert Fluty:

MARTIN: Robert, welcome to the LAIR and on behalf of Bianca and our visitors, thanks for giving us this interview. Let's start with the beginning of KINK: Who came up with the idea of creating a fetish event in a sunny destination resort and how did you achieve it? And How did KINK come to be hosted at the Hedonism III in Jamaica?

ROBERT: Going back about 6-7 years ago when I was still accepting Art Direction projects, I was asked to design/produce a calendar for a NY-based swim suit manufacturer. Upon researching several tropical locations and resorts, Hedonism II in Jamaica proved to be the most willing to work with me. They eagerly offered me Free accomodations for my entire staff of models and production crew, all in exchange for simply bringing down a dozen beautiful women to run around the resort all week, I suppose to pose as “eye candy” for resort guests. As such, it was a fairly easy decision to work with Hedonism II. LOL. Honestly. I did not choose Hedonism because of it’s wild reputation, and frankly didn’t know very much about the resort at all until I actually arrived on site.

With the prospect of being surrounded by a dozen gorgeous women and tropical settings, I decided to pack my own camera and an extra suitcase full of colorful, latex clothing, hoping in my spare time to coerce a few of the ladies to model the outfits, so I could indulge my own voyeuristic pleasures. Much to my surprise, many of the models had no objections to wearing the clothing and in fact many of them absolutely loved it. They enjoyed the clothing so much in fact, that many asked to borrow outfits to wear during the evening around the resort...for dinner, at the disco, etc. Suffice to say, the fashions drew a lot of attention from resort guests...and Management.

One afternoon, the resort’s Entertainment Director inquired about the fetish clothing and asked if I could put on an impromptu fashion show for the guests. Seeing’s how the resort had been so generous to us, how could I say no? So, I threw together all the clothing I had, got everyone fitted, worked out some music, and the next evening we put on a 15 minute fetish fashion show. Suffice to say, the crowd, mostly comprised of nudists and swingers, went crazy over the show.

The show received such a great response, that the resort asked if I would come back in a few months and put on an even bigger show, suggesting that I perhaps mix in some erotioc performances, etc. Again, they offered to accomodate myself and two dozen of my kinkiest friends, performers, strippers, and dominatrixes for an entire week! Just for putting on a 1-1/2 hour stage show!!! How could I possibly say no? LOL. These shows were undoubtedly the first fetish specific shows ever brought to the island of Jamaica. While relatively tame by our standards, they created quite a stir and made front page headlines in many Jamaican newspapers. The shows were considered quite controversial -- even for a resort with Hedonism’s reputation. I’ll never forget after we did our first SM show, the very next morning a dozen swingers and nudists left the resort, complaining they were disgusted by a woman “scalding” herself with hot candle wax! Can you believe that? So maybe a dozen people checked out, but the other 500 or so guests were glued to their seats the entire show. So, I was asked back several more times over the next two years.

It was during those times we went to perform for the resort, that I noticed how incredibly accepting and open minded the guests -- and management - were to us. I mean we were all perverts by nature, so we did some pretty wild things in public. It wasn’t uncommon to see one of us bound to a palm tree, or being flogged on the beach, or floating in the pool in a body bag. LOL. And nobody really seemed to care very much. I mean people would just sort of casually walk by, stop to watch for a moment or two, and then just continue on their way. It was too good to be true! That’s when I had an epiphany! I imagined what it might be like if I could somehow bring several hundred fetish and bdsm people to the resort all at the same time. It would be absolutely amazing, like the movie Exit To Eden. I remember, spending the afternoon jotting down notes on cocktail napkins, coming up with various names for the event, ideas for activities, etc.

When I returned home, I typed up a formal proposal and presented it to the resort. But to my dissappointment, they were not ready to let several hundred “perves” loose on the resort. I suppose a couple of dozen of us was manageable, but several hundred? My “dream” evidently was their nightmare, and as such the proposal was shelved for nearly two years. And then one day, I was contacted by the resort and told that they were opening their newest resort, Hedonism 3 on the other side of the island, and they wanted it to be the most decadent, cutting edge resort in the world. As such, they dusted off my proposal and gave me the go ahead to launch my first full blown event. The resort thought it would be a resounding success if I could draw 60 people the first time around. I surpassed all expectations, including my own, and had 175 attendees from all over the world for the first Kink In The Caribbean event. I suppose one would say the rest is history. :)

MARTIN: How would you describe the Kink In The Caribbean experience to our visitors who are curious about such an original and unconventional event?

ROBERT: Kink In The Caribean is very intense and yet very lay back at the same time. By intense, I mean it’s seven non-stop days and nights of high-energy partying, playing, socializing, dancing, drinking, etc. We have different theme parties every night -- i.e., our “Apocalypso Now” Tribal Beach Party, our “Tokyo Decadence” Asian-themed party, our “Story of H2O” Fetish Pool Party, as well as interractive scene auctions, fashion shows, workshops and demos, vendor shopping, on-site dungeon, etc. Some people say after Kink, you need a vacation to recover from the vacation. LOL. And by “lay back”, I mean that you can do as much or as little as you wish to do. There’s no pressure to do anything if you choose not to. You can lie around the beach all day, soak in a hot tub at night, take advantage of all the recreational and water sports activities offered by the resort, enjoy great meals at three on-site restaurants, enjoy 24/7 bar drinks, etc. And it’s all included in the one up front price. It’s a great concept...you never have to spend a dime once you arrive on premises. Tipping isn’t even allowed at Hedonism 3.

MARTIN: To what do you attribute KINK's growing success?

ROBERT: I think Peter Czernich of Marquis said it best when he called Kink “One of the most unique fetish event in the world”. Truly, there isn’t anything else like it that I am aware of. And I’ve been to most large scale fetish events around the world. Unlike a one night fetish ball, or a 3 day weekend convention, Kink is seven beautiful days...in the same beautiful tropical location, with the same people. As such, you actually have the opportunity to make aquaintances withthat gorgeous blonde in the catsuit you admired all night on the dancefloor. LOL. What I mean by that is, I find there simply isn’t sufficient time or opportunity to meet people and develop real friendships during typical fetish events. And that’s what makes Kink very, very special. And of course, the people...amazing, beautiful fetishists, Doms, subs, singles and couples -- from all over the world -- getting to know one another, in some cases bonding,. etc., without any attitudes, or false pretenses. Imagine if you will, one of the world’s top Dominatrixes or a renowned stage performer like Dita, Masuimi Max or Persephone...someone you’ve perhaps only seen or admired in some European fetish publication, sitting right alongside of you in cut off shorts, t-shirt and (dare I say it) no makeup, enjoying breakfast, mingling, laughing, etc. It’s real...100% real. You get to know people, not their professional personas. And in most cases, the people that come to Kink are very cool, and worth getting to know. Last year, we had three couple all from London, all typically went to the same London clubs and events, but never actually met each other until they were all at Kink. Amazing, right? Now those couples socialize regularly back home.

MARTIN: What is the dress code during the KINK event? Are there DO's and DON'T's at the resort regarding clothing and is nudity allowed?

ROBERT: I wouldn’t say there is a dress code, per se. As the website states: you can dress up, dress down, or wear nothing at all. During the day, some people indulge their fantasies by wearing fetish in a pool or jacussi, etc., while others simply wear bathing suits, t-shirts, etc. and engage in normal recreational activities (tennis, water skiing, scuba, etc.). At night, when the sun goes down most people break out their fetish gear for dinner, parties, etc. We do have several theme parties with suggested dress codes (i.e., tribal dress, Asian attire, etc), so that comes into play as well. It’s amazing how many people have really gotten into creating costumes for these events. I think deep down, fetishists really like to play dress up, and so the opportunity to get creative beyond typical fetish attire is exciting to them. Those interested in attending should check out our website for themes and recommended dress codes. And then of course for those who dare to bare all, the resort also offers a nude beach, nude pools and jacussis on the “au natural” portion of the resort.

MARTIN: Hedonism III is known to be a swingers resort. How does this apply (or not) to Kink In The Caribbean?

ROBERT: More appropriately put, I think Hedonism III is known as an “Adult Resort”, typically drawing adventurous couples, alternative lifestyle practitioners (i.e, nudists, swingers, etc.), and of course now, the last taboo, fetishists and bdsm enthusiasts. It certainly has a hedonistic reputation, and perhaps no other resort in the world would host an event such as ours. Certainly we have encountered both nudist and swinger groups on site during our event, and it has never been a problem or conflict. Many outside our group thoroughly enjoy watching our pervey fun, and we always have couples introducing themselves to us...many who crossover and dabble in the fetish/bdsm lifestyle as well. Some of our Kink attendees can’t drag themselves away from the swingers and nude beach (one rather large, burly photographer who shall remain nameless come to mind - LOL). I think having nudists, swingers and fetishists on site makes for a very sexually charged and exciting environment. Bear in mind though, that our event is private and exclusive only to Kink In The Caribbean attendees. As such, only our attendees can access our private parties, workshops, dungeon, shsows, etc. So while attendees may strike up friendships with others on the resort, they cannot invite them to our private functions.

MARTIN: Tell us about the people who attend the event: for instance, what is the age average of the attendees and where are people from?

ROBERT: As for age, I would say our attendees average in the mid 30’s and up. Definitely NOT a young, teeney-bopper crowd, mostly due to the price tag associated with the event. Our attendees are about 75% couples, with the remainder evenly divided between single men and women. We have attendees from all over the US and abroad, and I’m happy to say each year we have more and more Europeans joining our event. Last year, we had attendees from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Amsterdam, Ireland, France, UK, Czech Republic, Hong Kong and Brasil. We have some folks who indulge in bdsm activities, as well as intense fetishists who simply prefer to stroll the grounds or lounge in Jacussis in full coverage latex outfits. We have Masters, Mistresses, slaves, cross dressers, etc.

MARTIN: Every year, KINK is featuring the most popular and luscious fetish models and performers. Who can we expect to see at KINK 5 this year, and is it true that we can meet them in person?

ROBERT: During the earlier events, I typically only brought along local, NY-based friends and performers, mostly scene players, and such to put on shows. But as the event grew, I knew I wanted to bring the entertainment to a level comparable to the renowned European fetish balls I had attended. As such, the last few events I have invited some of the community’s most regarded performers and models to participate in our shows. Kink 3, I believe, was my first attempt at bringing a “celebrity” performer to the event, in the way of Dita Von Teese. She was absolutely wonderful, and a huge hit with my attendees. The level of professionalism she brought to the event was wonderful. That was a turning point for me...I knew it was that level of entertainment which I wanted to continue bringing to my event. Last year, we brought in Masuimi Max -- she is one amazing lady. Everyone wanted to take her home with them. LOL.

As for meeting them, yes that is also true. As stated earlier, this is a very intimate and lay back event, with no false pretenses and no attitudes. So everyone gets to meet, hang out and party with EVERYONE! Imagine, eating breakfast while chit chatting with Dita Von Teese...or oil wrestling with Masumi! This kind of thing happens every day at Kink. The same famous people you would typically watch perform from 20 rows back in a theatre, or admire on the pages of a European fetish magazine, are just plain everyday people, mingling, partying, enjoying the weather, activities, etc. It’s glorious.

And as far as Kink5: “Wet Dream”, I believe this will be the most outstanding line up of performers to date. Thus far, we have lined up supermodels Emily Marilyn and Bianca Beauchamp, Rubberella of Gwen Media fame, aerial performer Chain Goddess, a fetishistic Madonna impersonator known as Madomina, Rubber Eva, Bondage shows and classes by Lew Rubens and Maria Shadowes, a host of renowned Dominatrixes, including a couple from The Other World Kingdom in the Czech Republic, fashion shows by Paul C Leather and Whiplash, and of course our returning Master of Ceremonies Paul Nathan. And there are a still several more people we are working on getting.

MARTIN: On your website, we see photos of people playing in pools, sunbathing, playing giant chess under the hot sun, and they are all dressed up in rubber and fetish gear! Do people really dress up under the hot sun every day?

ROBERT: YES, they, or should I say WE do! LOL. Actualy, the average temperature in Jamaica while we are there is in the mid 80’s, so it’s not as sweltering as some people think it to be. Of course, not everyone elects to display their fetish attire during day hours, but many of the hard core European fetishists certainly relish the idea. It’s actually quite comfortable to wear latex in a pool, jacussi or the beautiful Caribbean. It’s a wonderfully decadent feeling to be able to do whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want. At night of course, the outdoor temperatures cool down a bit, and virtually all indoor areas are air conditioned, so it's "No Problem".

MARTIN: On Kink's website, you posted an itinerary for KINK 5's activities including workshops, parties, trips and play time, etc. What can people look forward to this year?

ROBERT: Honestly, the itinerary is far too extensive to go into detail. Suffice to say, each day is non-stop and full of pervey fun. Fashion shows, private theme parties, scene auctions, vendor shopping, workshops, dungeon parties, kinky karaeoke parties, fetish dress boat cruises and excursions, and much, much more.Interested parties should really review our website at www.kinkinthecaribbean.com to get a better idea of the schedule of events.

MARTIN: A question our readers might have on their minds: with all these kinky activities happening, what are the rules on playing in public on the resort grounds? And what are the rules regarding sexual activities?

ROBERT: The play opportunities at Kink are virtually endless. As for outdoor play, the temptations are many and we ask that attendees use discretion and common sense when outwardly displaying their fetish/bdsm interests in public areas. Tasteful, recreational kink (i.e., wearing fetish attire, moderate D/s interraction, spanking, playful bondage, etc) is acceptable behavior just about anywhere on the resort, with the exception of restaurant areas. We do insist however, that more serious activities be taken to our indoor dungeon or their hotel room. If someone wishes to indulge in edge play, we ask that those activities be restricted to their room. We also insist that there be absolutely NO SEX or open bodily fluid play of any kind on public resort property.

During day hours, we suggest that attendees enjoy the beauty and splendor the resort has to offer in the way of sun, sand, surf and unlimited recreational activities. But when the sun goes down...look out!

As for traveling with toys, people need be aware that they are traveling to a foreign country, and will be required to pass through Jamaican immigration and customs. Although security has been heightened worldwide, Jamaican customs is fairly accomodating, and they are familiar with Hedonism’s dubious reputation. So traveling with your favorite bdsm toys is “no problem”. However, we strongly advise that you do not travel with toys which may be misinterpreted as weapons..especially knives.

MARTIN: Some might be interested in leaving the resort to take a day off from all the kinkiness KINK 5 has to offer! What can they do outside the resort?

ROBERT: Usually we keep one day open in our itinerary as a free day for attendees to do just that -- enjoy some of the tourist attractions and activities outside the resort, which by the way, are too numerous to mention. Some of my personal favorites are visiting Jamaica’s #1 tourist attraction Dunn’s River Falls, horseback riding on the beach, swimming with Dolphins, white water tubing through the mountains, helicopter tours, mountain biking, shopping in the local village, and more. You can even take an overnight excursion to Cuba. All of these tours and excursions can be easily arranged through the resort.

MARTIN: It's a known fact: when people travel, they're always curious about what they are going to eat. What is the food like at the resort?

ROBERT: The resort offers four sumptuous buffets each day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and a midnight snack attack. The buffets always include a diverse selection of meats, fish, poultry, pastas, vegetables, salads and more. Some evenings they serve a lobster dinner on the beach. In addition to the buffets there is an Italian and Japanese restaurant on site, by reservation only. There’s also the Scotch Bonnet restaurant which serves burgers, sandwiches, salads anad local favorites like Jerk Chicken. Lastly, teher’s a grill ata the nude beach. You’ll never go hungry at Hedonism 3. And as far as drinks and cocktails, there are four bars open virtually 24/7. And the best thing is you can eat and drink as much as you like, as often as you like. Because it’s all included in the one up front price.

MARTIN: People who have attended the event know that Kink In The Caribbean is a unique experience. For someone who has never attended the event though, the price may seem a bit steep. What could you tell them about it?

ROBERT: Honestly, most people who vacation frequently realize that the price is quite attractive. IF one considers that all your ground transfers, meals, unlimited bar drinks, all recreational activities, all shows and entertainment PLUS the entire 7 day Kink In The Caribbean itinerary are included in the one, up front price, you realize it’s not very expensive at all. And, tipping isn’t even allowed on the resort. So once you have arrived you virtually do not have to spend a cent. I recently traveled to an event in Las Vegas and let me tell you, I easily spent $150.00 a day on alcolholic drinks alone. Breakfast, lunch and dinner for two people really adds up. And shows, entertainment, the cost of the convention, not to mention the cost of the hotel itself. I easily spent over $2000.00 for a three day weekend. If one goes to a large scale fetish event in Europe, say an expensive city like London, I know from experience that if you stay in a reasonably nice hotel, have three meals a day, drink, go to events, perhaps a local show, etc., four days can easily cost you more than seven at Kink In The Caribbean.

... ...

...