Hi all. Just love the content on here, so wanted to report a few things we found on this, our 6th trip to Desire RM. It's truly our 2nd home, as we spend 14-21 nights a year here and like so many, we keep coming back for the absolute amazing service, as well as the freedom to just let go from the world for a few days at a time. One of the very best parts of our trip is leaving phones in the room for the day and unplugging for the week.
Rather than give a blow by blow (ha, sorry), just a few observations:
1. The new (for us) wristband room entry system is a game changer. No longer having to worry about where to keep a key is huge. It's on your wrist! We were last there in July and that wasn't a thing yet. Kinda sad we don't get to keep the wristbands any longer, as we have all the others, but in the scheme of things, not a big deal at all compared to the benefit.
2. Didn't see as many beach beds in front of the rooms as we had been used to. It seems like more beds were up near the volleyball court / behind the pool. The Villas now have their own dedicated larger beach beds with the room numbers on the 'headboard'. Then, the next 4 sets of beds (and only others we saw besides the ones by the pool) were down past CC's bar. We did manage to grab a bed twice in the afternoon, but found most to be taken a majority of the time.
3. Didn't see CC at her bar all week. She was there, but seemingly working in the restaurant area. I hope that's temporary. The bar is still amazing, but just not the same without our CC.
4. Service remains impeccable. Saw our favorite buffet server, Celso, and after having him take care of us a bunch last trip, he asked that we come see him one night and 'he would take care of us'. Ok...we sit down and he brings us out homemade sangria and salads to start. Then, a platter of seafood, which he knows we love. Salmon, white fish, calamari and steak. It was so unexpected and so delicious. Of course, finished with some personalized desserts and a cold coffee / liquor 43 drink. We were touched beyond belief. Amazing at how you get to know these wonderful folks- seemingly can't do enough for you.
5. Sounds like Candido was let go from the Butler rotation. He was missed, but G, Rafeal, Alfredo took great care of us.
6. Covid was prevalent throughout the trip. One of our very close friends tested positive the day of testing. They were allowed to stay in their room, but since only one was positive, they decided to go off-site to separate. Apparently, women can stay at the resort if sick, alone, but guys can't. Did not know that. We also had another friend test positive. Both were very mild cases. One made it home in two days and the other made it home the very next day after going to the airport and testing there. Not sure how all that happens, so just saying what I know is true.
7. The test itself has moved slightly to another building / location. There was a massive amount of tip money on the end of the desk (several hundred showing). Test was barely a tickle in the nose, for what it's worth. We had emailed results in no time. We did show the results at the SWA check-in counter. I really don't think they looked at it closely other than to see the negative result.
8. Hot tub was absolutely packed every afternoon. So much so we declined to get in (and that's fine- not really our thing at that time anyway). We much prefer showing off on the beds and we were able to do that most every afternoon. Only had the occasional bed thief (put your shoes under the bed and walk to the tub). Lots of fun action most days.
9. Disco was hoppin' most every night except on Monday (was rather quiet that night). Themes were fun and we especially liked the Fetish and Cowgirl night. Entertainment was as lovely as ever and the bands this time were really good. Playroom was FUN!!
10. Only pet peeve and it has nothing to do with Desire. Been there 3x now with this same couple being there same time as us. We don't know them, but they're recognizable by their oversized, over-the shoulder speaker they insist on bringing to the tub every day, blasting their music. I sound like grumpy old guy....just amazed how some folks DGAF about anyone else. Enough of that.
11. Headed back in early June.