Airport
- We really like the new terminal, much larger and modern. We flew American Airlines. Our flight was non eventful. clearing customs wasn't bad considering the crowd. They had most windows open. We still think it is funny that you have to "push the button" even after they have xrayed your bags. We found our transportation and we were off to Desire.
- We were met by Arcos who took our bags for us. We walked into the lobby and were greeted by several couples from the Yahoo group who greeted us with a song. Even thought they were off key, it was a great surprise....great people! We did the pre check in online so our check in was a breeze. They even had the room that we requested and it was ready (1pm). We headed over to the lobby bar for a welcome drink with our friends and then headed to our room to unpack.
- We really like the improvements to the room. Newly painted, new decor, and a dresser with drawers. They also had a cabinet with drawers that contained the fridge. The fridge was stocked daily with 4 bottles of water (used to only be 2), beer and soda. We had few issues with our room. The AC went out one evening but was fixed quickly and there was no hot water for about 15 minutes one evening. The mattress was very comfortable and there were lots of pillows. The house keeper did a great job of cleaning and leaving towel sculptures.
- Beautiful! There has been quite a bit of growth since our last trip. The grounds were kept very neatly. The one drawback was that the growth blocked the partial oceanview we used to have, no biggie.
- The best we have had at Desire. We really enjoyed the food at all restaurants. We like that they now serve breakfast at the grill by the pool. It was nice to sit outside. They still have all of the options they had inside including the omelets. The lunches at the grill were very good with a wide selection as well. The buffet was very good, we especially liked the Brazilian night. They brought around skewers of didfferent meats just like the brazilian places at home. The meats very very good. We also had them make Mexican coffee one night, it is a great show.We did not eat at Il Picare' (sp?) We personally don't like to waste 2 hours on dinner. We ate at the teppan yaki table at Suki. The food was very good as was the show by the chef. The service at all places was excellent as usual. We also liked that there were managers visible at all restaurants to handle any request
- The bartenders at the lobby bar were awesome! We have a group that meets at the lobby bar each night for a "shot of the night". They didn't hesitate to line up 10-16 shot glasses and make special creations that were requested. They would also make their own for us to try. They take pride in doing their best. Carlos and Elier took great care of us all! We also found it special that all the bartenders at the lobby bar and disco remembered what we were drinking. We would have our favorite drinks presented to us as we arrived before we could even order. Service like that sure makes you feel special. We also like their alcohol selection....lots of "better" brands. We are vodka drinkers and liked the flovored choices they offered. Silvia (by the pool) and Africa (on the beach) are still great!
- It is much cleaner (less seaweed) with the barriers they put out. The sand was amazing, very soft. The water was very clear though it was a bit chilly for us. There were plenty of beach beds and loungers available for those who wanted them. Africa was great! Always service with a smile. She works her butt off to take care of people.
- The pool area was not very crowded......maybe 1/2 full at best. The pool was cold the first couple of days and no one was in it. The last few days it was heated and very nice. They need to address this issue. If the pool is cold, there will be less activity. There were plenty of loungers...no need to be there at 7am to "claim" one. The jacuzzi was warm and clean and still the gathering place in the late afternoon. Glad to see they have addressed the slick tile issue with indoor/outdoor carpeting.
- We really liked the remodel. It looks very classy and is much more useful than before. There are lots of places for couples to sit or groups to gather and hang out. The circular bar makes getting drinks much easier and the bartenders are very fast and efficient. The dance floor is nice size and the lights are a nice touch. There were a lot of couples dancing each night. The music is much better than the last couple of trips. This kept the couples dancing and kept the energy level high. The outdoor smoker's patio was nice. We don't smoke but we went up there to watch the pre-disco lobby entertainment.
- What can we say, what a great group of people! We met many fun couples from all over the world. We had so many fun times this trip! I think being part of a yahoo group makes meeting people a breeze. It was like we "knew" so many couples before we actually met them. There were many people who made our trip special. The couples ranged from "newbies" to desire veterans of 15+ trips..... From mid 20's to mid 50's....from the US, Canada (M&E,G&J,K&S), UK (R&D), France (P&S), N.Dakota (D&C), Wisconsin (M&J), New York (S&E. M&L), Michigan (R&M), N. Carolina (P&L) Iowa, Texas, etc. They were all fun! Our thought is even though this is a lifestyle friendly resort, it is the fun and laughs that are the most important! Thanks to this group we had plenty. We made friends that we will keep in touch with for years to come.We think it is the attitude of the people at Desire that makes the resort what it is.
There was one awkward situation that pissed of a lot of people. One afternoon while we were in the pool, we saw a couple of guys walk by and sit at the pool grill.....they were VERY young 19/20 tops...then a couple of females joined them...same thing, very young. They were fully clothed and sat there for a couple of hours. We asked Silvia what was up...she didn't know but agreed that she thought that they were too young. Later 2 more young males checked in...alone. WTF we were all thinking. This is not right. We heard that they were students from Harvard and were doing research. That's BS! We then heard they were given a free trip in exchange for advertising space in the "Harvard Lampoon" magazine. Whatever the reason, there is no way that 4 guys and 2 girls that young should be @ Desire. One night we were in the jacuzzi and they all walked up...fully clothed. One of the women in our group said "if you're gonna be here, you need to take off your clothes", 4 of them high tailed it downstairs and one couple did so and went into the jacuzzi. I think many people were pissed and complained to management. We think they transferred them to Temptations where they should have been all along.
The occupancy level was only about 50% which was fine for us. No wait for restaurants. We had beach beds whenever we wanted, the disco wasn't overcrowded. I think since there was such a fun group of people there, the fun and energy levels were still high!
- The people we met!!! The service of the staff, the remodeling, The food, Drink service, The disco fun, Pre disco entertainment
- The bugs were BRUTAL !!!! We have had zero bites our first 7 trips, we got eaten alive this one as most people did. they only "fogged" one evening. Letting college kids in, really?? The closed "timeshare" palapa. What a waste of space. Re-open it for more seating & conversation. The pre disco music in the lobby was too loud - couldn't talk with friends.
Glenn & Denise
overreaction to their presence, & really it wasn't a big deal, they were gone the next day & its not like they were leering at everyone while jacking off like the singles at hedo.