Preface - We've been to several clothing optional resorts in Jamaica and Mexico before (Hidden Beach, for example), and were looking for a more lively atmosphere while still maintaining some upper level food and property standards. After hearing that HEDO has fallen off and being at the very nice but serene HBR, we decided to give DRM a try. We arrived on 5/28 and stayed through 6/2 of 2013
Location – Being so close to the airport (about 15 minutes by shuttle) was MUCH more convenient than Hidden Beach (about 75 minutes). The last thing you want is to spend hours on a plane, then have to wait even more on the highway. a SUPER plus for DRM.
Staff / Service – Our concierge(s) Jorge and Rafael could not have been more accommodating, as was everyone from the minute we checked in to the minute we left. Africa was the star of the beverage crew - but they were all spectacular by the pool each day. The activities staff were very good, though the men (Hector and Black Magic) were a decent amount more enthusiastic than were the young ladies. The girls were nice enough, but seemed a bit too reserved for what is needed in that area. This might be a function of their relative newness at DRM, so we'll have to wait and see. The shows at night (both outside and in the Disco) were top shelf.
Room – We stayed in a Passion Suite, which was appointed very well and super convenient to the entire property. We saw a couple of other rooms and would say that the money for a Passion Suite is probably not necessary, since many other rooms have great views, etc. Additionally, our room had microscopic red ants on the area around the Jacuzzi tub and bathroom sink. I'm not sure if this is because we were so close to the water, but the staff said it happens occasionally and told us they would spray to get rid of them. The spray didn't work, which was unfortunate. We still liked the room, but hope this doesn't happen again. On the last day/night, there was torrential rain which basically flooded part of the room. Again, the staff brought towels and did their best, but it was a losing battle. We're probably going to opt for an ocean view room next time. If we want a hot tub, we know where to go
.Cleanliness – The resort was kept very, very well in all common areas. Each morning the entire property looked brand new again, and there were always staff members attending to trash and empty glasses, etc.
Layout – Everything is close to everything. 3 minutes walk will basically take you across the entire resort, so room location shouldn't be a real consideration in your stay. DRM is a very cozy place (just over 100 rooms). The restaurants are grouped together, very easy to find, and after one day you'll feel like an expert.
Shower/Bath/Bathroom – Nice water pressure, very friendly bathroom fixtures (read : comfy toilet), and big mirrors. The only negative would be the need for e second sink, but no biggie there.
Noise – For as lively as things get, the resort was quite peaceful, and if you want(ed) a private place to be romantic, it was always available.
Linens – Comfortable sheets and very nice pillows...lots of pillows.
Furniture – We had enough drawer space, but several people we met said that some of the rooms are severely lacking in this area.
Room Extras – There is liquor in the room, but since the small cube refrigerator can't hold it, all you get are a couple of cordial bottles and a couple of beers. By comparison, Hidden Beach had 4-5 full bottles of various brands and a dozen assorted beers replenished each day. On the other hand, if you came to Desire to drink in your room, you may have missed the point altogether.
Closet Space - The hanging up area was large, and would be enough for just about anyone for a week's stay.
Lighting – Plenty of lighting in the rooms, along the paths, and in all common areas. On the other hand, the beach beds at night had less light, which is exactly as it should be for whatever you'd like to do down there, and down there...
Beach – Ocean views were beautiful. The (public) beach is medium sized, and there are clothed people walking back and forth from the neighboring resorts throughout the day and night. DRM security are ALWAYS there to make sure the neighbors keep walking (as opposed to the gawkers, of which there were a few), so that's not a problem. It would be nice to have a private beach, but in Mexico all beaches are public. The sand was fine and the water was warm enough for May.
Check In – Quick and easy. PUT THE BRACELET AROUND YOUR ANKLE! Trust me on this one. It's scratchy and annoying otherwise. The staff are attentive, courteous and ready to help.
Wi-Fi - Really only works in the lobby. Horrible or non-existent everywhere else. They should really fix this.
Food - Very good selection, very good quality. Nowhere would I rate the food a 10, but never lower than a 7. The breakfast buffet is diverse and tasty. The afternoon pool food is probably the best variety and of very good quality. The Italian restaurant is Carrabas-level...pretty good, not great. The Japanese restaurant is tasty, but the selections were a little limited. Room service was ok, with a small but tasty menu. The guacamole and salsa were GREAT everywhere in the resort. Pizza by the lobby is as good as everyone says...A MUST. IMPORTANT! YOU MUST WEAR PANTS IN THE RESTAURANTS! NO SHORTS ALLOWED! Jeans are ok, but NO SHORTS.
Roof Hot Tub – Ok, now for the only parts people really care about. The hot tub is open pretty much all day, but only really gets a crowd of any size later in the afternoon when things at the pool die down, or late, late at night after the disco closes. This can also mean some very nice private time for couples either in the tub (which holds 40-45 comfortably, and 70 or so if you want to really meet people quickly
. There is a bar up there, which is a little limited in selection and doesn't seem to attract the "A" team of bartenders, but it still works ok. There are 7 (maybe 
"beds" around the perimeter of the hot tub deck, and about 8 chaise lounges. YES, people will be romantic in front of you up there on those beds and chairs, and YES - you may see people having sex right next to you on them (with the occasional 4-way, etc.). YES, people are engaging in intercourse IN the hot tub and there is more than enough oral sex going on to satisfy any curiosity you might have. There are also people laughing, joking, having fun, meeting new friends, etc. It's not an orgy or a screwfest, per se - just a very casual and erotic atmosphere which really defines the entire DRM vibe/experience. The hot tub is awesome. If you head there the minute you arrive at DRM, you'll know exactly where you are, and what goes on.Disco - GREAT music, they take requests, too. Enough of a mix of Latin, club, salsa, hip hop to satisfy what amounts to a VERY international clientele. The bar is very well stocked and attended, and there's a pole for those inclined to be inclined. There are plenty of easily accessible bathrooms and the place is very, very clean. Behind the bar on the left side is the "play" room, or "sin" room. There are about 10 circular, vinyl covered "beds" for you to use in whatever way you and your partner(s) wish. Think live pornography, and you'll have a picture. Whatever you'd imagine in a Caligula-type setting, it's there. That being said, if you want to go in there with your partner for a 1-on-1 experience, that happens a lot, too. Nobody will bother you, and if someone does put a gentle hand on you (or your partner) and you don't want to play, just gently nudge it away. No harm, no foul.
Swinging - My wife and I are not swingers, but like to be adventurous and see/try new things. We had all the same questions people look for answers to when they read these chats/forums. The answer is pretty simple : You'll get and do and experience as much or as little as you want. Nobody ever pressures anyone, and I never heard of it happening, either. We met close to 100 different people while we were are DRM, and got to know every manner of guest from completely couple-centric and romantic to hard core swingers that were looking for an orgy anywhere they could find it. Everyone in every group was completely welcoming and friendly, offering advice on restaurants, etc. all the time. It was enlightening and entertaining to hear about and see people whose "lifestyle" (pardon the pun) is different from your own. We hope we get to see many, many of them again.
Nudity - This is a nudist resort. You can go completely covered if you wish, but you'll probably feel a little out of place. Some women (naturally) wear bottoms for various reasons, but nobody ever questions anybody. On the other hand, most people are nude at the beach, pool and hot tub...clothed everywhere else. You can be scantily clothed, in wraps, sarongs, etc. - but 99% of people were clothed in all areas other than those. If you've never been to a nudist resort before, I'll tell you the standard line. Yes, there will be people there who like they were peeled from the pages of Playboy or GQ...which accounts for about 7% of the guests. The other 93% look like people you'd see at Target or a ball game...regular ol' folk without any clothes on. I witnessed a woman in the hot tub giving her husband one of the most enthusiastic and professional looking blow jobs you could imagine, and she was at least late 50's - could have passed for a Sunday School teacher or head of the quilting society. Great stuff.
Overall - A solid 8.5, trending towards 9 for the limited number of options such as this in the travel universe. We will definitely be back as soon as possible, and look forward to meeting new friends and seeing established ones. Remember to bring as many $5 bills (or singles, which take up much more room) as you can. Tipping is really the way to go to show your appreciation. When you're spending this much money, another couple of hundred $$ for great service should be the norm. The service was almost universally excellent.
Theme Nights - Women, dress to your best! Sexy outfits were abundant, creative, and VERY VERY hot! Men...did nothing. 99% just wore jeans/shorts and a shirt. Sort of lame, but nobody is looking at us, anyway
.SIDE NOTE(s) - We did the couples erotic massage, which was excellent. We also went to Claudia for a couples massage, which you MUST DO. She's a delightful lady and amazing at what she does.
I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone has. Just message me or whatever people do on this forum (I'm not the most tech savvy guy).
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See you in the sun!
