Check in:
We were greeted at the front door by hotel staff who handed us each an excellent drink called a "Red Candle". Not sure what was in it but it was really good. Since we were both nervous about our first visit it helped calm the nerves a little. (The ride to the resort was very interesting, our van contained people going to other resorts including a family, things got quiet when we turned into the Desire entrance).
After checking in, we were guided to the next desk and introduced to the concierge. She went over many of the features of the resort and explained how things worked. Her main purpose however was to get us signed up for the Timeshare sales pitch. She handed us a book of "coupons" that were free for us to use as long as we attended the pitch. The coupons were pretty good- 2 free beach beds days, free room-service, big discount on massages and other discounts. We did attend the pitch one morning, took an hour and the full share is $40,000 which only gets you a 20% discount on future stays. Not sure what the appeal is? We were next handed over to our "butler", Rafael who took us to our room. We stayed in 1201 which is a Jacuzzi suite very near the pool and at the foot of the hot tub stairs. Very convenient but the hot tub pumps were noisy. The Room:
Our room was really nice. Very large and looks just like the pictures on the website. Bed was comfortable and large. Fridge was stocked with sodas, water and beer. (drink lots of BOTTLED water). Jacuzzi was huge but we never used it. Vanity was large and well lit, perfect for my wife's makeup and hair products (and my toothbrush). Main complaint about the bathroom was the shower, it was very small. Also there was no place to set shampoo, soap, etc. The shower also leaked around the glass door which left a puddle on the floor.
Housekeeping:
Housekeeper was great. She generally cleaned the room about 3pm. We didn't have to worry about being disturbed late morning by housekeeping. She changed the sheets and gave us new towels every day. Room always smelled fresh and clean when she left. Rafael kept the fridge stocked with beverages and always stopped by our room around 6pm to check on us. Also a housekeeper brought a bottle of champagne on ice and a small plated snack (cheese assortment, fruit or mini sandwiches every evening around 6).
Food:
Overall the food was pretty good. We didn't really enjoy the Asian restaurant- but we always did table service, not the hibachi table which is more our style. The service and the food in Sahlo was excellent. Very sexy atmosphere: there were sexy pictures on the wall and several large tv screens that played a lingerie video shoot video on a loop. Tetazione was open the first 2 days we were there but then it was closed for maintenance the rest of our stay. Dining outside next to the pool was nice so we were disappointed when it closed. We ate all breakfasts and lunches in El Arrefice which was very good. We had one dinner there "steak night" which was OK but not great but what do you expect from a buffet? Service in all restaurants was great.
Night Life/Night Club:
We really enjoyed all the evening activities. Most people- male and female dressed for the themes. Many dressed elegantly for dinner and then changed into theme wear after dinner. DJ in the nightclub was really good. He played mostly American music with some Latin beats mixed in. Bartenders were very quick. The nightclub is really nice and has plenty of room and places to relax. Theme nights were fun and most people participated by dressing up. Every night started with a sexy act from nearly nude models/strippers which really set the mood. Foam night was a blast (even though we were dreading it, boy were we wrong).
Play Room:
We went to the playroom late one night after most people had left. There were a 2 couples still in there. The area was nice. We found a secluded corner and had sex while another couple watched. A third couple was at the far end really going at it. A few others came and went. No one bothered us or tried to join in.
Pool Area:
Pool area is very nice. Pool is COLD! Not sure why they don’t heat it. Most people are fully nude at the pool. We aren't nudists but my wife went topless on day two and we were both fully nude by the end of the week. You actually feel awkward if you are wearing a suit so it’s more comfortable to say “screw it” and drop the drawers. Reserving chairs is easy, just stop at the towel hut and ask for two chairs, the little guy there will take you to unoccupied chairs and get you set up. (our first day we just sat down, which ended up being someone else’s chairs- awkward).
Swingers:
We weren’t swingers when we arrived and we still aren't. We weren't directly propositioned but everyone was really friendly. We never felt uncomfortable or out of place. There were situations where we could have taken things to another level but there was never an expectation from anyone. The whole atmosphere was very sensual and swingers are some of the friendliest people we’ve ever encountered.
Hot Tub:
We never went to the hot tub. From what we heard there was a lot of crazy stuff going on up there, but we enjoy each other and just didn’t feel the need to go up there. We heard there were days when you couldn’t even move there were so many people in the hot tub. We just weren’t ready to go that far on our first trip. If we go back I’m sure we’ll make the long trip up those stairs- the climb is pretty intimidating looking from the bottom of the stairs, knowing what is at the top.
Our Typical Day
We generally slept in until 9 or 10 am (late nights, don’t judge!). (sex) We’d grab breakfast in El Arrifce and then stop at the towel hut to reserve some pool chairs. We’d spend a few hours at the pool, naked and chatting with chair neighbors. Head back to the room to grab a cover-up (sex) and back to El Arrifce for lunch. After lunch either back to the pool or to a beach bed for few more hours. Servers checked on us regularly for drinks. Late afternoon/early evening we’d usually head back to the room for a little nap (sex). (This is when people usually went to the hot tub). Freshen up, dress up, and then head over to the lobby bar for drinks. Around 8pm we’d grab dinner. After dinner back to the room to change into theme night clothes (sex). Back to the lobby bar for drinks and then head up to the nightclub for the entertainment at 10pm. Dancing until whenever and then (sex) bed. Repeat.
That’s my trip report. Sorry so long. I’ll try and have my wife post soon.
