Desire RM & Pearl Trip Report Jan 24 - Jan 31, 2015

[shore128]

We spent the week of January 24 splitting our trip between Desire Pearl (1st 4 days) and Desire Riviera Maya (last 3 days). In this review we will offer our opinions comparing the two resorts. This was our 8th trip to RM and 2nd time to Pearl. Our first trip to RM was in April 2007. We went with the usual apprehensions of newbies. We had vacationed at clothing optional resorts many times but never one that was lifestyle oriented (barely knew what that even meant at the time). But by the time that first week was over we were certainly in the lifestyle! It was a crazy but fun week.

Every trip since has been different. We’ve seen many improvements and changes to RM during the last 8 years, mostly for the better. We’ve been with groups and a few times when no large groups were present. In our experience it hasn’t made much of a difference. But we do prefer to be there when the majority of people are in the lifestyle. RM has been at or near full occupancy each time we’ve been.

We did a split trip this time because several couples we have known for years were going to Pearl the same week. We had a great time at Pearl and made many new friends as we always do. It was difficult to leave Pearl mid-week. We had to say a lot of goodbyes. But we were anxious to go back to RM where we’ve had so many good times over the years, and we wanted to see the new swim-up bar, the renovated Tentazione restaurant and the staff we had come to know over the years. And RM did not disappoint.

During this particular week the crowd at Pearl was similar to that at RM in most respects. Roughly the same age range (average age around late 40’s), probably about the same percentage of people in the lifestyle, good energy level, and alot of friendly, fun-loving people at both. Most went nude around the pool, beach and hottubs at both resorts.
We attended the foam party at both resorts. It had just started when we got to Pearl on Saturday. We thought the foam party was a little more fun at RM. More people, closer together, conga lines going on.

Definitely thought the activity staff was better at Pearl with good guest participation and some fun & sexy games such as the sexy darts game. Happy hour at the hottub was fun and lively at both resorts. Some erotic action on the beds at both. A little more PDA in the RM hottub but it wasn’t exactly what we’d call wild. A previous reviewer commented that 90% of people in the RM hottub were having sex during the Friday afternoon happy hour. We were in it from 4:30 to 7:30 that evening and for what its worth we’d put the number at less than 25%, not that we’re counting. The important thing was that it was a good time.

While we think Pearl is a great resort and overall a bit more upscale and nicer in terms of many of the facilities, (particularly the rooms, the pool and hottub as compared to RM), we strongly prefer RM, and that is where our next Desire trip will be. Our opinions may be in the minority on some of this, but these are just our perspectives. We don’t want to sound critical of Pearl, as we’d still rate it a close second to RM and we’ve now had two very good experiences there, but…..

The nightlife. This is the primary reason we prefer RM over Pearl. Really like the layout and the flow of RM, starting with the outdoor lobby and bar. It’s a good place to meet for a drink before dinner, and a great gathering spot afterwards. During our first night at RM, a DJ and sound system were set up at the outside lobby. The DJ played an extensive range of music which got a lot of people dancing. It went on for hours and was really fun. We thought it was the best night of the week. Thankfully the weather cooperated and it was nice being outside.

The addition of high bar tables and chairs was a good idea, as it expands the number of people who can sit at or close to the bar. The new palapa beds were a good addition as well. In comparison, while the expanded lobby at Pearl is very nice, to us it’s still a hotel lobby. The small lobby bar at Pearl just doesn’t cut it for us. Can’t beat the outside bar at RM, particularly for the late night pizzas and blt’s. Pearl’s lobby bar has relatively few people after 12:00 or 1:00am in comparison to RM, which is often busy till 3:00am and later.

We also prefer the nightclub and playroom at RM. They are larger, and in our opinion nicer and more inviting than their counterparts at Pearl. Both resorts were supposedly close to capacity the week we were there and the ages were similar, yet there was more dancing and people stayed in the nightclub longer at RM.
At Pearl most people left shortly after the entertainment segment in the nightclub was over. Not many stayed and danced the 4 nights we were there. We didn’t think it had much to do with the music selection, which was similar at both resorts. We didn’t use the playroom at either resort, but taking a peak inside both several evenings, Pearl’s was generally empty and RM’s was full.

The restaurants. We’d give the edge to RM over Pearl in this category. The owners really did a nice job renovating Aphrodites at Pearl. It’s a great spot for breakfast in particular and the ocean view enhances the experience. We found the service to be excellent at every meal (definitely improved from our first time at Pearl). But at a beach resort we would much prefer eating lunch outside. Thought they made a mistake enclosing the entire restaurant. It’s the first beach resort we’ve been to, and we’ve been to quite a few, where there isn’t a single, open air restaurant.

Contrast this with the newly renovated Tentazione restaurant at RM. We thought they did a great job with the renovations and expansion. Quality, comfortable seating with ocean and pool views, and a much expanded buffet counter and grill. The pool bar seats along the side of the restaurant and adjacent bar tables and chairs were good additions as well. In terms of food, an improved variety at the buffet and the grill, which now posts a menu of the cooked to order grill items. We much preferred lunch at RM. Same great service as we’ve always experienced, particularly from our old friends Leo, Daniel and Candido.

At Pearl we dined twice at Aphrodite and twice at the Pearl restaurant. Other than the lobster tails I ordered off the premium menu one night at Aphrodite, the other meals at dinner and lunch at Pearl and Aphrodite were rather inconsistent. We enjoyed our dinners overall, tipped well and didn’t complain, but were disappointed with some of the meals, particularly at Aphrodite. The renovations at Aphrodite were obviously quite expensive, but we find it has little ambience at night. That could be easily modified. The décor at Pearl is certainly “unique” but we think the owners did a much better job designing Sahlo at RM, which is our favorite restaurant at either resort. Our two dinners at Sahlo were both excellent.

We didn’t eat at Suki this time, but have always found it to be top notch as well. We had one dinner at the main buffet restaurant at RM. The dinner experience there was very pleasant. With the soft lighting, candles at the table, decorations, art work, etc., it’s not a typical buffet restaurant. We went on Italian night, and both of us thought the food was excellent. It’s also nice to have the option of a buffet on those nights when you don’t want to spend a long time having dinner.

Bar service and the selection of liquor was pretty much the same at both resorts. As a drinker of Crown Royal and Grey Goose, it was great that it was available at most of the bars.

This was our first time at either Desire during January, and most likely it will be our last. It was a lot cooler than average – low to mid 70’s most days and into the upper 50’s/low 60’s at night. First time we haven’t spent any time at the beach which is not the norm for us. The ocean was really cool and loaded with seaweed. I did not see a single person in the ocean and for good reason. We love the tiki bar at the RM beach, but it was just too cool and windy to spend much time there. We went to visit CC, but that was about it.

When the sun was out it was comfortable on the loungers around the pools, particularly at the RM pool which is a little more sheltered from the wind. We went in the pool for short periods of time the first 2 days at Pearl but not the second two. The last two days we were there we just found it too cold. It is one of the reasons we would not go to Pearl in January or February again unless they heat it.

The pool temperature at RM was significantly warmer and we both spent quite a bit of time in it. Could have been a bit warmer but it was ok. The swimup bar was popular the day of the foam party but otherwise not used too much, in part due to the fact that it is shaded. Instead, most relied upon Sylvia to serve them drinks poolside. Sylvia and Africa, the server at the RM beach, are as good as any we have encountered at any resort.

So that’s our take on the two Desire resorts, which on our list of favorite resorts are 1 and 1A. We can’t wait to return to RM. The next trip there can’t come soon enough.

[WellInever]

Thanks. That is a great report.

[SLINON]

Thanks for the great trip report, you're comparisons are exactly our thinking. DRM just has many more advantages over Pearl and that's why we will only return there. We just got back Feb 13th and found it very cool at night also and that is why we won't go back in Jan or February either!! We also cannot wait until our next trip too! Sylvia and Africa are truly the best!

[tommer]

Although the two resorts have their own personalities, we fully appreciate all of their similarities and differences. As is always the case, so much depends on the clientele during your stay. We are very lucky to have scheduled time at both in June and July .... and, I know that the temps will be high ... both weather wise as well as between the naked visitors!

[CokeMann]

Although the two resorts have their own personalities, we fully appreciate all of their similarities and differences.

+1

However IMHO, Desire RM tends to have the better layout for opportunities of interaction and mixing of guests

ie: small compact pool and Jacuzzi area - main lobby and lobby bar(main village square) , lots of little "niche" sitting areas tucked in around the property, large disco with lots of seating and large playroom, etc.

[tan44]

Although the two resorts have their own personalities, we fully appreciate all of their similarities and differences.

+1

However IMHO, Desire RM tends to have the better layout for opportunities of interaction and mixing of guests

ie: small compact pool and Jacuzzi area - main lobby and lobby bar(main village square) , lots of little "niche" sitting areas tucked in around the property, large disco with lots of seating and large playroom, etc.

[Play_Dough]

Those are our thoughts about the two resorts. As beautiful as Pearl is, there are many things that I don't care for that some may like. I don't like how everything is spread out at Pearl. It isn't as easy to meet people. People love the large hot tub at Pearl but being in a small hot tub actually forces you to talk to those around you at RM. The outside seating area at RM can't be beat.

I didn't like that Pearl didn't have a quicker eating option in the evening. When you are having fun at the hot tub, sometimes it is nice to just get to the room to quickly get ready and have a quick meal. Instead, you have to sit through a 2 or 1 hour meal. I thought the food at RM was the best it has been since I have been going there. I have heard from many about the food at Pearl and was disappointed in their food. They certainly don't have the BLT's that RM have.

I am glad I tried Pearl but I am not in any hurry to book another trip there anytime soon.

[tommer]

We feel the need to defend Pearl, as it is the "choice" of many who return there after their first and second visits. Yes, the resort is not as compact as RM, but the openness/size of the pool, Jacuzzi, etc. can and is an advantage to those who want to warm to the environment at a more leisurely pace. The potential for mingling and excitement is the same in the end, all dependent on how adventuresome you choose to be. Food .... well, we have been very happy with the choices at both resorts ..... although one can wait a bit longer to be served and finish their meals at Pearl. All this being said, we are fortunate and will visit both Pearl (June) and RM (July). With no doubt, we will thoroughly enjoy the uniqueness of both resorts and we anticipate meeting and enjoying all that is offered, especially the staff and all of those smiling, naked visitors! Bring on the beach!!!!!

[BottomsUp]

Great trip report P, thanks for sharing!

We agree both resort offer something special as so did DLC. Wouldn't it be great to take a little bit from each resort and make one kick ass resort! You'd still not please everyone.
Having been to RM 4x and Pearl twice, it's a tough decision but we'd have to go with Pearl just a bit more upscale in our opinion. Split trips are always a nice solution

Mrs BottomsUp