After an enlightening and somewhat eventful first trip back in July, we returned to Desire Pearl on September 2nd for a four-night stay. As with any repeat location, we were concerned that the novelty may wear off or that the sequel wouldn't measure up to the original. On both counts, we're happy to report neither to be the case.
While I won't go into a full review of the grounds, staff, and similar (covered that in our first review), it is - I think - worth documenting some of the new experiences and changes we saw from a few months back.
Also, regarding COVID, I will note that the resort and staff remain in masks. The sanitation staff continues to be noticeable throughout the day and evenings. With more guests they blend a bit more, but when we were up early before breakfast, we noticed them.
With regard to food the table service restaurants remain the same as does the buffet in that the staff picks the food and hands to you. Or, in some cases, brings you your meal and drinks.
Playmakers still in masks at all times from pool to beach to outside the disco.
Additionally, during one of our appointments a staff member was returning to the resort from off-site. She was late to our meeting and so we checked with front desk. Reason for lateness was that she had just arrived on property and had to go through screening, had to change into clothes which were left on property, have temperature check, sanitation, etc. Bottom line, they're still doing all they can to be safe and sanitized.
TRAVEL TO DESIRE
American from Charlotte. 3-hour flight. Contracted with Luxe Travel and very pleased with it. Waiting for us outside the gauntlet of arrival terminal with running car, bottle waters, snacks, etc. Sanitize the bags and then load to car. 25-minute trip to DP.
Arrived at the resort and welcomed by bellman. Bags again sanitized and taken. Walk in and notice they've erected an artsy wall directly inside the lobby forcing you to make a turn. Go left and run into stand along thermometer with scans you and provides a read out. Certified as normal or at least not having a fever. Then fill out guest arrival survey on phone via QR code provided by welcoming front desk staff.
From there we are told to go to the Mansion for check in. Seems unnecessary and I assume its part of the potential to up-sell (we bought a membership in July after some back and forth). Escorted to mansion which has a very nice lobby. Nice textures (marble, woods, etc) in the lobby. They ask if we want to view the mansion (no). Are we sure (yes). And then complete the check in. Axel - front desk in the mansion - is terrific, by the way. Attentive and engaging.
Following the check-in, butler comes to grab up and we head up to the room.
ROOM - Master Suite No. 25
Booked into a junior suite for trip one. This time it's a master suite. Main difference is a big living room and a second bathroom and balcony. Extra space was nice, but not really necessary. Extra bathroom was great, however. We were in Room 25 which was to the back corner of the hot tub. No real complaints, but if there's live music you will hear it. Since we were at the pre-party each night, it wasn't a big deal.
Only complaint is the water temperature. It's either cold with spikes of warm or it was warm with spikes of burn your skin off. Almost like someone is injecting hot water similar to an IV in a medical setting. Surges of increased temperature, but not consistent. Also, the mini fridge kept drinks cool but not cold.
Pro Tip: If you want to watch TV, bring an Amazon Fire Stick. We did and had no trouble connecting to the wifi or streaming. Absent that if you're going to watch TV you need to find an occasional channel with an English broadcast or watch the three channels which shows mini stories usually with a young lady or two attempting to fix some sort of household issue with the assistance of the ever present muscularly built tradesman. Spoiler alert, they never seem to fix the problem but also don't seem concerned.
GROUNDS
Not much has changed since we were here the first time. They have made strides with the beach and seaweed. Water still full of it. Smell not nearly as bad as it was in July, though still can get a whiff of it.
Still very well manicured and staff out every morning by 6 AM (probably earlier) raking, picking, pruning, etc.
FOOD
We ate at Pearl twice and Suki twice. All the same as last time. Still the best all-inclusive food we've had. Never get the impression that anything is pre-made or sitting under heat lamps. First night we have lobster and beef. Lobster was fresh it appeared. Asian dishes were our favorites. Portions are generous and neither of us opted for all three courses in fear of food comas. Wine menu is adequate, though as the life of the party I usually stick to just water. Wife had no complaints about her samplings - red and white. Breakfast at the buffet was very good.
Pool food for lunch was good. Made the mistake of trying spicy option one day (wife loved)...if you like spice they can give it to you. I believe its some sort of mixture of battery acid and lava, but to each their own. Food that hurts isn't in my wheelhouse. I opted for pizza, non-spicy quesadillas, and, of course, a tall tumbler of ice water. All brought by the very attentive staffers at the pool (V being chief amongst them).
Did notice some turnover at the bars from last time. Still the replacements were creative, engaging, and very generous when mixing drinks.
ENTERTAINMENT
We did the theme nights each night aside from Thursday when we just crashed after a long travel day. Tight and Bright (neon) was our favorite. Better music. Also did Desire University, and Masquerade night. Live band for the last two nights which wasn't bad. Nice array of songs and versatile with their covers. Varying degrees of participation when it came to the dance floor.
We went to the disco twice - once for neon and once for lingerie. First night saw the performance which was the same five dancers doing the same three songs and routines from July. Talented people but once you've seen it, you've seen it.
Other nights there was no show in the disco just dancing and such. Last night was a complete blast. We stayed until around 1. After the initial crowd began to disburse it was a chase of just the girls on the dance floor (around six of them) just having fun without intrusion, clumsy advances that sometimes seemed to occur.
As far as the day to day entertainment goes, we had fun at the foam party on Saturday. We enjoyed pool volleyball on the last day as well as trivia. There were other things going on as well, but those stuck out.
EXTRAS
Spa:
We opted for the couple’s bondage massage which I learned about when we walked in the room and the technician says, "so you've booked the bondage massage". Much like the couple’s erotic massage, this one sees you both on separate tables. The bondage level doesn't include much for the gentleman as you get a few light flogs, a few teases, and so on. For us there was a several minute time when I was laying there by myself. Look over and wife has four hands running over her and she's fully restrained. Amazing visual and quite an experience. At the end the tables come together and so do you. One awesome difference is who goes to whom. Cliff's note summary is that when you look up and see your significant other astride with four hands running all over and one slightly choking while she's blindfolded...well, that's hard to unsee. And forget. Anyway, long story short I am not informed that we will only do the bondage massage when booking in the future.
On our travel/departure day the wife had a deep tissue massage as well and was pleased. Elodia was the massage therapist for the deep tissue and for my part of the bondage. Emilio was the male half of the bondage.
Photos:
We also did the Photoshoot with Provoke Photos. In my first review I noted that doing didn't seem to have much of a point. That prompted some feedback on the forum and via private messages - enough that we figured "why not?". We booked with Provoke and worked with Jahel. Wife had hair and makeup service done an hour before and then we shot pics for two hours. The whole experience was fun. We shot in the room, at the disco, in the lobby, on the beach, and on the docks.
I tend to be somewhat self aware enough to know my place in situations and for these two hours I was a happy spectator and occasional prop. The time flew by and the photographer was terrific. She would have a vision of what she wanted to create and would then set about setting up the backgrounds, lighting, and similar. She explained it all and provided feedback of what she wanted and how we were going to get there. Our pics went from G to R (maybe NC-17) and - without going overboard - I feel they are stunning. The right mix of sexy and seductive without being overly raunchy (though that option is on the table if you like). The ones in the lobby and disco were my favorites though a few from the room also stuck out. There's very little editing required (though we had to remove a person in one of the lobby shots) and the prices weren't bad. Similar to what you'd pay for a professional photo session here in the States.
What struck me was when we were shooting the staff acted as if was completely normal. Which, for them, I guess it is. Still, was a bit nervy for her to get naked and start posing in the lobby in the middle of the day. But kudos to the bar tender and bellman who were helping with drinks, prop movement, etc. Similarly, kudos to the playmakers who were anxious to see the finished product and who made her feel completely at ease with it all. The results were, to me at least, 100 percent worth it.
ENVIRONMENT
Much the same as before. There's a wide range of people all of whom have their own desires/agendas. Most of the people we struck up a conversation with were couples who were there to enjoy the environment and vibe of the place. Contrary to the way its presented in some reviews or with some of the posts/questions we've read here, the lifestyle types in attendance are just regular people (as are those labeled vanilla and everyone in between) and aren't looking to pounce on you ... in fact get over yourself if that's your opinion. Just like with every day life a bit of courtesy and manners goes a long way even if everyone is naked. Every now and again someone will lose themselves and generally we noticed the community at large would seem to experience a collective eye roll but would just as quickly move on. Maybe its me, but in those instances the person causing the situation was just trying way too hard. Outside of that, whenever someone got too close or gave off the creepy vibe the ladies were quick to back away or otherwise redirect. And most of the accompanying gentlemen would assist as well.
WRAP UP
We've now done eight nights at Pearl. We'll do four more in December. The appeal remains so far. We're getting a better and better idea of what we enjoy and what we can do without. The former list seems to grow and evolve over time while the latter reduces at the same rate. We already know which extras we'll book when we're back in a few months. We already know which activities we'll make sure to jump in for. And I'm sure that'll change following that trip.