Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experiences

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Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experiences

Postby tj71903 » Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:56 pm

We returned to Pearl for our second Labor Day trip from September 1-6th. A year ago we made a second trip to the resort and were surprised at how many familiar faces we encountered from the first trip in July of 2020. This time we were less surprised (as we've come to understand how loyal the typical guest can become) but were still fortunate enough to run into several familiar faces over the course of the five days.

As with each trip we take down, there were a number of highs, a few lows, and a bit of everything in between as well. Overall we had a blast even with the insane travel schedule thanks to flight changes (see below) and we look forward to returning in a few weeks.

Until then, here's another trip review.

ARRIVAL

Due to flight changes and a bad experience with American two weeks earlier, we changed over to our usual carrier at the last minute. Problem was Delta didn't have availability on the earlier flights to CUN so we opted to drive to a bigger airport. The result was a [much] earlier arrival time and therefore an extra half day. We touched down and were met at the gate by the valet who took us down stairs and around the lines straight to the customs officer. Passports stamped, we headed to the carousel to pick up the bags and were happy to see them off the plane very quickly. From there we are taken outside to find the USA Transfer representative and the car...well...two out of three ain't bad. As per usual USA's driver and care were "on the way". Just like the last four times. Even though we had emailed two days before to confirm the reservation and to confirm that, yes, we will be through customs in 20 minutes max from plane to curb. At least this time the wait outside was only 12 minutes. It would have been better to be seamless and it sounds like there are plans for the membership office to establish their own car service in the future.

Logistical identity aside (they are always late), the driver was friendly and the car - a 2018 (maybe 19) Chevy Suburban was very clean and comfortable and got us there safely. Not his fault and, really, it's hard to get too irritated when you have adjusted your expectations and, ultimately, you're back at a place you enjoy.

When we pulled up to the resort we were met by new faces in the bellman service ranks. They take our bags, we get our temperature taken via the standup camera, and we turn the corner to see the concierge (Bernice) ready to take us over to check-in. Before we go, we scare the QR codes to register for the COVID test (more on this below) and way hello to Lorenzo at the bar. Then it's to the Mansion lobby to sign the privacy policy, the golden rules, and so on.

We're told our room is ready and we're immediately taken there by Michelle (the butler). Along the way she tells us about resort capacity, how they handled the hurricane, and then schedules dinner before we reach the front door of the room.

All-in-all about 75 minutes from landing to being in the room...very good.

THE ROOM

Third or fourth time in the Mansion and second time with a swim-up room, Room 1091. It's situated on the bottom floor on the right side in front of the pool bar. It's the same layout with the palatial bathroom (just one though) and the more modern look. Big bed with lounger at the end. Table for two and dressers at the foot and side of the bed. All marble tiled flooring.

Our pillow choices had already been delivered by the time we got to the room and the snack bar was also stocked (not to sound more high maintenance than needed...but if you've run into us you probably get it, but the staff has learned our preferences and makes sure to drop in the extra chips, preferred drinks in the fridge, etc). It's a little touch, but one that is appreciated and goes toward the service level they market for the Mansion product. I credit Michelle and Hector and the rest of the butler staff for that as they were the ones who [unsolicited] checked in about it.

Being a swim-up room you open your patio door and have a small deck which houses a swing that's big enough for two or one depending on your flexibility and desire to sprawl out. The steps are somewhat steep but drop you straight into the Mansion pools which has a heating element and bubbles. It was nice being able to walk out and over to the bar if so inclined.

We are asked a bunch for our impressions of the Mansion and the answer is that we do, but we also like the other buildings. In the summer I like staying in the Mansion for a few reasons: (1) the A/C is new and works; (2) It gets afternoon shade which is nice during those blazing hot days; and (3) It's a very nice escape from the crowds when needed - both for the pool when the hot tub is jammed packed, the restaurant when Pearl and Suki and full, and the playroom if you're into that kind of thing. We were able to have a group of friends join us on a few occasions and the ability to create a small group event/area away from the mob was a nice change of pace.

One thing the Mansion doesn't have is a view. But that's not overly important for me in the summer because of the seaweed turning the water brown and I have enjoyed and been able to work early in the morning gently swaying on the swing listening to the water of the pool. In the winter we'll switch back outside for a change of pace and once the views improve. Also when the sun isn't quite as brutal.

WHERE TO EAT

The first night we ate at Pearl and noticed the menu had changed (read expanded) from earlier in the summer. There are a few more French style dishes on the menu. One tip would be that if you aren't careful a dinner at Pearl can go for hours by design (it's the "fancy" option). It's not a knock on it, but we've learned to ask the waiter not to extend the time between courses or we will omit certain courses in an effort to be more in and out if possible. As for reviews, I had the duck and it was cooked perfectly. New favorite dish at Pearl.

On Thursday we were treated to the cookout at the Mansion and invited some friends. There was a salad bar, a dessert bar, and then you pick your main course (ribeye for me but plenty of seafood and other cuts of cow options). Tables are set up around the pool and it's a really nice way to spend an evening. Bit heavy handed on the sea salt for the meat, but still very good.

Friday was at Suki and, once again, the menu has been expanded. They again have a new take on duck and that was my choice. The wife has a tolerance for spicy food that I cannot understand. She got some spicy chicken dish that was nicely presented by a tiny taste confirmed (to me) that the bird was dipped in battery acid or something similar. Seriously, she could eat a freaking ghost pepper and not be bothered. Me? I'm a mere mortal and so no spice for me. Anyway, Suki's staff is always incredibly thoughtful and we enjoyed catching up with everyone. And, like we do at Pearl, we're in and out sooner than most as one of us has to get pretty for theme nights.

Saturday we hosted a dinner for friends at the Mansion which was well done. The butler sought out (or maybe the wife did it) the guests and solicited orders from the menu which was provided in advance. The staff set us up a big table (for eight) and then provided salads, appetizers, main courses (beef of some variety for me with veggies), and then a dessert tray. We think the dessert had blueberries and carrot cakes to go along with ornamental chocolate bites. Regardless, all very good.

The last night, Sunday, it was just the wife and I and we were able to do a Mexican style off the menu dinner. Why off the menu? See below for the "extras".

Breakfast each morning was at Aphrodite. We can have breakfast cooked elsewhere, but always like to go out to see the staff (Cici and her team). Plus it allows us to control portions and the variety is nice. Usually it's a hash brown, grilled veggies, and sausages for me though this time they had potato tacos and then a steak breakfast burrito thing one morning. Both very good.

We only ate lunch two or three times during the week and usually it was at the pool (quesadillas) though on the arrival day I did grab fish and chips. There's also the option of the going to the grill which is usually a good option. On Sunday she ordered nachos and was brought a mountain of chips and toppings. Not sure who could eat all of that, but it wasn't her.

DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES

Arriving at Pearl allows us to fall into a routine. We'll do breakfast and then head to the pool to drop off our cups and set up for the day. Victor and his team always help us get situated with umbrellas, etc. Then we'll wait for the Playmakers to arrive before heading to the beach for volleyball.

Right now the beach is still recovering from the storms. They've moved the volleyball court closer to the beds as there is some washout still. The result is the court isn't really a true rectangle and it's kind of situated on a rise where the left side of the net maybe 7' tall whereas the right side is 7-8" higher. It's the best utilization of space they can make and, really, nobody cares. The sand isn't as sugary as it was and there's a lot of debris (sea debris, shells, rocks, sticks, etc) buried within. Even so we played every day and had a lot of fun doing it.

We also participated in water basketball (fun, but the storm took the nets which haven't been replaced yet) and water football (no end zones, you just get 10 passes with an American football). Both fun and, thankfully, nobody got too handsy or lost themselves in that sense. Even so, it's apparent that organized sports are somewhat foreign in various parts of the world. Perhaps it's the environment that reduces coordination? Either way, it's a lot of fun. My favorite episodes are when Wally and Candice play as they are probably the two most competitive playmakers which makes the game fun.

Following that activity there weren't many extras (the contests or games) due to weather. Pool volleyball happened three times and we enjoyed two of them. Basically when there are more than six or seven per side, we find it to be way too crowded in the limited space of the pool court. Again, it's just an observation.

It rained pretty heavily for two days, but that didn't cause a halt to anything. We hung around the room for a bit on the first day before venturing out. We ended up at the lobby where the resort had set up the DJ (Alex) and some gaming tables (poker, black jack, pingpong) and the playmakers were hosting various games. Lobby bar tenders would come out and make sure everyone wasn't thirsty. There were also chairs set up for congregations of people to chat, etc. All in all it was a fun way to spend several hours and the resort really did make the best of the situation.

Saturday's washout canceled the foam party which was moved to Sunday. Sun broke through and we had a blast in the foam. It began tame enough and ended with chocolate sauce being deployed to various locations that required immediate attention from significant others (and in some cases just others) to remove said chocolate. Lasted for over an hour.

NIGHTLY ACTIVITIES

Following dinner we would head back to the room to primp (her) and nap (me). Processes complete, we head to the lobby around 9:25 to take in the band or DJs (me) and dance (her) before we head to the disco around 10:30 for the show(s) and then dancing until around 11:30. From there it's a choice of either staying in the disco or heading to the hot tub or points beyond.

Wednesday was lingerie and ties for the theme and we enjoyed it. There was a new (to us) show that was a good deal raunchier than we had previously seen. Much more aggressive look that ended with a drag queen performance (which was very entertaining).

Thursday was our favorite (neon) which featured body painting by Ingrid (same lady who does the mineral painting). If you have time, I suggest you get painted as it's fun...do remember to bring tip money though as she works off tips.

Friday night was bunny night preceded by a 9AM open house casino in the Mansion where you can play black jack or roulette while mingling. They set up Vegas style tables and bring in professional dealers/hostesses. It's a fun way to spend some time before heading up to the lobby for the band and then to the disco fro Kia's acrobatic show.

Saturday was Latin night which features a really good Latin band (lead singer is very good). The disco show is a Latin dance show which is very good and Ernesto (the lead dancer) remains fun to watch.

Sunday was university (read school girl outfits) night. The disco show is the best as it has a dance troupe of four ladies and then two guys. The first guy dances and does routines with the girls whereas the second makes you feel inadequate as he shows off his unnatural core strength while climbing the stripper pole in ways that appear to defy gravity and physics.

Once the show was over there was dancing and frolicking about in the disco. Crowd this week seemed happy to dance for a bit. Almost zero use of the red closet in the back corner though she got a salute from the DJs a few times on the way out.

Regardless of when the disco ended, we'd head to the hot tub to see what was what. Mechanically it's working as the water was always warm to very warm. The bubbles work and remain aggressive (if you're sitting in them you're going to get a shot in the face from a rogue bubble here and there. If you wear glasses it some how can go between glass and eyeball which stings). The tub-side beds would attractive visitors but for the most part it was just couples who wanted to rest. One couple who has visited in the past mentioned the hot tub beds were as tame as they could remember.

Even so this trip there was a guest who was working to organize couples participation in various "events" with an eye toward livening (read sexify'ing) the evenings. She would basically solicit couples to come up and perform various acts to the delight of the onlookers. The first night was butt plug night, the second was an attempt at body shots on the bar, the third was make your own sundaes on the bar. The effort was nice, but the results didn't grab a lot of participants which limited the duration of the nightly events. It fizzled by the third night, but again kudos for the effort.

This fizzle did spark a discussion or two about perhaps having the resort organize a playmaker presence at the hot tub late night, though I don't know how realistic that is for both the staff and, really, the guests, It goes to the idea of what do you want late night to be. Organic amongst the guests or more events planned by the resort? Is there room for both? And if you have the resort putting things on doesn't that pull from the organized entertainment at the disco?

On one night we arrived at the hot tub and it was PACKED. Rather than battle that nonsense we grabbed some friends and headed over to the Mansion pool and spent a good while there where everyone could still engage with their smaller group away from the bubble of the bigger group, but for the other nights we stayed at the hot tub for varying lengths of time. Following that we'd head back to the room to drop off the costumes and to see what was happening around the building.

EXTRAS

We once again headed over to the spa for a couple of massages. One was the relaxing message and then the bondage couples massage. Again, the go to team for both is Itza and Elodia here. The dual female pairing has become the go-to for us and as the more simple of the species I would suggest any guy just go with it.

Another interesting occurrence happened on Friday night as we once again did the in-room stripper experience. I had this sprung on my before by surprise and this was round two. I guess at some point I could pester the staff to find out what is being planned on our visits, but I'm just as happy to have things happen. This time was no different as we returned from dinner to find our room lights all red, a reclining chair thing in the middle of the room and rose petals all over the place (because, you know, ?I need to be romanced?). Knock at the door and we're off discussing the finer points of geopolitical issues and other news of the day. Really an interesting three way panel discussion. About two hours later it's time to head to the disco.

The third off-the-cuff experience we had was on the last night. On previous trips we complemented the chef on several dishes and asked for some guidance on recreating them at home. This time we were presented the opportunity to have the wife prepare some dishes with the chef and his assistants. She met with them just after 5 PM and was instructed on how to prepare everything from appetizers to main dishes to desserts. It took about 75 minutes but at the end the prep was sent to the kitchen where it was cooked and then brought out for a 7 PM dinner. A lot of genuine, off the menu Mexican dishes complete with a main course that featured grouper, tuna, and salmon paired with wines by Miguel, the sommelier. For dessert she had churros and I had my favorite - an apple pie burrito. In addition to being able to prepare and make notes on how to prepared the various courses and options (several appetizers were sampled), she was presented a chef's outfit as well. A very cool experience for her, and if it means more good cooking at home, it's a win for me too.


MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Storm Damage:

The resort had some minor storm damage. The beach was hit and eroded, though a side benefit was that for a while the seaweed had been sucked out past the reef and there was a section of the Pearl beach where the water was once again the azure you expect in the Caribbean.

Structurally there were some cracks in the stucco that were being addressed. The oceanfront path around Aphrodite is taped off to prevent guests from walking on it. The shower coming off the beach was damaged as were several of the lighting stands near the ocean. The Mansion had maintenance being conducted each night from 7 until midnight on the room.

A number of palm trees were snapped or otherwise damaged to the point of being cut back/down. Makes for less shade around the pool. The hedge at the pool was also damaged and substantially reduced near the divide between the "quiet" side and the bar side.

It seemed like the resort was already addressing each of these issues.

Crowd:

Wednesday must have been a turnover day because Wednesday and Thursday were very slow. Resort was at capacity on Friday and Saturday and slowed to around 85 percent on Sunday (it seemed). General age was a good deal younger than in visits past. Several late 30s to mid 40s mixed in with the top of the bell curve early 50s crowd.

Generally a very friendly crowd that seemed welcoming and without the "Desire High" drama that has sometimes been observed. We met people from all over the map and enjoyed chatting with several. Putting faces with some usernames on here or other platforms was neat.

Only a couple of "bless your heart moments" observed. First was when a lady at the bar heard where another couple was from and made an off-color comment about the area purportedly based on her experience. Fine, we've all put our foot in our mouth, but she doubled down when taking specific information about that town and then opening tearing it down in front of the person. It takes effort to reach that level of snottiness and, well, she definitely made such an effort. Perhaps her many, many, many decades of experience on the planet has eroded her manners or perhaps she's just a cunt. Either way it wasn't her best moment. Some other minor instances, but nothing too terrible.

During a show one lady actually reached up and grabbed one of the dancers as he prepared to de-pants himself as part of his show. Not sure what she was thinking, but she yanked on him hard enough to almost hyperextend his knee and pulled his leg off the dance floor which caused the facing to separate, exposing some sharp metal edges. PSA: Control yourself, just like anywhere else. It truly isn't hard. Similary, don't attempt to seduce, mount, or otherwise grope the staff/playmakers. Again, manners.

A few instances of people smoking in the pool that had to be addressed by security which was good as it really ruins the mood sitting around and enduring the smell, etc.

DEPARTURE

No issues to report. We had an ungodly connection so we left at 4:15 AM. (Thanks, Delta!) Our bags were collected at 4 and USA was on time at 4:15. Resort is very quiet at that time, but staff was still attentive (even asking if we wanted a shot of espresso on the way out).

I guess they know we'll be back sooner than later.
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tj71903
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Re: Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experie

Postby sun30265 » Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:43 pm

Ah, we've read many a Pearl trip report over the years; some stand out: this one did.

Thank you for taking the time to write (and write very well) an insightful, interesting and specific report/update on all things Pearl based observations from your recent visit.

We head back in a short 5 weeks and were happy to be updated, as I'm sure others will be as well.

Cheers, and thanks again,

Dave and Chris
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Re: Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experie

Postby The J's » Wed Sep 08, 2021 9:29 pm

Great detail and packed with amazing hints! Our next trip is December with last being in July (we are Mansion members).

Totally looking forward to checking out some of your recommendations.

A few items that I might suggest to add to your list of things to try for lunch:

1. Shrimp pizza - I do olive oil and garlic instead of sauce, with onion and peppers. Open to everyone at the pizza oven.
2. Shrimp tacos - My wife swears by the shrimp tacos from the Mansion lunch menu. Get them grilled (secret menu)!
KIK: JLCLV
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Re: Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experie

Postby deeppurple » Fri Sep 17, 2021 9:49 pm

Thank you both so much for the hospitality. The 2 of you made out trip special. Thank you again and we loved the alternative hot tub conversations with all of our friends from around the country.
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Re: Trip Report: Sept 1-6, 2021 - Familiar Faces New Experie

Postby tj71903 » Mon Sep 20, 2021 6:10 pm

deeppurple wrote:Thank you both so much for the hospitality. The 2 of you made out trip special. Thank you again and we loved the alternative hot tub conversations with all of our friends from around the country.


Definitely had a blast on this trip and looking forward to catching up with everyone in the future. Right now it looks like the middle of February is the common ground of bookings. That's somewhat inconvenient for me as one of the jobs will be busy at that time, but working here and there won't kill me (or be out of the norm).
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