Trip Report - December 2013

[wbski85]

This was our first time at Pearl. Having tried RM and Cabos before it closed, we wanted to experience Pearl after reading about it on forums. In general, our experience was good.

STAFF
Can’t say enough nice things about everyone, from beach attendant to waiters and busboys. All were extremely courteous and accommodating. Complements to them all.

ROOM
We stayed in a basic ocean view ground floor room in the building next to the jacuzzi, but as our room was on the opposite side away from the jacuzzi, we did not hear any noise. Our room was spacious but we did encounter a few issues worth noting. Firstly, although the room was spotless, the curtains on the side where the sliding door opened reeked of mold. This was likely due to moisture from constant opening of the sliding door. Secondly, the air condition did not work the night we arrived which made sleeping uncomfortable. Once we reported it to reception in the morning, it was promptly fixed (great service noted). However, once the problem was fixed, it exposed a flaw in its operation. The system only worked on one speed - that’s full On or Off. So throughout the night, the a/c would cycle on at hurricane force and sound, or nothing at all. We had actually stayed at another resort prior to Pearl, where the a/c in that room operated quietly on three different speeds. Thirdly, we must also say that the decor could use a little refresh as it looked a little dated, especially in the bathroom. Lastly, it would have been nice for the maids to replenish the small bottles of soap, shampoo, cream without letting it run empty first. Otherwise, it was nice to see a ledge in the walk-in shower preventing water from flowing out everywhere into the bathroom - unlike RM.

GROUNDS
Coming from another huge adult (non-clothing optional) resort, it was nice to be in a much smaller resort such as Pearl. It’s just so much more intimate. Having also been to Desire RM, we agree with others that Pearl should follow RM’s example and fill in the useless lobby fountain pool to make it way for a nice gathering area. Pearl should also enclose the lobby and add a/c so it won’t be so hot.

POOL
The pool was always spotless and water temperature just right for a refreshing dip. And if we got up early enough, around 8am, we had no problem finding loungers.

JACUZZI
When you first enter the jacuzzi, you may find the water too hot, but once in, it felt just right.
Unfortunately, we didn’t return to the jacuzzi late at night to observe or participate in any PDA/PDS.

BEACH
The beach isn’t huge and it just added to the ambiance of the resort. It was swept throughout the day to remove seaweed. The fine white fine sand is to die for.

RESTAURANTS
We found the newly renovated Aphrodite restaurant very tastefully done. We called it simple elegance. The surrounding full height glass walls produced a very airy feel, and brought in a lot of light in without obstructing view of the pool and beach. For dinners, by changing the color of the tablecloths, they were able to alter the mood according to the type of food according to theme nights. Perhaps this will become the theme for the rest of the resort if and when they decide to renovate other parts of the resort. Aphrodite was also the place for breakfast and lunch buffets.
The Pearl restaurant had a totally different feel - with dark walls and sparkly lights, a somewhat more brashy and erotic atmosphere. The female mannequins inside picture frame walls made for interesting conversations.
Generally, we found food at both restaurants well presented and delicious. House wines were also surprisingly good. Service was exceptional at both restaurants.

DISCO and NIGHT LIFE
Disco is small and could use a decor refresh, as could the playroom. We did not stay in the disco late enough to use the playroom. Wife was too shy and was also experiencing tail end of her period which really ruined her mood.
We observed about 80% females dressed sexy for dinner and disco, and about half for theme nights.
As we did not stay the full 7 nights, we did not experience all the theme nights and shows. One particular show which stood out was Sinners Night where they brought in the Sin Circus performers. We really enjoyed the show and found the performers simply amazing.

TRANSPORTATION
We took other’s advice and booked with USA Transfers. They were at the airport when we arrived, and were even ten minutes early picking us up at Pearl for our return trip. 100% reliable and efficient as others described. We also highly recommend that you follow their instructions of not stopping for anyone when you first arrive at the airport, as there were people there pretending to be USA Transfers agents offering rides. Instead, walk straight out to the transportation area and look for someone with USA Transfers shirt and sign.

Would we return? I would definitely love to, but not sure about the wife at this time though.

[MnT]

Thanks for sharing.