Following some fun in April we decided that May's trip would need an extra night and given the holiday weekend we also said the hell with stealing a few hours at the office and took the early flights out and the late flights home.
All in all we ended up staying for five nights and with the travel arrangements we squeezed out some extra hours that were welcomed and gave us around six days. Usually we cap things around four nights, but not this time.
TRAVEL
Flew via Delta with a connection through Atlanta. Early departure from the home airport meant a 4 AM wake up call, but that's a small price to pay to escape the rat race. Connection in Atlanta was smooth after a few hours in the Sky Club. Then 2.5 hours down to Cancun.
Again, we utilized the VIP arrival service and were met at the end of the jet bridge by the rep. He guided us into the customs hall and past the full maze of travelers waiting for arrival stamps. In and out of the hall in 10 minutes with bags and to the curb to await USA Travel.
Prior to upping our membership we didn't utilize USA, instead preferring to go with Luxe Travel. But "free is free" or "included is included" (however you look at it). This time USA's rep was there, but the car wasn't ready. Ended up hanging around for 15-20 minutes with bags. Eventually the driver shows and we're on our way. The on the ground rep explained there was a larger party there waiting for a car (not sure how that's relevant, but is what it is).
Once in the car (Suburban LT if you're wondering), driver offers cold water or beer and then we set off for the resort. Uneventful drive once you're outside of the airport, and pleasant conversation with the driver.
The return was a bit of stress as pickup was 2.5 hours prior to flight departure, and driver was late due to his prior ride deciding that 4 people needing transport really meant 8. Not his fault, and he managed to get us to the airport in time.
Prior to departure we did the obligatory COVID brain poke at the resort and were able to upload the docs directly. Same with the departure form(s) required (Delta's attestation form and the Mexican customs forward that generates a QR code). No issues with either outside of the annoyance of having to get a test to come home even though we've been long vaccinated and have the cards. But that's another issue entirely and the resort does a great job in processing the results quickly to help their guests comply with the requirements.
Moving on.
ARRIVAL/ROOM CHANGE
We arrived shortly after lunch and were checked in after temperature checks and bag depositing with Alexis and his crew. Shuttled over to the Mansion to check in with Aline and Diego. Prior to arrival we got the usual email asking about any food allergies (nope), preferences (yes), and special requests (not really).
The only request I made was that I didn't want to be anywhere near the hot tub if possible. We visit every night (usually), and stay late, but when it's time to go to bed I don't want hear the noise if possible. As such any building (4-8) would be great.
Sadly, we were told we're in Building 1. That there's no other availability for the rest of the month (huh?). And that the room's not ready, but we can grab lunch in the Mansion restaurant (ok).
When we're there we are met by the butler who welcomes us and asks how we're doing. (Well, thank you). We inquires about our room and we tell him it's not ready (he was asking to bring up the bags) and that we're stuck in building 1 which was mildly disappointing, but it's cool since we're here and there's worse places to be. He tells us to give him a few minutes. 15 minutes later he returns with news that our room is now ready and we're now in Building 4 in Room 43. Odd given that "no rooms were available" but magic abounds perhaps. Or maybe the check in staffer was unaware. Either way we're set.
The room is great. Typical layout with 1.5 bathrooms, tub, bed, big balcony with hot tub (which is boiling during the day due to direct sun), and a sitting room, etc. One thing I do like about building four is that it's directly in the middle of the resort and there's one less flight of stairs to shuttle the wife (in heels) up and down. Aside from Building 8 (quietest and best views), it's my new favorite.
DINING AND FANTASY MENU
Resorts are operating on all cylinders with full staff and options available. First night was at Pearl whose menu has changed (more options) from last month. Very nice three course meal and bottle of champagne selected by Miguel based on preferences (which he remembered).
Second night was Suki. Same expansion of the menu. They had brought out the bottle for the wife (what she didn't finish the first night and would do so two more nights until it was gone...for context, I don't drink much and prefer Dr.Pepper over wine/champagne but she likes a glass of bubbles on occasion). Our preference remains Suki (over Pearl) and we ate there the final night with two other couples we met during the visit. Staff is wonderful and on the last night the chef brought the wife a special dessert plate with "we'll miss you, safe travels ..." written in chocolate. They truly are wonderful.
Our third night's dinner was in the Mansion and it was nice. We dined with a few small groups (in dining room) and it was very nice. Fresh fish for me while she had some sort of chicken thing. Both very good as was the dessert.
Fourth night's dinner was off the fantasy menu. They came to our room and set up on the balcony. Table is like a traditional Indian restaurant where you sit on the pallet made with pillows and such with all manner of lights, accessories, etc set up around it. Miguel is there to conduct a wine and tequila tasting and is assisted by the sous chef and his assistant/server.
Appetizer was a sampling of several traditional Mexican offerings and was very good. They were each paired with a red wine by Miguel. Then we moved to tortilla soup and tequila tasting. Then main course with champagne selection and tomahawk steak (split between us) prepared on the deck with butter, etc. Dessert was apple tarts and apple strudel and ice cream.
Had the evening stopped there it would have been terrific. Good food. Good company. And a chance to learn about different things from Miguel and the staff (we discussed wine, the origins of tequila, and several other topics with each). But...it's Desire and there's always something extra it seems (at least when your wife is in charge of planning the special evening). In that past we've done the champagne dinner and so I expected something similar...and was almost on point. After hanging out on the porch and chatting, she heads into the room where the curtains are drawn. Lights are now red. After a few the butler walks out laughing and says I can go in now. I walk in and turn right toward the bedroom. There have been some changes made to the room. Bed is made but there are now rose petals. There's a chair/lounger set up. And, as mentioned, the lights all have red bulbs in them. There's also a stunning young lady dressed in a type of lingerie/flowing getup standing next to my similarly attired wife. In short, she sprung for the stripper fantasy experience (the menu name and what it appeared as on the post check out itemized bill). Anyway, how 'bout those Yankees?
SPA
As part of the membership we are able to visit the spa each trip for some various treatments. We usually opt for a "fun" massage and then a traditional, relaxing version. Used to do the deep tissue, but went with a relaxing one this time. Both were fun. The fun version was the bondage option with two female technicians - something we learned a few trips ago in terms of preference. Anyway, the optics, audio, and whole experience can be quite entertaining if you're into that kind of thing. As for the traditional relaxing massage, it's very well done. I nodded off twice I think. We book it for the day we leave so that we're relaxed before dealing with the headaches of travel (I'm looking at you, ATL TSA) and it helps.
Elected to forego the other treatments (manicures and pedicures) due to time constraints (check out at noon, car coming at 1, etc).
MISC OBSERVATIONS
The nightly entertainment changed a bit this time as well. The DJs were trying new things, and in general I hope they keep trying. Too many songs that were difficult to dance to or even enjoy. It was hit or miss in the night club, but in general not too bad. Better than the pre-show in the lobby.
The crowd in general this time was somewhat polarized at the beginning from what we encountered in the sense of experienced. Lots of first timers there. Average age around 50 (ish) were I to hazard a guess. In general lots of people to chat with and have a good time with.
Only one creepy dude encounter this time though when he walks up to a group of women and - unsolicited - explains how he's going to spend some quality alone time to them when he wakes up...you know you're dealing with a true expert in the field of romance/game/etc. Or not. Perhaps that works in areas of the world in which we've never inhabited, but on this day it evoked some epic eye rolls.
Theme nights were a lot of fun. Didn't get to do neon night this time but did get to participate in ABC and Pimps and Hoes. Not a huge fan of ABC (lack of creativity), but still had a good time. We continued to find that the majority of our luggage is comprised of either costumes or - more accurately - her shoe collection to match said costumes. Still, it's a highlight for us.
We were solicited to do the catamaran tour but declined. Maybe in August. Next month we're taking the resort boat/yacht/whatever out for a day (July 3rd) and will report on that. Couple that went said it was fun, but a bit long (six hours) and they report that your experience will be highly colored by whomever you share the trip with, which makes sense.
We did request a late checkout (which is also included in the membership) and were told that "sure, but we will need you to make a donation to the local charity". Don't mind doing it, but the quid pro quo aspect was somewhat off-putting. Especially since it's included (subject to availability), but I still contributed and would do so again without the added 'under duress' aspect of it.
As I noted in the other forum, the dock is completely removed at this point. Was told the plan is to have the replacement installed within a month or so. That seems brave given that hurricane season is coming, but I assume that's been factored into the calculous.
The playmakers were terrific as usual. We enjoyed volleyball, beach volleyball, and water polo along. She enjoyed the dance lessons, events, etc (No, I'm not getting up and joining in. Not my scene.). Kia's acrobatics show was amazing. On the last night Cesar and Wally (formerly Eddie) hosted a show in the disco that was something different and drew a lot of laughs. Always fun to catch up with Candice, Charlie, and Yuni, of course.
We're looking forward to next month for 4th of July already.