This is our third time visiting Pearl. We've been to RM twice. I guess that qualifies us as veterans. So for the uninitiated, we thought we'd share some tips. Hopefully this helps make your visit as blissful as ours always are.
Theme Nights
One important lesson we learned this trip is that depending on which website you check, you will find conflicting theme nights. For our trip, none of them turned out to be correct. Bottom line: if you really want to make sure your theme night costumes are spot on, you might want to call the resort before your visit. Or join one of the pre-visit KIK groups.
Tips
Ever since our second trip, we've brought a stack of 100 one-dollar bills for tipping. That usually lasts us about four days. The staff is really outstanding and works hard to make guests comfortable. We leave some cash after each meal and pre-tip our pool bartenders (since we won't be wearing anything with pockets when we're drinking. Actually, we won't be wearing anything!)
Massage
This was a new discovery this trip. If you're looking for a nice vanilla massage, grab your clothes and flip flops and walk toward Puerto Morelos (to the right as you look at the ocean). The walk will take you 10-15 minutes. The walk feels very safe with plenty of families lining the beach. Look for a big white canopy with the word 'Massage' on it. A one hour massage will set you back US $30-35. Cant beat that deal for a relaxing massage right on the ocean!
If you're looking for a more-than-vanilla massage, there's plenty to chose from at the Pearl spa. Or you can go visit Claudia. (See other posts in this thread.)
Fresca
We learned this one the hard way. Mexican Fresca, unlike its US counterpart, is NOT sugar free. We sipped Vodka-Frescas all day thinking we were saving calories. We couldn't figure out why we both had wicked headaches by jacuzzi time. Then we asked a bartender to show us a bottle. Mexican Fresca is full sugar. Lesson learned.
Kelp
Lots of kelp on the beach this trip. Seems to be seasonal. For some of the posters here who say the kelp 'ruined their trip,' we say, 'Get over it.' Quite literally. Just step over the kelp mound and enjoy the ocean if you'd like. The staff works hard to groom the beach, but sometimes kelp happens. It's hard to imagine this could ruin anyone's trip. But if you have a kelp aversion, maybe think twice. Speaking of seasons, the weather in April was the best we've experienced.
Sprays
Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. You don't want to be 'that person' with the bright red tiger stripes starting on day one. And make sure you cover all of those places that aren't used to seeing the sun!
The mosquitoes were biting at night on our trip. Not terrible. Each of us only had 3-4 bites for the trip, but you'll want to pack some bug spray to stay comfortable. If you forget, the gift shop is stocked.
Participate!
The entertainment staff works so hard to make sure everyone has fun. Just go with it! Jump in to water polo or join the beach volleyball game! You'll have a fun, sexy, silly time.
Don't miss the shows in the disco starting at 10:30p. They're really entertaining and different every night. On one of our nights we saw incredible aerialists, a nationally ranked pole dancer (yep, it's a thing) and an amazing strength display by one of the men. The most amazing part: all of those performers are also Desire staff!
Nudity
If you haven't been to a clothing optional resort, don't worry. Yes, we realize that's easier said than done. It's totally natural to be insecure about being au naturel. You will see all different types of bodies. Yours probably won't be the best. Yours probably won't be the worst. But remember, it's not a contest and nobody's judging. Your biggest surprise will probably be how comfortable you are after that first 30-seconds. The next surprise will be how everyone's guard comes down when their clothes come off. Desire is the friendliest place we've ever vacationed. Other guests will go out of their way to talk to you. You will meet people from all over. That's rare for us at other resorts. But that's the Desire culture. And it's one of the things that makes this place so special.
Sex
Finally, the part you REALLY wanted to read. Yes, you will see sex. Probably a lot of it. You will see couples, threesomes and more. Public sex is limited to the jacuzzi area. If you're not in the lifestyle, there's plenty to enjoy watching or just soaking up a sexy atmosphere. If being around sex isn't your thing, avoid the jacuzzi (and maybe avoid Desire).
If you are in the lifestyle, you might meet others to play with. You might not. Our advice is to go in with no expectations. Set the boundaries you're comfortable with as a couple and enjoy what does or doesn't happen. We've had fantastic trips either way.
This trip was our sexiest yet. A great range of ages and several sexy couples in our age range (we're mid 40s). The jacuzzi was rocking in late afternoon and at night. We found some really fun playmates.
We've never felt pressure to play at Pearl. In general, we've found Desire guests to be incredibly respectful. If you're hesitating about planning a visit because you're afraid of 'those crazy swingers,' relax, we don't bite. Unless you ask