Desire Pearl Resort & Spa

We had not been to Desire Pearl in several years but returned with a group of our friends last week. The staff could not have been nicer, more willing to please, or done more for us. Our butler's Irving and Hector had everything we asked taken care of so all we had to do was enjoy ourselves. Tables for 12 at dinner? No problem. Arranging transportation for 12 to the marina to go out on the yacht. Easy. We have been Premier Members since our first visit in 2013 and signed two new contracts since then but went in to the sales presentation assuming we would just get the $200 credit to put towards our massages. Chris & Kayla his manager put together a better package than what we already had that made sense for us to sign again. Wanted to say thank you to both of them for taking of something that came up while we were there that made us understand why we came back for our 13th trip combined between the two Desire resorts.

We’ve been vacationing at Desire Pearl Resort about 12 times over the past ten years, and while the experience has generally been enjoyable, our recent visit was a disappointment. Upon arrival, we approached the front reception desk and stood in front of Frank. Instead of greeting us, he barely acknowledged our presence before inviting us to sit. He then asked if this was our first visit, which was absurd considering we’d been there 12 times in 10 years. He should have known and thanked us for our loyalty. Frank was very unprofessional and somewhat lazy slouched in his "RECEPTION" chair. Frank then handed us off to the second phase of the check-in process, where we were seated with a female employee and offered the chance to schedule a membership meeting. We politely declined, as we’ve done every time in the past decade. Her response was dismissive, saying, “Oh, I guess you like paying full price.” I would have thought that as loyal guests who pay full price, we would appreciate a thank you gesture, perhaps a free massage or something...not a sarcastic response. Room service was also lacking. Water wasn’t stocked without asking, and shampoo and body wash were not replaced. I had to take them from the cleaning cart. The room never smelled fresh and clean; it smelled more like dirty mop water. The beach was not being maintained. They’d clearly given up on cleaning the sea grass from the shoreline. It smelled and you had to walk through 10 yards of stagnant sea grass to reach the ocean. We left the property every day to enjoy the beach in Puerto Morelos. One positive aspect of the trip was the continued excellent service provided by Victor, Miguel, Antonio, and Gabi around the pool. The new outdoor patio, stage, bar, and seating areas were a welcome addition. In my opinion, all entertainment should be held in this area, eliminating the need for the freezing cold nightclub. However, we also noticed that the group divided. A number of guests who sat outside for drinks or entertainment chose to stay outside, while others went into the nightclub. Overall, the lack of acknowledgment and appreciation for our years of loyalty, combined with the housekeeping issues and the neglected beach, make us unlikely to return to Desire Pearl Resort.

We had another great time at Desire Pearl! The resort and staff were excellent! We love the new layout of the lobby and the lobby bar Melange! The food was delicious and everyone from the grounds crew to the managers speak to you everyday! I particularly want to call out for exceptional service our butler, Hector, our pool servers, Gabi and Yalonda, our all time favorite server at dinner, Gilberto at Pearl Restaraunt (Papi!) and last but not least, our favorite pool attendant, Miguel!! It’s so good seeing their smiling faces on our trips!! Can’t wait to return!!

Desire Pearl is a wonderful resort for couples to relax and have fun. The new lobby and Melange are stunning. The Melange is a perfect spot for a before or after dinner drink and to watch the shows. The restaurants are are great and have different themes for dinner All of the resort's staff are stellar. They're friendly, always asking if there's anything they can help you with and they're always positive and enjoy chatting with the guests. All in all, Pearl is a wonderful resort.

Our stay at Desire Resort & Spa Riviera Maya was defined by something you don’t always find in luxury, playful travel—genuinely personal, attentive service paired with thoughtful, engaging entertainment. What stood out most was how the staff made the experience feel intimate rather than transactional. May at the main restaurant remembered our preferences, anticipating the small details, and bringing a warmth that made breakfast and midday lunch feel like a welcome return rather than a routine. In the evenings, we loved dining at Pearl. While the atmosphere leans a bit dated, the rotating menu, food quality, and exceptional service more than make up for it. It’s a place where the experience is driven by care and consistency. The newly renovated lobby and entertainment spaces are beautifully done—we arrived just as they were completed. The design feels contemporary and elevated, with a relaxed luxury that invites you to linger. Don’t miss sitting at the bar after dinner for a little people-watching. Eduardo, the bartender, is both skilled and engaging—mixing great drinks with a touch of humor that adds to the atmosphere. The couples massage at the spa with Melissa and Ana was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip—intimate, deeply relaxing, and thoughtfully paced. The time afterward in a private jacuzzi with a bottle of champagne made it feel indulgent in the best way. Our room was equally comfortable, with a brand-new mattress, excellent air conditioning, and a lovely ocean-side view from a private deck—simple details that made a big difference. By the pool, Victor struck the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. He set up a quiet bed for us away from the energy when we wanted to unwind, checking in just enough without ever intruding. It made those slower moments feel intentionally curated. The lobby bartender added another layer of personal connection—fun, perceptive, and quick to learn what we liked. By our second visit, it felt familiar and easy, like part of the rhythm of the trip rather than just a stop for a drink. And then there was Jess, who truly elevated the entertainment experience. Her stretching class was a highlight—energizing without being intimidating—and she carried that same welcoming energy into poolside activities and evening events. Always smiling and inclusive, she created an environment where you could engage as much or as little as you wanted and still feel part of it. This resort strikes a rare balance: lively but never overwhelming, luxurious but never impersonal. The level of care from the staff turned what could have been just another vacation into something that felt thoughtfully tailored and genuinely memorable.