Desire Pearl Resort & Spa

My wife and I visited Desire Riviera Maya Pearl for a long weekend in September, arriving Friday and leaving Monday. We enjoy spontaneous trips, and this time decided on a quick “debauchery” weekend at Pearl. Before going, we found only short comments about certain aspects of the resort, so we wanted to expand on those for anyone else researching. Here’s our take: • The Crowd We often read that Pearl draws an “older crowd.” At 43 and 51, we figured we’d blend in—and we did. That said, we found ourselves on the younger side compared to most guests, which sometimes made us feel less approachable. Still, everyone we did connect with was friendly, engaging, and easy to converse with. • Clothing-Optional Atmosphere This was our first clothing-optional resort, though we’ve been to many swinger clubs, so nudity wasn’t an issue. We assumed most women would go topless and men would wear shorts, but that wasn’t the case. Men of all ages were fully nude around the pool. It wasn’t uncomfortable, just surprising at first. The pool area leaned more toward a relaxed nudist vibe than the “sexy, seductive” energy we expected. • Sexy Vibe & Party Scene Pearl has a very sensual feel with décor that promotes a sexy energy. However, it’s not an all-day, all-night party resort. Days at the pool were calm and conversational, with a little playful fun when the Playmakers got involved. Nights felt similar to what you’d find at a Couples or Secrets resort—dinner, drinks, a show, then most people drifted off. We tried the disco Friday night but found only about a dozen people there after 11 p.m. • The Playroom The playroom is tucked inside the disco. It’s upscale, clean, and inviting, but also tiny. More than three couples would make it feel crowded. We had fun using it alone, but its size and location explain why it doesn’t see much action. • The Staff This part needs no elaboration—everyone’s right: the staff is incredible. From Miguel at the pool and Cob at the lobby bar to the waitstaff, bartenders, and our massage therapists, everyone was attentive, genuine, and hardworking. We tip generously and enjoy connecting with the staff, and those small conversations about their lives made our experience even better. • Sensual Erotic Massage A must-do. Truly the highlight of our weekend. We booked two female therapists, and they were phenomenal—intuitive, skilled, and professional while still creating an unforgettable, erotic experience. The moment we book another Desire trip, this will be the first thing we reserve. • Dinner Stripper Experience We signed up without asking many questions, assuming it would be a fun group activity. Instead, it was just us in the disco, set up romantically for two. Since we’re not particularly romantic, it felt a little over the top. The performers—a male and a female—were amazing at their craft, fit, and professional. Dinner included appetizers, a show, then dessert served off the performers’ bodies. While it was memorable, we felt awkward and pretentious doing it. Glad we tried it once, but not something we’d repeat (though we’d happily see the female performer again elsewhere—she was outstanding). • Hot Tubs at Night We’d heard rumors of wild nighttime hot-tub parties. On Sunday, before departure, we checked it out. The large hot tub was packed, but it felt more social than sexual. Most people were chatting and hanging out, while a few couples got more intimate in nearby cabanas. A good spot to mingle if you’re looking for late-night connections, but not the wild scene some describe. Final Thoughts We’re glad we went—100% worth it for a fun, indulgent weekend. We enjoyed the people we met, the experiences we tried, and the chance to create our own fun. At the end of the day, it’s about who you’re with, and my wife and I always know how to have a good time together. For next time, we’ll likely try Desire Riviera Maya, as several Pearl guests suggested it might suit our style better. Still, huge thanks to the Pearl staff for a memorable weekend—we truly loved it.

Another great trip to our home away from home! Special thanks as always to Candice and the Playmakers: Kia, Largo, Abi, Jessica, Matt, Javi and Shirley. Alexis the bellman is always there to greet when arriving at Pearl. Butlers Irving and Carlos attended to all the details. Special thanks to Butler Hector. Thank you to Victor, Antonio, Miguel and Horacio at the pool - these gentlemen engineer perfect days. Pool waiters Gabi and Monica were always attentive. Yolanda is in her own special category - pool waiter, Aphrodite waiter, coffee barista and more. Luis at the lobby bar always had our drinks before we even could ask. Thanks to bartenders Eddy, Cob and Christian. Hostess Mayrani at Aphrodite is great, along with waiters Oliver, Wilbert, Joshua, Poot and Adrian. Speaking with Ceci and Chef Levi about the fantastic new Mexican menu at Aphrodite was a highlight. Thank you to Taimi in the spa for a relaxing massage. Thank you to groundskeeper Javier for the fresh coconut and conversations. Where is Juanito?! Its been a few years since our last visit. Pearl has newly opened an outside lobby bar and outdoor show area where the Addiction coffee bar and tropical pond used to be. The coffee bar has now moved to the lobby. The new dance and stage / performance area is great with many comfy outdoor chairs. However, the arrangement of the chairs does hinder free flow of guests and easy access to the dance area in front of the stage. The tendency is for guests to park themselves in the chairs and not mingle so much as was formerly the way in the indoor lobby bar. It can be a lot hotter outside than in the lobby so your evening wear may need to be lighter as well. We arrived a few days after Labor Day and stayed a week. We noted that the crowd at this time was generally older and the vibe was more sedentary. However, towards mid-month things began to pick back up to the Pearl we all know. Still a wonderful time!

Awesome relaxing experience. It always is and it is because of the people that work there and the other guest. As usual, Victor and manuel at the pool and beach were great. Manuela, Eliberto and Wilbert were outstanding for breakfast and lunch. Erick, the butler, was also outstanding. The food as usual was excellent . The atmosphere is always charged ,yet relaxing. couldn't recommend more highly.

As always a friendly face on reception to welcome us and check us in. They will always try to accommodate any room requests you may have if availability allows it. We were very happy with our room. We had a lovely members dinner which was a new menu it was off the chart the food was delicious, Orlando was our server with Behlan they are both two of our favs. Issac in the mansion was our server this time and was very attentive. We had Italian in both pearl and Athrodite and the food was excellent in both, normally Suki is our favourite restaurant but just my personal choice and opinion I wasn’t keen on the new curry style dishes, lunch in Athrodite was amazing the choice of different salads and fresh prawns just want we love with a nice cold glass of white wine which Rey or Oliver would top us up without us having to ask. We had the special fire show dinner on the Friday evening definitely would recommend, just make sure you put mosquitoe repellent on I didn’t 😩 The food was Mexican and O my it was superb The fire show was fun as well, Gilberto was our server we adore him he is a cheeky chappy that always makes us smile. Miguel and his team always sorts us the bed we love up the quiet end. Yolanda Gabby and Selvardo keep us hydrated though out the day., Yolanda knows our choice of drinks and as soon as she sees us she will bring them over we love her she’s the best. Now to our favourite newest addition, the outside bar it’s just what this place has been crying out for, yes it’s a bit hot in the evening but it was August and it will get cooler, but it didn’t stop us dancing outside and having the best time, it’s great watching the shows outside, they have new bar staff Arron was a great cocktail maker with all the moves. We would often go up for a cocktail before lunch and of course always before our dinner. Just a shout out to all the amazing staff who amaze me how they remember peoples names they see so many people on a daily basis yet they will always remember names. Selena gives the absolutely best massage I’ve ever had, Manuela bless her how she manages to carry all those trays for room service, Cobb Peter and Luis in the bar always happy to have a chat, and Daniel is always making sure his guests are happy, he is often walking about checking in to see if everything is ok such a lovely man and a credit to Pearl. My only negative thing is two days on trot the cleaner left no toiletries or coffee pods do I had to go request them, then it was fine. Already excited for our next trip.

Rooms need upgrading. There no beach left. You can't swim in the ocean...it's all full of seagrass! Breakfast was great...and lunch so so. Dinner menu and food terrible.