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We would like some feedback on Desire Pearl. We have been talking about making a short trip to check it out. Probably 3-4 nights. We kind of settled on Pearl because it sounds like, through reading many forums and reviews, that it meets what we think we want from a resort like this. It sounds like it's very laid back, not as much of a late night party atmosphere as the main one and certainly not Hedo but large enough to offer a diverse variety of people interested in anything from just hanging out to full swap.

 

Recent review though are becoming concerning. Declining food and beverage service, hard sells on memberships, basic rules not being enforced such as cell phones in the hot tub area.

 

We've traveled to vanilla resorts in Mexico quite a bit over the last few years and a recent trend in selling these upgrades when you get there is a real problem for us. It segregates people for the sole purpose of making the resort more money. If you have a certain color wristband you can enjoy these amenities only but if you upgrade you can have all these extras. Perhaps an exclusive area, an exclusive restaurant, top shelf drinks etc, something other than a sneer from your concierge. They sell themselves as all inclusive until you get there then it's only truly all inclusive if you pay extra. The other thing we've noticed is the decline in service if you aren't part of the exclusive "club". They won't wait on you on the beach or pick up your empty glasses even. Food and beverage quality has declined also.

 

Then there is the aforementioned segregation. It's not a problem if we aren't looking to swing and we still like the vanilla resorts because I like to dive. I wouldn't dive if we went to Pearl. I'm looking for a different adventure. We don't mind paying for it if the value is there but if we're paying for it we'll want to use it. The problem with the whole concept in a resort where we are looking to meet as many people as possible is that it, in effect, segregates us from a portion of the other guests. We don't care whether they can afford it or not. Their economic status has little to do with whether we want to interact with them in whatever shape or form.

 

The recent reviews I mentioned seem to indicate that Pearl is moving this direction. Some still seem to love it but even long time patrons have mentioned a decline in overall quality of experience. I'd like to hear some feedback from recent visitors about the resort, whether you are newbies or long timers. Is it still worth the trip. Are there other options available that we haven't heard about. I'm looking at booking something pretty quick because we'd like to take a trip in early October if possible.

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We have not been to Desire for a few years. Friends have been more recently. Have only heard good things about the food and accommodations. Riviera Maya was more “swinging” than Pearl in our experience.

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:ditto:

 

We have wanted to go back but with the unsettlement of Mexico, we keep postponing the trip so we are interested in what others have to say as well.

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You mention Hedo, interacting with people, and diving in your post. We've been to Hedo 15 times since 2011 and love it there. You can have the vacation you want at Hedo. There is a reason why there so many of their guests return again and again. I know of no other place where there are so many wonderful and friendly people from all over. All the water sports, including diving, are part of the all-inclusive. There are no hard-sell tactics there and no segregation of guests. While there may be some security concerns in Kingston and Montego Bay, Negril is much safer, especially if you stay on the resort property. Go with a group to get better rates. If you are interested in Hedo, check out their website for info and which groups are going when, find one that you like that is there when you want to go. We have gone with a few different groups, but like the Fluffernutters. (Google them.)

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Thanks for the feedback. The reviews I have seen have been in the last few weeks. Our experience with other non-lifestyle resorts recently has been mixed. Some on the mainland seem to ignore the non membership guests to the point where beach service doesn't exist, concierge service is fine up to the point you decline membership etc. Just wanting to make sure this isn't happening at Pearl before we book a trip.

 

As far as other water sports, I love diving but don't plan on spending that kind of time away from her on a lifestyle vaca. I don't think she would be all that comfortable being left alone. At least not on our first trip. Cozumel is a better diving destination anyway. I've walked through Hedo while staying at Sandals next door. Seems like a pretty wild and crazy party atmosphere and not really the vibe we're looking for. Pearl seems to be more our style so wanted to be sure it wouldn't be a bust.

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We are making our 3rd trip for the year to Pearl in early November. Was there Jan 2017 and again Jan 2018 and May 2018. Did a pass to RM for a day/night and stayed at Cabo twice while it was open. Since your questions were on Pearl, we will focus there. Our first two trips to Pearl were fantastic and we could not wait to get there again. Service, food, rooms...everything was great. But our last trip to Pearl last May we noticed a decline in the food quality and selection. At the end of the trip we were disappointed in the change/decline. The service and everything else remained great. We are hoping that has been resolved prior to our return. We will be booking for late January 2019 again and if things are not improved we will seek other options (sad to say). We have high hopes for the new LS resort to open late next year in Puerto Vallarta (not connected to Desire in any way).

 

As far as safety in MX, the media has done a fine job screwing up people's impression of travel in MX. Recent example is the 8 bodies found in Cancun. Headlines in USA TODAY "State Department orders travel advisory for Mexico after 8 bodies found in Cancun". The travel advisory was for 5 locations in MX (4 along the Pacific Coast and 1 for Juarez) which were the same locations for a while now. Nothing has been changed for the Cancun region. Still, like going to Chicago or Baltimore, watch where you go and what you do. The violence is targeted with gangs and drugs. We have been going to MX for 20 yrs now and one favorite spot was the state of Colima. But it is now on the Travel Advisory list for elevated risk and we no longer go there.

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We are making our 3rd trip for the year to Pearl in early November. Was there Jan 2017 and again Jan 2018 and May 2018. Did a pass to RM for a day/night and stayed at Cabo twice while it was open. Since your questions were on Pearl, we will focus there. Our first two trips to Pearl were fantastic and we could not wait to get there again. Service, food, rooms...everything was great. But our last trip to Pearl last May we noticed a decline in the food quality and selection. At the end of the trip we were disappointed in the change/decline. The service and everything else remained great. We are hoping that has been resolved prior to our return. We will be booking for late January 2019 again and if things are not improved we will seek other options (sad to say). We have high hopes for the new LS resort to open late next year in Puerto Vallarta (not connected to Desire in any way).

 

As far as safety in MX, the media has done a fine job screwing up people's impression of travel in MX. Recent example is the 8 bodies found in Cancun. Headlines in USA TODAY "State Department orders travel advisory for Mexico after 8 bodies found in Cancun". The travel advisory was for 5 locations in MX (4 along the Pacific Coast and 1 for Juarez) which were the same locations for a while now. Nothing has been changed for the Cancun region. Still, like going to Chicago or Baltimore, watch where you go and what you do. The violence is targeted with gangs and drugs. We have been going to MX for 20 yrs now and one favorite spot was the state of Colima. But it is now on the Travel Advisory list for elevated risk and we no longer go there.

 

Thanks for an honest review. Food and beverages are important but as long as the quality is consistent with the price paid we're good with that. Our last trip to the Cancun area was to an all inclusive which was a real disappointment. The concierge greeted us with a glass of champagne but then almost immediately started the upsell on premium services. Once we declined that we felt like outcasts from that point on. We inquired one day about help with arranging an afternoon trip to a specific off sight attraction for which there were several billboards on the trip from the airport to the resort. The concierge didn't know anything about it, said they'd never heard of it and couldn't help then pointed to the several tour guide group representatives gathered in the lobby suggesting one of them may be able to arrange something (for a fee). Ugh!

 

The food was OK but nothing to get excited over, the drinks were watered down badly and all tasted the same. I think they actually watered them down with pineapple juice or something.

 

Service on the beach was non existent if you didn't have the premium wrist band. The staff would walk right by us and our empty drink glasses to pick up the empties of premium members. We were finally told by some other guests that you'd get some attention if you were known to be good tippers but you had to do that up front. On the last day we were so put out by the service we went down the beach and paid for drinks and food. The ceviche was some of the best I've ever had. Drinks were premium brands and not stupid expensive. Lunch, dinner and drinks all together was just over $100. Even the beach was better.

 

My first trip to an all inclusive was to a well know place in Jamaica years ago with my ex. You didn't have to lift a finger for anything. The staff was always friendly and helpful and wouldn't accept tips if you offered them. I think they would get reprimanded for doing so. Since then I/we have been to Jamaica, Cozumel and Cancun area all-inclusives several times over the years.

 

Cozumel last year was the first time I saw this premium membership thing. It allowed top shelf drinks and they had a certain place on the beach. OK that's fine. I was mostly drinking beer anyway except at night I usually switch to whiskey and they had some decent well brands. The segregation wasn't that big of a deal because we weren't there looking to meet other people for anything in particular although we did make some vanilla friends. He and I dove together two days and we had a meal with them and two other couples we met so again no big deal. Oh, and premium guests had access to some kind of lounge that never really seemed to be very busy.

 

That last trip to Cancun earlier this year really turned us off but Pearl sounded like it wasn't going that way. I may be projecting a little but based on those recent Google and TripAdvisor reviews it sounded like service was leaning toward those premium membership upgrades. That's fine I guess although I don't want to be segregated from a significant portion of the guests especially in an 88 room resort. It just seems like it would be too limiting in an environment meant to be as unlimiting as possible.

 

We were looking at booking something in October. It looks like everything is booked now. We may try to make a trip in January.

 

Not at all worried about the safety. That deal in Cancun last last year was obviously cartel related, the bodies I believe were all of locals known or suspected to be involved in illegal activities. I've never felt unsafe in Cancun.

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My wife and I just got back from hedo. It was our first time there and we will definitely be back. It was amazing. Resort is really nice. Food was delicious. Staff were great and the guests were so friendly. There is so much to do and you can also relax when you want. There is lots of opportunity to watch or play if you want, full or soft. We never had any pressure and had many play experiences. It totally exceeded our expectations.

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AGreatGuy - A little more about Desire since you are looking at booking and have expressed concern about segregation depending upon membership. There is a Premier Members group and a sales presentation to attend IF you choose. They will tell you about all of the amenities/discounts if you attend the sales thing. Just say no. You will find couples with wristbands on of different colors. Don't quote me on the definition but basically WHITE: First timers YELLOW: Repeat GOLD: Newer Premier Members and BLACK:Original Premier Members (original contracts). But regardless of your band, we did not notice any difference in service received. The only thing we know of in terms of segregation is there is a Premier Members dinner night once a week (Wed at Pearl). And you do receive discounts/perks with Membership. But beyond that, the service is the same.

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Guest

We have been to Desires five times. Members tend to get a choice of room locations. Now, if you book directly with them and ask for a specific room, you seem to bypass that problem, they typically give you the room promised. The only other time we have noticed any different treatment is when they are full booked, such as over New Years Eve and they do a great New Years Eve Program. During those times, the premier members are going to their their choice of lounge chairs at the pool. What that means is if you arrive early morning and ask for a particular spot, the “cabana guy or gal” may tell you that it is reserved. On the other hand, we have never been told that we had to change spots because a premier member has arrived, the spot you get in the morning is the one you can keep or if others leave, you can move on up. Typically, you have made new friends with whoever is around you and don’t want to move. I think the premier folks also get “top shelf” liquor but you get just as much as of the other stuff. Seriously, their regular stuff includes brands we all recognize, much better than what you will find at Hedo or better than “stock” stuff at your local bar. It’s a great place.

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Thanks to all for the info. Sounds like I've been a little too worried. Now to find a time that we can make it.

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We were there a little less than a year ago for the first time, and we had an amazing time. However, we managed to connect with two other couples on our second night, and after a wild time, one of the couples sort of moved on from us, leaving the foursome to ourselves. Not a bad thing. However, we aren't sure how amazing the adventure would have been had we not met that one couple. Pearl seems to have an older crowd, and in our 40s, we were on the younger side. The socialization was great. We chatted up a whole lot of great people. But there weren't a whole lot of people there who we were able to connect with sexually. The couple we did, well, we blew each other's minds. But we got lucky - no pun intended.

 

If we go back, we'll visit the other Desire in Riviera Maya, just to compare.

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