Since very few people have gone to Desire, Hedonism II, and Hedonism III within a period of one month (November 2003), this trip report will present our views about the resorts. This is based upon our first trip to Desire (five nights: Thursday - Tuesday) and Hedonism III (three nights: Saturday - Tuesday), and our 23rd trip to Hedonism II (eleven nights). These are our opinions-any factual errors may be attributed to alcohol induced memory blurring.
Bottom line: We had a good time at all three resorts. Desire is more laid back with best service, best specialty restaurant, but the crowd/atmosphere will probably vary more from week-to-week as it is new. Hedo II is more a rowdy party place with the most open displays of affection, best beach grill (Robert's), rowdy piano bar, sports, and water sports. Hedo III has a better water slide, better service than Hedo II (but not equal to Desire), quieter, and the best disco (although it is missing the back room that Desire has).
Getting There. The Cancun airport has recently been completely rebuilt and is quite nice. Desire is about a 15-20 minute cab ride away. The MoBay airport is old and half the time you don't use a jetway. Either Hedo is about a 60-90 minute bus ride away. Desire.
Getting Back: A Horror Story. We purchased our round trip transportation from the resort. They told us to pay the driver (in cash) at the airport. He told us he would pick us up 2 hours before our flight. But, he never showed. We couldn't seem to get anyone at Desire to take an interest. Espera isn't what you want when your ride is 30 minutes late and there isn't a taxi in sight and they haven't picked up the phone to call one. Luckily for us two other guests checked out, they had a car, and took us to the airport. We got to the airport in time, but I certainly can't recommend using the resort's transportation. Standing around in a foreign country while the clock is ticking on your flight and they are just saying to wait and not doing anything is frightening. (P.S. it takes a good ten minutes to go from the resort to the highway, we didn't pass any vehicles.) Hedo. Hedo. Hedo. In my first experience.
Checking In. Desire is like checking into any hotel, except they provide champagne and cold towels at check in. Hedo II is pandemonium, taking anywhere from 15 minutes to 6 hours before you're in a room. Hedo III was better than Hedo II but we still had to wait a while for a room. Desire.
Rooms. Our garden room at Desire had a closet, TV, A/C, safe, phone, small refrigerator, coffee pot, chair, and a very hard queen-sized bed. It had one shelf and no drawers to put anything in. We took the coffee supplies and put them on top of the refrigerator to give us a second shelf. Both Hedos have all the above (except the TV and refrigerator) and also drawers, CD player, clock, and a king-sized bed. Since our last trip Hedo II has replaced their beds with similarly hard, uncomfortable beds. Was there a sale on hard beds? Hedo III.
Bathroom. Desire's bathroom is a nice size and has an open shower, bidet, toilet, hairdryer, and sink. Hedo II has a shower/tub combination (this is changing with the new room renovations) and doesn't have a bidet. We had trouble with the Desire shower splattering water everywhere, but the temperature was constant. Our shower head was stuck on "needle" position where it stayed in spite of a call to maintenance. We had to call for toilet paper once, because the maid didn't leave any. It came very quickly. Our bathroom worked fine at Hedo III, although when youve been drinking, climbing into the bathtub for a shower must be done very carefully to avoid accidents. Hedo III.
Drinking water. At Desire, we were warned not to drink the tap water or use it for brushing. Everyday the maid left two bottles of water in the refrigerator. We were cautious and didn't drink the water at the restaurant either. As far as I know, no one got sick from the water, but it's a pain to have to worry about it. The beach bar had a purified water dispenser (self service) and all the ice came from bags that said "purified water". It's a pain to brush your teeth with purified water. Either Hedo.
Grounds. Both Desire and the Hedos have beautiful grounds. Desire has made a very obvious effort to plan the landscaping and position different plantings. Hedo III is very nicely laid out, but could use more open space. Hedo II has mature plantings and is a much larger resort. All are beautiful.
Towels. Abundant, soft, plush, and everywhere at Desire. One night we ran out at the hot tub, a call to the operator got two massive stacks of towels delivered in about 10 minutes. Thin, old and hard to find at Hedo II. This year we ended up never even using the beach towels after the first day. Finding towels weren't a problem at Hedo III, but they weren't of the same quality. Desire.
Nude Beach. There really is no comparison. Desire has a nice fine white sandy beach with a minimum of coral and rocks and a reef about 300 yards offshore. Hedo II has a small portion of beach on the hook and you have to wear water shoes in the water. Bring a float to Desire if you like to float. Hedo IIIs beach is man-made and small. Desire.
Pool(s). There is only one pool at Desire that is used by guests, although there is a second pool by reception area which we never saw anyone in (except some fiddler crabs). The pool is divided into two sections: a deep section (5 ft.) and what was formerly probably a kiddie section (18 inches). It is quite busy as all activities (volleyball, aerobics, polo, etc.) occur here. Or, it can be lazy with people just conversing or floating. Hedo II has the main pool (prude), the nude pool (bar complex), and assorted small pools (mainly to receive people from the slide). Neither resort is really set up well for water volleyball. Hedo II's pool is better for conversing and spending all day in it as it has seats and isn't so deep. Hedo III has a nude pool complex and a clothing optional pool in the quad . We found both pools to be a little too cool to stay in for long periods of time due to the wind and shade. Hedo II.
Sun/Shade. Cindy has an allergy to the sun, so she likes to stick to the shade. There is a lot more shade at Hedo II and III. The pool complex is in full sun at Desire. At Hedo II, there is normally shade somewhere throughout the day. At Hedo III, there is normally sun somewhere throughout the day. The beach also is in full sun at Desire, although there are some shelters that provide relief. There are more trees at Hedo II providing shade to those who desire it. Hedo II has the best mix of sun and shade. Desire has the most sun. Hedo III has the least sun.
Pool/Beach Bars. It's easier to get a drink at Desire since there are so few people, but it still can take 5-10 minutes if you get in line as they only have one bartender for the beach and pool. The Hedo's have three bars and more staff. Hedo has a better selection, although another trip report said Desire has increased their selection. Desire has drinkable red, white, blush zinfandel, and champagne. Hedos have Red Stripe, Desire has Sol. Champagne flows freely at Desire. A slight edge to Hedo, which would go away if Desire added a second bar to service the beach.
Watersports. Mauricio, the new watersports coordinator, arrived the day we left Desire. He has a challenge ahead of him. Every piece of equipment was broken: ripped sails, holes in the kayaks, etc. Hedo II 's watersports and scuba is well run and everything is in good repair. The ocean was so rough all the watersports were canceled for the four days we were at Hedo III. No comparison, Hedo II.
Pool Music. Desire had a nice selection of background music that was changed to higher energy and louder when there were activities poolside (volleyball, aerobics). Hedo II's music is too intrusive and repetitive, making it difficult to talk and hear over. I don't remember Hedo III's music, so I think it was similar to Hedo II's. Desire.
Pool Snack Bar. Desire has a mini-buffet and will cook a hamburger or club sandwich. We were warned that the hamburgers were inedible and saw many thrown away after a couple of bites, so we didn't try them. The grill at Hedo III was passable and served salads, but no fries! We dream of Robert's fries at Hedo, in fact, that's the only place where Rick will eat fries. Robert's food is always well prepared and fresh. Jerk chicken at four. A big win for Hedo II.
Pool Bathrooms. Desire has two bathrooms that are shared with the main dinning room. You have to walk in front of the windows in the dinning room to get to the bathroom (which seems weird since everybody inside is dressed). Then you share the bathroom with anyone eating lunch or dinner-again weirding me out. Hedo II has improved the bathroom situation with the addition of two more bathrooms at the nude pool. Hedo III had just one bathroom per gender but was adequate for the size crowd when we were there. No clear winner since Hedo II has added two new bathrooms.
Pool Ambiance. Desire's ambiance really feels like any resort where you just happen to be naked (and without children). Everyone was well behaved and there was little hint of what would happen later (at other venues). Hedo III was similar to Desire (at least when we were there). Hedo II has a more sexually charged air with activities ((;>) breaking out spontaneously during the afternoon. Very different, Your choice.
Coordinators.
There were only five coordinators at Desire, but they do everything on schedule and have fun with the guests. As expected, the women are beautiful; the men, athletic. Currently, there are Hector, Silvina, Chavelli (sp?), Daddy Mario, and Mauricio. The day and night has many organized activities and, surprisingly, the guests were actively involved in many of them. From volleyball (beach and pool), aquaerobics, water polo, ping pong, horse shoes, Spanish lessons-there was always something going on. And, quietly, join in or not as it pleased you. No screaming.
Hedo III had coordinators, but I didn't really meet any. We played water volleyball when someone picked up the ball and started it.
Hedo II has many coordinators, few last more than a year. Again, the women are beautiful; the men, athletic. They rarely look like they are enjoying themselves. They constantly are yelling, show up late or not at all. They are obtrusive.
I felt like I had made friends with all the coordinators at Desire in my time there. I hope that they are all there on my next trip. No question, Desire.
Hot tub/Bar.
Desire. The hot tub is located next to the pool area, but up three flights of stairs. From the hot tub you can overlook the pool area on one side. The bar for the hot tub is staffed until sunset. Then, they leave stuff out as self-serve. There are stools in and outside the hot tub. There are two bathrooms (with two stalls) just for this area. There are three canopied beds (for those who wanted privacy) and four open-air beds (for those who didn't care or wanted to put on a show). There were a number of small tables with chairs. The water was consistently at one temperature that was cool enough that you could stay in it all day (or night) without fear of overheating. Most wanted them to raise the temperature. The water was very clear.
The hot tub is raised above the deck and is quite awkward to get into. There isn't a handrail and the step into the tub is about 3 feet! When you leave, the lighting is such that it is hard to see the dark wood steps-again without a handrail. The three flights of steps were slippery the night it rained. And, there is one section without a handrail for some reason on those long flights of steps. The tub is much smaller than Hedo's, but was never as crowded, even at sunset.
Hedo II . Hedo's hot tub is much larger and can accommodate (with much crowding) 350 people (there's a photo to prove it). The water temperature is very inconsistent going from too hot to too cold and, occasionally, just right. The water is almost always murky and sometimes has foam on it. There are always extra-curricular activities breaking out. The bar is a whole lot farther away, but is always staffed.
Hedo III. The hot tub is located immediately adjacent to the nude pool and is about the same size as at Desire. For some reason we never made it back after dinner to check out the actionpossibly from spending too much time at the disco. The water was clear and temperature was fine, except one day it was a little too hot.
The choice isn't clear, if Desire upped the temperature a bit and improved the safety aspects, they could become the best. If Hedo II could regulate the temperature and clear up the water, they could become the best. However, for those with bad knees, there will always be three full flights of steps to climb at Desire.
Service. Although the service at the Hedo's is adequate, they could learn a lot from Desire. The staff at Desire jokes a little with the guests. They pull little practical jokes. They interact with the guests. They go out of their way. Ask for something a little out of the ordinary, no problema. At Hedo III, we had to wait to get our room. We were escorted to the Scotch Bonnet so we could eat lunch while waiting. About ten minutes later a staff member came to the restaurant to tell us our room was ready. When we flew between Hedo III and Hedo II, we requested an earlier flight than the 315P because thunderstorms in the afternoon might be an issue. Despite the rain and an hour delay, we did finally arrive at Hedo II. Two days later, the Hedo III tour desk called us at Hedo II to ensure that we made it to Hedo II OK. She explained that she thought of us that day (her day off) when it started to rain at 1P. This would NEVER happen at Hedo II. Desire with Hedo III running a close second.
Breakfast. Other than the specialty restaurant, breakfast is the best meal of the day at Desire. Most anything you could ask for was available (except I didn't see any bagels). More of a European flair than Hedo with granola, yogurt, cold cuts and cheeses. You could have complete Mexican breakfast (which I did!). Sausage, bacon, potatoes, omelets or eggs made to order if you could communicate successfully with the chef. Lots of juice choices (8 typically), fresh fruit, and canned fruits. Coffee was ok (to my tastes). Decaf was powdered Nescafe. Teas and Mexican hot chocolate were also available. All is self-serve, except coffee.
Hedo III has a nice breakfast buffet with omelets to order. I like that they bring the coffee in a carafe and leave it at the table. Very good.
Hedo II has Charlie--something that Desire or Hedo III will not be able to match. Much better coffee than Desire (though not as good as it used to be). Jamaican specialties served such as ackee and saltfish. Lots of breads, bagels, croissants, and (my favorite) banana bread. Real butter (Desire has the worst margarine I ever tasted {recycled diesel fuel?}). Did I say, real butter? Hedo II.
Lunch. In addition to the pool snack bar, all resorts have a buffet that you have to dress for. At Desire, I didn't think it was worth the effort. At Hedo II, Cindy likes to go for a salad and flan once in a while. I will say that we hate the noise associated with the lunch time spin at Hedo II. We didn't make it to the main dinning room for lunch at Hedo III, but did eat at the Scotch Bonnet that was nice if you want Jamaican. Desire has nice background music and tablecloths. Food-Hedo II. Atmosphere-Desire.
Dinner. Dinner at both resorts is very similar to lunch, except the entres and desserts are more up-scale. The wines at Desire are far better than Hedo with a champagne (Andr), white (blanco), red (tinto), and a blush zinfandel. Desire will make flaming coffees for a nice show. Again, I preferred the food at Hedo II, the atmosphere at Desire.
Specialty Restaurants. Each resort has one up-scale specialty restaurant. The Hedo's has two others: Munahana (Japanese) and Scotch Bonnet (Jamaican). For choices, Hedo is best. Desire is outstanding in the quality of the food, atmosphere, service, and original cuisine.
At Desire, each table is separated from the others using long flowing, elegant gauze drapes. The tables are set with crystal, silverware, and a centerpiece to the point of being crowded. Most tables are for two or four, with one for six. The menu is separated into appetizers, salads, soup, and entres. There are numerous choices in each category, but we tried the coquille St. Jacques and beef capriccio for appetizers; three lettuce salad and salad with duck; lobster bisque and wild mushroom soup; and filet with barnaise sauce and duck with ginger sauce. We passed on the deserts, but had flaming coffees. A most memorable meal.
At Pastafari, there are numerous tables that take groups of six to ten. The tables are a little more roomy. The meal starts with an antipasto course, followed by soup (minestrone or du jour). There are numerous choices of entre from pasta to beef to seafood. Some of our favorites in the past have been pollo con fettuccine carbonara, veal, and shrimp scampi. Desert is followed by coffee, espresso, or cappuccino. Very good, but not as good as Desire.
The other two specialty restaurants at Hedo are not as good in my opinion as Pastafari, but they are extra choices. Munahana starts with a tempura course, followed by sushi, then miso soup, then either steak, chicken, or shrimp tempenyaki.
Gym. Both resorts have nice looking gyms. Hedo II's is quite good with numerous aerobic machines (bikes, elliptical, stair climber, and treadmills) and weight machines. Desire's looked good, but I must admit that I was on vacation and didn't work out in it as we were there for only five nights. I think that it is smaller, but comparably equipped to Hedo II's (from just glancing in), remembering that Desire is about 1/5 the size of Hedo.
Tennis. There is absolutely NO comparison. Hedo II has four tennis pros, six tennis courts and rackets if you don't bring your own. Desire has one court hidden at the back of the resort with no pro. You can get rackets at the activity desk. Hedo III has two courts and a nearly nonexistent pro with extra rackets hanging outside the courts. The tennis balls at Hedo III were left out in the rain for two days and were terrible to play with. We never did see new tennis balls. We take lessons at Hedo II every day and usually participate in the tournaments at 4P (Tues. - singles, Thur. - doubles). The pro at Hedo III didn't give us lessons when we showed up at 1015A. He suggested we come back at 430P when it was cooler. By 430P we were not interested in getting dressed in tennis gear. Hedo II, Hedo II, Hedo II, Hedo II - need we say more? (Obviously we are avid tennis players.)
Disco. The resorts have discos with bar service and a DJ. Hedo III's disco is a little roomier and seemed less smokey than Hedo II. Desire has a raised stage with two poles for people wanting to put on a show and comfortable seats where you can sit for a few and watch the show. Desire has a room where one can go "play" if one finds a new playmate. Hedo III to dance, Desire as a direct lead to...
Playroom. The Desire playroom is located in front of the disco (behind the bar). There is an unmarked door opening into a long narrow room with leather benches on each wall. There were about a dozen people in it, which maxed it out each time we checked. Towels were available here as well. Since Hedo doesn't really have a playroom, Desire.
Swinging/Public Sex. Our time at Desire splits into two sections. When we arrived, the resort was about half full and there was less obvious swinging going on. I felt like most of the couples we talked to were just starting to explore swinging and went to Desire to see if it would happen there. Our last few days, the Lifestyles group arrived and filled up the resort. There was much more obvious activity going on at the hot tub and Disco room. At Hedo II, other than the Lifestyle weeks, whatever happens, happens. There seemed to be more public sex at Hedo II at the pool and the hot tub than Desire. As always, it probably depends on your week.
And, the grand winner is: up to you. Each resort can be a lot of fun. Hedo II is highest energy, louder, more PDAs and PDPs, better watersports, and better food. Hedo III is quieter than Hedo II and has the best disco (dancing), waterslide, and good service. Desire is more relaxed, better service, quieter, better background music, PDAs at the hot tub and back room, good disco, and an outstanding specialty restaurant.
I think the people are pretty much the same-the best! We made many new friends in November in Mexico and Jamaica.