We were about to write a detailed trip report for our first experience at Desire. That was up until I read the report from J&J. Deciding quickly that J&J’s report was not only well-written but accurate on every point, we will just share a few concurring opinions and personal observations.
Similar to J&J, we are in the same age group and had our first naked experience at Hedo II a few years back. We enjoyed Hedo II but were searching for a resort with the same “charged” atmosphere, friendly people, a little nicer facility and easier to access. The search and the wait were worth it. Desire is exactly what we were looking for! Having been to Hedo II and several cruises to the Caribbean, this was our best vacation ever.
Getting to Desire is just too easy. Within thirty minutes of arrival, were out the door and on our way. Our ride to the resort was a bad experience only because the driver had no idea where it was. We had arranged transportation with a reputable company. On the way back, it took seventeen minutes. Make sure the driver knows where he is going. Desire is not well marked along the route. One other item worth noting on arrival – the long entrance into Desire. The sign on the road mentions nothing about Desire and as you drive for miles down a straight and deserted road, you might wonder exactly where you are going. Eventually it ends at several signs that warn you about crocodiles. At that point, I thought I had really screwed up. Fear not. The best trip of your life is about to begin. (The crocodiles, however, are real!)
We arrived to a friendly front-desk. Frank is as good as J&J said he is. Ice cold champagne before they even ask your name. And no wait or groups of people like Hedo. This was smooth and within minutes we were in our room. Which was two steps from the beach. If the sound of the surf, sight of the Caribbean, and proximity to the sand is important to you, get an ocean front room. This was without a doubt the best feature of the resort. What is better than going to sleep and waking up with the sound of the surf? The room was small and plain. The bed was very comfortable. There is not enough draw space. None of this made a difference. The room was a “B” and the location was an “A+.” One other item worth noting was the noise. There wasn’t any. Perfect rest!
The pool was a major difference from Hedo. At Desire, it is BIG, very clean (no floating food or other debris), plenty of comfortable chairs and an endless supply of huge towels. We didn’t spend much time by it. However, it looked and sounded like a lot of fun. In the early morning and early evening, the pool is a great place to relax. The pool bar is very close to the beach and the munchies they had served their purpose. (Great salsa!) While I am on the subject of bars, the only observation I will make is about the beer. They could stand to offer more than El Sol. It’s fine but maybe a XX or other variety to mix it up. Bring your own BIG cups just like at Hedo.
The hot tub is an experience that you must discover on your own. Here is what we have to say about that – make sure you check it out early in your trip. Don’t stay away because you are either not a lifestyler or grossed out by the hot tub at Hedo. This hot tub is for everyone. The view alone from the roof is amazing. There are plenty of towels, tables, and a great bar. Watch out for the floor near the restrooms. It get’s very slippery. They need to do something about that! If you are not into socializing in a hot tub, go after dinner around 8 or 9. You will have the place to yourself. Lying on the bed after a soaking staring into the clear sky is very romantic!
The main restaurant is very good. Unlike Hedo, there is constant variety and the food was always fresh and well-stocked. We did not eat in the fancy restaurant but heard good things about it. It is very pretty. We ate in the new outdoor Mexican restaurant which is by the pool. The atmosphere and the service were great. The homemade strawberry tequila was an experience. The food wasn’t that good. Make your reservations early or you might not get what you want.
Similar to our comments on the hot tub, don’t miss the disco. It is very nice, a lot of fun, and absolutely entertaining. And it’s for everyone. A visit every night around 10pm is a must just to catch whatever competition they might have planned for that evening.
The staff at Desire is the best thing about Desire. This was out first trip to Mexico. The people there could not do enough for you. And they did it every day with great big smiles. Here are a few names that will make your vacation even better – Abdias, Javier, Pablo, and Pablo’s brother Alberto. These guys are better than any we have experienced at any other resort or cruise ship. Take care of these guys. We want them to stay! The management at Desire has an obvious attention to detail. They take care of the little things that make for a great experience.
Finally, the beach. We are sun worshipers and Desire is the place to do it. What a fantastic beach! Clean all of the time, soft sand even in the water and comfortably close to the bar. The nude beach at Hedo was simply not nice. At Desire, it is the perfect size for the resort. If the beach is an important part of your vacation experience, there is no comparison.
J&J’s analogy to a wedding reception and a frat party says it best. Hedo was great fun with nice people. For us, Desire was just a better place to have great fun with the same nice people. It’s great to have variety and both resorts offer something for everyone. Let’s hope the management at Desire keeps it the way it is. I am not so sure that bigger will be better at Desire. Size IS important at Desire and theirs is just right.