Desire Resort June 26 to July 1st
This will be a short trip report well maybe not, what can be said that hasn’t been stated already. Everyone has their own take on what’s a great or good vacation. We are a non- lifestyle middle-age couple with 10 trips previous trips to Hedo ll, 1 to GLB and trip number 3 to Desire.
Won’t bore you with the details of the flight out of Miami, arrived at Cancun an hour later, 1pm, zipped through immigration, got our bags, pushed the customs button got the green, (no search). Hurried through the gauntlet of rental car agencies and what ever else they were selling at the airport terminal exit. Found Lomas travel, and they got us quickly in a van, off we went. We arrived at Desire we were handed cold hand towels and a glass of champagne, check in was quick, total time, about 1hour from the time the plane landed to the room.
The Resort
Basically it was totally refurbished after Hurricane Wilma last year, new A/C units, doors, windows, etc. Looked at the photos from the hurricane in the lobby, total devastation only thing left standing was the concrete structures. No problems with the A/C or getting hot water. I was impressed with the fact the staff was constantly cleaning, washing and manicuring the resort. Small refrig. In the room was always well stocked, and, if I was in the room when it was being stocked, I was asked if I needed more bottles of water or beer.
The Beach
Truck loads of sand were brought in to rebuild the beach. Trees were panted, palapas were built and umbrellas placed, still shade on the beach was at a premium. The beach was raked everyday; some debris from the old pier is still lying on the bottom, wear water shoes. The best part was someone came around about every hour or so and took your drink order, delivering drinks without ever leaving your chair.
The Food
Pool grill always had a variety of food, plus a salad bar, at the grill, fish, chicken, flank steak or hamburgers were available. I personally love Mexican food, so I was in heaven.
The main dining room was air-conditioned, what a relief. Breakfast, buffet style with eggs cooked to order with a great variety of fruits, dinner was same with different Themes every night.
We ate at the International restaurant 2xs, excellent service, and great food.
We didn’t eat at the Italian or Japanese restaurant, however were told the Japanese was also very good. Snacks and room service are available anytime.
PDAs PNPs
Didn’t see any at the pool or on the beach, it was pretty much limited to the jacuzzi area during the late afternoon, at night, and playroom also at night. The beds at the jacuzzi were our favorite at night, a nice steady breeze, good music, relaxing, very sensual. Actually, we fell asleep for a couple of hours on several occasions.
Resort Staff and Tipping
The staff provided excellent, prompt service the entire 6 days we were there, I tipped, but others didn’t and still received the same outstanding service. This was always mention when we talked with others and comparing other resorts. I spoke with several of the staff members, all told me that Desire was one of the better companies to work for, and, took care of them post Wilma. The entertainment staff was great, particularly Diana and Mia, always pool or beach volley ball going on. Other games too, this is what I like about Desire, some of the games are risqué but not in your face crude. Once the bartenders learn what you like to drink, you’re never without a drink in front of you, Special thanks to Edgar, Charlie and Lorenzo at the lobby bar. There’s’ always something to do, or just sit on the beach read, and vegetate.
The People
Although Desire bills itself as catering to the Lifestyle crowd, when we were there I’d say it was split 50-50. The lifestylers had their own little groups, however were never rude or pushy, we have found from past experience lifestylers to be respectful, intelligent and educated. With some trying to convert us, but still great people. ( LOL). Ages spanned from the early twenties to sixties, average age was probably late thirties. So far, in the three visits to Desire, we have yet to meet any rude or over aggressive people.
We met many fantastic people, had great conversations about everything under the sun. I won’t mention any names with respect to their privacy.
The positives
1. Couples only, respectful staff, no Vinnies, Wallys, Gomers ( Desperate Single Males, begging, stalking, pleading or demanding sex) I never had to worry about leaving the wife alone while I went snorkeling, windsurfing or playing volleyball. Wife was free to lie on the beach, pool, sitting at the bar, anywhere without being harassed. Did I mention the staff provided prompt, excellent service.
3. A majority of the equipment A/Cs, refrig, electrical equipment is brand new. Fewer problems.
4. The Staff and management at Desire have developed a successful philosophy, prompt friendly service, clean, safe resort, with good food. Security checks everyone coming into the resort and when they leave, insuring no unauthorized guest visits. I observed for the first time security guards posted at the resort perimeters.
The negatives
1. On the first day wife was attacked by the treacherous “no-see-ums” causing many bites. By Wednesday a.m. we took a taxi to a pharmacy in Puerto Morales, pick-upped some prescription derma cream about $6.00 US, and Tetracycline 20 caps $9.00.
I had brought “cutter” insect repellent and Deep Woods Off, but we neglected to put it on the first day. Wife started to feel much better by the p.m. We think maybe it was the tanning oil, because it contained coconut oil that attracted the bugs. Some people were attacked and most were not. The resort was sprayed every afternoon, but it only helped for about an hour, the resort is located in a marshland enough said.
2. The bed, I swear it was filled with cement, in retrospect I should have asked to have it replaced with a softer one. God, my back still hurts.
Tips:
Bring plenty of sunscreen, SPF 15 and 30, insect-repellent, stay well hydrated with bottled water. Although I did drink the tap water with no ill effects, however, it did have somewhat of a bad taste. Not recommended, the tap water that is. Bring a small travel first aid kit available at Wal-Mart most pharmacies
I read a previous trip report comparing Desire to Hedo, as to a wedding reception to a frat party, extremely accurate analogy.
Phone: I purchased Two Telephone cards from TelMexUSA.com; it comes to 40cents a minute. The resort charges $2.50 for a connection. But, while standing in the Mexican immigration line, my Nextel phone rang, I answered; I told my friend I was in Mexico. Damn, the thing worked, it didn’t last year. Any way I couldn’t dial out, but the direct-connect worked so we talked every day to our daughter, who also has a Nextel. The phone cards were used to call work and wife’s elderly mother.
Nextel billed us $1.99 for the incoming call, 1 minute, $20.00 for 88 minutes of direct-connect.
Having lived in S. Fla all my life, the best advice I can provide is to avoid Miami International Airport. Rude employees, people, long lines at immigration and customs. It took 2 ½ hours from the time we landed to clear Customs and Immigration and drive 20 miles home. Ft. Lauderdale Airport is by far the best choice. WE will return to Desire in Sept. I realize its not for everyone, but If you’re a couple looking for a quality resort for couples I highly recommend Desire. The fact that’s consistently fully booked speaks volumes.