This trip was far and beyond our wildest expectations. We’re from New Orleans and had planned this trip for early September last year. Mother Nature interrupted that trip with Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to Dennyp (more on him later) he was able to re-book us with his WWW group in April. Then in October Hurricane Wilma hit the resort and sat on top of them for about 24 hours. The results for the resort were devastating. Having been through the destruction in New Orleans we knew first hand the monumental job they would have to do to get the resort even partially ready to accept visitors by April. Somehow they did it! The results are incredible. Happy to tell all that Desire is not only open but fully operational with what appears to be an all new and beautiful resort. If you’re looking for a negative review you can stop reading now. This trip report is all about good news.
Our Trip Report:
We booked our trip with Dennyp to go with the WWW group in April. Denny puts up a private photo gallery with e-mail addresses and before the trip we had the pleasure of talking with and getting to know several members of the group prior to the trip. Denny also kept us informed about the reconstruction.
We arrived in Cancun on Sunday April 2nd about noon and pushed right through Mexican Immigration and then right on to the big Customs stop light. Had a few sweaty moments because of Marie’s toys. Marie held her breath as she pushed the button and it lighted up GREEN! Red means you get to show all your toys to the Mexican Customs Agents! A short walk though the airport gauntlet of “Time Share Salesmen” and Cabbies to “Xpress” our transportation agent to Desire. You can’t miss them with their big sign and dark blue outfits. Five minutes later the bags were loaded and we were on our way. It’s a short 20-minute trip to the resort.
On Arrival:
When we got to the resort we were ushered to the open area just outside the office, which we were told, was where the old swimming pool used to be. Now there are several beautiful water fountains in its place surrounded by beautiful Mexican tile. With a warm Caribbean breeze blowing and surrounded by all new lush landscaping we were handed a glass of Champagne along with a cool moist towel. Our agent told us we would have a short wait while they got the room ready. That morning 94 guest had departed and 84 guests were arriving all with in a period of a few hours. We quickly checked in and headed off to the main pool area to find some lunch at the outdoor food court. On the way we met several of the couples we had met on line and because of the pictures were able to recognize many of the faces from the group. After a nice lunch by the pool we headed back to the office where they had our room ready. Room #1003 was to be home for the next 8 wonderful days.
The Rooms:
Our room was #1003, which is on the ground floor of the building holding the Hot Tub. It was big, clean and quiet. It had a huge shower with glass door and was slightly larger than the standard room and came with a king-size bed. What was nice is that it was close to everything. Round the corner to pool and restaurants. Just up the stairs to the hot tub. The view was towards the parking lot and ponds but they have a big wall separating the lot and a beautiful water fountain by our front door. The other rooms at the resort are only slightly smaller and have a smaller shower with no door. Some come equipped with bidets. The suites are totally wonderful. What little we saw was all 1st class. All the rooms both beach view and garden are totally renovated with new furniture and fresh paint jobs. Never heard any complaints about any of the rooms.
The Grounds:
The resort took quite a hit from the Hurricane and the salty storm surge had destroyed the grass and plant life. Every where you look is all new and beautiful landscaping. If you want to see what a really incredible job they did to rebuild this resort then go to the lobby and look at the photo album of the destruction.
The Pool Area:
This is where most couples spend their day. There are plenty of towels and chairs. We would recommend to the staff to add more shade area as the weather gets hotter this summer. You can stake out a chair and just relax. The staff comes around taking drink orders. You don’t even have to get up. Except for a potty break. The potties are to the back and they were always spotless. The staff gets a volleyball game going in the pool in the mornings. After lunch they have fun with the guests with their antics that includes getting some guests to come up front and compete for t-shirts. We won’t give away their fun here but if you like to compete in crazy events then volunteer.
The Restaurants:
All the restaurants are clustered together and use the same kitchen. The entry doors to each one are only steps apart.
EL ARRECIFE: this is the main Buffet which is open for breakfast and about 5 nights a week. Food is good and you want to check the Mexican and Seafood night schedule before you make reservations anywhere else. Hint: great omelets in the morning.
IL PIACERE: It has a limited but excellent menu and reservations are required. Very unique experience.
TENTAZIONE: Weather permitting they take the open air snack grill by the pool, put the Mexican waiters in Italian dress, put table clothes on the tables and serve up a limited Italian menu. Reservations NOT required and our hint is to try the filet. It’s excellent!
SUKI: Actually two restaurants in one. They have two separate menus. You can opt to eat at the rear cooking grill where the chef prepares the meal on the grill in front of you. The other option to eat at the long lighted table. Both menu’s are limited but excellent and the food is unique.
COCONUT SNACK AND GRILL: Open for lunch, mostly sandwiches and transforms at night to become Tentazione Italian Restaurant. It’s also open late-late till about 4AM for pizzas and sandwiches. Our hint is they keep the ice cream by the gallon in the freezer next to the deserts stand in the back. AND you’ll need to have several drinks before heading down for the late night pizza. It’s not “Domino’s”.
The Bars and Bartenders:
LOBBY BAR: is a great place to meet in the evening. They have an excellent band that plays for about two hours before the disco opens. They are GOOD. If you enjoy casual dancing you’ll find it here and NOT at the disco. You also have an excellent bar by the pool and the hot tub. The bartenders are great after a day or two they remember you and are all very friendly. The bartenders at the hot tub are like the group, rowdy and fun.
The Disco:
Compared to the disco at Hedo II it is usually great every night. The later it got the music was more for the pole dancers than the dance lovers. But I can say in the 3 trips to Hedo II we spent more time at this Disco than all the trips to Hedo combined. The EC’s would get the crowd going with erotic games around the poles and then the crowd took over on auto pilot.
The Back Room:
What can you say about the back room except perfect for adult recreation. As the evening progresses it becomes VERY active.
The Hot Tub and the Beds:
Beautiful area, Tub water always comfortable, the view of the ocean is spectacular especially in the late afternoon, the bartender’s are very attentive and in the late afternoon usually there are at least two serving up great drinks.
The beds, oh those beds, I don’t know who came up with the concept but they deserve a raise and yes plenty of towels and it seems to be kept quiet clean.
The Beach and the Beach Beds:
This became one of our favorite places. One afternoon we just laid out all afternoon and enjoyed the view, the weather, the solitude and each other. Several quests would stake out a bed early in the AM and not use it most of the day. Many quests began using the two hour rule. “If it’s vacant more than two hours then it’s up for grabs.” The beach beds are wonderful and we hope the staff at Desire see’s how much in demand they are and adds more shade to more of them.
The Staff:
The staff was absolutely wonderful. They were always smiling, always attentive and very polite. When they encountered couples enjoying themselves they were always respectful. The staff is part of what makes this resort far and above any others. They just couldn’t do enough to help the quests. We were told that there is a long waiting list to get hired at desire and it’s tough to get on. Many of the staff rode buses for over an hour each way to come and go to work. They were always clean, neat and above all professional!
Tipping:
You’ll never see a staff member with his hand out. NEVER. But we like many quests enjoyed the service the staff provided and “quietly” slipped them tips from time to time and the look in their eyes told the whole story. And the tips would quietly disappear. Never did see where they put it.
PDA’s:
As the week worn on PDA’s became more and more open till the last few days they were everywhere at all times of day and night. The real beauty was that they never drew an audience and there is never any Wally’s or Vinney’s gawking thanks to the smart thinking of the Desire management to keep the resort couples only. This in part is what makes Desire the most romantic and sensual resort that it has become. We were told by the staff that this is not the norm. It’s the groups that make the atmosphere. Dennyp’s WWW group came to party and the Desire staff let them have their fun. Of course the real action starts after dark at the disco and ends up at the hot tub.
About Dennyp:
We booked our trip with Dennyp to go with the WWW group in September 2005. Then August 29th, (11 days before the trip) Hurricane Katrina hit hard. We both rode out Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. After 3 days of increasing anarchy in about the city Marie fled the city for safer digs in the western part of Louisiana. Rick had to stay behind because of his job. When she got to a safe location with family and friends she was able to contact Dennyp who calmly told her not to worry about the trip but to do what she had to do to surrvive and he would take care of us when the city got back to normal. With no communication working in the city Marie was able after several days of constant trying to get a message to Rick. Her message to him was “that she was safe, she loved him, please stay safe and Dennyp is saving our trip for us!” Talk about a moral booster!
Dennyp is the greatest and we highly recommend you to do all your booking with him. Not only is he good at what he does he’s also a super person. It was a real pleasure meeting and getting to know him on this trip.
About us and how we felt about the trip:
We rediscovered and strengthened our relationship. For us we fell more in love with each other and the bond that holds us is forever stronger. We meet many new friends that shared a magical memorial week with us. To all our new friends we say simply, “Thank You. It was our pleasure getting to know you.” When we got home friends ask us about the trip, we automatically look at each other with that special look and we get that odd smile and tell them “it was fine, we got some sun.” What happens at Desire stays there and in our hearts and in our fond memories that will last us till next year. We’re already counting the days.
In Summary:
Keep in mind it’s the people that made this trip. God honest hard working WWW couples that wanted to get away and party, find romance and spend a truly sensual sexual week with their partner and friends. Desire is all 1st class. The policy of only allowing couples to book the resort is by far one of its greatest assets. What makes Desire so unique and special for lovers is just that. It’s a resort for lovers and that’s why it’s booked up and will stay booked. For those who have been to Hedo and thinking about a trip to Desire the consensus among the WWW group is Desire has what we’ve all been looking for.
“A place for us.”
New Orleans
Warning
We have become what our parents warned us about!
Desire
-April 2007