Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

The Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort offers a fun and rowdy vacation in a gorgeous beachfront location outside Puerto Morelos. Just like its sister property down the road, the Desire Pearl is a clothing-optional all-inclusive resort geared towards heterosexual couples only. The vibe here is quite provocative -- with entertainment that ranges from foam parties to intimate couples’ workshops -- but open-minded guests who only want to experience the clothing-optional part of it will not necessarily feel offended, as sex is only allowed in two public spaces (namely, the whirlpool and the Sin Room, located adjacent to the nightclub), and respect is the number one house rule here.
The Desire Riviera Maya Pearl is very similar to its sister property, the Desire Riviera Maya Resort, with beautiful, lush grounds full of palm trees, a white-sand beach, and a big pool lined with loungers. The decor and architectural styles, however, are more traditional Mexican at the Pearl. The spa is housed in a tiny colonial-style whitewashed building topped with a small bell tower, and all buildings feature straw awnings or roofs, and natural wood balcony railings. Also, everything feels a tad less racy here (though it is still naughty and can get pretty X-rated). Travelers seeking a cheaper clothing-optional hotel may want to consider the Hidden Beach Resort, though the beach is better at the Desire Pearl.

The Desire Pearl is located right outside Puerto Morelos, in a calm, secluded area with tranquil beaches. The resort is all-inclusive and stocked with amenities, but there isn’t much within walking distance.
Puerto Morelos is a former fishing village located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The area serves as a perfect compromise for anyone looking for Cancun's stunning beaches minus the hordes of tourists. The impressive reefs just offshore attract a fair share of divers, and many come to take a dip in the inland cenotes (massive sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater).

• Four-minute drive to Puerto Morelos' shopping, restaurants, and reef snorkeling
• 30-minute drive to Cancun International Airport
• 35-minute drive to Playa del Carmen and Xcaret
• 90-minute drive to Xel-Ha and the Mayan ruins at Tulum
• Two-and-a-half-hour drive to Chichen Itza ruins

The Desire Pearl has a total of 88 rooms and suites, plus a separate more exclusive (and newer) section known as the Mansion, home to eight sleek suites with a range of top-notch extras. Units in the main section have traditional Mexican decor style, with all-white floors and walls, arched doorways, built-in sitting areas, and country-influenced touches such as blue-tiled headboards, blue checkered bed runners, and cute wood accents. All units in this section feature sitting areas and large windows that slide open to furnished balconies or patios -- most with ocean views. King beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and minibars are all standard amenities, as are free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and iPod docks. Bathrooms are simple but clean, and feature separate showers and soaking tubs, plus spacious sink areas. A number of Master Suites and the Penthouse Passion come with private plunge pools and butler service.
Mansion suites are stylish and modern, with black-and-white finishes, long, skinny windows with sheer billowy curtains, and glass chandeliers. These units feature a long list of exclusive perks, including pillow menus, L’Occitane toiletries, surround sound systems, espresso machines, and butlers. Mansion Royal Suites feature pole dance rooms and full bars. Guests staying in the Mansion get a guest pass for one couple staying at the Pearl.

The Desire Pearl is located on a white-sand beach dotted with cabanas and padded loungers. There is bar service and a volleyball court, and divers can book day trips at the beach for a fee. Seaweed can sometimes be an issue here.
The resort’s huge freeform pool offers lovely ocean views. There are several dozen loungers around it, but some guests have complained that you have to get there early during peak season in order to get one. There is bar service available, along with a busy swim-up bar with music, a small whirlpool, and entertainment and activities during the day, including volleyball, horse shoes, foam parties, and fashion shows. Right before sunset the action moves to the huge whirlpool, featuring its own swim-up bar, outdoor showers, cabanas, and loud parties until after dinner (it is one of the two public areas where couples are allowed to have sex). The exclusive Mansion section has its own private pool.
The entertainment program includes erotic-themed activities such as guided couples’ workshops, sex pong, erotic massage, and speed dating, plus mellower options, including yoga, Pilates, stretching, and beach volleyball tournaments. Theme nights, such as Not-So-Silent Night, Sexy, Young & Wild, and Mysterious Masquerade keep the atmosphere steamy until the wee hours. The nightclub features a separate Sin Room, which is a spacious coupes-only space with beds and a sex swing.
The spa is housed in a separate building in the gardens and features six treatment rooms -- including a couples’ suite -- a hydrotherapy area complete with hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and a steam room. The gym is a bright room with a wide array of machines, both cardio and strength training.

The Desire Pearl’s all-inclusive package covers all food -- including all three main meals plus snacks throughout the day and dining at any of the resort’s three a la carte restaurants -- all local and international drinks 24 hours a day, and property-wide Wi-Fi.
The resort features three restaurants. Aphrodite is the hotel’s main dining venue and offers a varied international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a la carte options in a spacious dining room with sea views. Pearl serves up Mediterranean fusion cuisine for dinner and offers a selection of late-night snacks. Asian cuisine is available at Suki; reservations are required only for the teppanyaki tables. The resort also features a cafe, a 24-hour lobby bar, and 24-hour room service for a fee.