Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

Amazing experience! The hotel by itself is already amazing, but the best part is the staff. Upon arrival, Nazario made our check-in very fast and welcoming. The playmakers, especially Kia and Tristan, make everything super fun and engaging. The staff at the pool (Miguel and Victor) always remembered our preferred location and did everything in their power to make us feel loved. We will be back for sure!

Desire Pearl vs. Desire Riviera Maya Honest Review From Long-Time Guests Since 2007 Before we begin, we were also fortunate enough to experience Desire Cabo during its years of operation. Like many long-time Desire fans, we still have great memories of Cabo and the unique atmosphere it offered. While Cabo is gone, many guests still compare today’s Desire experience to those memories. My wife and I have been visiting Desire resorts since 2007 and have stayed approximately 35 times over the years. We’ve experienced both Desire Pearl and Desire Riviera Maya many times and are often asked which resort we prefer. The answer depends on what you’re looking for, but after nearly two decades of visits, we’ve definitely formed some strong opinions. Meeting Other Couples Winner: Pearl Pearl is simply easier when it comes to meeting people. The smaller, more intimate layout creates natural opportunities to connect with other couples. Conversations happen more easily, and people generally spend more time getting to know one another. At Riviera Maya, there are often larger groups and more guests overall, which can make it harder to break into conversations and build new friendships. Hot Tub Atmosphere Winner: Pearl This is probably the biggest difference between the two resorts. The hot tub at Pearl tends to be much more social, interactive, playful, and fun. During our visits, we have played and connected with significantly more couples at Pearl than we ever have at Riviera Maya. On a typical day around the hot tub at Pearl, it’s not uncommon to find couples socializing, interacting, doing body shots, laughing, and simply enjoying the atmosphere together. In our experience, we have met and played with far more couples at Pearl by a wide margin. At Riviera Maya, we’ve often found the hot tub surprisingly quiet considering the size of the resort. While it’s still enjoyable, it generally feels less social, less interactive, and ultimately not as much fun as the atmosphere we consistently experience at Pearl. Clothing-Optional Environment Winner: Pearl For guests looking for a true clothing-optional experience, Pearl stands out. In our experience, a significantly higher percentage of guests embrace the clothing-optional atmosphere at Pearl. At Riviera Maya, we consistently notice many more guests remaining clothed throughout the day. That’s perfectly fine if that’s your preference, but guests looking for a more carefree atmosphere may find Pearl more appealing. Age Demographics Despite what many people believe, the age difference isn’t dramatic. Pearl generally attracts guests in the 50–70 age range. Riviera Maya generally attracts guests from their 40s to 70s. There is far more overlap between the resorts than many online discussions would suggest. Nightlife and Party Atmosphere Too Close to Call Many people claim Riviera Maya is the bigger party resort. After numerous visits, we honestly don’t see a huge difference. Riviera Maya may stay active slightly later into the evening, but Pearl often has just as much activity around the hot tub and evening venues. One drawback of Riviera Maya is the disco. Due to the larger size of the resort and the greater number of guests, we feel the disco simply isn’t big enough. The dance floor can become crowded quickly, making it difficult to move around and enjoy dancing comfortably. For a resort of this size, a larger disco would create a much better nightlife experience and allow more guests to participate without feeling cramped. Playroom Facilities Winner: Riviera Maya This is one category where Riviera Maya clearly shines. The larger beds and spacious layout make it much more comfortable and inviting than Pearl’s setup. If playroom facilities are important to you, Riviera Maya definitely has the advantage. Relaxation Areas Around the Hot Tub Winner: Pearl We actually preferred the older Riviera Maya setup. The newer hot tub play area doesn’t feel nearly as romantic as the previous design. Pearl’s beds and lounging areas around the hot tub create a more comfortable and intimate atmosphere. Pool Chairs and Daybeds Winner: Pearl Finding a good spot at Pearl is usually easy. At Riviera Maya, if you’re not out early enough, there’s a good chance your preferred chair or daybed will already be occupied. Spa Experience Winner: Pearl The spa facilities at Pearl feel much more guest-friendly. Guests can enjoy the facilities more freely, while Riviera Maya often feels more restrictive and less accommodating. Even something as simple as wanting to shower and change before leaving on departure day feels easier and more welcoming at Pearl. Entertainment Staff Winner: Pearl Over the years, we’ve consistently found the Playmakers at Pearl more approachable and interactive. Several times at Riviera Maya we’ve felt almost invisible, with very little engagement from the entertainment team, while the Playmakers at Pearl seem to make more of an effort to connect with guests throughout the day. Evening Bars and Lounges Winner: Pearl The expanded lounge area below the lobby has become one of our favorite places to gather. Comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend an evening talking with friends. At Riviera Maya, seating can be limited, especially when areas are reserved for premium wine experiences. It can be frustrating seeing reserved sections sitting empty while guests struggle to find a place to sit. The Biggest Issue: Pricing This is where we believe both resorts are making a serious mistake. The pricing for 2027 has reached levels that many long-time guests simply cannot justify. What makes Desire special has always been the people. When prices rise too high, occupancy drops, fewer couples attend, the atmosphere changes, and the overall experience suffers. A fuller resort creates more energy, more opportunities to meet people, more social interaction, and ultimately a better experience for everyone. In our opinion, Desire has become too focused on maximizing room rates rather than maximizing the guest experience. The result is many loyal guests questioning whether the value still matches the price. Final Verdict We genuinely enjoy both resorts and will likely continue visiting both. However, if we could choose only one, we would pick Desire Pearl. Pearl feels more intimate, more social, easier to meet people, and simply more fun. The atmosphere reminds us more of what made us fall in love with Desire back in 2007. Riviera Maya certainly has advantages, especially its larger playroom and bigger property, but for the overall experience, Pearl remains our clear favorite. If Desire management is listening, our message is simple: focus less on raising prices and more on creating value. Fill the resorts, keep guests happy, and the success will follow.

We had an incredible experience, and the staff truly made our stay memorable! A special shoutout to Gabi, our pool server, who was absolutely amazing. Our drinks were never empty, and she went above and beyond to accommodate every request with a smile. Her attention to detail and outstanding service made our pool days even more enjoyable. Alexis was incredibly helpful from the moment we arrived. Despite being extremely busy, he assisted with our bags, made sure we had everything we needed to get settled, and handled everything seamlessly when it was time to leave. His professionalism and kindness were greatly appreciated. Adolfo, one of the Playmakers, is such a fantastic addition to the team. He took the time to get to know guests personally, checked in regularly to make sure everyone was having fun, and genuinely cared about creating a great experience for everyone. And finally, Cob at the hot tub bar delivered true five-star service. He remembered our drink preferences, was always friendly and engaging, and consistently went the extra mile with thoughtful touches—like opening our water bottles before handing them to us. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and Cob certainly made us feel valued. Thank you to all of these amazing team members for making our vacation so special. We can’t wait to return!

My wife and I had been to Desire RM a few times and wanted to try Pearl. We are glad we did. The trip straddled my birthday and our anniversary, so we went an extravagant route. We stayed in the Master Suite, which is a massive space larger than some apartments I've lived in and comes with butler service. Hector and Erick were our butlers and they did a solid job of helping organize some cool birthday events. Our housekeeper, Marle did a great job with the room, decorating it for my birthday and the anniversary and keeping it looking fresh. We wanted to get SCUBA certified while on this trip, which was easy to set up thanks to Adolfo, who also helped us book a trip to Chichen Itza. Another new experience for us was the sensual/erotic massage hosted by Taimi and Rebecca, which was an incredible sensory experience that set the tone for a lot of our time there. We also booked a relaxing massage. I got to work with Taimi again, who is probably one of the best therapists I've encountered so far. Food at Desire is excellent--especially if you're there for Te Amo México/Día de la Independencia de México and have the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine (some of the best food on earth). My only complaint is that I like a little more heat in chile-based sauces than the average resort guest. Luckily, I asked where the spicy salsas are and got introduced to xnipec, one of my new favorite condiments. We visited all the restaurants as well--Aphrodite for breakfast and lunch, where the first people we'd see in a day were usually Mayrani and Oliver, who often brightened our day with some humor and helped establish a positive vibe for the day. We'd often see them at Suki as well. At Pearl, we usually had Isaac or Miguel at our table, who are also super fun. Pearl is oriented around fine dining, but I appreciate it when things aren't too stuffy. As a former cook, I love joking around while enjoying delicious food instead of adhering to formality. One unforgettable dining experience was when we had our anniversary dinner for two in the wine cellar, a room adjacent to Pearl. Martinez, the sommelier, and Isaac hooked us up with a fantastic dining experience that included good conversation (I love learning about the staff), great jokes, and a pyrotechnic that set off the fire alarm. My face still hurts from smiling! The bartenders and playmakers did an excellent job of building a party atmosphere. When we went, some travel agency was doing a pretty lame "takeover" event featuring a DJ who would get mad and yell at people for not dancing next to his gear (or dancing in general), so we'd retreat to the disco during his outdoor set to practice salsa and bachata while Pedro hooked us up with cocktails and got the DJ to increase the Latin music in the mix. We found out that he enjoys bachata and liked to see a couple of tourists practicing before the takeover DJs came in to kill the vibe. Out at the Melange, we'd get cocktails from Luis and Cob, who are stellar at making great drinks while joking around and being all-around cool guys. We spent time at Saul's bar later in the hot tub, where it would be quiet enough at times to practice my very limited Spanish. All the playmakers work their butts off to engage with and keep guests involved in the party, but we interacted the most with Candace, Jessica, and Mat, who we learned is Argentinian after he saw us dance tango. The playmakers do such a good job of making sure people are on the dance floor and playing games at the pool. I'm sure I am leaving people out--there is a small army of hard-working people who make this resort special and I wish I could name them all. I would have posted this review earlier, but had to hit the ground running with work when I got home. The takeaway is that anyone who is thinking about visiting Pearl should give it a try. It has an intimate feel and excellent staff. Any issues we had with the visit (sargassum was RIPE) had nothing to do with the people working there or the resort itself.

We're approaching 20 trips to Desire and have moved from RM to Pearl as 'home base'. We hope Pearl continues to have the boutique feel (like RM used to). 2 more trips planned this year. The staff remains undefeated. Just to mention a few names, Eddy at the Melange bar, Oliver and May in Aphrodite, butlers Hector and Irving, all the playmakers, and Desiree at the Spa- we love the entire staff. A few notes for management to consider- not criticisms, as we're a #1 fan. Just suggestions to help improve an already great product: 1. The 'bottle service' areas at Melange seem over the top. It would be great to open those two areas up for more seating so we don't have to stand around watching the shows. 2. The hydrotherapy services in the spa, at least for members, is still free. PLEASE keep it this way. We bought in and this was a free service. RM now charges everyone (maybe not higher up members) so we turned to Pearl and this remains a draw. We're in and out in 20 min (tops) and I'm sure other members are too. Great way to relax and rejuvenate, but not willing to pay for something that has been free for years. 3. While there this time, the shows had a bit more of a sexy, erotic edge. I know a member put a lot of time into making that happen and we all very much appreciated the effort. Won't go into details other than to say we don't mind seeing edgier (but still tasteful) acts. No complaints this trip, or any trip. Back in August for more fun.

Tom and I spent another great week at the Pearl at the beginning of September. Michelle, Carlos and Amir, our mansion butlers, did their usual great job seeing to all of our needs. Hector, Erick and Irving also reached out to see if we needed any assistance. Bellman Alex and Vincent took great care of us during our arrival and departure. We enjoyed the food and great service at all the restaurants. During the day at Aphrodite, Mildredt, Manuela, Poot, Wilbert, Oliver, Ray, Joshua, Eduardo and Maryani took great care of us. At Suki, Ceci and her staff, Guillermo, Santiago, Manuel and Jesus, provided excellent service as did Orlando, Gilberto, Isaac, Raul and Javier at Pearl. The bartenders are all top shelf and this trip we were served by Eddy, Jairo, Eduardo, Pedro, Luis, Luis Lopez, Antonio, Cobb, Christian, Mauri, Aaron, Saul, Jorge and Javier. Victor, Horatio, Antonio and Miguel do a great job setting us up at the pool and Gabi, Monica, Yolanda and Servando keep us hydrated during the day. Playmakers, Candace and Kia and DJ Alex provide great entertainment. The spa is the best place to be pampered and the staff, Alma, Anais, Desiree, Elodia, Selene, Taimi, Emma, Gabriela, Gabriel, Fernando, Jesus, Guillermo, Melisa, Claudia, Zazil, Rebeca, Cinthia, Paola, Magaly and Margarita provide great services. The staff is what makes the Pearl a special place to vacation!

One of our best trips we have had, we have been 20+ times. From check in with Bruno to check out with Frank both guys are friendly and helpful. We come here especially to see all the wonderful staff that have become our family. Miguel he is the nicest guy possible and never fails to get us a bed up the quiet end. May at breakfast always smiling always helpful in our seat selection. Our little manuela she is the cutest most adorable sweetheart treats us so kindly. Oliver is a very helpful waiter always says hello by our name when he sees us walking about. Yolanda is our girl we adore her and follow her to the coffee shop, lunch or at the pool, she always makes us smile and laugh. Gabi always smiling, Selvardo so helpful and knows exactly what we want to drink. The bar staff at Merage are fabulous, Cobb is absolutely the best cocktail maker along with Eddy and Arron the showman 😆 we get looked after by Pedro and Luis in the nightclub never even having to ask for a drink it’s just ready for us. Our favourite waiters are Gilberto he is such a lovely funny guy, and so happy to see Eme back he has always had a place in our heart. Our favourite waitresses are Belan and Manuela, both are adorable. Selena is my favourite in the Spa. But 💯 all the staff work so hard and I can’t possible name them all but they all deserve a mention. Suki was our favourite this time it does seem to alter each time we go, but the food was off the chart this time. Pearl we only enjoyed the Italian meal, we was disappointed with the Mediterranean night and French night, the quiche which I look forward to had changed wasn’t as nice was doughy. We had a lovely lunch in the mansion sea bass and grilled veg was delicious. We love the new bar area it has completely changed our holiday, we love going out early now and chatting to people up at the bar area, it’s such a great addition. We will be back very soon, and already cannot wait.

Pearl review May 2026 Well, we just got back from Desire Pearl after another great vacation. Before I get into anything else, the staff are what makes this place so great. I have to give a huge shoutout to the following people, who go that extra distance to ensure our trip is fantastic. First and foremost, The beautiful Gabi our server from the pool bar. Her smile can light up any room, and she works so hard. She is so versatile; she works the pool bar, can hostess in Suki, works the coffee bar, in the morning, etc. My wife and I look forward to seeing her every time we go. Also at the pool, Yolanda. She also works the coffee bar, and hustles so fast to get you your order. Kia at the pool, she just doesn’t age. Still young and beautiful, full of energy, no idea where she gets it from, and can out dance anyone there. Again, a very versatile employee. A great playmaker, but she can entertain at the night shows, and makes everyone there feel very special. Hopefully Kia, they take my suggestion for the extra volleyball net on the bushes serious. Our Butlers, Hector and Irving. Hard working and very dedicated. So happy they are there every time we check in. The pool guys are the hardest working guys in the resort. Victor, Miguel, and Antonio, work like crazy to get you a nice lounger, and a fresh clean towel. Thank them often, they deserve it. One great person who deserves some recognition is Eme. He was our server during the Cinco De Mayo dinner. He worked so hard and is always so friendly. The Melange bar is a great place to gather, see the shows and get a great drink. There are some bartenders that need a shoutout from there. Cob, very experienced and friendly, Luis, steadfast and again experienced. Claudia, a million-watt smile, hard working and so very friendly. Jorge from the Hot Tub bar is also very helpful at giving us great service. Thanks Jorge Aphrodite has some very hard-working staff as well. May, the hostess has a great smile to great you with every morning. Ray from there plus other spots is friendly and one of our favorite dining servers. Ok, now the resort. The weather was fantastic, a little rain, but that Mexico, expect it and you won’t be disappointed. The pool was warm and inviting, there was a day with lots of little black floaties, but that could be stuff from the beach blowing up. The food is always great here. Suki is the best, but don’t count out Aphrodite for dinner. They produce so many great meals, always consider them as a go to for a great meal. Aphrodite: One day they cooked sea bass on the grill outside of Aphrodite. That was the BEST tasting fish I have ever had. The breakfast buffet has improved we think over last year. They are cooking more outside which is a real treat. The rest is easy. Super fast check-in, grounds are always well maintained. The hot-tub is sometimes cool and sometimes hot. The renovations are great. Looking forward to what else they have in store for us. Please remember to tip the staff. They deserve it!! See you in a couple of months.

We’ve been to Pearl 16+ times. Always a great time & experience. Hotel Mgmt (David) & all Staff are fabulous! Many exceptional staff: May, Ediberto, Poot, Gabi, Victoria, Miguel, Hector, Irving, Saul, Yolanda, Servando, Cob, Eddy, Luis, Marleni, Manuela, Oliver, Monica, Javier, Jorge. Food was quite good 3/5 or 4/5 depending on where/when you ate. Pool management & cleanliness has gotten better, however, hot tub temperature & control is way off (often cooler than the main pool!). Outdoor entertainment area is great EXCEPT the reserved ‘bottle service’ reserved chairs (which largely remain empty). No excuse for this at a Public & Members Resort which is All Inclusive. The outdoor bar is well stocked & staffed. The members group, Premier, remains a disappointment. Once they get your money (membership), the promises & sale points (features, benefits) keep reducing. Overall, good trip and experience, looking for improvements next time!

We love coming to Desire Pearl two times a year. We relax, enjoy our time and we love seeing all the happy staff we have grown to love over the years. This visit we want to especially praise Selene in the spa for her skill with manicures. Belen and Dani in the Mansion restaurant are so good! May and Edilberto in Aphrodite are wonderful hosts. Chef Julio and Marlena make the best food and can provide any special requests. Servando is a ray of sunshine. Yolanda makes us smile! Maria of Housekeeping is so amazing. Javier makes the grounds beautiful. Hector and Amir are the best butlers and Victor, Miguel and Antonio run the pool so well. We hope you love it here as much as we do!

We had not been to Desire Pearl in several years but returned with a group of our friends last week. The staff could not have been nicer, more willing to please, or done more for us. Our butler's Irving and Hector had everything we asked taken care of so all we had to do was enjoy ourselves. Tables for 12 at dinner? No problem. Arranging transportation for 12 to the marina to go out on the yacht. Easy. We have been Premier Members since our first visit in 2013 and signed two new contracts since then but went in to the sales presentation assuming we would just get the $200 credit to put towards our massages. Chris & Kayla his manager put together a better package than what we already had that made sense for us to sign again. Wanted to say thank you to both of them for taking of something that came up while we were there that made us understand why we came back for our 13th trip combined between the two Desire resorts.

We had another great time at Desire Pearl! The resort and staff were excellent! We love the new layout of the lobby and the lobby bar Melange! The food was delicious and everyone from the grounds crew to the managers speak to you everyday! I particularly want to call out for exceptional service our butler, Hector, our pool servers, Gabi and Yalonda, our all time favorite server at dinner, Gilberto at Pearl Restaraunt (Papi!) and last but not least, our favorite pool attendant, Miguel!! It’s so good seeing their smiling faces on our trips!! Can’t wait to return!!

Desire Pearl is a wonderful resort for couples to relax and have fun. The new lobby and Melange are stunning. The Melange is a perfect spot for a before or after dinner drink and to watch the shows. The restaurants are are great and have different themes for dinner All of the resort's staff are stellar. They're friendly, always asking if there's anything they can help you with and they're always positive and enjoy chatting with the guests. All in all, Pearl is a wonderful resort.

Our stay at Desire Resort & Spa Riviera Maya was defined by something you don’t always find in luxury, playful travel—genuinely personal, attentive service paired with thoughtful, engaging entertainment. What stood out most was how the staff made the experience feel intimate rather than transactional. May at the main restaurant remembered our preferences, anticipating the small details, and bringing a warmth that made breakfast and midday lunch feel like a welcome return rather than a routine. In the evenings, we loved dining at Pearl. While the atmosphere leans a bit dated, the rotating menu, food quality, and exceptional service more than make up for it. It’s a place where the experience is driven by care and consistency. The newly renovated lobby and entertainment spaces are beautifully done—we arrived just as they were completed. The design feels contemporary and elevated, with a relaxed luxury that invites you to linger. Don’t miss sitting at the bar after dinner for a little people-watching. Eduardo, the bartender, is both skilled and engaging—mixing great drinks with a touch of humor that adds to the atmosphere. The couples massage at the spa with Melissa and Ana was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip—intimate, deeply relaxing, and thoughtfully paced. The time afterward in a private jacuzzi with a bottle of champagne made it feel indulgent in the best way. Our room was equally comfortable, with a brand-new mattress, excellent air conditioning, and a lovely ocean-side view from a private deck—simple details that made a big difference. By the pool, Victor struck the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. He set up a quiet bed for us away from the energy when we wanted to unwind, checking in just enough without ever intruding. It made those slower moments feel intentionally curated. The lobby bartender added another layer of personal connection—fun, perceptive, and quick to learn what we liked. By our second visit, it felt familiar and easy, like part of the rhythm of the trip rather than just a stop for a drink. And then there was Jess, who truly elevated the entertainment experience. Her stretching class was a highlight—energizing without being intimidating—and she carried that same welcoming energy into poolside activities and evening events. Always smiling and inclusive, she created an environment where you could engage as much or as little as you wanted and still feel part of it. This resort strikes a rare balance: lively but never overwhelming, luxurious but never impersonal. The level of care from the staff turned what could have been just another vacation into something that felt thoughtfully tailored and genuinely memorable.

We had a fantastic time at Desire Pearl! You can be free and comfortable. You are a bit limited on restaurant options, but the food is delicious. The staff is kind, professional and personable. To mention a few of our favorites on this trip (I may forget a couple of names), Paula Chacon - tequila tasting and sommelier, Luis - bartender at lobby bar, Eme and Angel - servers/waiters in the restaurants, May - hostess in Aphrodite, Melissa, Claudia, Selene & Guirremo - spa. The spa also a lot to offer.

This was our favorite trip so far to Pearl! We had a wonderful time meeting up with old friends and making new ones. We love the massages there and the ambiance. The food is excellent. The rooms are very clean. The playmakers at the pool add to the fun! We love the location as it is close to Puerto Morelos which we also love visiting. We also love meeting with Aline (our personal salesperson) to discuss and update our membership. She is easy to work with and very friendly.

Our second visit to Pearl and thoroughly enjoyed the week; we are not members. The service is fantastic and we plan to return in 2027. Amir Cabrera is a fantastic concierge who anticipated our needs. Victor and Miguel are excellent pool attendants and they took great care of us. They reserved chairs/beds for us in spots we prefer. We loved our couples massage with Tamie and Melissa. Both of them addressed our separate requests for deep or soft tissue and areas of need - over the top experience. While at the pool, Yolanda, Gabi and Monica were attentive and checked in enough, without pestering. We also enjoyed our spending time with bartender Antonio, great conversation and well mixed drinks. Thank you Pearl!

Desire pearl is a beautiful couples adult only resort. We have had the pleasure of visiting once every year since 2013. This year they made several upgrades to the resort adding a stunning out for amphitheater. But this isn't what keeps us coming back to desire pearl. We come back because the level of service and quality of care from the staff is unmatched. The majority of the staff has been there since we started coming here. Alexis welcomes us back by name and gets our bags to our room, the team of butler's Hector, vincent and Erick take care of every little detail we need from more toiletries stocked in our rooms, dinner arrangements, massage appointments and they all make a point to check in you daily to see if there is anything at all they can do. Carmen or house keeper keeps our room spotless. And Javier one of the grounds keepers will get you a fresh coconut in the morning. May gets you to your table at breakfast she is so very sweet, Oliver, josh, elalberto, emu take care of you while you while you are dining. Eddy (especially eddy), Louis Lugo, and Rosenberg are top notch bartenders truly there to make sure you feel special, coordinating activities all day you can count on Kia and Candace to keep you moving with their new team if play makers. We will continue to come to our see our second home and family many more times!