Desire Resort & Spa, Mexico
• Excellent new 4-star resort for both nudists and hedonists • Mixed-sex couples only (and no kids!) • All-inclusive facilities – food, drink and entertainment programme • Be pampered in the extensive spa facilities • Beautiful white sandy beach with safe swimming • Year-round holidays • Exciting excursions: swim with the dolphins • Visit the 1,000 year old Mayan sites at Tulum or Chichen Itza •
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The 4-star all-inclusive Desire Resort opened in 2003 and is one of the best nude holiday resorts we know. It is set in private grounds between the turquoise of the sea and the thick green, low-level, jungle and is designed to resemble a traffic-free village amidst swaying coconut palm trees and exotic jungle plants.
The resort effectively operates on a nude basis, except for the restaurants and wherever else food is served, and at the Melange Lobby Bar and Pool – which can be seen from the road.
LOCATION Desire is located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico on the famous Riviera Maya, facing the warm Caribbean. It lies just 20 minutes south of downtown Cancun and the international airport. The cosmopolitan town of Puerto del Carmen is only a taxi ride away.
ACCOMMODATION All 110 Garden and Ocean View rooms have king- or queen-size beds, air-conditioning, satellite tv and music selection, telephone, safe deposit box, coffee maker and bathroom with shower, wc and hairdryer.
The six Jacuzzi Suites comprise a queen-size bed, air-conditioning, satellite TV and DVD player, telephone, safe deposit box, coffee maker and a large bathroom with a jacuzzi big enough for two couples, bathrobes, candles and incense, daily fruit and cheese platter, and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine.
The two luxurious oceanfront Passion Suites are similar to the Jacuzzi Suites – with the large bathrooms and a jacuzzi for four people, bathrobes, etc. but have superior room features such as 4-poster beds, and a sensual living room connecting with the bedroom. Continental breakfast and afternoon snacks are served daily on the private terrace. The in-room bar is stocked with premium spirits and mixes. All rooms have 24-hour room service, minibar with soft drinks and beer, CD player, bathrobes and slippers.
MEALS The main restaurant, El Arrecife, dominates the resort with its steeply pointed, thatched roof. Full breakfast and dinner are served here buffet-style. Only casual dress is required. The air-conditioned Italian, Mexican and Oriental resturants serve fine cuisine à la carte. Dress code is elegantly casual (long trousers for gentlemen). Reservations are required. The Coconut Grill & Bar by the main poolside serves a variety of grilled specialities and snacks at lunchtime. Bring a towel to dress!
FACILITIES The focal point of the resort is the large freshwater nudist pool – with a shallow section for non-swimmers. There is an abundance of sun loungers, and free beach towels are available. Most daytime activities, arranged by a team of entertainers, take place in and around this pool. These include introductory scuba-diving lessons.
The nude rooftop Jacuzzi Lounge affords stunning views of the jungle on one side and the ocean on the other. It boasts a dry and wet (swim-up) bar in the 30-seater jacuzzi (36°C/97°F) and double-size sun beds! L’Alternative disco lounge/bar is the meeting place after dinner with themed evenings and impromptu entertainment. Dress sexily and sensually!
A tennis court, table tennis tables and the new Sports Bar with sports TV, darts and board games provide more active entertainments. The Logo Shop sells beach articles, toiletries, postcards, gifts and Mexican souvenirs. A jewellery shop selling silverware and souvenirs, car hire and tours desk and the Internet Room ($5 per half-hour) complete the facilities.
THE SPA The extensive spa features an amazing traditional range of treatments – sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and, for an extra charge, massage, sea-weed packs, facial treatments and a beauty parlour. Less traditional multi-couple treatments, including sparkling wine, are also on the menu.
THE BEACH The glistening white sand fronts the whole of the resort. It is protected by the Coral Park reef abounding with brightly coloured tropical fish. A programme of non-motorised water sports, mainly based on kayaks, a catamaran and windsurfing boards, operates from the ‘dock’. (For snorkelling, scuba-diving and fishing there is an extra charge, including a $2 environmental charge.)
‘HEDONISM’ The house rules are relaxed but do not permit overt sexual activity in public areas. More private ‘lifestyle’ areas are the spectacular rooftop Jacuzzi Lounge and the playroom adjoining the disco bar. There is a happy co-existence between naturists and hedonists.
SIGHTS & EXCURSIONS The staff at the tours desk will help you arrange excursions.
Tulum and Xel-Ha On limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, Tulum is the only Mayan fortress built on the sea. The walled city (known as City of the Dawn) was once the main port to gather goods from as far as Tabasco and Honduras and includes the fascinating ruins of several temples. The Xel-Ha’s (‘where waters are born’) eco-park is the world’s largest natural aquarium and a unique phenomenon that combines salt water from the sea with fresh water from underground rivers.
Chichen Itza This was the most important city of the Mayan civilisation: climb up the main pyramid to experience this remarkable construction that directly reflects the Mayan solar calendar. Also explore the well-preserved ruins of the Ball Court, Observatory, Temple of the Warriors and the Sacred Wall.
Afterwards, refresh yourself by swimming (costume required!) in the transparent waters at Cenote Ik-Il. (‘Cenotes’ are sweet-water deposits or sinkholes, produced by subterranean rivers which came to the surface over the course of millions of years.)
Swim with the dolphins This is an experience not to be missed: a one hour programme (30 minutes of water time) to interact with the dolphins, including foot push, dorsal tow, dolphin kiss and free time to swim with them.
Jungle tour Drive your own 2-seater jet-ski on a guided tour of the jungle, mangroves and cenotes: explore ample pools of fresh water amidst a setting of orchids and multi-coloured birds. They are the entrance to a labyrinth of caves and flooded caverns.
Playa del Carmen This has developed from a small fishing village to the largest town on the Riviera Maya with world-class shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
WHAT OUR DESIRE HOLIDAY PRICES INCLUDE
- Return flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Cancun by direct charter flights.
- Transfers between Cancun airport and Desire, approximately 30 minutes each way.
- Air-conditioned garden view accommodation on an all-inclusive basis: full breakfast, lunch and dinner, 24 hour room service, speciality restaurant. Unlimited house wine, beer, soft and alcoholic drinks.
- Electricity, linen, towels, including beach towels, daily maid service, entrance fees to grounds.
- Local taxes.
- Complimentary personal holiday insurance.
- Not included: $45 Cancun departure tax.