Desire Riviera Maya Resort
Adults-only resort in Puerto Morelos. Romantic, Green.
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Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(1,840 discussions)
Desire Riviera Maya is the kind of resort that inspires obsessive loyalty in its target audience and immediate 'not for me' clarity for everyone else. It occupies a genuinely singular niche in Mexico: a couples-only, clothing-optional all-inclusive that takes the concept seriously, building an atmosphere that is openly sensual from the pool deck to the evening entertainment. The property is small at 114 suites, which is by design - the intimacy is the point. Guests describe it as feeling like a private club where everyone is in on the same adventure, and the vibe consistently gets described as 'freeing' and 'the most fun we've ever had on vacation.'
On the practical side, the resort holds its own well. Dining across four restaurants earns genuine praise, with guests using comparisons to upscale restaurants rather than resort food. The bar program includes top-shelf spirits and real sparkling wine, which regular all-inclusive travelers notice immediately. The 2024 addition of The Eden brought new pools and social spaces that modernized the feel of the property. The spa is a full-service operation with a wide treatment menu, and the gym is available for those who want to counterbalance the late nights. Staff are repeatedly called out for being professional and warm while navigating the unique social dynamics of the property with real grace.
This resort is best for adventurous couples, lifestyle-curious travelers, and guests who specifically seek out the clothing-optional community. If you are comparing it to mainstream Riviera Maya resorts, it will feel smaller and pricier per square foot. But if Desire's atmosphere is what you are after, travelers say nothing else compares. Puerto Morelos puts you about 25 minutes from Cancun and 30 from Playa del Carmen, and nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins make easy day trips for guests who want to explore between resort days.
Pros
- +One of the only clothing-optional, couples-only all-inclusives in Mexico - a genuinely rare niche that draws a loyal, open-minded crowd
- +Intimate scale with just 114 suites means you are never fighting for a pool chair or navigating a maze of strangers
- +Food quality punches above its weight - guests compare the rotating menus to fine dining gourmet restaurants, not typical buffet-heavy resorts
- +Top-shelf spirits, champagne, and sparkling wine are included in the all-inclusive, which travelers consistently highlight as a meaningful upgrade
- +The new 'Eden' expansion opened in 2024 adds fresh pools, social spaces, and an enhanced evening playroom scene
- +Nightly entertainment is purpose-built for couples - themed parties, sensual dance shows, and optional late-night social areas that go until the early hours
- +Staff are praised across the board for being discreet, professional, and genuinely warm without being intrusive
- +World-class spa with a full treatment menu makes it easy to balance high-energy evenings with genuinely restorative daytime self-care
Cons
- −The clothing-optional lifestyle atmosphere means first-timers should research thoroughly before booking - the vibe is distinctly erotic and not for everyone
- −Rooms are on the smaller side and some travelers note the decor needs refreshing in the older wing despite the 2024 Eden expansion
- −The property is genuinely small - if you prefer sprawling grounds, multiple pools, and a feeling of anonymity, this level of intimacy can feel limiting
- −Pricing is steep for the room count and resort size when compared to larger Riviera Maya all-inclusives
- −The resort sits in Puerto Morelos rather than the Cancun or Playa del Carmen corridors, so off-property excursions require more planning
- −Guests who prefer a fully nude environment note the clothing-optional policy means nudity is common but not universal, which can feel inconsistent
- −Evening social events can run very late, which means light sleepers may find the nightclub noise carries further than expected
- −Limited dining variety compared to larger resorts - four restaurants is enough for a short stay but repeat guests on longer trips report wanting more options
Common Questions
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Google Reviews
“We arrived as a married couple hoping for a fun getaway and left with memories we’ll cherish forever. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming, respectful, and perfectly balanced between relaxation and excitement. We had such an amazi...”
“It was another chart topper trip! We stayed in our favorite Diamond Suite and had the best butlers Mike and Erika who took such good care of us! We had Daniel our last night and he is also always amazing. Lefranc is also such an amazing guy, we love...”
“Premier member review here : From the moment that we arrived to the moment we left everyone was extremely nice ! It is a more upscale resort for couples therefore the fun never stops ! Bartenders at the bar teach you Spanish if you desire 😃 will ma...”