Desire Riviera Maya Resort
Desire Riviera Maya is the kind of resort that inspires fierce loyalty in its target audience and an instant 'not for me' from everyone else. It fills a rare niche in Mexico: a couples-only, clothing-optional all-inclusive for guests 21 and up that openly welcomes the lifestyle crowd, with an atmosphere that runs sensual from the pool deck to the theme nights. The au naturel areas are the pools, beach, rooftop and couples' lounges, while restaurants, the disco and the lobby require clothing. Guests describe the feel as a private club where everyone is in on the same adventure, and a strict no-photography rule in public areas helps people relax.
Traveler Insights
Pros
- +One of the few clothing-optional, couples-only all-inclusives in Mexico, a genuinely rare niche that draws a loyal, open-minded crowd aged 21 and up
- +Specialty dinners need no reservations, and the dinner lineup covers an aphrodisiac-inspired restaurant, Asian fusion with sushi and teppanyaki, Mexican, an international buffet with themed nights, plus a Mediterranean venue for Eden guests
- +Premium spirits, wine and a sparkling-wine welcome toast are included, and drinks are poured around the clock rather than only with meals
- +The Eden section, opened in early 2024, added jacuzzi and swim-up suites with butler service and a new main-pool scene, and Eden guests keep full access to the rest of the resort
- +Nightly entertainment is built for couples: lingerie, masquerade and white theme nights, daytime pool parties and live music, with the disco and couples-only lounges running late
- +A rooftop bar with its own large jacuzzi, a swim-up bar and a beach bar, all clothing-optional, give the day plenty of variety
- +Staff are praised for being discreet, professional and genuinely warm, and the resort will give you a neutral contact number to share with family
- +Strict no-photo rule in all public areas means guests can relax without worrying about cameras
Cons
- −The atmosphere is openly sensual and lifestyle-friendly, so first-timers should read the house rules before booking; it is not a mainstream couples resort with a nude beach attached
- −Clothing is required in every restaurant, the disco and the lobby, so the au naturel freedom applies to the pools, beach and lounges rather than the whole resort
- −Standard rooms in the original buildings are modest next to the Eden suites, and some travelers note the decor in the older wing feels dated
- −Room service runs 24 hours but is complimentary only for Desire Suites and Premier members; standard rooms may pay a delivery fee
- −Spa treatments cost extra, though the sauna and steam rooms are included
- −The resort sits in Puerto Morelos rather than Cancun or Playa del Carmen, so off-property excursions need more planning
- −Late-night events and the disco can carry noise to nearby rooms, which light sleepers notice
On the practical side, the resort holds its own. The resort advertises nine dining options and nine bars, though most of the casual ones are afternoon poolside spots for pizza, burgers and snacks; dinner rotates between an aphrodisiac-inspired restaurant, Asian fusion with teppanyaki, Mexican, an international buffet and a Mediterranean venue reserved for Eden guests, with no reservations needed. Premium spirits are poured around the clock. The Eden section, opened in early 2024, added jacuzzi and swim-up suites with butler service and brought a fresher feel to the property, and Eden guests use everything in the main resort too. The full-service spa has sauna and steam rooms (treatments extra), and there is a fitness center for those balancing out the late nights. Staff are repeatedly praised for handling the unusual social dynamics with professionalism and grace.
This resort is best for adventurous couples, lifestyle-curious travelers and anyone specifically seeking a clothing-optional community. Compared with mainstream Riviera Maya resorts, it feels smaller and pricier for the space, but if this atmosphere is what you want, travelers say little else compares. Sister property Desire Pearl is nearby, and guests already staying at one can buy a day pass to visit the other. Puerto Morelos puts you about 25 minutes from Cancun and 30 from Playa del Carmen, with cenotes and Mayan ruins within easy day-trip range.
Common Questions
Is Desire Riviera Maya a swinger resort?
Do you have to be nude at the resort?
How good is the food at Desire Riviera Maya?
What are the most important house rules?
How does Desire Riviera Maya compare to Desire Pearl?
What is the best time of year to visit?
Restaurants (8)
| Type | Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Buffet | Arrecife |
| Mexican | Kahlo |
| Italian | Tentazione, Passione di Fuoco |
| Asian | Suki |
| Mediterranean & Spanish | Eros |
| American & grill | Flirty Burger Bar |
| International & fusion | Sahló |
From the resort's own dining pages. Only restaurants the resort lists are shown. All are covered by the all-inclusive rate, per the resort.
What's nearby
Playa Delfines35 min drive · 17 mi
Playa Tortugas45 min drive · 24 mi
45 min drive · 23 mi
20 min drive · 7.7 mi
Museo Maya de Cancún35 min drive · 18 mi
Puerto Morelos Town Square and Malecón20 min drive · 7.7 mi
More things to do (24)
- Catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres · excursion45 min drive · 24 mi
- Xoxi Cancún · adventure park20 min drive · 8.9 mi
- Croco Cun Zoo · wildlife12 min drive · 4.8 mi
- Playa Caracol · beach50 min drive · 23 mi
- Riviera Cancún Golf · golf30 min drive · 13 mi
- Playa Coral · beach25 min drive · 13 mi
- Playa Ballenas · beach40 min drive · 20 mi
- Iberostar Cancún Golf Club · golf40 min drive · 19 mi
- Leaning Lighthouse of Puerto Morelos · historic site20 min drive · 7.7 mi
- Moon Palace Golf Club · golf20 min drive · 8.9 mi
- Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden · nature25 min drive · 8.3 mi
- Puerto Morelos Botanical Garden · nature25 min drive · 8.3 mi
- Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club · golf35 min drive · 15 mi
- Playa Maroma · beach35 min drive · 17 mi
- Playa Delfines Lookout · viewpoint35 min drive · 17 mi
- El Rey Ruins · ruins35 min drive · 18 mi
- Parque Kabah · nature40 min drive · 19 mi
- Ka'Yok' Planetarium · museum40 min drive · 19 mi
- Playa San Miguelito · beach40 min drive · 20 mi
- Iberostar Golf Club Cancún · golf40 min drive · 19 mi
- Playa Marlín · beach40 min drive · 21 mi
- Yamil Lu'um · ruins40 min drive · 21 mi
- Torre Escénica de Cancún · viewpoint45 min drive · 23 mi
- Playa Langosta · beach45 min drive · 23 mi
Amenities
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Style & Rooms
Atmosphere
Room upgrades
Seaweed & sargassum
Cancun gets sargassum, typically worst May through August.See the month-by-month guide →Google Reviews★ 4.7 · 955 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...”
