 |
Los Cabos, Mexico |
| GD - July 2007 |
 |
July 14 to 21, 2007 Desire Los Cabos Trip
Report
We had a great time during our trip to the new Desire
Los Cabos this past July. We have been to Desire Cancun three times so we
wanted to try the new kid on the block and check it out
Another key
reason was to get to see the Cabo San Lucas area, which I've heard so much
about over the years
Our flight took us from home in Indianapolis to
Dallas with a very short delay and on to Los Cabos. We flew through the new
terminal at Dallas and compared to our Dallas experience a few years ago, this
time, they have it down pat.
On our arrival to Los Cabos airport, we
quickly, more or less than in July which in the desert of Los Cabos, was very
hot - so be prepared. Remember, instead of driving into a jungle area which the
Desire Cancun is, this Desire is literally in the middle of a desert area so
the humidity level is lower than at Desire Cancun
We picked up our
bags and moved through the airport past all of the time share people - One tip
- Don't stop - Move through the airport to get to a cab or a van. We took a van
this time to the resort. It was decent as we were the second couple let out of
the van on its route. I can't remember what I paid for the two of us, but think
it was $40
After arriving, they do a very nice and professional job in
the front lobby of getting you a couple of glasses of champagne and a couple of
small facial towels. We then went straight to our room, which was a standard
room on the second floor.
As this resort was previously the Fiesta
Inn, a total makeover was required. From what we know, the neighbors aren't
exactly happy but they did do the complete makeover
Location
The new Desire resort is very different from the
Cancun resort but has some features that are very nice as compared to Desire
Cancun
As it's literally sandwiched between two other properties, they
had to put up a very large annoying wall that blocks your view of the sea from
the pool or the lounge area next to the pool. They did this so that no one from
the adjoining property could see what was going on at the pool or basically
anywhere on the
One very different difference is it's location - it's
located directly across the street from a Mega, which is as large as most Super
Wal-Marts. One thing though, when you enter, you'll be spotted immediately and
guys with shirts that say "How can I help you" are really there to work you
over about what else, time shares. You have to be persistent and move past them
to whatever you're looking for. You can virtually find anything you could want
or need in the Mega. Outside of it are about another 20 or so stores -
including a Dairy Queen if you miss your fix.
One of the best features
of the new Desire is the swim up pool bar, which the Cancun Desire of course
doesn't have. The swim up pool bar was busy from 11 or so through the early
evening. Most days there were people in the pool as late as 8 which was nice to
see as compared to Desire Cancun that seemed to empty out much earlier. I have
to believe That it is related to the pool bar and that it's a magnet
Resort and Rooms
As it's literally sandwiched between
two other properties, they had to put up a very large annoying wall that blocks
your view of the sea from the pool or the lounge area next to the pool
Our room was a standard room where all rooms are more or less slanted towards
the sea. Our room had a nice balcony, which would have been great to sit and
look out on the ocean.
The room was more or less the standard size
you'd expect from a resort, nothing elaborate but nicely decorated and very
comfortable.
We looked into the possibility of moving to one of the
larger suites, but decided not to as we just weren't in the room that much.
But as mentioned before, you can't see the water from your room
(unless you have one of the rooms closest to the ocean - the Passion Suites -
due to the two and ½ story wall they had to construct to keep the
neighbors from looking in
The sad thing, the resort next to Desire was
literally deserted. We were told that it's a timeshare property and the
time-share owners have continued to complain that they could see people having
sex and other things, which tells me they shouldn't keep looking if they don't
like what they see. For that reason, the place is basically deserted. We
couldn't remember even seeing one person there the whole week we were at
Desire.
Dining
Unlike Cancun, the new Desire
has a Japanese restaurant, Suki, which was a change of pace. It was decorated
very nicely and is a nice change of pace. We ate there one night and it was
enjoyed (excuse me for not remembering the details of the dinner as I am simply
not that into the food at a restaurant)
We ate there one night
(there's no rules about eating only once) as in Cancun.
We ate at the
Italian restaurant, which is located by the Pool area (Tentazione) multiple
times as it has a great location, very relaxed. It had great service no matter
when - day or night as with all the other restaurants - no complaints about
service whatsoever.
It is also the area that is used for lunch dining
The luncheon fare was very nice also. They grilled chicken breasts,
hamburgers, strip steaks as well as many good things under the steam tents.
Unless you are a very picky eater - you won't come away hungry
El
Arrecief was a nice indoor / outdoor restaurant. It was mainly a buffet each
night it was open (either it was open or Suki was when we were there)
As for breakfast, we ate it only twice but from what I remember, it was very
nice also
And once again, no complaints about the service at all, it's
there when you need it and always taking care of any needs you'd have
People
The age group - which so many people ask about -
seemed to be from the mid 30's to almost 60 - with the bulk between 36 and 45
I'd say.
From talking to many, the majority of all at the resort were
from the West coast and from the Texas area (I assume due to the direct
flights). There were some that I talked to were from the East coast, but the
three hour time difference can really get to you for at least the first two or
three days.
I would say that most were friendly and not really as many
cliques as I've noticed before. There wasn't a lifestyle group there when we
were, but a large one was coming in about the time we were leaving. Before we
arrived, a lifestyle group had taken over the resort and from what I heard, the
difference in wildness between when we were there and when the takeover group
was there was dramatic.
From other trips we've been on, many times
when there's a takeover, or when a majority are from a lifestyle group, their
very nature lends itself to a more cliquish atmosphere that if you're not a
part of the group, you're pretty much on your own.
All I can say is
go. Find out for yourself and make your own judgments.
Also, from what
I observed, many at the resort were definitely with someone that they really
wanted to be with. This is definitely not a resort to go to if you're not there
with someone that you are in love with. The general feel of the resort is a
very romantic, and exotic if not erotic resort and for lovers, it's a great
place.
Nighttime Activities
Unfortunately, we
weren't that active in the evenings after dinner. Each night they did have a
Mexican group performing in the courtyard. One night they had a Tequila tasting
night, which was nice. After that, people went to the Disco and after that,
many would go to the Rooftop Jacuzzi. From talking to others, the disco was
fairly active from when it opened till closing - and all left promptly.
During the week, we did go upstairs in the evening twice and both
times, it was after dinner but before the crowds arrived from the disco. If you
like a quiet place, it fits the bill before the crowds. Each night, the crowds
would arrive around 12:30 or so, and from what I was told, you'd find people up
there till 3 or later.
We did go to the disco the last night and all
there were into the night, the place was full
Behind the disco, like
with Cancun, is the Playroom. Unfortunately we did not go back there which is
sad, as I would have loved to go, but that wasn't in the cards for the night or
trip. Going into the playroom during the day, it was a nice room and those of
you that want to fully enjoy your trip, well… I doubt you'll be
disappointed
Once again, if you're there with someone that doesn't
want to go to the upstairs disco or upstairs Jacuzzi lounge - you'll be pretty
bored in the evenings as there's just nothing else left to do so think ahead.
The Desire Cabo upstairs Rooftop Jacuzzi lounge in my estimation is
larger and nicer than in Cancun. If you want to know more about it and what
goes on up there and when, please write and I'll tell you at
hawgman@comcast.net
Daytime Activities
Desire
Cabo has a very nice spa / health club facility - nicer than in Cancun. It's
located at the base of the Rooftop Jacuzzi lounge. The health club of course
faces the ocean and as the surf in Los Cabos is normally very rough, it gives
something nice to watch while working out. The room of course is
air-conditioned and very clean and new.
The activities staff led by
Sylvia were very good at getting people involved, but not so much that they
bothered you. Sorry that I don't remember the male staff (as they were good and
involved people - Sylvia was so fantastic, you kind of forgot everything else.
During the day, they'd lead off with water aerobics to wake people up,
followed by beach volleyball. After the lunch hour or so, they'd have various
events and play alongs for those in the pool. Each day they would have pool
volleyball - typically three games. One day they did try Pool water polo, which
didn't work well at all.
Surrounding the pool are nice palapas, some
which are reserved for the people paying the premium for the Passion Suites and
Jacuzzi suites. If you get out early enough though, there are some that aren't
always reserved. Other than those palapas, there are many other nice lounge
chairs to use.
Additionally, there are quite a few lounge beds with
sheers placed (I don't know what their official names are) that are on the sand
which unfortunately don't see the sea, blocked a wall that they placed. These
beds during our trip were rarely used, but during a takeover week, I'm sure
that they'd have to be used. Most people would prefer to be by the pool, which
is where all the activities were.
If it's a takeover week though, all
are occupied as there really is no other area to be since no one goes to the
beach - no one. There are no beach activities, no beach chairs (on the public
Los Cabos beach) or anything - all activities are at the pool. The area from
the Desire spa / health center as it is at the rear center of the property to
the right and left down the fencing is Desire's - The area past the facility
and fencing is public area so nothing is placed there.
As many will
want to know, at least during our week, we / I didn't notice any couples doing
anything overtly sexual at all outside during the day in the more public pool
area etc.
There were some more wild people that came in late in the
week (for the following week's takeover) that had some fun on the swim up bar
but definitely nothing over the top. Perhaps after we left things became a bit
wilder, that I don't know of course, but from all indications of the guests
that arrived at the end of the week (they were staying a few days more than
their week) so I definitely believe that we missed some very wild fun.
At the end of the week, a calendar was shot at the pool and beach - I believe
it was a swimsuit calendar and swimsuit catalog shoot for Wicked - I'm not sure
though.
Beach
On this matter, they fell very
far short as the beach and water might as well have not existed as you so
rarely saw anyone going to the Beach or water
What you will notice if
you go are Mexican men that will troll up and down the beach. They're carrying
small suitcase / briefcases. In these briefcases are goods that are displayed
in the case, but under the case, they offer you drugs such as Pot and other
drugs I won't go into details here but if you want to know more, write.
If you want, you can go down the beach to another resort where you can
be flown over the area in an ultra-light type aircraft. Many times these craft
flew over, it must be due the scenic nature the Desire resort as we seemed to
be buzzed multiple times each day.
Other Visited Sites
San Jose Del Cabo
We took one evening and walked to the small
city of San Jose Del Cabo, which was about a 45 minute walk - but it felt very
safe. It's a nice place to visit and we'd recommend it to get a different, less
busy feel of the area, more of a small Mexican village / city. While there, we
watched a local soccer game in the central area as well as families just
enjoying the area. There are quite a few restaurants in the area, but we didn't
eat at any of them.
There also is an official outlet / store of the
Cabo Wabo Cantina is located in the main area of San Jose Del Cabo if you don't
want to go into Cabo to the original store / restaurant / nightclub
Cabo San Lucas
We took one trip to Cabo San Lucas, which
was about 45 min from Los Cabos along a very nice, smooth highway. We wanted to
get there efficiently so we took a cab there and back. It wasn't cheap, but it
was easy
Cabo is very very nice with something for everyone.
While there, we visited their new marina area, which is full of restaurants and
bars. Most were very nice but very expensive. You have to go off the main area
to get anything that would resemble a bargain in the restaurant or bar
department
There are many bars that cater to the College age crowd
with reasonable pricing.
We did take a pedicab whose driver (or is
that peddler) showed us other areas of the Cabo including the off the beaten
path restaurants. There's no way that you could hit all of their restaurants
unless you had an entire year as there are just too many nice ones
We
did eat at a place that I had heard about for years - Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo
Cantina (which he has sold off) - And it's a fantastic restaurant and
nightclub. I think I'd have preferred just hitting the nightclub later that
night and just picking another restaurant for dinner. If you don't mind eating
simple, the college crowd is served well with very inexpensive but good Mexican
fare prepared right at the bar at numerous places
Nude Cruise
One day (in our case it was the Friday before we left on
Saturday), the resort had a signup for a nude cruise, which was to leave from
the Marina at Cabo for about a 2 or so hour trip
It was nice trip that
took us past the marina, past the signature rocks that Cabo has (you've
probably seen the photos) and out into the Gulf. Until we passed the rocks we
needed to stay dressed. After that, you could take off what you wanted. Many
did as if you didn't that kind of would have negated the reason that you were
going on a Nude cruise.
They also had plenty of beer (Mexican of
course) and a nice sub buffet for everyone.
While on the trip, we were
treated to something a bit different - Something that Sylvia - our most
fantastic Desire hostess noted - a pair of sea turtles having at it. She said
that she and the crew had never seen that. I did get a few photos of course,
but they weren't that good.
On the way back to the Marina, you could
see many of the rich and famous homes and the monster resorts from the sea
All in all, it was a nice trip, good value for the money and very
relaxing, no pressure
If you have any questions about our trip, please
write me at hawgman@comcast.net
|
|
|
|
