November 2024 Trip Report
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2024 6:56 amThis was our first trip to DRM; however, we have been to Pearl a few times. We certainly intend to return to DRM soon as, overall, we had a very nice time.
Rooms - We booked an Eden Beloved Garden View Swim-up room. It was a very nice room; however, (a) it reeked of stale cigarettes, and (b) there is no "garden" to view. Unfortunately the view is of a row of short shrubbery planted in front of a tall chain link fence, merely meters from the back sliding doors - very unattractive. Fortunately, the resort responded very well, and with no fuss or muss, quickly relocated us to a Beloved Pool View Swim-up room sans the cigarrette smoke. Much better! The room faces the new Eden pool. The only draw-back for me is that the music at the pool is terrifically loud and not particularly my taste (but, that's likely just me). After five days, the incessant loudness got to me (but, I'm the guy who wears ear plugs to concerts when my wife really wants to go).
The Resort in General - The new Eden section was very pretty, but not a bit tropical. More Miami than Caribbean. I think, though, that as the vegetation matures, this might change. The legacy section is lush with beautiful local vegetation and is quaint compared to Eden. I sort of prefer this side - it is the more laid back, calm and tropical of the two sides. But, hey, DRM offers something for everyone!
Food - It is just okay. Don't expect Michelin starred dining. We found that breakfast at Ero's was fine (you can order eggs, bacon and toast). Kahlo, the new Mexican restaurant, was where we found the better (but still unexceptional) food. All-in-all, pretty typical for an all-inclusive resort. You're not going to starve!
Staff - All of the staff we encountered were very nice, helpful and friendly people. I cannot compliment them enough.
Guests - All (well, the vast majority - there are always a few obnoxious drunks no matter what resort you visit) we encountered were really nice and sociable people. Conversation was never forced and was very organic. We met really interesting folks, had nice conversations and, yes, played with really respectful and thoughtful couples. This is the main difference we noticed compared to Pearl where the guests more readily kept to themselves. The week we were at DRM the crowd was younger - 30s and 40s were the majority.
What Perplexed Us - More than 50 percent of the guests were clothed at the pool (oddly, we noticed this more among the younger crowd). Lots and lots of board shorts, ladies with tops on, etc. That is perfectly fine and didn't adversely affect my wife's and my nudism. But, we did feel like it was just a bit, well, odd at a clothing-optional lifestyle resort. That's okay. Just noticeable. (Most everyone at Pearl this past Spring was nude.)
My Only Complaint - The music, whether at the pool, the nightly entertainment or the disco is so very loud (doesn't bother my wife at all). But, I'm fairly sensitive to loud noises so had to excuse myself periodically from various venues to find some peace in a quieter place and regain my composure. No, I don't think the resort should "turn it down" as the volume seemed to bother no one else. Just be aware if you have sensitivity to loud environments.
All-in-all, we had a very nice trip and hope to return to DRM this coming Spring.
Rooms - We booked an Eden Beloved Garden View Swim-up room. It was a very nice room; however, (a) it reeked of stale cigarettes, and (b) there is no "garden" to view. Unfortunately the view is of a row of short shrubbery planted in front of a tall chain link fence, merely meters from the back sliding doors - very unattractive. Fortunately, the resort responded very well, and with no fuss or muss, quickly relocated us to a Beloved Pool View Swim-up room sans the cigarrette smoke. Much better! The room faces the new Eden pool. The only draw-back for me is that the music at the pool is terrifically loud and not particularly my taste (but, that's likely just me). After five days, the incessant loudness got to me (but, I'm the guy who wears ear plugs to concerts when my wife really wants to go).
The Resort in General - The new Eden section was very pretty, but not a bit tropical. More Miami than Caribbean. I think, though, that as the vegetation matures, this might change. The legacy section is lush with beautiful local vegetation and is quaint compared to Eden. I sort of prefer this side - it is the more laid back, calm and tropical of the two sides. But, hey, DRM offers something for everyone!
Food - It is just okay. Don't expect Michelin starred dining. We found that breakfast at Ero's was fine (you can order eggs, bacon and toast). Kahlo, the new Mexican restaurant, was where we found the better (but still unexceptional) food. All-in-all, pretty typical for an all-inclusive resort. You're not going to starve!
Staff - All of the staff we encountered were very nice, helpful and friendly people. I cannot compliment them enough.
Guests - All (well, the vast majority - there are always a few obnoxious drunks no matter what resort you visit) we encountered were really nice and sociable people. Conversation was never forced and was very organic. We met really interesting folks, had nice conversations and, yes, played with really respectful and thoughtful couples. This is the main difference we noticed compared to Pearl where the guests more readily kept to themselves. The week we were at DRM the crowd was younger - 30s and 40s were the majority.
What Perplexed Us - More than 50 percent of the guests were clothed at the pool (oddly, we noticed this more among the younger crowd). Lots and lots of board shorts, ladies with tops on, etc. That is perfectly fine and didn't adversely affect my wife's and my nudism. But, we did feel like it was just a bit, well, odd at a clothing-optional lifestyle resort. That's okay. Just noticeable. (Most everyone at Pearl this past Spring was nude.)
My Only Complaint - The music, whether at the pool, the nightly entertainment or the disco is so very loud (doesn't bother my wife at all). But, I'm fairly sensitive to loud noises so had to excuse myself periodically from various venues to find some peace in a quieter place and regain my composure. No, I don't think the resort should "turn it down" as the volume seemed to bother no one else. Just be aware if you have sensitivity to loud environments.
All-in-all, we had a very nice trip and hope to return to DRM this coming Spring.