We just got home from 10 days in Temptation, and while I usually don’t bother with trip reports, there are enough COVID concerns I thought it might be helpful to those on the fence. First of all we have been to Temptation many times, and we are pushing 60 so we might be a bit more concerned about COVID than some others, but obviously not so concerned we delayed our trip (again). The airport experience and the mostly full flight there were about what we imagined. Everyone wore masks the whole time, decent social distancing and everything seemed clean. And the VIP transfer from CUN to Temptation was likewise clean, convenient and pleasant (love those USA Transfer drivers). The only thing I wish they would do different was to have an icy beer waiting in the SUV. As others have stated, our temperature was screened upon arrival at Temptation, and all of the staff, I mean everyone, always wore masks. On the first day most of the guests in the lobby were wearing masks, but we noticed as the week went on that fewer and fewer were until we seemed to be the odd ones. Temptation had done a great job trying to established social distancing reminders with spots on the floor and for the most part those in the lobby did their part. As you leave the lobby there is this magical barrier. The masks come off, and all social distancing is forgotten. The crowd around the pool and pool bar was much the same as any other time we have been to Temptation; lots of close mingling. Same was true for Bash virtually every night. Ok, enough on that, let’s get to to fun stuff. The Naked Tequila Volleyball is back! I can’t believe I didn’t read that in any other posts (I must have missed it), and it was as wild as ever. Also, the Saturday night pool/foam/glow party was incredible! It went one until wee hours in the morning. I wouldn’t have been surprised to find people still in the pool at dawn, but of course we were dead to the world at that time, so we wouldn’t know. The rest of the pools games were there standard ones, but we did notice that brief nudity was a bit more tolerated than it had been the last few years, certainly not like the old days, but getting there. The pool seating changed a bit, with about half a dozen beds right on the edge of the pool. Not a big deal, but they do take up a lot of room, so it might be a problem when they get back to 100% capacity. The beach was well maintained and mostly unused; we could always find a bed to chair. Also the Skybar was its usual not-so-crowed environment. Can’t speak to the quiet pool. One negative on the Sexy pool was the music. For some reason about 12:00 every day they cranked up the music so loud you had to shout to talk to some one in the pool. It was so bad a couple days we escaped to the beach or Skybar to preserve our hearing. The restaurants seemed pretty unchanged from last year, other than Rain (the buffet). For safety, you couldn't go through the buffet alone, a staff member would escort you through the line and fill and carry your plate for you. And the staff used Purell between every guest. Great way to minimize the number of people touching utensils and stuff, and even reduced grazing (if that is a problem for you). But, there were times it took a long time to get through the line, especially between 8:30 and 9:30. Sutra was still superb, and our favorite, and Seaflirt also was fantastic as usual. Ok, one final thing and the I will wrap this up. As others have stated, the weekends (Thurs-Sunday) are packed, but mid week the crowd is pretty light. So if you are concerned about COVID and crowds, either delay going until there is a vaccine or go mid week. If you are only mildly concerned, as we were, go, be conscious of the crowds and have a blast.
Great review. I never ended up writing ours from Sept 1-10 but it was basically the same as what you penned. Only exception is when we visited all the masks were off as soon as folks hit the lobby. I do agree the the staff and facility are doing a great job with respect to Covid. Cannot say so much for us guests as you stated about the pool, bar, and Bash.
Thanks for the trip report. What’s the deal with those beds along the sexy pool? I noticed them in a few other pictures. They sure look like they take up a lot of space. At least those Monet pods were in an area that wasn’t used that much. I suppose these aren’t available to the common folk?
Great update .... and yay.. Naked Tequila Volley ball is back.... brilliant.. we're going in the right direction
Beds are for Premier Members and they need to be reserved daily but in the Premier office. It changed during our stay in Sept. Eatly in the stay you could reserve them for the week but then it went daily. Too many people wanted them and at times no one would show all day. Daniel was in charge, same with the Premier chairs...hint tip tip. He hangs out at the towel hut. When we get them everyone is welcome to put their stuff under, around and on. Same with sitting or piling in as a group for talking, sunning, eating lunch, etc. I also tip Daniel too. The round loungers with the flip up shades are for bottle service. I have continuously have referred to them as the “monet” loungers but no one had picked up on my humor. They are labelled “Moet and Chandon” I suppose fir the champagne available. Champagne in the hot Sun by the pool for lots of money...hence “monet”!
Exactly our experience during Labor Day Weekend. I chose the word "fled" rather than "escape" in my own Trip Report but the thought is precisely the same. It gets EXTREMELY tiring trying to yell at the top of your voice to someone who is barely 3 feet away, clearly violating social distancing guidelines (LOL!) just to exchange political views, let them know they have "Nice Shoes," see if they want a drink, or like the Bears better than the Vikings this year. It was really a pain in the ass.
