I am not a big fan of the "all-inclusive concept" as most of my previous trips to Mexico (Cancun) were to the Le Meridien in Cancun before Starwood sold off. I typically feel the "all inclusive" concept is tantamount to a 24/7 food and alcohol binge (mediocre of both). however, La Perla was a tremendous experience. I was there for four days which I guess any longer they could have wheeled me out of there, so that to me was a perfect timeframe for this type of resort.

Upgraded to the Royal Service which was a reasonable cost which included butler service and the adult area. Louisa was our butler and she (or one of her co-workers) was extremely helpful and charming. The sit down restaurants were first class, the alcohol was top shelf (Grey Goose or Kettle One was call) and the "adult pool" was part of the Royal Service (although I will say I'm Pit Bulled out). (I need to also mention Tony our waiter at the asian /indian fusion restaurant served at a level of a NYC restaurant). I hit the place at a time when they were about 70% full but it seemed to have a much lower occupancy, so I suspect in a full house the Royal Service upgrade will keep anyone from having to wait for service. I didn't wander over to the Paradisus (family) area so not sure how busy that was.

The only downer was the weather as it was overcast most of the weekend. We went into the City two nights and on a four day trip more than enough as it is the typical touristy downtown.

All and all do it again in a heart beat.

After reading so many glowing reviews, I was very disappointed when we arrived at the property. The room (and entire property) were clean in the most basic sense of the word. Spills (at least that's what I hope they were) in the elevators and on the floors in public areas. A spill in our bathroom that was apparently there b/f we arrived, was never cleaned up. The "soaking tub" was NOT clean. I could go on, but won't. The food at Le Passion (with an upcharge) was good and they accommodated my husband's gluten intolerance at every course and had 2 (good) bread selections. Otherwise, the food was mediocre at best. The bar service was awful and ended up ordering Grey Goose on the rocks with a lime and a bottle water in the hopes of tasting anything other than very sweet mixer. Upon arrival we went to sit on the beach to enjoy the late afternoon and it was pretty sketchy. Did not go back out there.
BTW, the reviewer that said the swim up jr. suite was very private - not so much out on the balcony area - unfortunately for us who were on the 3rd floor.
The bed and linens were excellent. Too bad the rest of the resort didn't measure up!

We spent a few days in Paradisus in December, just me and my wife. We upgraded to Royal service for $80 a night, in my opinion it was worth it, mainly because of the heated pool (my wife is very sensitive to pool temperature :) ) and more privacy and more bali bed around the pool.

It is a large resort, but due to smart lay out it feels like you are alway in a small intimate area, hotel has many bars with different themes and there is often live music. They do not have large varsity shows stuffed by life guards and waiters, rather they invite small troops of professional performers for more intimate shows. I prefer this to the large stadium seating that say Iberostar shows have.

Food wise, we really liked the resort. They definitely stir you toward restaurants, buffet food is ok, decent quality but it does not have the mind boggling expansiveness of a typical all inclusive . buffet. Restaurant food however, is excellent, out favorite was Fuego for bot great service and food, the Mexican restaurant was also ver good. We were not as impressed with the Cabana (I think that it is the name) the exclusive Royal service only restaurant. It was fine but not great. We also like the fact that there is food service at the pool and you can get decent variety right to your bali bed.
The only downside is that the beach is relatively narrow, we were told that the hurricanes blew some of it away, but it is definitely not as wide as at Playa Paraiso for example

My husband Leo and I together with our friends, Joe and Gina just returned from a 7 night vacation at this resort. The resort is beautiful and very clean. We had originally booked an ocean view junior suite and as soon as we arrived were both upgraded to an ocean view suite. As soon as we checked in, Luis from guest service explained to us all about the resort and was very funny in doing so. He made all the restaurant reservations for us also. He had plenty of recommendations for us. He was not pushy at all.
The room was beautiful. They cleaned it in the morning and then gave you fresh towels in the evening and turned your bed and placed chocolates on pillows. The pillows and bedding were very comfortable. The balcony had a jacuzzi which we made use of almost every day after we got back from beach.
The beach is very rocky but we found a spot right at the beginning where there were no rocks and it was easy to go into the warm ocean water. The barbecue chicken right on the beach was delicious. I have stayed at all-inclusives before and the food has never been this good. Our favorite restaurants were Fuego and Bana. The Rodizzio grill meat was very tender and not dry or tough at all. Staff is extremely friendly and pleasant. Santos Soto, Antonio Arroyo, Jose Tun, and Joel Garcia from Hadar restaurant were extremely pleasant and friendly. They were very attentive to your every need. Every morning when we arrived for breakfast they had a booth waiting for us and knew what type of cofee we liked. As soon as they saw you walking back from the buffet they would help you bring your plate with food to the table. When we went to lunch they were always there with a smile and catered to us in every possible way. Every single staff member at la Perla was super friendly. Everyone said hello to you as you walked on by. When we went to the bars, the staff there knew what kind of drink you liked and had it ready for you even before you had a chance to order it.
The shows at night were very entertaining. After the shows we would go to the red lounge and dance all night.
I would definitely go back to this resort again.