My girlfriend and I (we're both in our 30s) just split a week between Temptation and Golden Parnassus, and I wanted to briefly pass on our impressions.
Overall, we were pleased with both resorts, getting more than we expected from both. If we had to do it again, we would do the exact same thing, splitting our time between the two. If we could only go to one resort, we would go with Golden. I think if you read lots of reviews of each, the overall impression of each would be fair. There are occasional strongly negative reviews that can bias your opinion, but pay attention to the overall impression you get.
Two tips:
(1) Both resorts have a timeshare pitch packaged with check-in. Decline it and get out of there ASAP. People who had done the timeshare visit were upset they had gotten roped into losing 3 hours of their vacation for $50 or whatever it was.
(2) Tip a little. We tipped $12-$15 across each day (bartenders, restaurant servers, housekeeping), and it improved the service we got.
A few likes/dislikes about each:
TEMPTATION
--Really fun. People are just loose (but not crazy) and being themselves. Women of all shapes are topless, although I would say no more than half of women are topless. There is no sexual activity publicly. I'm guessing there was swinging, but it was not evident. We were not approached. This place is sexually suggestive but not sexually explicit. We did not participate in "risque" activities but enjoyed the atmosphere.
--Nice grounds. There are three pools. The sexy pool and quiet pool are far apart (sport pool in middle), creating two different areas of the resort. I liked this variety a lot. You have to get there early for a chair at the sexy pool, but even by late morning chairs available at other pools. Swim-up bars at two pools are fun.
--No hot tubs. Whirlpools in pool are just regular pool water.
--We had a renovated room, and it was quite nice. Large balcony.
--They have two Wiis for public play, which is fun.
--In-room fridge with 2 beers and soft drinks, refilled daily.
--Buffet was mediocre at best. A real weakness. A la carte restaurants were much better, although getting good reservation times was not always possible.
--Beach is very small and not very good. Location is between two marinas so no waves.
GOLDEN PARNASSUS
--Great view. Stunning. Upgrade to an oceanfront room. View is important to us, so this was a big plus. Club rooms on top floor are a further upgrade with in-room hot tubs. We did not have one but people we spoke to seemed to think it was worth the upgrade. All rooms have large balconies.
--Beach is much better than Temptation, but it is narrow from hurricane erosion. Rough water almost continuously while we were there.
--Nicely landscaped pool area. Great oceanfront bar next to pool that stays open until 2:00 a.m. Only place I've been that has a true oceanfront bar.
--Great location for hot tub next to ocean, but it is a lukewarm tub in reality.
--Food was quite good. Buffet for breakfast and lunch was very good. A la carte restaurants also very good. And no reservations required!!!
--Staff quite good. Many are long-time staff, and it shows.
--100% occupancy while we were there, and pool area was overcrowded. Had to get there early to get a chair.
--No in-room bar.
Those are a few of our impressions. Overall, we were happy with both. I would describe Temptation as a 2.5- or 3-star resort, with Golden one star higher. If you expect that level of resort rather than upscale luxury, you are likely to be happy.
