Hidden Beach Resort

As a clothing optional hotel, Hidden Beach Resort -- Au Naturel Club attracts a very specific crowd. Though clothing is optional, most guests choose to go au natural throughout the entirety of their stay -- meaning almost everyone in the pool, on the beach, at the restaurant, or dancing the night away at the Moonlight Lounge, is naked. Anyone new to the au natural lifestyle, however, shouldn’t fret; the hotel prides itself on its judgement-free atmosphere and high standards of professionalism. Considering the nature of Hidden Beach, the resort is obviously adults-only, and most guests are older couples, though singles are also welcome. Most guests are also friendly and looking to mingle, though not in a sexually aggressive way.    

The luxury hotel is spic-and-span, guests are required to sit on towels which are provided throughout the hotel. Decor is contemporary with Mexican-inspired touches like a palapa-style roof in the lobby, but whose idea was it to put pleather couches in a nudist hotel? Outside, the grounds are tropical and manicured. Think: rock formation with a waterfall, colorful flowering bushes, and palm trees. 

Located halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (about a 30 minute drive in either direction), Hidden Beach is in a secluded area with not much else around. Though it shares the same property and entrance as El Dorado Seaside Suites, Hidden Beach is completely secluded, with high walls surrounding its grounds. Guests looking to venture off property will want to rent as car, as there is really nothing within walking distance of the hotel. Cancun Airport is about one hour and 20 minutes by car.  

Suites at Hidden Beach have lots of nice amenities, and the decor is contemporary with white walls, white bedding, and dark wood furniture. Tropical prints and splashes of green add a bit of interest. The suites (more like typical rooms) are a bit on the bland side, but tasteful, in an effort to make the au-naturel clientele feel comfortable and not sleazy. Rooms on the ground floor are swim-up suites, meaning guests can swim directly from the main pool to their suite. Rooms on the second floor have ocean view balconies equipped with two lounge chairs. Inside, all suites have two-person hot tubs, fully-loaded free minibars with beer, soda, and snacks, and a selection of vodka, whisky, tequila, and rum that's restocked daily. They also have flat screen TVs, iHomes, and DVD players. Bathrooms are equipped with double sinks and walk-in showers, and are open to the bedroom. Cleanliness is not an issue. 

Throughout the day, the pool at Hidden Beach remains busy. This is not to say that it’s crowded or noisy, but since the rocky beach isn’t suitable for swimming, the pool is where most guests choose to spend the majority of their time. There is a swim-up bar, and a volleyball net, which gets a lot of use during the day. La Vista Restaurant, which overlooks the pool, is the hotel’s only dining establishment. The restaurant serves all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the food is mediocre. Drinks are strong and also included; reservations at the restaurant aren't required. There is an on-site fitness center, which is the only area of the hotel where guests are required to wear clothing. For a fairly large room, it’s disappointing that the fitness center has only a few machines. Moonlight Lounge is the hotel’s nightly entertainment spot, but many guests have complained of lackluster activities and dismal attendance. The Moonlight Lounge has a small bar and lounge area, a stage for nightly performances, a life-size checkerboard, pool tables, and a small hot tub. Although there is no spa, guests are welcome to book spa treatments next door at El Dorado Seaside Suites or enjoy a beachfront massage at Hidden Beach’s sky palapa.