Hidden Beach Au Naturel Resort by Karisma advertises itself as the only five-star luxury all-inclusive gourmet nudist resort in the Mexican Caribbean.  Unlike the Desires properties in the Riviera Maya, Hidden Beach does not advocate a “lifestyle” approach to vacationing–open displays of sexual behavior are not tolerated, nor are sexual advances; this is definitely not a resort for “swingers” or those who advocate having sex in public places.  While Karisma states this is a “clothing-optional” resort, it is universally expected that all guests will be nude most of the time while onsite; this also includes dining in the nude.  Those who are uncomfortable with this concept should not book Hidden Beach.  This is a unique and beautiful resort which has a devoted following despite its elevated price tag; most guests, repeat or not, are between 40-70 years of age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Beach is sandwiched in between two of Karisma’s other adults-only properties–Sensimar Seaside Suites to the south (which is the old El Dorado Seaside Suites), and the brand new El Dorado Seaside Suites to the north.  While guests of Hidden Beach have access to both the old and new El Dorado Seaside Suites, there is no reciprocity–instead, day passes to Hidden Beach are available for a fee.  With this privilege, Hidden Beach guests have access to an additional ten restaurants, ten bars, five pools, and the beautiful Náay Spa.  Hidden Beach guests who do choose to wander over to these adjacent properties must wear appropriate garments; many repeat guests (and even resort staff) laughingly refer to this defection and the necessity of wearing clothes as “going over to the dark side”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The resort is a boutique property with only 45 suites, three of which are brand new gorgeous one bedroom Presidential Suites.  It is attractively laid out in a wide “V” shape with all suites facing the sea, while the pool with its swim-up bar is centrally located.  There are two Jacuzzis, one next to the pool and the other located in the Moonlight Bar.  Repeat guests take note that this bar has been relocated to the other side of the sole onsite restaurant, La Vista.  Moonlight Bar is the resort’s “party central” where guests congregate after dinner for theme nights, shows, costume parties, DJ music, dancing, a game or two of pool, or relaxing in the hot tub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the evening’s fun and games, guests retire to their rooms which are done in calming colors of crèmes and tans with dark wood furniture.  Room amenities are upgraded for the most part with each suite including an in-room double Jacuzzi, plasma TV, full bottles of rum, vodka, and tequila in addition to the standard mini-bar.  Swim-up suites have in-water seating and cocktail tables; Hidden Beach is one of the few Mexican all-inclusive resorts where guests can swim from their terrace to the swim-up bar in the main pool.  Many second and third floor rooms lack a balcony but do offer large picture windows for sea views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is not a resort for beach and ocean lovers due to the rocky sea bottom and shallow ocean depth which fronts Hidden Beach.  However,  the resort has made the beach more appealing by providing different types of Bali beds and lounging opportunities–there are stacked beds, curtained beds, swinging beds, and multiple hammocks to enjoy the beach and ocean views.  Although there is no onsite spa, guests can receive a beachfront massage while listening to the soothing sound of ocean waves.  There is always the beach at either Seaside Suites or Sensimar, but again that would require wearing appropriate attire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those wanting a bit more adventure sans clothing, the resort does offer a weekly “nude cruise” (typically on a Wednesday at an extra cost) which includes sailing on a catamaran, snorkeling, a beach BBQ, unlimited drinks, and transportation.  The beach BBQ is held on a private section of Maroma beach (voted one of the world’s best beaches by the Travel Channel), an experience which may compensate for Hidden Beach’s less than stellar sand quality and ocean entry.

Type of Resort:  Adults-only nudist resort, age 18+

Pro:  Stay at one play at three, free WiFi, boutique resort, all rooms have an ocean view

Con:  Rocky beach/ocean entry, lack of balconies, pricey

Best Suites For:  Nudist couples from ages 40-70, singles are welcome but are in the minority here

No. of Rooms:  45

Room Amenities:  King bed, A/C, in-room dbl Jacuzzi, bureau, table and two chairs, mini-bar, bottles of liquor, welcome bottle of sparkling wine, non-digital safe, plasma TV, DVD player, ceiling fan, telephone, alarm clock with iPod dock, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, umbrella, robe and slippers, hair dryer, separate shower with body wand, 24-hr. room service (restrictions during rainy days), and complimentary WiFi.  Here is a brief rundown of room categories:

• Oceanfront Jacuzzi Jr. Suite:  King bed, armchair.  Located on the second and third floor, some with balconies.
• Oceanfront Dome Suite:  King bed, armchair, vaulted ceiling.  Located on the third floor.  No balcony.
• Oceanfront Swim-Up Jacuzzi Jr. Suite:  King bed and above amenities with direct access to the “lazy river” from off the terrace.  Guests can swim all the way to the main pool.
• One Bedroom Presidential Beachfront Villa:  Two-story villas with king bed in separate bedroom along with table and two chairs, plasma TV, separate living room with sofa and flat screen TV, dining area, gourmet kitchen, marble bar with in-room liquor/beer/wine, outdoor shower, bathroom shower, dbl Jacuzzi tub, dbl sinks, private plunge pool, reserved beach area, and above amenities.  Presidential Suites also include butler service.  Other amenities include the following:  one candlelight beach dinner, one couples’  50 min. massage at Naay Spa (min. four night stay), and one manicure/pedicure per adult.  Each villa is decorated differently.  NOTE:  These suites are available “on request only” after April 5, 2016.  Since there are only three of them, I believe the resort wants to ensure they will all be finished by that time as well as to avoid overbooking.  Some summer dates are already sold out for this category.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Not available

Resort Amenities:  There is one main pool (with a swim-up bar), two Jacuzzis, beachfront massage tables, access to Naay Spa at neighboring resort, fitness center (clothing is required here), pool and beach wait service, beach hammocks, Bali beds, disco/dance area, pool table, giant checkers, complimentary use of computer and printer in the lobby, complimentary DVD check-out, complimentary WiFi, concierge, tour desk, ATM.  Guests are free to use the amenities at Sensimar Seaside Suites and El Dorado Seaside Suites.

Restaurants/Bars: There is one restaurant onsite (La Vista) with buffet and menu selections.  Additionally, there is a luncheon buffet near the poolside Jacuzzi.  Guests may dine at all restaurants at Sensimar Seaside Suites and El Dorado Seaside Suites.  There are two onsite bars including the swim-up bar and the Moonlight Bar.  Guests have dining and drinking privileges at both Sensimar Seaside Suites and El Dorado Seaside Suites.

Entertainment:  Live music and shows, themed dinners, costume parties, body painting, DJ music and dancing.  There is also a “nude cruise” on Wednesdays.

Website:  http://www.hiddenbeachresort.com/

Although this is an older video, I feel it nicely highlights the resort.  Keep in mind that the Moonlight Bar has been destroyed in order to make way for the new Presidential Suites and has been rebuilt in back of the restaurant.