If you’re looking to get away and escape to a beautiful location where you can get to know yourself better in more ways than one, you might want to consider visiting a sex resort.
While you might picture a sex resort as some sort of hedonistic playground where naked people are engaging in orgies and erotic massages (which isn’t too far off the mark, depending on where you visit) sexologist Dr. Jessica O’Reilly says there’s more to them than just sex.
“The appeal of sex-positive resorts is often more about connection and friendships, as opposed to the act of sex itself,” she tells Lifehacker. “Most vacationers seek sex-positive resorts to connect with like-minded travelers and build community. Many report that spending time at sex-positive resorts helps to erode at the sexual shame and stigma that tends to be the norm in Western culture.”
Aside from the potential for having sex in public, making new erotic connections, and discovering new sexual explorations, O’Reilly shares that many sex-positive resorts also create spaces to spend time naked, which can offer the corollary benefits of boosted self-esteem and body image.
“The atmosphere at the best sex-positive resorts is open, non-judgmental, and friendly — regardless of your interests or relationship status,” she says. “And of course, many report that sex positive resorts result in a boost to their sex lives — in terms of desire, excitement, passion and creativity.”
Below, O’Reilly and other sexperts reveal their favorite sex resorts to visit and why.
Hedonism II (Negril, Jamaica)
Hedonism II is a well-known adult-only, clothing-optional resort that embraces a sex-positive and open-minded atmosphere. According to Charlotte Johnson, MegaPleasure’s sex and relationships expert, the resort offers a wide range of activities and themed parties that cater to adventurous and liberated guests. “I would recommend visiting this resort to people who feel that they need somewhere safe and welcomed to explore their sexual desires and kinks, which they may not have had the courage to explore before,” she says. “There is also a playroom which is open to couples, single women, and invited single men from 10:30pm to 3am!”
Cove Poconos Resorts (Pennsylvania, USA)
Prefer the mountains instead of the beach? Not so much into public nudity? Then Angie Rowntree, founder & director of Sssh.com, recommends checking out this resort chain, which caters exclusively to couples. “In the seclusion of the Pocono Mountains, you can slow down and take all the time you need to breathe and connect with each other,” she says. “We love their in-room jacuzzis and the prevailing sense of privacy. Weather permitting, you can definitely enjoy some outdoor activities too…or just admire the beautiful scenery through the window whenever you come up for air.”
Desire Riviera Maya Resort (Cancun, Mexico)
Desire Riviera Maya is a couples-only resort that promotes an erotic and sensual ambiance. It encourages guests to explore their desires and fantasies in a safe and respectful environment by allowing optional clothing to be worn at the resort, including being topless or completely naked. “This resort is popular for swinging couples but can also be enjoyed by non-swinging couples too,” Johnson says. “It is a place to explore any unspoken desires and kinks. I would suggest purchasing one of the luxury rooms, as these come with a hot tub, which can also be used to spice up your stay!”
Stay & Play (Salinas, California)
Kinky and dreaming of the west coast? Rowntree recommends visiting this resort in Monterey– an erotic BDSM BnB (“bed and bondage”) that caters to kinksters at every level with class. “Just ‘learning the ropes’? Need advice about ball gags or safe toy use? They have you covered,” Rowntree says. “In addition to offering a huge selection of dungeon sex furniture for your use, plus kinky pleasure products for sale on-site, Stay & Play assures your complete privacy and discretion.”
Temptation Cancun Resort (Cancun, Mexico)
Temptation Cancun Resort is an adult-only, topless-optional and queer-positive resort that fosters a party atmosphere and encourages guests to be themselves and embrace their sexuality. Similar to the others, Johnson says this resort has fun and exciting themed parties and swimming pools, embracing a relaxing and encouraging atmosphere where couples can enjoy their time together with ease. “However, it is important to note that any sexual activity is not allowed in public areas,” she says. “This resort offers all-inclusive options, two swimming pools (one sexy one and one quieter one), and an option of two different al la carte restaurants to indulge!”
Desire Greek Isles cruise and Temptation Cruises
If you’re bored being a landlubber, then O’Reilly recommends checking out sex-positive cruises, like Desire Cruises and Temptation Cruises. “I just disembarked [from] the Venice-Rome Desire Cruise and I’m about to embark upon the Desire Greek Isles cruise in a few weeks,” she says. “They’re unique experiences that balance a sex-positive environment with gorgeous ports, so you can enjoy art, culture, history as well as the erotic side of your vacation.”
She notes these cruises are for couples, and they offer clothing-optional areas (e.g. pool deck), erotic entertainment, relationship and sexuality workshops (that’s where I come in!) and an on-board playroom.
If you’re single or don’t want to travel as a couple, she suggests traveling via their sister cruise company, Temptation Cruises, which offers a similar experience for folks of all relationship orientations and arrangements.