Zipolite is Open for Business!
Naughty Beach is Happening Jan 21-28, 2023
It’s been a tough couple of months for Zipolite, Mexico
As many of you know, I (Bob) currently live in Zipolite, Mexico, a funky little beach town founded by Yoga teachers and hippies that now has Mexico’s only nude beach (as recognized by the Mexican government).
In late May, Hurricane Agatha, a Category 2 (but almost a Cat 3) hit Zipolite dead on. It was a direct hit that would devastate much of the Oaxacan Coast and cripple the local tourism economy. It is also where I (Bob) live full time and where Naughty Beach takes place each year.
Zipolite is located on the Pacific Coast and is surrounded by 8,500 ‘ mountains. Not only did the winds destroy many of the local palapa roofs and knock down an unprecedented amount of trees, but the rain poured onto the coast and then up into the mountains which caused even more devastating flooding and landslides.
Many homes, located near the coastal rivers were completely washed away leaving the families that lived there with only the clothing on their backs. Luckily, no one died during this storm, but it was truly a miracle.
8 days after the hurricane went through, the power was finally restored and that set off a fire that burned down 4 hotels and several homes. The fire went right up to my (Bob) house on two sides before the town finally put out the fire. It’s another miracle that my house did not burn down. It was a terrible week for the town and it has taken a lot of work and determination to dig out of this hole that Agatha brought us.
Now for the good news
Having been through 30+ hurricanes, I know that periods of disaster and hardship are almost always followed by money, hard work, new opportunities, and stronger communities. What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.
Zipolite is stronger and the sense of community is better than ever.
To date, we have raised close to $20,000 to help locals by buying and donating chainsaws, food, clothing, roofing materials, and much more. We were just one of many groups who raised money in order to help the community get back on its feet.
The Mexican government is sending lots of money, appliances, and military help to aid in the cleanup of debris and rebuilding of homes. By the end of the year, I believe Zipolite will be better than ever.
Naughty Beach
Originally, we had planned on renting all of Hotel Naked for Naughty Beach, with our overflow going to Hotel Nude. After touring the two properties recently, we have decided to move our January 21-28, 2023 group to Hotel Nude with our overflow going to Villa Akia.
Hotel Naked is waiting on insurance before starting its renovation process, while Hotel Nude has worked non-stop, with a crew of 40-50 people working 7 days a week. Their progress is amazing and they expect to be ready to reopen by the end of August. They are taking reservations starting September 16th.
Hotel Nude
We always loved Hotel Nude, but this renovation will have the hotel back better than ever. They will now have air conditioning in all of the rooms. They will also have tvs and newer, better beds and furniture, as well as safes in each room.
They are putting on concrete roofs for most of the hotel to help prevent future fires, which spread because of the palapa roofs. They are building all new balconies and completely redoing the pool. They tore down both of the old two-story oceanfront rooms, and they are replacing them with six modern suites in a new three-story tower.
This will be our main option for our upcoming Naughty Beach event and we will be hosting many parties at this hotel throughout the week. We love the oceanfront pool, the friendly staff, and the location.
We will have pool view and oceanfront rooms available as well as a couple of suites and two penthouses that are each two stories and have huge balconies with a jacuzzi tub and an outdoor bed.
Villa Aikia
Villa Aikia is an upscale hotel located higher up, on a cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The rooms are larger and nicely appointed, as their owner is an art collector and he has decorated these rooms with beautiful art, décor, and amenities. This is truly one of the best hotels in Zipolite.
A couple of years ago, we used this hotel as an overflow and people loved it. We only moved to Hotel Naked, because it was brand new and located right next to Hotel Nude.
This hotel has a great restaurant, with an Italian chef. The hotel standard rooms all have A/C and a beautiful ocean view. There are a couple of suites and even a few two story suites with private plunge pools and chaise lounges on their large decks.
Zipolite is Open for Business
We are proud to be part of the rebuilding of this amazing community on the Oaxacan coast. With it’s nude beach and friendly attitude to all sexualities, Zipolite is one of the free-est places on earth.
The main streets, restaurants and the nude beach has all been cleaned up and are all open for business. By the time January comes around, the hotels that suffered damage in the fire will be open again and serving us better than ever.
There is only one thing needed to help Zipolite recover:
You!
The town desperately needs tourism in order to recover. It will be years before some businesses and families recover from the financial devastation of the hurricane and fire, but with your help, they will get back on their feet sooner.
Please join us for Naughty Beach and help give back by spending your valued dollars on the restaurants, bars, stores, and at these hotels. Without a big high season, the town will only suffer more.
If you can’t come during Naughty Beach, consider coming another time. I’ll be happy to show you around and be your personal tour guide (if I’m in town).
Hope to see many of you during the next year in my little piece of paradise…
Bob