Host or Travel: Zipolite Strips Down in Ep. 6 of Our New Travel Series

Pop the Mezcal and drop the towel, because we're back with another episode of Host or Travel. This time, we hit up Zipolite, one of the most liberating beach towns in Mexico.

Nestled on a rugged stretch of the southern Pacific coast, this sun-drenched oasis has long been a magnet for free spirits, adventure-seekers, and anyone who believes that life's too short to tan with tan lines. Case in point: Playa del Amor, Zipolite's infamous clothing-optional beach.

But don't be fooled by the birthday suits—Zipolite isn't just for the nudies. This is a place with depth, with soul, with a flavor all its own. Just ask Chef Luis, the mad genius at Xhuba behind some of the most mind-bendingly delicious things we've ever had the pleasure of putting on our tongues. From his savory tlayudas to his crisp ceviche, every bite was a testament to Zipolite's singular spirit.

And then there was La Maxima, the pint-sized powerhouse of a bar where Zipolite's queer community comes to see and be seen. The freak flags? They’re flying high and we’re here for it.

We rounded out our trip with a snorkeling dip down under in the Pacific. Parrotfish, angelfish, dorado, snapper—it’s clear Mother Nature took her time here in Zipolite. And you should, too, because this little slice of heaven’s got enough to do for even the thirstiest vacationers.

Here’s a list of more spots you should check out.

Zipolite Food

Orégano—Zipolite staple and brainchild of two young guns on a mission to keep old-school Oaxacan food alive. Step inside, catch a whiff of fresh tortillas from the comal and try not to drool. Hungry local? Adventurous foodie? Doesn't matter. Orégano's got you with quesadillas that'll rock your world and tlayudas that'll spice up your dreams.

Clan Destino—You stumble into Clan Destino. Shrimp taquitos, consommé, and flautas slam into your face like a freight train. The atmosphere electrifies the space, making it both an intimate dinner haven and the ultimate spot to kick back with a drink. Cozy? Sure. Tame? Absolutely not.

Av. Roca Blanca—Strap on your huaraches, honey, because Av. Roca Blanca is begging to be stepped on. This cobblestone street is an artsy foodie’s dream come true, where you can score a one-of-a-kind painting, sip mezcal with the expat crowd, and get stuffed with the best of Oaxacan cuisine. But be careful—you just might fall in love at least three times before dinner.

Zipolite Nightlife

Hotel Nude Pool Party—Hotel Nude strips away everything expected you’d find at your typical resort. With wood, royal palm, and biophilic design, Hotel Nude is Zipolite's wild child, the black sheep of the resort family. But the real headline? Their clothing-optional policy, one they pioneered when covering up was still the norm. Hotel Nude was the first to let it all hang out, not just on the sand but in every nook and cranny.

Casa Nudista—Casa Nudista is where you realize that being naked is only weird until it isn’t. The sun’s warm, the pool’s cool, and after a few minutes, you start to wonder why you ever bothered with clothes in the first place. At this 100% nudist LGBTQ+ hotel, you stop overthinking and start enjoying the feeling of nothing between you and the breeze. By the end, the strangest part isn’t that you spent the day naked—it’s that putting your clothes back on feels like a step backward.

Domingo Disco—Domingo Disco's what happens when Zipolite's free spirit gets down and dirty with disco, and everyone's invited to the clothing-optional afterparty. This fiesta's as inclusive as it is wild, welcoming all to come dance under the stars. 

Arts and Culture

Guapalii Spa - Forget the fancy spa with the cucumber water and the whale music—Guapalii Spa is the real deal, a hidden gem where ancient rituals meet modern queer magic. The temazcal ceremony is like a spiritual steam room where you sweat out your toxins and emerge reborn. You’ll leave feeling lighter, not just from the detox, but from the realization that your problems are as ancient and universal as the ritual itself.

Mitotecali—Mitotecali’s Polynesian Dance Experience is less about mastering the moves and more about surrendering to the rhythm—awkward flailing included. The instructors guide you with a knowing smile, as if they’ve seen it all before (and they have). By the end, you’re either in sync with the island beats or happily lost in your own offbeat groove. Either way, it’s the most fun you’ll have realizing you’re not as coordinated as you thought.

Shambala Vision—Shambala Vision is where you let strangers rub out your stress while the ocean tries to drown out your last shred of obligations. The massages are top-notch, but it’s the salty breeze and the sound of waves crashing that really get under your skin. At Shambala’s Vision, stress goes to die—their masseuses know every knot you’ve got.

Zipolite changed us. And darling? We loved every second of it. In this queer mecca, the magic is real, and it’s everywhere you turn. 

See you next week in Berlin.

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments