El Alquimista Zipolite: Rustic Luxury at Mexico’s Most Iconic Nude Beach
If you’re looking for the most luxurious nudist-friendly hotel in Zipolite—where you can unwind, unplug, and go completely au naturel—El Alquimista Hotel, Restaurant & Spa might just be your dream escape. We’ve been coming here for nearly five years, and every time it feels like a return to paradise.
Overview
El Alquimista is an adults-only, LGBTQ+ friendly, clothing-optional hotel tucked into the quieter west end of Playa Zipolite on Mexico’s wild and stunning Oaxaca coast. With rustic-luxe beachfront cabanas, lush tropical landscaping, a serene spa, and one of the best restaurants in town, this bohemian retreat is designed for relaxation, reconnection, and maybe even a little rediscovery.
While it’s not a “gay hotel” per se, El Alquimista is beloved by gay travelers, nudists, and anyone seeking a vibe that’s equal parts body-positive, barefoot luxury, and authentically Zipolite.
ZIPOLITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Zipolite? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Zipolite and beyond.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Location
El Alquimista sits beachfront on the western stretch of Playa Zipolite, one of Mexico’s only officially nudist beaches. This part of town feels quieter and more secluded than the main beach, but it’s still walkable to bars, beach clubs, and gay nightlife.
To get here, you’ll want to fly into either Huatulco (HUX) or Puerto Escondido (PXM). From there, it's about an hour to 75-minute drive by taxi or private transfer. Once you arrive, you’ll follow a stone pathway past lush gardens and tropical birds until the crashing surf welcomes you home.
Facilities
El Alquimista has everything you’d want in a beachside hideaway:
- Beachfront Restaurant & Bar – open all day, with excellent cocktails and a mix of local and international dishes.
- Full-Service Spa – offering massages, facials, and body treatments in an open-air jungle-meets-Zen setting.
- Yoga Studio (Pura Yoga) – hosts regular classes with ocean views and great vibes.
- Pool – clothing-optional and perfect for a dip between meals or massages.
- Gift Shop – now featuring Mexoni beach towels (gay-owned and super cute).
- Starlink WiFi – possibly the fastest internet in all of Zipolite (yes, it’s that good!).
While the hotel isn’t pet-friendly, the restaurant staff still fawn over our dog whenever we bring her along for a beachfront meal. Truly, the hospitality here is top-notch.
Accomodations
There’s a wide range of accommodations at El Alquimista to fit your budget and vibe—from rustic beach cabanas just steps from the sand to superior rooms with panoramic ocean views.
Here’s what we love most:
- Beachfront Cabanas – Romantic, simple, and just feet from the surf. Perfect for couples or solo travelers who want the sound of crashing waves as their nighttime lullaby.
- Superior Rooms – These offer more space, A/C, open closets, modern bathrooms, and some even include a cozy upper loft and epic ocean views.
- Plunge Pool Suites – For a true treat, book one of the rooms with a private plunge pool and outdoor terrace. Trust us: sipping mezcal at sunset in your private pool is a moment you won’t forget.
All 31-rooms come with comfortable beds, safes, mini-fridges, and open-air elements that keep you connected to nature while still enjoying thoughtful design.
Food & Drink
Even if you’re not staying at El Alquimista, the restaurant alone is worth a visit. It’s easily one of our top dining spots in all of Zipolite.
We recommend:
- Breakfast: Hotcakes with bacon and eggs to order, or chilaquiles with chicken. Great coffee too.
- Lunch: Try the vegetarian lasagna or catch-of-the-day. The beachside setting makes even a simple salad feel like a luxury.
- Dinner: House margaritas or Negronis under the stars. For mains, seafood is the star here, but we also love their pizzas and classic Oaxacan fare.
Best of all? You’re dining barefoot in the sand, with the sound of the waves for ambiance.
Overall Experience
El Alquimista is more than just a hotel. It’s a sanctuary. It’s romantic, rejuvenating, and completely one-of-a-kind. Whether you're coming for the nudist vibe, the wellness amenities, or just a luxe escape from everyday life, this place delivers.
We’ve celebrated birthdays here, brought friends, and made some unforgettable memories. Every time we return, the staff makes us feel like family. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Zipolite? From the best gay bars and clubs to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Zipolite.
Found this post useful? The easiest way to support Two Gay Expats is to subscribe (free!) to our YouTube channel and tell your friends and family about us to help us grow (also free)! And if you find our content helpful and/or entertaining, please consider joining our Channel Membership on YouTube to directly support our videos or Patreon to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Did we get something wrong? Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Are you interested in working with us? In all cases, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at hello@twogayexpats.com.
