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Frequently
Asked Question
Playa Sonrisa
Is Playa Sonrisa
as remote as it sounds?
Yes - and that's the allure
of it. If the hustle & bustle of high rise hotel-condo mega resorts
with discos & franchise restaurants & para-gliders & persistent
beach vendors & tee shirt shops & throngs of tourists are your
thing, we suggest a vacation in Cancun. But if that sounds too much like
the everyday Rat Race that you really need a break from, the peaceful
tranquility and solitude at Playa Sonrisa should be just what the Doctor
ordered.
Where in the
World are you, and how do we get there?
Playa Sonrisa is about 240
miles south of Cancun, but a world apart!
We are about 7 kilometers (4.2 miles) north of the tiny fishing village
of Xcalak (Ish-ka-lac) which is located on the peninsula that separates
the Caribbean Sea from the Bay of Chetumal, and is only about 7 km north
of the channel separating Mexico from Ambergris Caye, Belize.
The best access is to fly in to Cancun. From there you can rent a car and travel the modern highways & new roads to Playa Sonrisa in a little under 5 hours. Depending on how late your flight arrives we often recommend an overnight in Playa del Carmen or Tulum to break up the drive. See the Map link below for detailed driving directions. Commercial service is also available thru Mexico City to Chetumal (2.5 hour drive), and private planes can fly directly to Xcalak.
Until the new Costa Maya Airport at Mahajual (Ma-ha-wal) is operating (soon!), to serve the new Cruise Ship dock, (operating now) the best access is to fly in to either Cancun or Merida. In addition to the many major airlines offering service check with charters like Sun Trips, MLT and Apple Vacations for cheap air only tickets. From there you can rent a modest car quite inexpensively, or nicer ones for reasonably higher, and travel the modern highways & new roads to Playa Sonrisa in a little over 4 hours. Or you can catch a connecting commuter flight to Chetumal (AeroCarribe) which is about 2 hours drive time. We can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up, but from Cancun or Merida this would be more expensive than renting and having the freedom of your own vehicle if there are only two of you. 2 or 3 couples sharing a shuttle is an economical option. Private planes can fly directly to in to Majahual or Xcalak.
I'm nervous
about renting a car & driving in Mexico, is it safe?
If you are driving in Tijuana
or Mexico City, you should be nervous! But the main roads and highways
in the Yucatan are very well constructed to modern standards, normally
carry very light traffic, and the other drivers are generally more courteous
than the average American driver. Keep an eye out for bicycles sharing
the road, and it's a good idea to plan your trip to arrive before dark,
otherwise it's no different than driving in the States. And what a great
way to explore and learn about the people and culture, away from the Americanized
tourist zones.
We're not too
sure about this "Euro Beach" swimsuits optional thing.
Many Americans share your
uncertainty until they see it in practice. Throughout much of Europe and
the Caribbean topless sunbathing is normal and casual nudity at beaches
is not uncommon. We are a small Family Oriented Resort where guests may
or may not choose to get an all-over tan. But we do not condone sexual
activity in public. (If wild toga parties or hot tub encounters are what
you are looking for we suggest you try the all-inclusive clubs in Jamaica).
Keep in mind that "optional" means that you decide for yourself
to wear as much or as little as you want - your comfort and relaxation
are all that count. (We do require cover-ups in the restaurant). And just
like scuba, fly fishing or kayaking, some guests will and some won't participate
in Naturism. Some guests are shy upon arrival, but after a day or two
of relaxing discover that "au natural" really is 'natural'.
But with our wonderfully deserted beaches and only 5 guest rooms (rarely
full) it brings up that puzzling philosophical question...If a tree sunbathes
in the forest without it's trunks, but nobody is there to see it...do
it's cheeks still get red?
But if you are still uncomfortable with the idea of "swimsuits optional" just let us know when making your reservation. With only 6 Guest Suites - rarely full - we can manage our bookings accordingly. Conversely, if your vacation just wouldn't be complete without practicing Naturism, also let us know. That is what we do as a "Boutique Resort" - provide a custom vacation experience to each and every one of our Guests. At Playa Sonrisa we'll do all we can to make your vacation special.
What
about families with kids?
Wouldn't it be wonderful
if children were taught that violence is obscene instead of a naked body?
We believe that the human body is natural & acceptable - wrinkles,
sags & 'spare tires' included. It's not about beautiful bodies on
display - read Playboy for that - this is the real world, and it's about
the freedom to enjoy it naturally. Although we mainly cater to adult couples
& small groups quiet kids are always welcome as long as their parents
don't mind that nudists may be present. However, please consider that
children may be difficult to keep entertained as Xcalak is a place for
tranquility and low key water sports like snorkeling, scuba and flyfishing.
There are absolutely no jet skiis, parasailing, banana tube rides or putt-putt
golf, so kids may be happier in Cancun.
We don't discriminate by age, but request that ALL guests have at least
a 3rd Grade education.