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Cayo Largo Report

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Cayo Largo Report

December 2004

Since the last report of our trip to Cayo Largo, Cuba in February 2001 received many responses from NetNude readers, I thought it would be a good idea to write an update from our most recent trip in December 2004.

Many will remember that the island paradise was severely damaged by Hurricane Michelle in 2002. Villa Cappricio, the collection of thatched huts and sand beach that was the gathering place for naturists on the resort complex, was obliterated by Michelle. When we planned our trip this time we were concerned about where we might be able to enjoy nude sunbathing. Our concerns were unnecessary.

This time we were booked into the Sol Pelicano, a larger and more luxurious resort complex than we had been to previously. (You can see pictures of it on www.cayolargo.net.) As always, the staff was pleasant and accommodating - our waiters, Yanni, Noel and Andy, very attentive, and very eager to chat (Andy was formerly an English teacher). The hotel room was steps up from our previous room in terms of facilities. There was a bar fridge in the room that was, each day, stocked with a large 1L bottle of water, a very large 2-person shower, television and patio - and of course the room safe. Keys are now the usual electronic cards that you find in most Canadian hotels, and they worked every time.

The beach in front of Sol Pelicano is textile (with some topless) and used by the many families that come to the resort. As you go farther to the left of the beach (as you face the ocean) you will encounter nude sunbathers - but not many. And there's not much room for beach walking nude before you enter the beach area of another hotel, Lindemar. However if you are willing to walk 15-20 minutes to the right of Sol Pelicano, past the volleyball courts and the water fun (hobie cats, canoes, snorkelling) area, you will pass the hotel Sol Cayo Largo. At the farthest end of its beach area (usually marked by thatched palapas) is where the naturists gather. On any given day there are between 50 and 100 nude sunbathers enjoying this part of the beach. Sometimes it was hard to find chaises.

From here you can walk as far as your feet can carry you, as nude as you prefer, along Cayo Largo's famous fine white sand beaches. One day, while Jan was recuperating from a twisted ankle, I walked an hour to Paradise (Playa Paraiso - you can take a small train ride there from the hotel and walk back if you prefer) - and an hour back. It truly lived up to its name. I can't think of any other place where you can experience such a sense of freedom and peace as walking nude along these isolated stretches of sand.

I should explain the new currency system for those planning a trip to Cayo Largo. In an attempt to stem the influx of US currency to the island, the Cuban government has issued a new currency called the Convertible Cuban Peso (CP). One CP is equal to $1US (although there is a 10% surcharge on the $US) and 27 regular Cuban Pesos. Canadian funds are at the going rate (about $.78 when we were there) and we were able to purchase the CPs in the hotel lobby using Canadian bills - NO LOONIES OR TWONIES, the banks won't take them! It's these CPs that you would use everyday for tipping (1 is enough, 2 or 3 for exceptional service).

So, although Hurricane Michelle did change Cayo Largo in a big way, it hasn't dampened its beauty in the least. It will continue to be our travel destination whenever we want warmth, naturism and relaxation for many years.