If you could use more connection, fun, and adventure in your sex life, you may want to consider a sex vacation. Learn what sex and relationship experts who spoke with DailyOM had to say about these intimate getaways, including recommended locales and benefits.
For many people, going on vacation is a great way to reignite intimacy in the bedroom. Not only is sex more likely during getaways, confirms Hercules Liotard, a sex, intimacy, and relationship coach and educator for the Center for Positive Sexuality, but the sex you have is also more likely to be adventurous. After all, vacation allows us to unplug from our daily lives and get into a more exploratory mood.
Sex is more likely during vacations because you’re away from everyday stressors, Liotard says. So a getaway can become “your ticket to paradise to let go and explore,” he adds. “The kids are not with you and not pounding at the bathroom door, so you and your partner can take a shower together ... it’s like a [sexy] buffet when you are traveling.”
If you want to increase your odds of a sexually fulfilling trip, why not intentionally plan a pleasure vacation? DailyOM spoke with several experts to learn about the benefits of sex vacations, plus ways to plan a trip that suits your desires and budget.
What Is a Sex Vacation?
A sex vacation is basically what it sounds like: a trip that centers on sex. But the sex itself isn’t necessarily the only or biggest goal, according to Erin Tillman, a sex educator, empowerment coach, and certified intimacy coordinator for film and television. “A sex vacation is a planned getaway with the intention of experiencing and/or deepening sexual connection with a partner,” Tillman explains.
You can also plan a solo sex vacation aimed at sexual adventure or exploring a particular fantasy or type of intimate play, says Mariah Freya, a sex coach and CEO of Beducated.com. Freya herself has ventured to tantra and kink workshops while traveling to learn new sexual techniques that later benefitted her relationship and helped her voice her desires. “I also allowed myself to communicate more openly as the surroundings [in the workshops] made it seem safer,” she adds.
The Benefits of a Sex Vacation
The intimate connection and playfulness a sex vacation can invite plays out in a range of ways and for a variety of reasons.
1. It Can Help Rekindle the Romance
For couples who’ve been together for some time, an erotic getaway can provide “an amazing opportunity to reconnect and rekindle your romantic and sexual relationship [by] breaking the routine and getting new stimulus and inspiration,” says Freya.
Varying your routine in various aspects of life can foster new neurological connections in the brain, she adds, which enhances creativity and supports cognitive health in adulthood.
“Just like stagnant water becomes undrinkable while a flowing river remains fresh, so too can relationships turn sour if they become too repetitive,” she explains. “A predictable relationship, especially in terms of sex and intimacy, signals a need for shaking up the routine to prevent stagnation. Therefore, it’s important to proactively introduce changes to maintain a dynamic and vibrant love life.” And a sex vacation could be just what you need to achieve that.
A sex vacation can help if you and an established partner have felt consumed by the daily grind, Tillman adds. “It can be easy to get caught up in mundane day-to-day tasks and schedules and forget to make time for connection and intimacy,” she says. “By changing your environment, a couple can add excitement back into a relationship with a fun change of scenery.”
2. It May Enhance Your Sex Life
The novelty involved in sex vacations may even help turn relationship dissatisfaction around.
A study published in Personality and Individual Differences in 2019 showed that couples who embrace sexual novelty tend to experience less boredom in the relationship, enjoy gratifying sex, and have greater odds at long-term relationship success. Sexual novelty within a relationship, for example, was linked with a reduced risk of infidelity.
“Remember that the goal is for everyone to feel sexy and have a good time. That means that each person should feel good about the connection and potential sexy interaction.”
3. It Can Help Your Relationship Heal
If you’re in a relationship that’s been hurt by fractured trust, for example, an intimate vacation might provide a chance for healing and repair.
“A sex vacation could be an amazing opportunity to create new memories with each other and communicate openly about boundaries and potential triggers emotionally associated with the potential of experiencing outside sexual partners,” says Tillman. (Triggers are any stimulus that causes you to vividly recall or feel as though you’re reexperiencing a traumatic event, such as being cheated on.) “If there was damaged trust or infidelity, navigating through this shared communal experience ethically and with empathy for each other could rebuild trust in a major way.”
The key, she explains, is making sure you prioritize intentional communication and mutual understanding and respect of each other’s boundaries and potential triggers.
As Tillman notes, “extra care must be taken, especially if feelings are fragile from past relationship trauma.” You could even discuss your sex vacation plans in couple’s therapy in advance.
4. It Allows You to Explore Your Desires and Sexuality
As far as novelty goes, you don’t need to be in a relationship to benefit in ways similar to couples. You can enjoy a shakeup of your routine and nourish an intimate connection, only with no strings attached. Or you could opt for sultry solo play sessions or workshops in a sensual setting.
For singles, a sex vacation offers “a chance to explore their own sexuality and desires in a sex-positive environment, making it easier to meet open-minded people,” Freya says.
As a single person, a sex vacation prompts you to explore your sexuality “simply being in an environment where playful sexual exploration is encouraged and where others are potentially experimenting consensually,” says Tillman. “Some sex vacations have facilitators leading connection games, exploratory workshops, and niche mixers … which can be a great way to get to know others who are exploring similar aspects of their sexuality and possibly their identities.”
From there, you can opt to explore shared desires or fantasies together, she says.
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4 Types of Sex Vacation Locales
There are sex vacation options for most budgets, amounts of time, and interests. Here’s a look at several enticing options recommended by the experts we spoke to.
1. Sex Hotels and Resorts
If your budget holds no limits and you’d rather not plan many details, you could opt for an all-inclusive sex vacation in another country.
“For beginners looking for a sex vacation, my recommendation would be an all-inclusive resort like Hedonism in Jamaica or Desire Resort in Mexico,” says Liotard. In addition to airfare, you can expect to pay around $550–$650 per night at sex resorts and hotels like Hedonism.
Freya describes Hedonism as “one of the world’s most famous all-inclusive sex resorts targeted toward swingers,” meaning people, often in committed relationships, who consider things like partner swapping for sex or other spicy activities with other couples or singles. The company hosts special weeks for groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and millennials, she adds. Plus, there’s “a variety of activities such as themed evenings, sensual massages, and a dedicated playroom for couples and select singles.”
Desire Resort Riviera Maya, located on the beaches of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, is another top-ranking sex resort, according to Freya. The all-inclusive destination “features daytime activities like nude beach volleyball and pole dancing lessons, and nighttime theme parties ranging from Dungeon Night to ’60s-themed Flower Power events,” she says.
Temptation Cancun Resort aims to stimulate guests’ erotic fantasies, says Freya, by way of a “Sexy Pool” swim-up bar, live shows, and thematic nights. “They offer unique experiences ranging from bachelorette packages with VIP pool time and group pole dancing lessons to divorce party packages that include an in-room stripper and group trips,” she adds.
2. Adults-Only Cruises
Liotard also lists adults-only cruises as luxurious sex vacation options. Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only cruise they describe as “more Romeo and Juliet reimagined in a circus than themed character dinners.” Naughty Events hosts a topless, clothing-optional cruise exclusively for adults. Other spicy cruises include stops at nude beaches and seminars aimed at sexual exploration.
Cruises in general cost about $150–$245 per person per day, according to 2023 Cruzely findings, which doesn’t include things like port fees, transportation to the ship, gratuity, or on-board spending. In all, a one-week cruise may cost you $2,000–$3,000 or more per person. (The higher end is more likely for sex-themed cruises.)
3. A Sexy Hotel Weekend
For a more moderate budget, consider a night at an elegant local hotel, says Tillman. While you’re there, she says, “enjoy sexy time in a plush room with room service, a bath experience, and your fave movie.” You could also add bedroom accessories, like sex toys or audio erotica, to the mix.
In 2022, the average hotel room in the United States costs around $150 for a night, according to a Statista report. So even a fancier hotel, in the $200–$300 range, plus room service, could make for a sex vacation under $500. To save money, keep your dates flexible or book directly with the hotel.
4. Romantic Camping
What’s more intimate than a night under the stars? For the most budget-conscious option, consider a DIY setup by heading outdoors or searching for bargain rentals in your area.
“As long as you can change your environment, you can create low-budget versions of these experiences by going camping, booking an Airbnb, or even spending a day together in a private space without distraction,” adds Tillman. That distraction might involve anything from your cell phones (if you leave them on silent or at home) to things like caring for pets or children.
As a bonus, camping or picnicking outside a cozy cabin in the woods might help provide some worthy and helpful R&R. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce physical signs of stress in the body, according to a 2018 Health & Place report. And relaxation sets the stage for arousal.
Preparing for Your Sex Vacation
Once you have a location set, smart preparation can function like prime foreplay for your sexy adventure. Self-reflection and discussing your hopes and any concerns you might have with your partner (or with a friend, if you’re going solo) can help make for an enjoyable experience, according to Freya. “If you’re planning a sex vacation with a partner, it’s essential to discuss boundaries, desires, and expectations in advance,” she says.
Other helpful steps include packing safer sex supplies, like condoms, and a quality lubricant, which can make sex more pleasurable and orgasmic. And while sex toys can bolster pleasure and fun, they’re prohibited in some countries, Freya points out, “so be sure to acquaint yourself with any local restrictions.”
Meanwhile, avoid plotting out every detail of your trip, says Tillman, or you could end up with unrealistic expectations and an abundance of stress. “Your vacation can be an amazing opportunity to explore new sexy interests,” she adds. “Aim for fun and playful.” Bringing a sexy game can help create that feel, she says, as can packing clothing that makes you feel “sexy and ready to frolic.”
Making the Most of Your Sex Vacation
Once your sex vacation begins, experts agree that open communication and staying on the same page with ongoing consent are vital for a positive experience.
“Remember that the goal is for everyone to feel sexy and have a good time,” explains Tillman. “That means that each person should feel good about the connection and potential sexy interaction. So making assumptions about the kind of sex [you’re considering], for example, probably isn’t the best idea.” Instead, check in with your partner or partners before each sexual encounter. “Superstar communicators might want to talk about specifics like what kind of sexual touch, pleasure, and positions you’re into or not into,” she adds.
Also paramount, says Freya, is respecting your own boundaries. “Don’t get yourself into activities you don’t enjoy,” she adds. After all, bowing out of an activity that doesn’t appeal makes room for more of what does.
And embracing or exploring your desires can bring benefits that carry on well after your sex vacation. You may end up feeling emotionally stronger in your relationships, sexual experiences, and even life as a whole.
“Signing up for [a sex vacation] experience is a big deal and should give the participant a huge confidence boost,” says Tillman, who notes that the giddy butterflies of trying something new plus feeling desired on such a trip can heighten self-assuredness. “Putting oneself in these environments is a bold move and should be celebrated.”
