Lion Fan...
You wrote: My wife and I are new members. We plan on going to Hidden Beach in April and wonder if any of the more "experienced" travellers would mind giving us a few pointers. This is also our first time to a clothing optional resort.
I haven't been to Hidden Beach, but I guess I can qualify as being an "experienced traveler" in that I have been to more than a few clothing optional and nude resorts.
You wrote: We first became interested in Hidden Beach two years ago when we were at El Dorado Seaside Suites.
First off, a clothing optional or nude beach isn't an erotic experience ... though for most guys it can definitely be a "tit-ilating" experience the first time!

It's like one young thing told me standing outside the original beach bar at Hedonism II long years ago. I had thought she was new to Hedonism and asked her what she thought of the nude beach. She looked down at my private parts and replied, "It's no big thing!" Cut my legs off right bout the knees!
Seriously, there is nothing for you to worry bout! While many men think that they'll "stand
OUT as a newcomer!" it won't happen, McGee! It's too damn intimidating!

Likewise, women will try to say that they couldn't look at all those neecked guys! Well, I'm here to tell y'all ... it doesn't take long before the women realize that "Not all men are created equal!" Some are a helluva lot more equal than OTHERS -- which sadly includes most of us!! <sniggle> Just remember the words of the Bob Marely song, "Don' worry ... be happy ... ever li' ting gonna be aw rite!"
Anyway, I predict that y'all are gonna find that Hidden Beach is the best vacation destination y'all have ever visited! The only downside ... y'all are gonna wanna go back as soon as you can ... and from then on, y'all will be heading to Hidden Beach again and again! Y'all will probably find that it's as laid back or as party hearty as a person wants it to be.
You wrote: On a side note. Will I have problems if I bring a few cigars with me? plane? resort? I smoke them occassionaly, but never inside or around others who object. Thought it might be relaxing with rum, cigar, beautiful surroundings, and totally unincumbered by clothing.
I don't think anybody will have a problem with you puffing a stoogie ... as long as they're upwind of the smokestack!

But, I'm sure that sitting on a sandy beach, under a lush green palm tree, looking out across the azure blue water, smoking a good cigar, as you imbibe in a tropical rum concoction, will be a moment to remember for a long, long time! Enjoy!