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10 best clothing-optional resorts in the world exposed

July 16, 2008

Clothing-optional tourism is a $400 million industry, according to the American Association for Nude Recreation. And while several myths about nude tourism linger, the growth of this segment is undeniable.

There are 270 clothes-free and clothing-optional resorts. But which one is best? Leave it to our friends over at TripAdvisor to expose the ten best nude resorts. Here they are, along with what some of the site’s members had to say about their experiences:

1. Hidden Beach Resort – Au Naturel Club, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Average Nightly Rate: $541

Nothing is actually hidden at this beautiful Kantenah Bay Riviera Maya resort that makes a clothing-optional vacation a truly luxurious – and liberating – experience. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, “Everyone is just there to relax and enjoy the sun and to unwind. I cannot think of a better place to do all of those things.”

2. Garden of Eden Resort, Isla Solarte, Panama
Average Nightly Rate: $130

Tucked away on Panama’s Caribbean coast, this pristine island’s laid-back atmosphere will inspire you to experience Eden in the same manner Adam and Eve once did—without clothes. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, “Good food and good company in enchanting surroundings. One can spend a day totally relaxing or exploring the waters and islands nearby.”

3. Living Waters Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
Average Nightly Rate: $260

Between the hot mineral water pools and the luxurious accommodations, Living Waters Spa is the perfect place for total au naturel relaxation in the California sunshine – tan lines optional. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “If you enjoy a clothing-optional environment where you can just completely let go and relax, this place is perfect.”

4. Terra Cotta Inn, Palm Springs, California
Average Nightly Rate: $149

Once a celebrity retreat site, the Terra Cotta Inn is now a relaxation destination where all visitors are welcome to feel comfortable and pampered, movie star body or not. One TripAdvisor traveler called it, “A place where you can feel totally comfortable shedding your stress, worries, and cares right along with your clothes.”

5. Caliente Caribe Resort and Spa, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Average Nightly Rate: $235

Stay clothed on the lush Caribbean grounds if you wish, but undress for a comfortable experience that is naturally delightful. As one TripAdvisor traveler commented, “Watching the stars and moon from the beachside hot tub was one of our most memorable moments.”

6. Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire
Average Nightly Rate: $190

Visitors love the tranquility of this beachy (and bare) Bonaire haven, with its shallow barrier-protected bay that makes swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling a delight. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, “The total concept of being nude 24-7 was very relaxing. The island is very beautiful and we will be back to this resort next year.”

7. Cabanas Copal, Tulum, Mexico
Average Nightly Rate: $95

Relaxing in a seaside Caribbean cabana is reason enough to head to Cabanas Copal, but candlelit evenings in this eco-friendly tropical retreat make this in-the-buff destination even more appealing. One TripAdvisor traveler said, “Waking up in paradise inside a beautiful cabana surrounded by the jungle, and looking at the turquoise color of the sea, is priceless!”

8. Club Orient Resort: St. Maarten
Average Nightly Rate: $396

Pristine white beaches and uninhabited nearby islands often leave guests feeling uninhibited at Club Orient in St. Martin. As one TripAdvisor traveler put it, “Staying at Club Orient is as close to heaven as you can get without dying! Nudity feels so natural that even first timers have no problem shedding their clothes.”

9. Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica
Average Nightly Rate: $523

Whether you dress up for a romantic meal, or really “dress down” at the clothing-optional beach, this couples destination combines high luxury and natural beauty. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, “The beach is beautiful, crystal clear water that is so warm and calm, and they provide floats so you can float all day in paradise.”

10. Punta Serena, Tenacatita, Mexico – Average Nightly Rate: $240

Featuring hot tubs overlooking the water, beautiful beaches and a lively bar and pool, this au naturel resort is a Mexican gem. According to a TripAdvisor traveler, “Overall, it was the most relaxing and romantic week we have ever spent at a resort.”

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

8 comments

  • Jeff

    Chris,

    Can’t wait to see how you respond to the FAM invites from these resorts! You can entertain all of us with your firsthand experience.

  • http://terracottainn.blogspot.com Tom Mulhall

    Hi Chris,
    My name is Tom Mulhall. My wife and I are the owners of The Terra Cotta Inn http://sunnyfun.com which is one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world.

    Nude recreation is very popular, and Americans are so lucky that both of the best clothing optional resorts in the US are located here in sunny Southern California.

    I would like to invite you to visit our resort. We are one of the few clothing optional vacation resorts in the US which means we have repeat guests from around the world stay with us so we are popular 7 days a week.

    You can call us at 800-786-6938 and ask for me, Tom. We answer the phones from 8am-10pm PST.

    And for Chris’s readers, we are also considered the most mainstream nudist resort in America, so we are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time.

  • Steve

    I own a small 3 bdr. guest lodge here in Costa Rica. I am in the mountains on 30 acres of my own surrounded by 700 acres of nothing!! It is totally private!! I have been considering clothing optional for my place I have no problem amd my wife is not totally against it. My question to you is has the economy hit your clientel as hard as others? Before I spend a fortune changing websites and all advertising needed are you still busy, I feel Costa Rica is a great place for this venue
    Thank you, Steve Budd

  • http://www.corsetsnbasques.co.uk corsets

    Hi, I can’t find the best place but if I got any chances to visit one of these places I will never miss it.

  • http://www.evolution-slimming.com acai

    Really interested
    about the “Living Waters Spa” a decent Nightly
    Rate as well. Pretty good information though. Thanks for sharing.
     

  • Eddrick Trumpler
  • Eddrick Trumpler
  • Anonymous

    Love the intense and upscale Sea Mountain Nude resort and lifestyles hotel and day club-what a winner -go http://www.nudespa.com
     

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