Lifestyle Press

Three secluded holiday properties in Portugal recommended by British travel writer Paul Rouse – who lives in the country – offer the opportunity for relaxing as nature intended. The naturist-friendly villas are at Monte Horizonte in the Alentejo; and Casa Tara near Loule and Oleanders at Carvoeiro, both on the Algarve.

Meanwhile, we’ve also identified Vale de Milhanos, a comfortable country cottage in the surroundings of the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley, described as ‘a place to stay for an unforgettable naturist holiday’.

Paul Rouse, writing in the August edition of H&E, recommends the naturist-friendly Joya Jung Spa at the German-operated textile Vila Joya Hotel, at Gale on the Portuguese Algarve. According to Paul, all of the communal spa facilities, inside and outside, can be enjoyed as nature intended – he suggests topping up your all-over tan in the spa’s private gardens to the sound of crashing waves! As an added bonus, we understand the hotel’s restaurant is the only establishment in Portugal that has been awarded 2 Michelin stars.

Casa Somba is a naturist guesthouse in a quiet part of Carvoeiro, 55 km west of Faro International Airport, on the Algarve. The English-speaking Belgian owners offer bed & breakfast and have a large swimming pool in the secluded gardens. Free wi-fi internet access is available around the property. The accommodation is handy for a choice of local nude beaches.

Situated high on the Funchal Ridge, near Lagos and Praia da Luz on the Western Algarve region of Portugal, Tres Mares is a large farmhouse-style villa sleeping up to 14 people. With a choice of lawns, extensive terraces, 360-degree views taking in the coast and a heated swimming pool, the owners suggest it’s ‘perfectly designed for private naturists’. There’s even a badminton court and a bar.

Alenquer Camping and Bungalows just to the north of Lisbon – the capital of Portugal – is a mainly textile site, but an area has been reserved for naturist campers and caravanners. INF Members (International Naturist Federation) are offered a discount on accommodation.

Quinta do Grilo is a Dutch-owned holiday home in the countryside near Amoreiras, Portugal. The property which sleeps up to six adults and three children is described as ‘ideal for nudists’. There are no near neighbours and the grounds are surrounded by agricultural land and forest.  It has a chlorine-free solar heated swimming pool and is 50-minutes’ drive from the west coast. The property is currently available for sale – priced €400,000.

Roger and Jan Randall have set up a new website – www.naturist-holiday-guide.com – to provide independent travel advice for those interested in au naturel vacations. France, Greece, Portugal and Cornwall in the UK are all currently included in their personal travelogue. Contributions and trip reports from other naturists are welcome.