Lifestyle Press

An interesting fledgling venture has recently arrived on the scene in the US to provide a network of nudist-friendly Bed and Breakfast style properties for vacationers. The Clothing Optional Home Network is a group of homes offering a private, clothing-optional / nudist experience.  Some host homes are in suburban areas while other locations are in rural or mountain sites.  But all welcome guests to enjoy their accommodation as nature intended . . . clothes free!

We keep hearing more and more about the new Naturist Association of Thailand, and recently discovered the first edition of their full-colour free online magazine – NAT – that can be accessed here!

Johnny Chu has been in touch with the updated web address for the Bernat Picornell Olympic pool, in Barcelona, where nude swims are held at weekends. www.picornell.cat (Original info on Mar Bella beach listing, page 131, World’s Best Nude Beaches)

A feature on the Cyclades group of Greek Islands in the Daily Telegraph, dated 19 January, indicates that ‘Mesada is a popular naturist cove‘. Not listed in our guidebook (The World’s Best Nude Beaches), it is apparently located on the south-east coast of the island, immediately to the south of the larger Pounda beach (near bottom of list). Mesada also appears on some maps spelt as Mesara.

Also reported in the Daily Telegraph Cyclades travel feature, dated 19 January, Plaka beach is described as ‘where nudists make their first discreet appearance‘. Situated on the west coast of this attractive Greek island, to the south of the town of Naxos. The renowned Cap’n Barefoot’s website describes the location in more detail.

Peter has been in touch to tell us about the new Homestay he and his partner Mike have opened in Rotorua, North Island. It offers a relaxed environment, but is suitable for adults only. There’s a private clothing optional outdoor area with a 5-person spa pool, sunloungers and table and chairs. Nudity is also permitted indoors, but naturist visitors are advised to let the owners know in advance, because they also accommodate non-naturists from time-to-time and don’t want to inadvertently mix the two!

Naturista Sziget is an interesting small naturist resort on the island of Szentendrei in the River Danube, some 25km from Budapest. The family-friendly centre has a range of facilities on offer, including skinny-dipping in the river and an opportunity to go sailing in the buff. Holiday accommodation is provided mainly in wooden chalets and all INF members welcome.

Situated on the western Algarve, this spacious open plan villa sleeps six in three bedrooms and enjoys excellent open views. Complete with log fires, a sauna, satellite television and a broadband internet connection. Outside, set in the 14-acre grounds, there’s a 12m x 4m heated salt water swimming pool with a heated shower and a Canadian hot tub. Vale Do Pereiro is five minutes’ drive from Aljezur, and about 50 minutes from Faro Airport. It’s also less than 20 minutes from the official nude beach at Odeceixe, and a number of other unofficial naturist beaches are nearby. A luxurious naturist retreat. As well as renting the property, if you have an odd half a million pounds to spare, it appears you could purchase it!

A large new rural villa on the naturist-friendly island of Fuerteventura, Casa Mariposa has three bedrooms and enjoys total privacy in the gardens. Furnished to a high standard, the reasonably priced accommodation would be suitable for couples or families. The sparkling pool and extensive terraces are perfect for relaxing au naturel. The inland location is handy for the airport, but would require a modest drive to the traditional naturist beaches in the north and south of the island.

The naturist campsite Costalunga is close to the town of Sassello (Savona) and next to the Beigua Natural Regional Park (recognised by UNESCO). It is located in Liguria – famous for its ancient history, traditions and cuisine.  Hawks, deer and roe deer are frequently seen by visitors. The resort provides a convivial and informal environment, and is ideal families: common meals are organised each evening and everyone is invited.

Situated at Sinsheim – to the southeast of Heidelberg – the well equipped Camping Hilsbachtal is set amidst the gently sloping hills of Kraichgau. It provides 250 generously sized camping and caravanning spaces on 10 hectares of grounds. Modern recreation, swimming and sanitary facilities should ensure an enjoyable naturist stay.

Naturist-friendly accommodation is available at the Dutch-owned Casa Emma, in Hondón de las Nieves, on the Costa Blanca. There is a studio and an apartment available to rent. The property enjoys plenty of seclusion and has an attractive pool, and a good sized sunbathing terrace. Extensive countryside views are available from the grounds.

The small but pretty naturist camping Ca’ le Scope is 500 metres above sea level, and surrounded by chestnuts, oaks, fig-trees and heather. Located at S. Martino, La Quercia, Marzabotto – it makes a handy base for visiting a wide choice of historically important places including: Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Modena, Verona, Vicenza, Venice, Ravenna and Siena.

Retired British naturists – Brian and Gloria – offer holiday accommodation in a one-bedroomed Casita, which is screened from but adjacent to their own property. Situated on an olive farm 5km inland on the Costa Dorada; it is in a tranquil setting amongst olive and orange groves, with views of the Ebro Delta and mountains. The garden, pool, and patios are described as secluded and can be enjoyed clothing optional.

Dreiländereck Ferienpark der Naturisten is in the southwest of Germany, on the border with France. It is a half-an-hour’s drive from Freiburg (Breisgau), Basel (Switzerland) and Mulhouse (France). The attractive and modern naturist centre – which welcomes holiday visitors – is reputed to be situated in the warmest part of the country. Both the Black Forest and the Markgraeflerland are nearby.

Jany and Denis offer naturist B&B at their property in Chanoz-Châtenay, in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. Le Chanozois, their large cottage is situated between Bresse and Dombes in the department of Ain, and has three guest rooms. The attractive gardens and pool are ideal for relaxing as nature intended.

Playa Chihuahua at Punta del Este already features in ‘The World’s Best Nude Beaches‘ (page 45), but last year a brand new upscale resort opened at the beach. The 4-star Hotel Chihuahua has various room types, including a number of suites; and is available to book through numerous global travel agencies. More information about the nude beach at www.playachihuahua.com.

This is a new location to us. Situated on the north coast of the island only a short drive from Gregorio Luperon International Airport (Puerto Plata), near the village of Cabarete – the Casa Roma Hotel offers a range of accommodation, catering and an attractive swimming pool. Set a short distance inland, and according to the website: ‘The nearest beach is wild, natural and beautiful. It is easy to find private spots in the sun or enjoy a quick swim in the ocean. La Boca is at the east end of our nearest beach.’

Pampering breaks and clothes-optional holidays are on offer at the British-owned Greenwood Villa B&B, situated in a rural location 5 minutes from Javea Port. Guests can choose between self-catering, or having meals provided. Luxury spa treatments, massage and a Canadian hot-tub are available; additionally, the whole property is child-free. A solar heated pool, surrounded by sunbathing terraces provide for au naturel relaxation.

Dutch naturists Henriette and Paul live in a former farmhouse – Quinta da Zorra – at Odiáxere, near the charming town of Lagos. They have converted an ancient smaller farmhouse into a 2-bedroomed guesthouse for holidaymakers, which shares their secluded grounds and pool.