Lifestyle Press

Jerry has been in touch to tell us about a beautiful clothes-optional beach on the north coast of Cuba at Cayo Santa Maria. Our good friends Normand and Lily from Canada have an excellent website, dedicated to the location with clear directions to the naturist zone.

The 5-star Serrano Palace Hotel at Cala Ratjada, on the northeast coast of Mallorca, boasts a secluded nudist terrace and pool on the 4th floor. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a spa, jacuzzi, hammam with aromatherapy, sauna and a gym. The clothes-optional beach at Cala Mesquida (World’s Best Nude Beaches page 145) is a short drive away.

The recently built Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa on the south coast of Gran Canaria boasts a nudist solarium amongst its range of extensive facilities. Nearby, and operated by the same hotel group, the 4-star IFA Faro Hotel has an exclusive naturist terrace.

On the Croatian island Hvar, in the center of the Dalmatian archipelago, about 4km from Sucuraj harbor, lies Mlaska bay autocamp. Set beside the sea, half of the campsite is reserved for naturists (fkk). Accommodation is available in basic wooden bungalows.

Following the the success of the inaugural Splashdown event earlier this year in Poole, Dorset, YBN (Young British Naturists) together with the UK’s national organisation British Naturism have announced the date for another night of fun next summer. Tower Park, Poole is the place and Saturday 11 July, 2009 is the date! Open to all naturists (including non-members), with admission by ticket only. Families and young people are especially welcome. With a choice of 12 flume rides and the Buccaneer Beach Lagoon and Landings play area for the younger ones, there’s something for everyone.

The date has been set to coincide with a BN beach day at nearby Studland bay on Sunday, 12 July.

(Review of the 2008 event)

Studio Casita Rosa, situated in the hills within the triangle of Alora, Cártama and Pizarra, is 45 minutes from Málaga airport and the Costa Del Sol. Fine countryside views, a sparkling swimming pool and a large secluded terrace provide the essential ingredients for a back-to-nature holiday in the buff.

We have just come across a useful website listing five of Cornwall’s naturist beaches - www.nudecornwall.co.uk. In addition to clear directions, the site provides a good selections of photographs to illustrate the bare bathing locations.

Nick & Barbara Stanley contacted us to recommend a nude beach in southern Croatia on the tiny island of Badija, offshore from the larger island of Korcula. According to Nick, ‘This long-standing FKK beach is host to some of the most wonderful coastal scenery in Croatia. Never over-crowded, it really is a peaceful naturist and, curiously, naturalist paradise!’ Badija is only about one kilometer square and covered by dense maquis and pine, cypresses and olive trees. It’s 15-minute boat ride from Korcula town and Nick has put more naturist images on his own website:www.pick-nick.biz

We heard from the owners of a new clothes-optional venture this week - a luxury self-catering bungalow set beside a private lake in rural Lincolnshire. In addition to relaxing on the spacious sundeck and soaking up life on the farm, guests can also enjoy the hot-tub and sauna. There is plenty of wildlife in the area and bikes are available to hire. For those who need to ’stay connected’, free wi-fi access to the internet is provided. The property is just 10 miles from the coastal resort of Skegness.

Hans and Bärbel from Berlin have been in touch to recommend the excellent naturist opportunities around Warnemünder, near the port of Rostock, in northern Germany. According to Wikipedia, Warnemünder’s broad sandy beaches are the largest on the German Baltic Sea coast and stretch for over 3 kilometres. There are three extensive FKK Strands in the area, two to the west of the town centre and one on the other side of the river mouth, to the east. Further to the east, there is yet another fine nudist beach along the shore, towards the village of Markgrafenheide.

Los Pechos, a private and secluded luxury villa suitable for naturists: set in 9 acres and described by the British owners as being in an excellent location. Overlooking the pretty town of Alora, to the north-west of Malaga, which is 30 minutes’ drive. It has three ensuite bedrooms accommodating 6 people, and an inviting swimming pool.

Due to popular demand the British-owned Infiniti apartments and villa complex at Corralejo, Fuerteventura, will be increasing it’s fully-naturist season to six weeks next year. From Wednesday 22 April ‘09 right through until Wednesday 3 June ‘09 inclusive, the whole development including the large communal pool, sun terraces and spa will be available to enjoy au naturel!

However, naturists will also be given a warm welcome at other times, when the complex operates on a normal textile basis, but offers a panoramic roof-top terrace permanently available for nude sunbathing and a sauna where swimsuits are not required. The luxury accommodation is particularly handy for the stunning clothes-optional Corralejo dunes beaches* nearby. For further details call Ruth in the UK on: 01548 561421. (*World’s Best Nude Beaches page 151)

Naturists Mark and John have been in touch to advise that the self-contained apartment in the grounds of their luxury villa at Calahonda is available for holiday rentals. Skinny-dipping in the private pool and sunning au naturel in the gardens is on the cards. Located twenty-five minutes from Malaga airport, with the glitz of Marbella a mere 10km down the road; the ever-popular Playa Cabapino* nude beach is just five minutes’ from the property by car. (*World’s Best Nude Beaches, page 119)

The refurbished 4-star Hotel Spa Tierra De Oro at Los Realejos, near the resort of Puerto de la Cruz - on the north coast of the island - has a nudist solarium on the rooftop. With an indoor pool, as well as an outdoor one, the resort is set in sub-tropical gardens with views overlooking the ocean.

Virginia Waters is a new privately owned naturist guest house and holiday resort; located north-west of Johannesburg, close to Krugersdorp and Randfontein. Set in 21 acres of lush and green grounds, it offers relaxation in quiet, peaceful and private gardens. A choice of accommodation is offered, including cottages, chalets and a camp site. A pool, spa and sun terrace are just some of the other attractions available.

Valamar Hotels, which operates a number of naturist resorts in northern Croatia has recently produced videos for three of their nudist properties: Solaris, Naturist Camping Istra and Camp Politin (on the island of Krk). NB: The video links are at the bottom left corner of the large image for each resort.

Casa Jeni is a modern one-bedroomed holiday bungalow at Costa Calma, southern Fuerteventura, which offers private nude sunbathing. Handy for nearby clothes-optional beaches and with a large secluded garden that enjoys sun from dawn until dusk. According to the owners, “it is ideal for naturism”.

Located in a scenic mountain setting, north of Tarragona on the Costa Dorada, La Bartra is an alternative retreat offering a range of simple accommodation and camping. Tai-chi is popular at the centre, as well as Yoga, music, literature, painting, cooking and dance.

According to Àngels and Pep, the owners, “as La Bartra is at the heart of nature, it is a very convenient place for practising naturism, enjoying healthy freedom in the non-chlorinated pools, in the mud baths and on excursions in the mountains”.

The Ionian island of Lefkas (sometimes written Lefkada) is in fact connected to the west coast mainland of Greece by a road bridge. Close to the village of Agios Nikitas, Milos Bay is rated as the best and largest clothes-optional beach on the island. With limited access and no commercialisation it’s a place to escape. However, we have just heard of some new and rather exclusive villas that have been built into the cliff-side above the shore. The four properties - said to be very private and secluded - each boast a private swimming pool and jacuzzi. There are steps down to the 1-km long beach, which comes highly recommended by Greek naturist guru Cap’n Barefoot.

Renowned Californian naturist resort, Desert Shadows Inn, has recently changed ownership and been re-named Desert Sun Resort. The new owners plan to upgrade the family-friendly holiday destination during the coming months. (The resort is described on page 56 of The World’s Best Nude Beaches)