Nude beaches
If you’re ever in a mischievous mood and are looking for a contentious topic to kick off the conversation at a dinner party try finding out what people think of nudist beaches.
Chances are when you utter the magic words “nudist beach” a titter tinged with faux indignation will ripple through your fellow guests.
Too many people dismiss nudist beaches as immoral, as some kind of terrible scourge on holiday makers, but what many fail to recognise is that the nudist beach lifestyle is tranquil, unpretentious and sociable.
Many beaches feature activities and facilities such as beach volley ball, hot tubs, tug-of-war contests and various fun competitions and there is a genuine sense of companionship at many resort beaches with the people being friendly and hospitable.
There is also something liberating about experiencing a beach au naturel for the first time, a rush of giddy excitement at breaking social norms and a deeper appreciation of the sensations of sun and sea on skin.
So in the interests of helping our readers dip a tentative toe into this exhilarating way of life, we take a look at 3 nudist beaches/resorts that are good for first timers.
Swanbourne Beach, Perth, Australia
Swanbourne is a sparkling 3km stretch of pristine beach with perfect waves on Australia’s west coast, a short 15 minute drive from central Perth.
The beach enjoys warm weather almost all year round and has been catering to nude sun seekers since before the Second World War.
The beach hosts the popular annual “Swanbourne Olympics” in February which has activities ranging from sand sculpturing, body painting and four-legged races to the ever popular “best bum” contest.
The beach provides a fun, friendly environment and takes its reputation seriously with fully clothed police officers on hand to ensure that no gawking or surreptitious photography takes place.
St Maarten/St Martin beach, Orient Bay, Caribbean
Club Orient is a resort which runs the world famous nudist beach at Orient Bay.
The island is bathed in sunshine for much of the year and its stunning white sandy beaches are lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, making both swimming and lazing on the beach an absolute pleasure.
The facilities at Club Orient are superb and visitors are spoilt for choice with tennis courts, on site beach massages, a first class wellness centre and a dynamic reef to explore while scuba diving.
The Club also presents regular social activities such as its own Oktoberfest festivities, Halloween party, New Years celebration and regular live music performers.
Cap d'Agde, France
Cap d’Agde is situated about an hours drive from Montpellier in the south of France.
Sometimes affectionately called the “naked city” Cap d'Agde has an excellent reputation as the location of one of the finest nudist beaches in Europe.
The town boasts its own unique naturism resort which is a private mini community where everything can be done in the nude and by everything we mean everything; restaurants, parks and banks included!
The beach itself is as beautiful as one would expect from a location in the south of France and the best time to visit is undoubtedly during the summer months when an influx of regular visitors creates a pleasant, relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
