Naturist Vacation

When leisure traveling resumes after the Covid-19 lockdown, the way we travel will have changed. Health, hygiene, and social distancing will become top priorities. For one type of traveler, not all that much will change though: The naturist.

By Nick and Lins, NakedWanderings.com

Naturist vacations are still covered with a blanket of ignorance. Maybe you’ve already read an article about naturism or seen a documentary about the subject. You probably know that it has to do with naked people and maybe even that it’s not related to sex. But what else do you know about the naturist? For many, their brief research ends with the big “Why?”.

Why on earth would you get naked in front of a bunch of naked strangers? Why would you show them your imperfections and why would you want to see theirs? Why would you book a holiday where clothes are nothing but an unnecessary accessory?

We could write a book about the dynamics of naturism, but for the sake of your reading pleasure, we’ll give you a brief summary instead.

Naturists have a variety of reasons for enjoying their lifestyle, ranging from improved body positivity to more genuine social interaction to the freedom and comfort of just not having to wear any clothes. And not having to spend many hours carefully selecting them from the closet either. The official definition of naturism says that respect for oneself, for others and for nature are fundamental. Which brings us back to post-COVID-19 traveling.

Traveling after Covid-19 Once travel bans are lifted and airplanes start taking off again, the general idea of the perfect vacation will undoubtedly have changed. Being packed like sardines on the beach or next to the swimming pool will mean an increased risk of getting infected. Crowded places and full tour buses won’t be any different. Mass tourism equates a massive risk. For you, this might mean a completely different way of traveling.

For naturists, it will almost be business as usual.

We never position ourselves at only centimetres from someone else on the nude beach. It’s part of the unwritten naturist etiquette: respect other people’s space. Hygiene has always been an important factor for us. We place a towel or sarong between ourselves and any type of furniture we decide to settle our nude body on. And, as the name suggests, naturist venues can often be found in natural spaces. Far away from the big crowds.

Europe leading the way If we look at the world’s most popular naturist vacation destinations, Europe is head and shoulders the uncrowned queen. Impressive nude beaches, a variety of clothing-optional accommodations and an all-round relaxed attitude towards nudity yearly attracts naked travelers from all over the world. The continent has one major downside: The warm and sunny days are limited to the summer months. With the travel bans still in place in late spring, many naturists are seeing their European travel plans being canceled or postponed. If they still want a liberating skinny dip or bronze equal tan, they will have to explore other places.

In Asia, one country has positioned itself as a premium naturist vacation destination: Thailand. The reasons why more and more naturists are choosing Thailand as their new nude hotspot are obvious: excellent food, affordable prices, splendid nature, amazing culture, hour-

long massages at the cost of a Starbucks coffee, and agreeable weather even when most of the world is covered in snow.

Nudity in public places is illegal in Thailand like in most other countries, and dropping your pants on a touristic beach may get you into serious trouble. The vastly growing number of naturist resorts that keep popping up around the country makes up for that. Each in their own unique setting, they provide different experiences for their clothes-free visitors.

Naked in the city Located in the outskirts of Bangkok, Barefeet Naturist Resort is an oasis of peace and tranquility in one of the world’s busiest cities. Ideally located near the two major airports and several public transportation hubs, Barefeet is an excellent base for exploring the city or for spending a layover without having to worry about laundry. The other Thai naturist city resort can be found in downtown Pattaya. From Chan Resort you’re just a short taxi ride away from downtown and the nightlife district. If you wish to visit Pattaya and its surroundings but don’t feel much for spending your nights in the city, there is another option for you. Phuan Naturist Village out in the countryside provides a quiet natural clothes-free environment at only 20 minutes from the city and the major sights and activities.

Naked in nature Deep into the hilly countryside near Chiang Mai lays Thailand’s first naturist resort without surrounding walls. Because of the lack of neighbors in this rural area, the views from Oriental Village reach over the farm fields all the way towards the mountains in the far distance. In the very south of the country is another magnificent natural resort to be found. Only open since December 2019, Barefeet Heaven Hill is Thailand’s youngest naturist resort and your ideal destination if you’re looking for nature and authenticity. There is a minor correction we have to make to what we’ve mentioned earlier. Thailand does have one unofficial nude beach, which is the highlight of the Oriental Beach Village. Being located at what seems like the end of the world, or at least the end of Thailand, this resort provides the ultimate opportunity to disconnect and to live like Robinson Crusoe. Without the negative side effects like having to hunt for your own food or not having a fridge full of refreshments.

Naked in Phuket Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations and with no less than three naturist resorts, the naked traveler is not be left behind. Lemon Tree Resort was the first naturist resort on the island and still remains a popular destination for those who want to get away from the busy beaches and loud nightlife. Nude vacations in style can be found at Peace Blue Naiharn, a recently built resort where naturism in comfort is the norm without neglecting the social and friendly atmosphere which is so important in the naturist philosophy. Number three on your “places in Phuket where I really have to spend some time without clothes”-list is Harmony Resort. Located in a rural part of Phuket but only at a 15-minute walk from Rawai beach and the shops and restaurants. Asia where you can have a vacation “au naturel”. In the north of the Indonesian island of Bali, you can find the conveniently named Bali Au Naturel resort. The hot and humid Balinese climate turns clothes into a real burden. Who would want to wear clothes in weather like this? Apparently not many, given the popularity of the only Asian naturist resort outside of Thailand.

In these times of quarantines and home working, many are discovering the joys of living in their birthday suits. Let’s be honest, who hasn’t had a video call with a client or superior lately, nicely dressed in a shirt and tie but wearing little from the waist down? Can you only imagine the level of comfort this would add to your vacations? A growing variety of Asian naturist resorts is waiting for you and you won’t have to worry much about hygiene or social distancing.

January to March 2020 were well off to another record breaking year for naturist rooms sold in Thailand. Then along came Covid-19. But the numbers will climb again once the travel bans are lifted worldwide.

Number of naturist room nights has been growing fast since Naturist Association Thailand started registering the room nights at the growing number of resorts in Thailand serving this new travel segment. Even during the first three months of this year when tourism in general was in a big nose dive, these resorts showed a remarkable resilience.