For some travelers, taking off for the Caribbean means an opportunity to "take it all off." There's just something about the infectious warmth of the Caribbean -- not to mention the hot sun -- that lends itself to "au naturel" sunbathing. For many, that's as far as it goes, but the Caribbean also has a number of resorts that allow guests to go in the buff all day long, from the breakfast buffet to afternoon pool volleyball to evening encounters in the hot tub.
Hedonism, Jamaica
© SuperClubs
The Hedonism II and Hedonism III resorts in Jamaica are the most famous clothing-optional resorts in the Caribbean. The resorts are part of the SuperClubs chain and, unlike many other nudist resorts, once cultivated an "anything goes" image. That has been toned down somewhat, but as the name indicates this is still a place where guests are encouraged to get wet, naked and wild. Toga parties, nude weddings, and hanging out at the swim-up nude bar are part of the scene here. The Hedonism resorts also sell day and night passes to non-guests.
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Club Orient, St. Martin
© Bob Curley
This 137-room Club Orient hotel sits on the most famous nude beach in the Caribbean and is clothing-optional throughout the property, which includes a pair of restaurants, fitness and water-sports center, boutique, and a variety of rooms, suites and villas. Fully nude sunbathing is not strictly de rigeur on Orient Beach, but it's certainly common to see entire families in the buff on this popular strand, sometimes to the obvious amazement of visiting cruise-ship passengers.
Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica
© Couples Resorts
Formerly Couples San Souci, this all-inclusive resort was recently renamed for the private island that made it famous. A private ferry takes Couples guests out to Tower Island, which is a fully au naturel hideaway that provides some welcome space between nudists and the tourist who otherwise might come to gawk. Note that Tower Island is not "clothing-optional" -- if you come out here, you must have all clothing off! Couples Tower Isle is currently undergoing a major renovation and is slated to reopen in March 2009.
Desire Resort and Spa, Cancun, Mexico
© Desire Resorts
Many nude resorts in the Caribbean stress that they are family friendly or cater to the maintstream nudist community and not swingers. That's not the case with Cancun's Desire Resort, which bills itself as an "erotic" adult destination where couples interested in exploring "alternative lifestyles" can frolic in a 30-person jacuzzi or a Play Room located just behind the resort's nightclub bar. The 11-room beachfront resort is all-inclusive and "appeals to liberated upscale vacationers with a wild side and couples looking to explore their sexuality." Adults (21 and older) only.
Caliente Caribe Resort and Spa, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
This all-inclusive, clothing-optional resort is located near the Dominican Republic resort area of Puerto Plata. Amenities include al-fresco dining at the clifftop resort restaurant, premium drinks, and activities ranging from Spanish lessons to nude water volleyball. Nightlife centers on the Club Caribe, which opens nightly at 10 p.m.Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire
This naturist resort has the only nude beach on Bonaire, although topless sunbathing is acceptable on other beaches on this Dutch Caribbean island. The resort has 30 chalets on a very private beach and caters to naturists from around the world. Nude cruises, massage, yoga and snorkeling are among the activities offered.Breezes Rio Bueno, Jamaica
© SuperClubs Resorts
Travelers interested in going nude and choosing among the Breezes resorts in Jamaica seem to prefer the Rio Bueno, judged superior to its cousins on account of the large nude beach, pool and hot-tub area on the resort's "au naturel" side. Located near Trelawny, this upscale all-inclusive resort has a nine-hole executive golf course, all water sports, tennis, and 84 acres of hiking trails.
Breezes Grand Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica
© SuperClubs
The upscale Breezes Grand Negril has a clothing-optional beach, pool and hot tub, but otherwise does not allow public nudity. The "super-inclusive" package at this 210-room resort includes top-shelf drinks and gourmet dining, all tips, entertainment, land and water sports.
Hidden Beach Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
This 42-room resort at Kantenah Bay claims to be the only all-inclusive, clothing-optional resort in Mexico. Explicit sexual behavior is banned, but you can be fully nude at all meals, sports and activities. The resort is oceanfront and also has a pretty pool area with palapas and a lazy river section.LaSource, Grenada
© LaSource
LaSource is not a nudist resort but does have a nude (mostly topless) beach. The resort has 100 rooms on Pink Gin Beach, four restaurants, and a dedication to holistic relaxation and exercise through yoga, tai chi, and other activities. LaSource has multiple restaurants and bars as well as a full array of land and water sports, and welcomes solo travelers as well as couples.
