I’ve been stripping down for years. First, as a nude model in art school, then later at clothing optional spas and hot springs along the west coast. I thoroughly enjoyed these brief stints of bare-it-all freedom, so I jumped at the chance to visit Hedonism II in Jamaica.

Located on Negril’s famed Seven Mile Beach, Hedonism II (or Hedo, as the regulars call it), is a spot where adult nudists, exhibitionists, and those in the “lifestyle” (AKA swingers) can live out their fantasies—however mild or wild they may be.

“Hedonism II has always been a place where people can let their hair down and have adult fun in a safe, sensual, protected environment,” managing director Kevin Levee told me.

Before you go, learn as much as possible. I pored over detailed trip reports and on Adult Travel Forum and Denny P. I also joined a private Facebook group, Our Favorite Jamaican Place (unaffiliated with the resort), which has a good mix of seasoned veterans and curious first-timers.

Most importantly, ask yourself: Is it for you? “Not every individual or couple can do it,” says Levee. “But if you know what to expect, it can be the best vacation.”

At Hedo, guests can stay on the “nude” or “prude” side. The former always requires total nudity except in restaurants, where nipples and genitals must be covered; the latter is a clothing-optional scenario. I opted to stay on the nude side.

If you’re concerned about your scars, weight, stretch marks, or whatever body hang-ups you have, I pinky swear promise you’ll fit in. The minute I stripped down at Hedo, I felt at ease. Sure, people do look, and maybe for a few seconds more than you’re used to. That said, the compliments never grew old. Who doesn’t want to hear they’re beautiful? Regulars are generous with their insider tips and words of encouragement.

There aren’t a lot of rules, but respect is an absolute essential. It’s crucial that women feel comfortable, and guests, both male and female, go to great lengths to make others feel safe, welcome, and accepted.

If you’re worried about making friends, one easy way to meet people is to join a hosted trip. These organized groups follow a like-minded theme, like BDSM or burlesque, and typically offer discounted rates, upgraded booze, and special entertainment. Plan to meet people ranging from their 20s to 80s. These folks come from all corners of the world, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religious and political beliefs. Eighty-five percent of Hedonism II’s guests are couples, followed by single men, then single women.

There’s no pressure to participate in any activity—resort-run or otherwise. Everything about Hedonism II embraces an anything-goes mentality. And guests who are concerned about additional cleanliness and safety in this new era of travel will be pleased to know the resort has made significant changes to its procedures for the sake of offering visitors peace of mind.

“Maybe she wants to wear a revealing outfit and spend time in a sexually charged environment,” said Levee. “Or maybe notch it up a bit to wild, where lifestylers can engage in fantasies they can talk about until their next trip.”

A typical day depends upon the individual. Some guests seem to fall into a routine; others go with the flow. Many are naked the majority of the day. On the prude side, flip-flops, bikinis, oversized sunnies, and straw cowboy hats are the beach uniform of choice. The party people tend to stick to the pools while others hang out at the beach. When you’ve tired of Red Stripe and rum, there are plenty of complimentary activities, including a well-equipped gym, pool tables, tennis, basketball, snorkeling, windsurfing, and Hobie Cats.

And if you’re worried about what the neighbors and social media masses will think, you can always slip away to nearby Sandals or Breezes for PG-rated vacation photos.

If you go with an open mind and set clear boundaries and expectations, you should have a total blast. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

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So hop in the car now — you’re pretty much already packed and ready for this style of beach day. All that’s left to do is choose a destination. Our guide to the best nude beaches in the U.S. will hopefully inspire you to consider clothing optional beaches from coast to coast. And why choose just one? Start with nude beaches in Florida and cross destinations off until you complete your list by visiting the nude beaches in Hawaii.

Land of the free? Home of the brave? Check and check. Here are the best nudist beaches in the U.S.

Gunnison Beach – New Jersey

The only legal nude beach in the state of New Jersey, Gunnison, found on the north end of Sandy Hook near Parking Lot G, may be crowded, but its community is very considerate of others. You won’t likely hear loud music. And your photo won’t be taken, thanks to regulars who make sure the space stays safe for all.

Canaveral National Seashore – Florida

There are two sides to Canaveral National Seashore: the north end, Apollo Beach, near New Smyrna Beach, and the south end, Playalinda Beach, near Titusville. Park rangers turn a blind eye to nudity, so long as it’s contained to the beach near specific parking lots (#5 for Apollo, #13 for Playalinda) that are unofficial nude sunbathing areas. Both sides of this natural stretch of sand are about an hour’s drive east of Orlando.

Hippie Hollow – Texas

There’s couldn’t be a more fitting name for a nude beach — and of course it’s found on Lake Travis outside the liberal enclave that is the city of Austin. One caveat: This hideaway isn’t a beach in the truest sense as it has wide, flat rocks, perfect for sunbathing, lining the water’s edge. But you’ll forget the lack of sand when you take the time to roam: This spot occupies 109 acres in Hill County, 20 minutes outside the city.

Secret Beach – Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai locals call it Kauapea Beach, but others simply refer to this unfrequented spot with waves too strong for swimming as Secret Beach. Either way, find it — if you can — on the north shore between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point. Pack patience as it may take a few tries to locate the unmarked steep trail to the caramel sand.

Longnook Beach aka Ballston Beach – Massachusetts

Hike to the patch in between these two Cape Cod beaches in the greater town of Truro for the isolated, scenic sand dunes that have made this getaway a favorite among city fleers. Here, you’ll gain no-tan-lines freedom, and the liberty to spread out, as this stretch is typically secluded and serene.

Secret Cove – California

It’s called “Secret” for a reason. This boulder-studded stretch of golden sand along Lake Tahoe in northern California is tricky to find, and requires a 15-minute walk south from Chimney Beach. But then you find the staircase leading to this gem, and you’ll discover why the place also answers to the names Paradise Cove and Paradise Rock.

Kehena Black Sand Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

One of the world’s only nude-friendly black-sand beaches is found near the eastern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s a small strip of sand, no more than 75 yards. Although textiles — that is, folks who favor swim trunks — frequent this beach, you likely won’t mind, as dolphins are regulars as well.

Black’s Beach – California

The sheer cliffs hemming in this beach outside La Jolla in greater San Diego make for excellent scenery, and a 15-minute calorie-burning haul to the water’s edge. No concessions cater to visitors, so pack in what you need. But, the isolation factor also makes for walks that are especially long and peaceful.

Eight-Mile Beach – Nevada

This Lake Mead hideaway is so hush-hush that it has no official name — just a nickname based on 8 Mile Road, the dirt track outside the town of Boulder, Nevada, that dead-ends just shy of the water. Despite the fact that this nude beach is just 41 minutes by car from Las Vegas, it rarely sees enough sunbathers to start a poker game.

Collins Beach – Oregon

This khaki-color beach on the Columbia River may not be the prettiest in the state, but it’s pretty much the most liberal. Nudity is completely allowed, with signs alerting passersby who may be unaware that they’re about to enter a bare-buns-friendly zone. Find the one-mile stretch on the northeast side of Sauvie Island, less than an hour’s drive north of Portland.

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Experiencing a nude beach for the first time? Try Mirtiotissa Beach in Greece. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous and are opting for more seclusion, Italy’s Acquarilli Beach requires its visitors to scale 150 feet of rock before arriving on the beachfront. Croatia’s Valalta is a combo of both a nude beach and a naturist compound, too.

Whatever your preference of culture and setting, if you’re looking for a nude beach, it won’t be difficult to find. Read on for our selection of the best nude beaches in Europe.

Mirtiotissa Beach – Corfu, Greece

If there’s a perfect nude beach for your first time, Mirtiotissa Beach would be it. A narrow dirt road leads to this sliver of golden sand hemmed in on both sides by cliffs made green by palms, pines and shrubs. The water is calm, invitingly so, making it easy for first-timers to tell themselves that they were simply inspired by the setting to skinny dip and not that they came here to try a new experience. The only downside is that this hideaway has no facilities.

Playa Es Trenc – Mallorca, Spain

Like a zero-entry pool, this white-sand beach on the southern tip of Mallorca slopes so gently that it’s perfect for lounging in the shallows and relaxing with a beverage. Plus, it’s huge — spanning just shy of two miles — and has goodies like umbrellas and sun chairs for rent, making this one of the best European nude beaches.

Alteirinhos – Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal

Even if you have no intention to show skin, this quiet beach is worth the trek down several flights of steps, especially at sunset, given that this spot faces due west. If you do want to lose the tan lines, visit during low tide, or else the ocean won’t give you much room to lay out a beach blanket.

Kampen Beach – Island of Sylt, Germany

The island of Sylt is to Germany what Cape Cod or Nantucket is to the Northeast: Grass-covered dunes serve as a backdrop to the long ribbon of latte-colored sand. But, because this is Germany, a country with a long history of accepting nudity, it’s perfectly natural to go suit-less at one of the best nude beaches in Europe.

Playa La Tejita – Tenerife, Spain

Of Tenerife’s dozen or so nude beaches, this is one of the biggest and most scenic, next to the red volcanic peak that is La Montana Roja headland. But guests aren’t here to hike. Sportier types can take advantage of conditions ideal for bodysurfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, but most visitors come for sun. Day beds are available, as are snacks. A short walk from the ocean leads to Chiringutio Pirata, uncapping cold beer and dishing up paella, sandwiches and tapas.

Alberoni – Lido de Benezia, Italy

Between the canals of Venice and the Adriatic Sea lies the island of Lido, a massive beach with umbrellas and sun chairs planted in rows like corn. And on the southernmost stretch, find the area known as Alberoni, where nudism is “de rigueur.” Summer-weekend crowds diminish the numbers of naturists, but weekdays and off-season bring them out.

Acquarilli Beach – Tuscany, Italy

There’s no white sand here, just black sand and pebbles. And Acquarilli Beach is physically a bit tricky to access, asking that visitors negotiate 150 feet of rock down to the water’s edge. But therein lies the appeal: Because this beach is a “no” for so many, those who say “yes” gain a lot of privacy for frolicking.

Bellevue Beach – Klampenborg, Denmark

This is a best-of-both-worlds beach: close to the city yet wildly natural. Find it north of the capital of Copenhagen, reachable by train. And, like Robert Moses State Park in New York, Bellevue Beach has that urban feel — mainly because it’s a constant party, especially among the Danish twenty-something set.

Red Beach – Crete, Greece

This gem is not at all easy to reach, thus its reputation as one of Europe’s secret nude beaches. Find it 42 miles west of the town of Heraklion on Crete’s north coast. Hand-painted signs lead to the two starting points. Both require about 25 minutes of hiking. From the south side of Matala Bay, follow the path that leads up to the red cliffs, then down to this Eden. The reward: a sanctuary-like outpost, offering naturists a true communing experience.

Valalta, Croatia

This isn’t just a beach — it’s a compound. On the coast of the Adriatic Sea across from Venice, Italy, the Valalta Naturist Camp is nonstop action, with tennis courts, a pool, campground and resort. Of course, the golden-sand beach, protected from waves by a rock wall, is the main draw. For non-naturists, there’s a separate facility offering the same amenities immediately adjacent.

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So hop in the car now — you’re pretty much already packed and ready for this style of beach day. All that’s left to do is choose a destination. Our guide to the best nude beaches in the U.S. will hopefully inspire you to consider clothing optional beaches from coast to coast. And why choose just one? Start with nude beaches in Florida and cross destinations off until you complete your list by visiting the nude beaches in Hawaii.

Land of the free? Home of the brave? Check and check. Here are the best nudist beaches in the U.S.

Gunnison Beach – New Jersey

The only legal nude beach in the state of New Jersey, Gunnison, found on the north end of Sandy Hook near Parking Lot G, may be crowded, but its community is very considerate of others. You won’t likely hear loud music. And your photo won’t be taken, thanks to regulars who make sure the space stays safe for all.

Canaveral National Seashore – Florida

There are two sides to Canaveral National Seashore: the north end, Apollo Beach, near New Smyrna Beach, and the south end, Playalinda Beach, near Titusville. Park rangers turn a blind eye to nudity, so long as it’s contained to the beach near specific parking lots (#5 for Apollo, #13 for Playalinda) that are unofficial nude sunbathing areas. Both sides of this natural stretch of sand are about an hour’s drive east of Orlando.

Hippie Hollow – Texas

There’s couldn’t be a more fitting name for a nude beach — and of course it’s found on Lake Travis outside the liberal enclave that is the city of Austin. One caveat: This hideaway isn’t a beach in the truest sense as it has wide, flat rocks, perfect for sunbathing, lining the water’s edge. But you’ll forget the lack of sand when you take the time to roam: This spot occupies 109 acres in Hill County, 20 minutes outside the city.

Secret Beach – Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai locals call it Kauapea Beach, but others simply refer to this unfrequented spot with waves too strong for swimming as Secret Beach. Either way, find it — if you can — on the north shore between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point. Pack patience as it may take a few tries to locate the unmarked steep trail to the caramel sand.

Longnook Beach aka Ballston Beach – Massachusetts

Hike to the patch in between these two Cape Cod beaches in the greater town of Truro for the isolated, scenic sand dunes that have made this getaway a favorite among city fleers. Here, you’ll gain no-tan-lines freedom, and the liberty to spread out, as this stretch is typically secluded and serene.

Secret Cove – California

It’s called secret for a reason. This boulder-studded stretch of golden sand along Lake Tahoe in northern California is tricky to find, and requires a 15-minute walk south from Chimney Beach. But then you find the staircase leading to this gem, and you’ll discover why the place also answers to the names Paradise Cove and Paradise Rock.

Kehena Black Sand Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

One of the world’s only nude-friendly black-sand beaches is found near the eastern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s a small strip of sand, no more than 75 yards. Although textiles — that is, folks who favor swim trunks — frequent this beach, you likely won’t mind, as dolphins are regulars as well.

Black’s Beach – California

The sheer cliffs hemming in this beach outside La Jolla in greater San Diego make for excellent scenery, and a 15-minute calorie-burning haul to the water’s edge. No concessions cater to visitors, so pack in what you need. But, the isolation factor also makes for walks that are especially long and peaceful.

Eight-Mile Beach – Nevada

This Lake Mead hideaway is so hush-hush that it has no official name — just a nickname based on 8 Mile Road, the dirt track outside the town of Boulder, Nevada, that dead-ends just shy of the water. Despite the fact that this nude beach is just 41 minutes by car from Las Vegas, it rarely sees enough sunbathers to start a poker game.

Collins Beach – Oregon

This khaki-color beach on the Columbia River may not be the prettiest in the state, but it’s pretty much the most liberal. Nudity is completely allowed, with signs alerting passersby who may be unaware that they’re about to enter a bare-buns-friendly zone. Find the one-mile stretch on the northeast side of Sauvie Island, less than an hour’s drive north of Portland.

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Most of us would be lying if we said we weren’t even a little curious to forgo the swimsuit to try nude sunbathing. Just about anywhere on the planet where you find sand and a community of free spirits, you’ll find a clothing-optional beach.

But where are the best nude beaches in the world? How can you find the famous nude beaches that have been immortalized in movies? Which are the best nude beaches for shy beginners and which are the top nude beaches for people without a care in the world? Our G-rated gallery should help push you in the right direction.

Spend the day at one of these nude beaches, and you won’t just lose the tan lines — you may even gain a cultural experience.

Elia Beach – Mykonos, Greece

The island’s longest beach, with brown-sugar sand and flat waters, is extremely popular with the LGBT crowd, with the gals favoring the left side of the beach, and gents, the right. In either direction, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent at this low-key Eden.

Little Beach – Maui, Hawaii

Given that every beach on Maui has a distinct following — think moms, surfers, etc. — perhaps it’s not surprising that a gathering of hippies and earthy types have unofficially created this nude beach, meeting up for drum circles and fire dancing on Sunday afternoons. The rest of the week, it’s just a beach, although don’t expect solitude at this well-known hangout.

Grand Saline Beach – St. Barth

An afternoon on this secluded, couldn’t-be-more-scenic beach may feel straight out of a cologne ad: The sand is white, the waters are clear as a swimming pool, and the fit beachgoers are the picture of chic. The only downside: You’ll need a rental car or cab — don’t forget to book a return trip — to reach this outpost on the south side of St. Barth.

Cap d’Agde – France

Cap d’Agde isn’t just one of the best nude beaches in the world, it’s a naturist compound. Acceptance is a staple of this relaxed, family-friendly nudist French Mediterranean community, nicknamed “Naked City,” where you can forget about shirts and shorts while shopping, dining and dancing late into the night.

Haulover Beach – Florida

Between Miami and Fort Lauderdale lies the Sunshine state’s only legally recognized nude beach. This half-mile stretch of sand is packed with amenities, from lifeguards keeping you safe in the water, to security guards protecting against gawkers, cementing Haulover’s status as one of the top nude beaches. You’ll also find ice cream vendors and other concession stands, picnic tables, restrooms and shower facilities.

Orient Beach – St. Martin

This is perhaps the Caribbean’s most famous stretch of sand for the clothes-shunning set. It’s packed with bars and restaurants, chaise loungers and vendors on foot, making it feel like a non-stop party, albeit one where not all sun-worshipping revelers go topless. True nudists head to south bit of beach, in front of the nude resort Club Orient, known locally as “Club O.”

Guvano Beach – Cinque Terre, Italy

One of the only hidden gems on the list, this naked-friendly beach outside the village of Corniglia isn’t easy to find, but well worth the long trek, which includes a 15- to 30-minute walk through a dark tunnel. But don’t be put off — on the other side, the pebbly beach is sleepy, pristine and not overrun by tourists. In fact, you could be the only non-local.

Es Cavallet Beach – Ibiza, Spain

Of course this hedonistic isle has an official nude beach. Party people wishing to sun all their bits tend toward the middle of this largely undeveloped patch of coastline. Granted, it’s not without amenities: Restaurant El Chiringuito has you covered, serving anything-but-typical beach fare. Treat yourself to homemade lemonade, fresh juices — think apple-fennel-lime — plus full breakfasts, like eggs benedict, and lunches of flambéed mussels and gazpacho Andaluz.

Tahiti Beach – St. Tropez, France

Although cameras are anything but de rigueur at the best nude beaches, you’ll for sure want to leave it at the hotel when taking sun at this classic St. Tropez hangout, visited by models Miranda Kerr and Naomi Campbell — and their bodyguards. Celebs aside, this hideaway, accessible via unpaved road, has a vibe of nonchalance and privacy.

Lady Bay Beach – Sydney, Australia

Take a ferry from Sydney to reach this quiet cove where boulders bookend a swath of golden sand, granting further seclusion to the destination. Known locally as Lady Jane Beach, it belongs to Australia’s national parks, but no worries — nudity is perfectly legal here.

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It’s as innocent — or as dirty — as you want it to be.

Don’t be confused: Fantasy Fest welcomes all, but your average attendee isn’t a tree-hugging naturist.

Inhibition is masked — literally.

You’re not fully undressed without a smile.

People like to get away with stuff.

Exhibitionism is her idea. (He might like to get nude, but she likes to show-off.)

A thong does not a pocket make.

Show Duval Street, show the world.

And yet, here paparazzi are told “thank you.”

Watch is also a verb.

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Awkward as a 13-year-old boy at his very first dance, I sit hunched on a granite stool at a swim-up bar in a resort in Cancun — Desire Pearl — chatting with a couple I’ve just met. Jeff and Mica live on 10 acres in the Northwest in an area so remote, Mica tells me while coyly playing with the straw in her slushy bright-blue cocktail, called an Oh My God, that they almost never get unannounced visitors.

So when there was a banging on the door recently while Mica was in the shower, she answered with a towel wrapped around her waist and a compact gun in her hand. “It was two young Mormon missionaries,” Mica says, giggling. “They didn’t know whether to look at the handgun or my breasts. Watching their big eyes go up and down — it was like, breasts, handgun, breasts, handgun.”

Actually, Mica doesn’t use the word breasts, and her name isn’t really Mica (most everyone I talked to for this story asked me to change their name to protect their privacy). I’ve also failed to mention a few other important details: Desire Pearl is a clothing-optional couples resort, and both Jeff and Mica are naked as worms (except for Mica’s two eye-catching nipple rings, which I swear I’ve barely glanced at). In fact, of the 30 or 40 people mingling in the pool, sipping Oh My Gods or Blue Lagoons, I am the only one with a swimsuit on. Or anything on, for that matter.

After Mica, a 44-year-old boudoir photographer with strawberry-blond hair finishes her story, her fiancé, Jeff, a pilot, says, “Well, I’m sure the gun got their attention honey bun, but what those boys were really interested in were obviously your breasts. They’re awesome, don’t you think?” he says to me, slapping a meaty hand on my shoulder. I smile and nod enthusiastically, never a man to argue with another man’s assessment of his girlfriend’s breasts.

As we are talking, another naked middle-aged couple sashays up to the bar in search of drinks. They are from Florida. Let’s call them Ed and Marjorie. Nervous as hell, I smile at Marjorie, who looks disconcertingly like Reba McEntire (at least the parts of Reba McEntire I’ve seen). Using all my willpower to keep my eyes on her eyes, I idiotically ask her, with an adolescent flutter in my voice, if her friends call her Marjorie or Marge.

Moving in close to me, she puts a hand on my submerged thigh and says in a magnolia-scented whisper, “You can’t call me Marge until I’ve shown you my fanny.”

“Which she soon will,” says her beefy husband, laughing. And sure enough, not a minute later, she pulls herself up onto the side of the pool like a seal performing at SeaWorld, batting her eyes as she looks at me demurely over her slightly sunburned shoulder. After slowly slipping back into the water, she comes back over to me and says in a perky Southern drawl, “Now you can call me Marge.” Having no reply, I can only gulp down an Oh My God and then order another.

“So, Wally,” says Mica, leaning in, “is this your first time at something like this?” “It is,” I say. “And my name isn’t Wally — it’s David, or Dave to those who’ve seen my varicose veins.” “Oh, I think you’re probably a Wally,” she says, looking intentionally at the wedding ring on my left hand. “Where’s the wifey?” The wifey is home, I tell her, and I’m here alone because I’m a writer and I’ve always been sort of curious about clothing-optional resorts, like Desire Pearl, and when I got an invitation to visit, I couldn’t resist. I plan to write a story about the resort, I tell them, and hope they’ll be my friends and show me the ropes while I’m here.

Marge says she thinks I’m “kinda sweet and maybe not a Wally at all but maybe a Sam” (more on that later), and all four members of my new naked posse offer to explain to me “how things work at Desire.”

“You absolutely need to lose the swimsuit,” says Mica.

That could be a challenge. I’m a big boy with big feet, I tell them. I don’t want to scare anyone. “Be sure you’re at the Jacuzzi at 6,” Ed offers, ignoring my humor. “And don’t judge,” says Marge.

This last piece of advice might be the most difficult to follow. How do you stay nonjudgmental when a soccer mom who looks like Reba McEntire presents her wet upturned bottom for your inspection two minutes after her husband, a motorcycle cop, has introduced her to you?

Don’t judge. OK, I’m going to try very hard not to judge. But, jeez, Marge, do you really think that displaying your fanny is the best way to introduce yourself to a stranger?

Following Ed’s advice, every evening around 6, I head for the Jacuzzi, which isn’t really a Jacuzzi at all but more like a well-heated pool with jets on the edges and a round tiled platform in the middle where you can sunbathe, chat, sip a glass of wine or have sex. This is why Ed told me to be here at 6. During the day, the pool is where the action is (no sex allowed at the pool or the beach). But this spot is where everyone congregates for happy hour, in more ways than one, before heading off to shower and then dinner.

Marge takes me over to meet Rasheesh and Dorothy, who are from Detroit. Rasheesh, who is 39, tells me, as we sip mojitos, that this is his and Dorothy’s last night at Desire Pearl and they would really like to “play” with Mica and Jeff, but he’s not sure it’s going to happen. “It’s all up to the girls,” he says, totally resigned.

This is a refrain I hear from every man I talk to at Desire Pearl: The women are in charge. Case in point: A few minutes later, Mica and Jeff come over to say hello, and just joking around, Rasheesh lifts up Mica’s foot from the pool and attempts to kiss it. But before he can, Mica plants a foot in his chest and pushes him back. Jeff, laughing, puts a consoling hand on Rasheesh’s shoulder and says, “You can kiss her fanny, Rasheesh, but you can’t kiss her toes.” And so it is.

Here’s the thing: When you’re socializing with four or five buck-naked people, conversation tends to be more open and honest. The couples in my naked posse seem more engaged and attentive than the couples I know at home. The conversations seem more intense and — how do I say it? — a little lovesick. The men lean forward and stare directly into their partners’ eyes. The women lightly touch their men on the shoulder, the forearm, the cheek.

There’s less hypocrisy, less cattiness (I’ve never been in a social situation where the women seem to honestly enjoy each other) and less peacock strutting. It’s like romance is in the air — not sex, although that’s there too, but romance. It’s as if each couple is saying, “OK, I am as naked and vulnerable as I can be. Let’s be honest with each other.” Much to my surprise, I like these people. In fact, I’ve become a bit envious of them. After three days at Desire Pearl, I’ve learned there’s really not all that much that separates them from me — or probably you.

Yet another part of me realizes that we are different. For one thing, I still have my swimsuit on. One afternoon while I’m hanging out with my posse around the pool, I look around at the three naked women sunning on pool loungers; the four or five couples of various ages being led by a cute kid from Hungary in aquatic aerobics; and all the other guests snoozing, bare asses, on daybeds or playing volleyball on the beach (so much bouncing!) or, like me, sprawled on chaise lounges, reading. I mumble to myself, “Who are these people?”

Jeff, overhearing me, looks up from a magazine and says, “About half of us are swingers. Another 30 percent are naturists and not interested in the sex part. And the rest have probably come here for the first time and don’t know what they are, but they’ll be swingers in about five days.”

Mica, who has been holding an exalted warrior yoga pose on the pool deck, considers Jeff’s remark and says she disagrees with his figures. “I don’t think it will take them five days. More like two.”

At which point Don and Janet come over and slide into the empty loungers beside me. Janet is a hypnotherapist from Southern California. She says, “So, Sam, you’ve been here for four days. What’s with the swimsuit?” I tell her I’m just being careful. That I don’t want to get sunburned “down there.” “I don’t think so, Sam.”

Trying to change the subject, I ask her why she and Marge always call me Sam — and why they first called me Wally. “There are three types of guys that go to resorts like this without a wife or a girlfriend,” she tells me. “The first type is a Vinny. A Vinny wears gold chains and thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Very obnoxious. A Wally is a guy who sits in the corner and stares at the women and fantasizes. Very creepy. And then there’s a Sam. A Sam doesn’t hit on women who are with partners. A Sam talks to couples — not just the women — and he does not stare at the women or make them uncomfortable. Sams are here just to have fun, and they’re usually fun to be around. You’re a Sam. But you’d be a better Sam if you’d lose the trunks. You’ll never really be a part of this group until you do.”

Janet then offers to give me a free hypnotherapy session to “get to the bottom of why you’re really afraid to be naked.” I take her up on it. Ten minutes later, we’re sitting in a quiet, shady corner off the beach restaurant, where she draws a line down the middle of a legal pad and says, “I want you to tell me what awful things you think will happen to you if you take your swimsuit off.”

The questions go on like this for 20 or 30 minutes, with her probing deeper and deeper into my psyche until she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. “Aha!” she says happily, slamming her legal pad on the table. Then she coaches me through what are basically mindful meditation exercises, focusing on my breath, before having me visually walk down 20 steps into “a beautiful, tranquil garden where you feel safe.” And then, with me in a state very much like pre-sleep, she suggests images and thoughts, happy thoughts, as she tells me to release all the fears and insecurities that are keeping me from being able to get naked.

And then I walk back up the 20 steps from the garden, and when I am fully awake, she asks me how I feel. “Fine.” “Any different?” “I don’t think so. Just kind of tired.”

I thank Janet for the session and then head off to my room, where I sleep soundly for several hours. When I awake, it’s twilight. I wander down to the hot tub, and without even thinking about it, drop my swim trunks, slip into the water and shuffle over to my naked posse — Don and Janet, Jeff and Mica, Ed and Marge. Ed offers to buy me a drink (a running gag at the resort since all the booze is included). “We hardly recognized you naked,” he says jovially. Marge lifts her Oh My God and proposes a toast: “To David,” she says. “Welcome to the group. It’s really great to see you.”

And I am certain she truly means it.

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At most of these resorts, keeping you entertained is their main goal. So, prepare for regular themed nights like “School Girls and Nerds” and “Angels & Devils” at Temptation Resort. Feeling a little more adventurous? Plan your visit to Desire Pearl, and try something from their fantasy menu (the Terrace of Passion sounds interesting). Each of these nudist resorts also comes with common amenities like watersports and spas, too.

So, if you’re looking to run free both in body and spirit, read on for our list of clothing-optional resorts.

Hedonism II – Negril, Jamaica

Hedonism II has been referenced in shows like Workaholics, The Office and Tosh.0. It’s gained notoriety for a few reasons; here’s why.

This 280-key resort offers regular rooms and suites, as the latter includes a private terrace with a beach or jungle view, a hot tub, a TV and a Euro-style hot-tub shower or rain shower. Clothing is optional on the resort’s “prude” side, and there is also a completely nude side of the property.

In total, there are five restaurants (all closed on Fridays), featuring Japanese Teppanyaki-style cuisines, Jamaican food, pasta, a buffet and classic grilled options. Hedonism II provides opportunities for water sports, too, giving guests the chance to embark on a catamaran cruise, go scuba diving, relax in a spa, enjoy a tour and drink at Harry’s Wine Bar.

For more adventurous nights, check out the Romping Shop Playroom. Named after a popular Jamaican Dancehall song, the playroom is an opportunity to get intimate at Hedonism II. Couples and single women are welcomed, as single men are invite-only.

Temptation Resort, Cancun, Mexio

Temptation Resort – Cancun, Mexico

For couples only, Temptation Resort in Cancun, Mexico, is a 430-key “playground for grown-ups.” In addition to six bars, seven restaurants and a gourmet café, Temptation offers a “Quiet Pool” and a “Sexy Pool,” a topless-optional beach area and a nightclub with rolling rotation of themed nights (like superheroes on Monday and lingerie on Wednesday).

Opt in for the Tower by Temptation experience. You’ll get a swag bag, VIP check-in and check-out, a room-service menu by Chef Adrian Peregrina, free adult-TV channels, access to an exclusive VIP sundeck area, free calls to the United States and Canada and an invite to the SKY 3.5 Cocktail Party.

Also available are non-motorized water sports like kayaking (single or double), paddle-boarding, windsurfing and hobie cats (lessons available for windsurfing and hobie cats).

Couples Tower Isle – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is 19 acres of food, bars, watersports and wellness. Looking off the resort property, there’s plenty to do, too — like a trip to the resort’s private island where you can enjoy au naturel sunbathing.

This resort boasts nine different types of rooms, suites and villas, four restaurants, six bars (including a piano bar, a rooftop bar and a late-night bar) and four swimming pools and three Jacuzzis. The on-property spa offers a full menu for massage therapies, body treatments, facials and couples’ treatments.

You can choose from 10 different water sports (including hobie cat sailing, waterskiing and snorkeling) and a variety of island adventures (like glass-bottom boat tours, a trip to Margaritaville). Dance classes, movies on the beach and piano-bar sing-alongs are also available.

Grand Lido – Negril, Jamaica

Ocean views and plenty of unique dining options — that’s what you can expect at Grand Lido in Negril, Jamaica. The resort has 26 styled suites, including ocean-view and swim-out options and a penthouse with an ocean-view terrace and Jacuzzi.

On property, guests can choose between 10 restaurants and bars, ranging from Italian and seafood to Asian and Tex-Mex. There’s also a spa with facial and body treatments, massages, manicures and pedicures on its menu.

Desire Pearl – Cancun, Mexico

Fulfill your sensual and erotic desires at Desire Pearl in Cancun, Mexico. In addition to three specialty restaurants, all-inclusive meals and alcohol and five different types of rooms, suites and penthouses to choose from, this resort has a variety of other ways to pique your interest.

Throughout the year, Desire Pearl offers themed events. Celebrate Mexican independence on Sept. 15 in a sexually themed party. Halloween here is also a hoot. Desire Pearl hosts parties for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Also included are nightly themes. Mondays are for masks and cloaks at the Mysterious Masquerade, and Sundays are for mythological gods and goddesses, for example.

Looking for something more intimate for just you and your partner? Check out Desire Pearl’s fantasy menu. Ranging from “food play” to erotic massages, there’s an option for everyone.

Hawksbill – Antigua

There’s only one place on Antigua with a clothing-optional beach, and that’s Hawksbill. Set on 37 acres, this 96-key, beachfront property houses four different types of rooms exclusively for adults. There’s also the Great House, a three-bedroom, four-bathroom resort-style house that comes with a bar, a kitchenette, air conditioning and a wrap-around balcony.

Hawksbill has two restaurants and a bar: Tamarind Tree, an open-air, buffet-style restaurant; the beachside Sea Grape Restaurant & Bar; and Tamarind Bar, the location for live entertainment four nights a week (usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).

This resort also offers tennis, table tennis, golf and horseback riding. For its non-motorized watersports selection, Hawksbill offers hobie cats, kayaks, sailboats, snorkeling, scuba diving and offshore fishing. The all-inclusive package includes buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and your choices of a variety of alcohols, including beer, wine and liquor.

Copacabana Hotel & Suites – Jaco, Costa Rica

Come for the clothing-optional ambiance, but stay for the plethora of activities available at Copacabana Hotel & Suites in Jaco, Costa Rica. You can choose from an oceanfront, poolside or clothing-optional and poolside accommodation. There’s nightly, music-oriented entertainment, as well as themed events and monthly parties, like “Sexy Valentine’s Day” and “Sexy St. Patrick’s Day.”

On the beach, try surfing, boogie boarding and horseback riding. You’re also bound to join a game of beach volleyball, football or soccer. Looking for something more adventurous? Go on a coffee tour, or partake in one of the many adventures offered (including zip-lining and white-water rafting). There are also plenty of volcanos for you to tour.

When you’re done with your excursions, return to the hotel’s spa that offers a full menu of relaxing, deep-tissue and hot-stone massages. Body exfoliation, manicures and pedicures are also available.

Hidden Beach Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Hidden Beach Resort – Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you’re looking to take the nude factor to the extreme side of the spectrum, Hidden Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is the destination you’re looking for. All facilities, activities and even the dining areas can be enjoyed by the fully nude, but be sure to check out the resort’s guidelines, too.

Hidden Beach has 43 suites, including three different types and a presidential villa. There’s one pool, two bars and one restaurant on the property. Activities range from bingo and bocce ball to coconut bowling, cocktail classes and Spanish lessons, among others.

No matter when you arrive, there’s always something planned with nightly themed events (for example, retro night and karaoke and masquerade party night). Also, check out Hidden Beach’s events scattered throughout the year — like Valentine’s Day, United States and Mexican independence days, Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations and Christmas and New Year’s Eve events.

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Top 10 Nude Travel Tips | Nude Travel Guide | Best Nude Beaches

Pack clothes you can easily remove.

Show your stuff early in the day.

Liquid courage can mean a few things.

No pants, no pockets.

Bring the sports bra.

Take a cue from college kids.

Nude lunch, yes. Nude dinner, never.

You can eat alone at home.

Don’t fret awkward moments.

Just say yes.

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Even on nudist cruises with thousands of naked people, your acclimation to the nudist culture and environment will be quick. Everyone’s welcoming, inviting, and there are also implied and official rules that the community (and staff) enforces. If you choose to cruise nude, be ready to make new friends. Don’t worry: Not everyone’s a swinger.

While nude cruises are not for everyone, these top takeaways will most definitely raise eyebrows.

The first thing to know: You won’t feel fat

You’d think showing it all, or even just some of it, would expose what your inner critic calls your “problem areas” and that a nude cruise might make you feel unattractive. Give yourself about two hours aboard, and you’ll find the opposite. Clothes are evil. You wouldn’t have a muffin top if it weren’t for jeans. Lose the bar, and say goodbye to back bulges. Why do you think artists prefer painting their subjects au naturel?

10. Nudists love costume parties

When I received the Bare Necessities’ Big Nude Cruise itinerary, I was surprised to find Oscar night and Mardi Gras-themed parties, among others. How does one wear and not wear a costume? (For the Oscar party, a friend suggested I attend as Rose from Titanic, and I did, with a replica necklace from Etsy.com.) Turns out, you must dress for dinner, and, for themed parties, you wear as much (or as little) clothing as you’d like.

9. Down there, less is more when it comes to grooming

I figured more hair would act as a curtain, giving me a bit of privacy, but my waxer figured otherwise. And thank goodness — I would’ve stood out big time. But even that would be okay; nobody is more accepting than a nudist.

8. It’s usually his idea — at first

Of the dozens of couples I met, only one pair shared that going nude was her idea. But get this: After a twosome had become comfortable in a nudist environment, it was she who was hooked. Total body acceptance is something most women don’t get elsewhere.

7. Nudists don’t look a certain way

Unlike how you can peg a crafter from a record snob from a tech geek, nudists look about as similar to one another as all the people who like caramel.

6. It’s hard to start a conversation with a nudist

Don’t get me wrong — it’s not that they’re not nice. It’s that they’re not wearing T-shirts from Telluride or Lakers jerseys. At first glance, your only commonality is that you’re both naked. So, you find yourself asking and being asked, “Where are you from?” which, as it turns out, is really nice. I travel alone a lot, and people don’t often strike up conversations with me. On the Big Nude Cruise, I found myself laughing everywhere from the elevator to the lunch line for noodles.

5. You don’t have to be a swinger to be a nudist

In fact, the overwhelming majority of folks I met were not swingers. They were wholesome couples looking to add innocent spice to their relationship. My reaction tended toward “aw,” not “ew.” At the end of the cruise, I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or disappointed that I hadn’t been propositioned.

4. People have back-up plans

If the idea of a few days with nudists makes you nervous, know that you’re not alone. I met several people traveling alone for their first nude vacation, and they admitted having formulated emergency strategies (i.e., flying home from the first destination in case they didn’t feel comfortable). When I asked Nancy Tiemann, president of Bare Necessities, about this, she nodded and shared this: “Nobody has ever walked off one of our cruises.”

3. It’s not a free-for-all

There are rules — official and implied — to make everyone more comfortable. An example of an official rule is that body contact isn’t allowed on the nightclub dance floor, and staff will enforce this. An implied rule is one your mother taught you: Staring isn’t polite.

2. Nudists don’t complain

I figured nudists would be like everyone else I meet at resorts: People who pass judgment on the coffee, sheet thread count, etc. In 10 days on a ship with 2,800 passengers, I heard two complaints. Two.

1. Nudists have the key to happiness

It could be that they don’t complain because they’re happier than your average person. A study led by Matthew A. Killingsworth, Ph.D., and Daniel T. Gilbert, Ph.D., revealed that most people aren’t focusing on the present moment 47% of the time. And happiness can only be experienced in the moment. Perhaps the greatest gift of the nude lifestyle is that, with each breeze, with each dip in the hot top or with each mere glance downward, we can’t help but remember to live in the moment.

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