Nakation – France (August 2013)

This August, I spent a fantastic fortnight in France.  After deciding that Barcelona was too expensive for a 4 night break, I looked into alternative holiday destinations.  Thankfully, with the help of a borrowed tent we were able to spend two glorious weeks in France!

Looking for a place to visit (somewhere warm, naturist and not too far from the Port) I delved into my back issues of H&E Magazine, consulted the Bare Beaches handbook and searched online, we chose Euronat.

Despite the longer than expected drive from Calais (with an overnight stop in Tours), Euronat is amazing!

The aforementioned Bare Beaches book describes Euronat as “large and modern, offering camping, caravanning and luxury self-catering chalets.  There are shops, restaurants, a big indoor pool and a spa with sea-water treatments, all set in a pine forest.  It’s a peaceful place much loved by visitors for it’s friendly atmosphere.  A great place to try naked camping.”

Getting to Euronat is quite straight forward.  Take the A10 South before heading into Royan.  Here get the ferry across the Gironde (30 Euro per car one way) to Soulac-Sur-Mer.  In Soulac, take the D101 towards Grayan-et-l’Hopital where you can then follow the signs for Euronat.

Checking-in was a breeze with staff fluent in English.  They do ask for a passport photo of each guest at check in so visitors can have their identification card produced.  If you forget, they have a passport booth on site.  The card’s are used to get access to the indoor swimming pool as well as if you leave the site on bicycles (for your car, you are given a sticker for your windscreen).

Our first impression was how large the site was – it is massive!  Following the signs to our pitch, we found where we were to spend the next fortnight.  We had booked a pitch with electricity that was surrounded by pine trees, close to the sanitary blocks and waste disposal area.  Perfect!

No BBQ’s are allowed on site so fortunately we made full use of our borrowed cooking equipment.

The commercial centre is where the bars, restaurants and shops are located.  Here we hired bikes 7 days (highly recommended) for about 30 Euros each.  Over the course of the fortnight we ate in 3 different restaurants on site:

* Bar-Restaurant L’Oree Des Pins (standard bar food including tasty pizzas, steaks and Grande Biers!)

* El Nino (spanish style tapas)

* Fish Restaurant (probably the best meal we had during the whole fortnight.  A little over-priced but good quality)

We tended to use the on-site deli counter where you could buy cartons of couscous, greek salads, local sausages and good quality Steak Hache – this we took back to the tent and cooked under the stars.

There are 2 or 3 convenience style shops, a newsagents/tobacconist, internet cafe, hairdressers and shops selling beach towels and sarongs.  Two shops worth noting though are the Boulangerie and the Cave.  Open at 7.00am, the Boulangerie was always busy particularly first thing in the morning as visitors stocked up on baguettes, croissants and delicious patisseries.  The Cave, is Euronat’s on site off-license which houses 3 enormous vats of wine where you can pick up a 2 litre bottle of vin for 2 Euros.

A word of warning though – the shops all tend to shut around 1.00pm – 3.00pm so make sure you’re better planned as we were as we got caught out on a couple of occasions!

At night, there was often a live band playing at L’Oree Des Pins or in the main square in a temporary outdoor stage.

Elsewhere on the site there is a Thalassotherapy centre where we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in the spa, sauna and jacuzzi (15 Euros per person for 1/2 a day).

There is also a large indoor pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, sculpture classes, pottery, basketball courts.  The list is endless and certainly provides more than enough to keep people entertained!

The jewel in the crown at Euronat is it’s beach.  Bare Beaches describes it as a “glorious expanse of golden sand”.  The beach is a 10 minute walk from the commercial centre of a 5 minute cycle ride.  The beach is divided into 3 sections – North, Middle and South – all have lifeguards on duty but dogs are restricted to north beach.

Due to the favourable weather, the beach was always packed (particularly where the lifeguards and safe swimming zones located), although a short walk allowed everyone their own bit of space.

When the tide is out the shore-line was full of people flying kids, exploring warm pools and playing bat and ball. A word of warning though, the tide does come in very close to the sand dunes so I’d recommend you pitch up close to the back of the beach as you can.

The beach also has unusual concrete blocks that have been graffitied, but actually make a nice addition.

As with this part of the coast the waves can get quite big so it was no surprise that may visitors to the beach were enjoying the waves either body-boarding or taking part in one of the surf schools.

Also, this west-facing beach also allows visitors to witness the most amazing sunsets – we thoroughly recommend taking a patisserie and a bottle of wine down to the beach, sit back and watch one of nature’s wonders.

There is a fairly relaxed approach to nudity – it is only compulsory in the indoor swimming pool and the spa.  There are signs at the beach although there was some teenagers and females wearing bikini bottoms.  This issue has led to a petition being started by (I assume) regulars of chalet owners at Euronat to campaign to the owners to enforce strict full nudity across the whole site.

I’m not too sure that this is the way forward for Euronat – the place works because it is family friendly, relaxed and people feel comfortable.  I think if nudity was made compulsory, many people would be put off, particularly those with teenagers children and partners who do not want to be naked all the time.  In evening, 99.9% of visitors are fully clothed (it did get quite chilly at night) and to be honest I think that if you go out for a meal then clothes should be worn in the evening.

Overall, Euronat is a fantastic place to enjoy a naturist holiday.  There is a wonderful atmosphere full of people of all ages and walks of life.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

If you have been to Euronat, we’d love to hear your thoughts as well as any views on whether nudity at Euronat should be made compulsory.

Nakation Event – Waterworld 9th March 2013

Some of you may have my post about my first trip to Waterworld back in November 2011, well after missing out for a year (they only take place three times per year), I managed to attend the session on Saturday 9th March.  If you missed the first post, click here.

The session is organised by Wirral Naturists and is a fantastic experience for anyone looking to enjoy the spills and thrills of the ‘UK’s No.1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park’ in the nude!

I attended the session on my own after a friend who was due to attend pulled out at the last minute.  This would have been their first public nude experience and after changing their mind throughout the day, decided that it was too much.  I thought that this was a real shame as the reason behind it was due to a lack of body confidence.  If anything can help with improving your own body confidence, then naturism surely is one of them.  Naturism is a great leveller, and although it can be nerve wracking the first time, the joy of being naked, in company, or on your own is a fantastic feeling.

Once parked up, I was greeted at reception by volunteers from Wirral Naturists which is also the location of the licensed bar area (fully naturist).  Wirral Naturist Club had organised a tombola, whilst British Naturist Society were selling various books, DVDs and car stickers.

Once inside the pool area, there is a wide choice of facilities available including:

* Children’s Aqua Splash Jungle House

* Wild Water Rapids

* Bubble Pool

* Super Flumes

* Space Bowl

* Aqua Assault Course

* Wave Pool

* Poolside Café

At my previous visit, I estimated that there was around 300 – 400 people in attendance.  I think this event there was probably around 200 or so.  Again there was a good mix of genders and ages.

Although a fairly confident person, I do struggle with approaching people to talk to so other than a few nods and smiles, I spent the evening on my own.  In an attempt to meet people, I thought I’d have a drink at the pool side cafe.  However, upon sitting down at a free table and placing down my hot cup of tea, the table came crashing down around me!  With an almighty crash, I was surrounded by bits a plastic, the remains of my tea and the focus of a load of bemused/concerned onlookers.  To be honest, the table incident actually helped as an icebreaker and I was soon chatting to those on the next table!

The Waterworld sessions are great and I thoroughly recommend them to anyone.  If you are interested, click here for the Wirral Naturists website.

FYI – the next one’s in November.  Hope to go again, but this time I’ll be more careful where I put down my drink!

America – August/September – Part 3

After the excess of Burning Man, we were ready for a few days rest before ending our holiday in San Francisco, so we stayed two nights at the gorgeous Lake Tahoe, home of our third and final naked adventure.

We stayed at Zephyr Cove RV Campground in South Lake Tahoe.  It is a lovely spot, just across the road from the lake itself, with good shower/toilet facilities.  We did feel a little under-equiped as we parked up alongside 35 foot RVs (especially one covered in Playa Dust!).  At using the showers, we had a meal in the restaurant next to the campground before falling asleep listening out for bears in the woods!

After a good nights sleep (we were so, so tired!), it was time to check out the local nudist beach.

Secret Cove, Lake Tahoe

I’d spent a bit of time researching where the exact location of this beach is but too be honest none could help me locate the exact spot.  I think that the name of the cove changes depending on which website you read (some call it Secret Beach, some Secret Cove, some Paradise Cove, etc).  What I can say is that it is definitely called Secret Cove and it is gorgeous!

Directions

In terms of directions, we took the Interstate 50 north from Zephyr Cove, then turned north up the Interstate 28 towards North Lake Tahoe.  About 5km along this road, you’ll come to a line a cars parked on the left hand side before arriving at Chimney Beach Parking Lot on the left (with a small overspill on the right).  I knew that Chimney Beach was too far north, so we turned round here and parked up with the others cars that we had just past.  Here we spotted a path going down towards the Lake.  Taking a right (North) we picked a more well-trodden path and soon came across a sign for Secret Cove.

Beach

After following the path for a further 10 minutes or so we were greeted by the view of the cove.  I don’t think that the pictures can do it justice – it is amazing.  Crystal-clear waters, soft sand/shingle beach, pine trees – everything about this place was picturesque.

The actual beach is quite small, meaning that the 50 or so people there are quite close together.  Some may find this a bit uncomfortable – especially given American’s way of constantly talking to you – it certainly was different to the more quieter beaches we’ve experienced in Portugal and Spain.

There was a good mix of people on the beach – mostly couples and families, some older single men, people relaxing after Burning Man, small group of gay men (located further south along the beach) as well as a small group of young girls (who seemed to be trying naturism for the first-time.  They actually commented that this was their Burning Man – if only they knew!).  Everyone was really friendly – we were offered some melon from a fellow beach goer.

The water was really refreshing, given the heat of the mid-day sun and it was really nice not to feel all salty after you normally feel after a day at the beach.

I think this is my favourite beach I’ve ever been to – certainly a 10/10.

If any of you have been here, we’d love to hear from you!

 

America – August/September 2012 – Part 1

Apologies for the delay in posting recently, been very busy as well as suffering from post-holiday blues!  Having saved up for months and months, me and my amazing wife went on holiday to America.  I won’t bore you all with how fantastic it was (it really was fantastic!), instead I’ll focus on the naked adventures we had:

 

Living Waters Spa, Desert Hot Springs

After checking out Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon we picked up our hire car and drove West towards Los Angeles (via an overnight stop at Living Waters Spa).

When booking the accommodation (email, couple of telephone calls) we were sent our booking confirmation with a note at the bottom that said ‘no check-in after 5.00pm’.  At the time of booking we thought nothing of this and it was only as we were still an hour away from our destination (at about 4.30pm) that we thought anything of it.

Surely there would be someone there to let us in?

How can they say no check-in after 5.00pm?

What if you arrive on a late flight?

Arriving at 5.30pm excited at the prospect of enjoying the ‘award winning European-style clothing optional spa’ we were greeted by a locked door.  No sign, no note, nothing.  Having knocked on every door we could find, we started to panic.  The sun was going down and we had nowhere to stay.  Fortunately, we found a public payphone at a local supermarket (where, incidentally, they sold the biggest sandwiches I’ve ever seen!) and managed to get hold on a member of staff.  After explaining why we were late we arranged to meet back at Living Waters to check in – it felt like being back at school again!

We were shown to our en-suite room (with fridge and microwave) and left to get on with it, before heading back to the supermarket to pick up food for the evening.

Back at the motel and with the food and wine flowing, we were able to relax at this lovely place.  The view from the motel is amazing, especially at dusk.  There were two other couples booked in but they were both out for the evening so it felt like the whole place was ours – total bliss!  Enjoying the pool and hot tub whilst looking up at the stars was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.

After a good nights sleep (the 10 hour round trip to the Grand Canyon really takes it out of you!), we made our way to the breakfast room.  A selection of cereals and bagels was available as well as a help-yourself-as-much-as-you-want range of beverages through-out the day.

In the heat of the sun, we sat and read, took leisurely swims, sat in the mineral-fed hot tub and watched a hummingbird feeding from the plants in and around the pool.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place, just remember to turn up on time!

For more information, click here

 

** Photography is not allowed inside the motel, but I had to sneak a couple for this blog!**

 

Nakation Events – Naturist Swim

On Friday night I went to my first naturist swim at Levenshulme swimming baths.  The event was organised by the people behind Naked Vegan Cooking who had booked the second pool and access to the steamroom/sauna.

Levenshulme Swimming Baths were built in the late 19th century and was formerly called “Levenshulme Public Baths and Washhouse” as it also housed the public washhouse at the side.  In the late 1920s and early 1930s Levenshulme Baths was used as a training pool for Longsight resident Sunny Lowry, who, in 1933, was the first British woman to swim the English Channel (from France to England).

In April 2008 the Manchester Evening News reported an ‘outrage’ by local mothers, over Levenshulme Baths hiring one of their two pools to a private naturist group Naked Swim one night a week.  The criticism, with homophobic undertones, created an unprecedented amount of discussion on the Manchester Evening News website much of it in support of the male-only naturist group.

We were asked to get there for 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.  When I arrived, there was a group of around 20 people waiting on the steps to get in.  Once the lifeguard turned up, we paid Jess and in we went.  Given the date of the building, the facilities are ok with changing cubicles located around the side of the pool.  The majority of people their were male (probably around 70/30 males to females) with a fairly broad mix of ages.  Although I didn’t try the sauna/steam room (non-naturist), the session was very relaxing and would definitely recommend it – by 9.00pm I didn’t want to leave!

Nakation News – My Daughter The Teenage Nudist

On Thursday night, Channel 4 screened a documentary entitled ‘My Daughter The Teenage Nudist’.

The programme explored the growing group of teens and twentysomethings embracing the world of public nudity.  In addition to their quest to normalise nudity, question the media’s obsession with the body beautiful, and encourage other young people to liberate themselves, it was interesting to see the Young British Naturist Officer trying to recruit younger members to the British Naturist Society.  I think that most young people are simply keen to have fun, spontaneous approach to nudity rather than joining the seemingly old fashioned naturist clubs.

Click here for a link to the documentary.

If any of you are interested in going on a holiday or a beach where you can enjoy the delights of stripping off, please check out my other posts!

Nakation Event – Naturist Swim

There is a new clothing-optional swim at Levenshulme swimming baths on Monday 28th of November, 8pm to 9pm

£3 entry (please arrive before 8.00pm)

Under 30’s are especially welcome!

The event is being organised by Students As Naturists (SANS).  Click here and here for more information.

I’ll be going so keep checking for a review or maybe see you there!

Nakation Event – Waterworld 12th Nov, 2011

Would you like to sample the thrills and spills of the water slides at the ‘UK’s No.1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park’ in the nude? If you do, I wouldn’t blame you!

Last night I visited my first naturist swim at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent which is organised by Wirral Naturist Club.

Upon arrival at Waterworld, security staff check tickets at the entrance to the car park (which was more or less full).  Once through the first door, the second set are covered in plastic sheeting to provide privacy for those inside.

Once inside I was greeted by a friendly receptionist in the reception/licensed bar area (fully naturist).  Wirral Naturist Club had organised a tombola, whilst British Naturist Society were selling various books, DVDs and car stickers.

The changing rooms were busy and all the working lockers appeared to have been taken – it took me about 15 minutes of moving my stuff into 4 different lockers before finding one that worked!

Once inside the pool area, there is a wide choice of facilities available including:

* Children’s Aqua Splash Jungle House

* Wild Water Rapids

* Bubble Pool

* Super Flumes

* Space Bowl

* Aqua Assault Course

* Wave Pool

* Poolside Café

There was around 300 – 400 people in attendance with a good mix of genders and ages and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going.

The next event is taking place on Saturday 17th March – for more details see the Wirral Naturist Club website. Maybe see you there!

If any of you have been here, we’d love to hear from you!

Barcelona – the perfect nakation?

I know that public nudity is now banned in Barcelona, but given the number of fantastic naturist beaches within close proximity, I wondered whether Barcelona is the best place to go for the perfect nakation?

Let me know what you think.

Here’s what Barcelona has to offer naked traveller:

1. Playa de las Rocas

This beach located just west of Calella’s main town beach has several coves where nudists.

Click here for some photos showing the coves and the town’s main beach.

See map below for location.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.607004,2.644848&num=1&vpsrc=0&sll=41.608865,2.646782&sspn=0.009434,0.0156&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&ll=41.607693,2.645988&output=embed
View Larger Map

2. Platja de la Musclera

This popular beach is located to the north of Barcelona in Arens de Mar.  The beach is just off the coastal highway N-II therefore access is easy.  Car parking provided.

The fantastic Bare Beaches book describes the beach as the following:

“A well managed official naturist beach of clean fine-grain sand, looked after by the local authority.  Popular with families, young people and male groups.  Care required when swimming – steeply shelving shore with some submerged rocks.”

The beach is located between Arenys de Mar and Caldes d’Estrac and easily reached by the train from Barcelona.

Train –

The rail journey from Barcelona is 35 minutes; get off the train at Caldes and it’s a 10 minute walk along the promenade towards Arenys, by the Restaurant Hispania and the sailing club.  The nude beach is clearly signposted.

Road –

Take the N11 along the coast for 37km north-east of Barcelona and turn for the beach by the km-marker 655.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.571681,2.5361&num=1&vpsrc=0&sll=41.573848,2.537863&sspn=0.009439,0.0156&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&ll=41.573848,2.537863&output=embed
View Larger Map

3. Playa de la Mar Bella

Just a few kilometers from Barcelona’s central square, this may well be the most urban nude beach in the world.  This beach is almost always very crowded, and nudists are almost always a rather small minority even though nudity is perfectly acceptable.

Bare Beaches describes the beach as:

“Swimming is good but steer clear of the breakwater.  It has bars, showers, toilets, children’s play areas, parking, disabled access, lifeguards and safe drinking water.

Location –

The beach is next to the Mar Bella sports centre at Villa Olimpica, 1km north of the marina and 2km from the Christopher Columbus statue in the city centre.  Nearest metro stations are: Poblenou (line IV); or Selva de Mar (line IV).  Buses 36, 71 and 141.

See link for map of the beach

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.398188,2.211746&num=1&vpsrc=0&sll=41.398284,2.211041&sspn=0.009464,0.0156&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&ll=41.398284,2.211041&output=embed
View Larger Map

4. Playa de Sant Sebastià (Barceloneta)

Playa de Sant Sebastia lies at the southern end of Barceloneta and is covered in golden sand and is 1.1 km long.

Playa de Sant Sebastia offers everything that you can expect from a city beach: showers, toilets, lifeguard stations, etc.  The beach has a high number of local visitors plus Barcelona’s surf community meets here when the swell is good.

The nudist area is at the southern end of the beach.

See link below for map of the beach

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.372107,2.189301&num=1&vpsrc=0&sll=41.372848,2.189026&sspn=0.009468,0.0156&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&ll=41.372848,2.189026&output=embed
View Larger Map

In addition to the above beaches, there are also weekend naturist sessions at Bernat Picornell Olympic pool.  Click here for details.

If any of you have been to these beaches we would love to here from you.

We are planning a trip to Barcelona next year and are looking for any nudist-friendly properties that we could stay in.  If anyone has any ideas please let us know!