Search results for "beaches"

Menjangan Island-the name means "deer"-hangs just offshore of the mountainous point in far northwestern Bali. Because the island is in a protected position, currents and wind-generate waves are rarely a bother, and the reefs here offer fine diving, particularly for beginning and intermediate divers. Occasionally, the water can be crystal clear-a snorkeler, distinct, 50 meters above you-and the rest of the time visibility seldom drops to less than 25 meters.The island is part of Bali Barat National Park, a protected reserve area that encompasses much of Bali's little-populated western end. ...

Location: France What's Cool: Taking an au naturel sculpture class ----------------------------------------- Travelers looking for an authentic nude beach experience should go to Centre Hélio Montalivet, the birthplace of the international naturist movement. Established in 1950, this nude beach resort on France's Atlantic Coast provides a safe and legal wilderness setting for nudists and their families. Within the complex are more than 1,800 camp sites, 172 bungalows, shops and facilities for art classes, yoga, soccer and more. No other nude beach or camp on earth rivals Mont...

Location: Jamaica What's Cool: Sipping on a well-dressed tropical drink in the buff ----------------------------------------- The site for nude novices is the Couples Resort in Ocho Rios, a popular Jamaican port-of-call. A unique feature at the romantic, all-inclusive spot is a private, au naturel island approximately 200 yards offshore where playful pairs can enjoy a day of nudity. Located on the island is a pool, cozy nooks for lounging, a cabana bar and, of course, a pristine beach. Although the rest of the complex has a dress code, Couples is the ideal resort for letting loose year-...

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia What's Cool: Browsing hand-made crafts on Vendors' Row ----------------------------------------- Named for a hulking, wrecked vessel that once sat on the sand, Wreck Beach is the shore of choice for Vancouver students. Just several hundred steps below the University of British Columbia, the three-mile-long beach is a wildlife and nesting area for both bald eagles and bald bodies. Other sections of the beach assume a more carnival-like atmosphere. One stretch on the beach known as Vendors' Row is a one-stop shop for souvenirs, refreshments an...

Location: Australia What's Cool: The annual Nude Olympics ----------------------------------------- Relaxed and lively is the only way to describe Samurai Beach, which backs up onto Bardot's Clothing Optional Resort in Port Stephens. On this half-mile stretch of white sand, nudists let it all hang out while taking part in volleyball, tug-of-war and Frisbee. As one of the sportiest nude beaches worldwide, it is only appropriate that Samurai Beach hosts the annual Nude Olympics every November. Events include the Nude Torch Relay, Nude Surfing and the Nude Beach Girl and Guy Competitio...

Location: Negril, Jamaica What's Cool: Anything-goes toga party on Thursday nights ----------------------------------------- Unlike most other nude beaches, Hedonism II promotes a freewheeling and indulgent naturist experience for playful singles and couples. Located in Negril, Jamaica's famous seven-mile white sand beach, the all-inclusive resort is divided into "nude" and "prude" sections, with separate facilities for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball and more. Clothing is optional, however, throughout the entire complex. Visitors can expect to find vast spreads of food and drink, ...

Location: Brazil What's Cool: Less-developed and more pristine than nearby beaches ----------------------------------------- Although the barely-there, dental-floss bikini debuted here, nude beaches in Brazil are somewhat rare. However, naturism has caught on in some parts of the country, including Praia do Pinho (a.k.a. Pinho Beach), located in the southern state of Santa Catarina. Pinho opened in 1987 as the first sanctioned au naturel beach, and nudists who frequent this area make a point of saying "clothing is not an option" despite the strand's official description as clothing-...

Location: Crete, Greece What's Cool: Hiking the beach's rocky outcrops ----------------------------------------- With its cobalt blue waters, sun-bleached cottages, ancient ruins and red sandstone cliffs, Crete's Red Beach is picturesque to say the least. Made famous in 1968 when hippies from across Europe flocked to its shores, the resort at Red Beach has remained a naturist favorite for its rustic charm and its tolerance (nudity is allowed everywhere except the dining room). Visitors to Red Beach will find the area's ancient caves interesting, as well as sunken bits of his...

Location: Florida What's Cool: Participating in organized events, such as "Nude New Year's" ----------------------------------------- Just north of Miami lies one of the few county-run and government-sanctioned clothing-optional beaches in the United States. For years Haulover Beach, part of the city of Sunny Isles, has been a haven for naturists from South Florida as well as snowbirds from Canada and Europe. Visitors to Haulover also enjoy many of the amenities associated with regular beaches. Thanks to the efforts of the South Florida Free Beach Association, this beach has certifi...

A nude beach in Santa Cruz seems fitting, given the area's tolerant, bohemian lifestyle. Just six miles north of the city, the private Red, White and Blue Beach has been the choice of Bay area naturists for more than 30 years. And, because the area is privately owned, visitors are welcome to cook, play and even park their cars in the buff. Recreation options at Red, White and Blue Beach include volleyball, whale watching (in the spring) and overnight camping.