Conference moira::naturism

      Several years ago, my wife and I were in Jamaica for a vacation
    at a resort that featured a private island where it was acceptable
    to be nude. At first she and I were both a little apprehensive but
    it took about 30 seconds of walking around and swimming to realize
    that maybe this is the way God intended it to be. Although neither
    of us would consider ourselves to be exhibitionists, there is something
    about being on a warm beach, or in a hot tub, or swimming off the
    boat that makes bathing suits seem kind of silly. 
    
      We are going to St.Maarten this month and I understand that there
    are several beaches that are designated as "clothes optional" and
    not doubt we will be out there on occasion. The term "clothes optional"
    bothers me a little 'cause it is a little uncomfortable to be in
    the nude on a beach amongst others who choose to wear a suit. My
    wife refers to them as the "gawkers"-it would seem to me that "when
    in Rome etc." should apply.
    
        One thing I will never understand is the public attitude in
    the U.S. about women being topless on a beach. Many European countries,
    some in South America, and some islands of the Carribean consider
    it to be normal and acceptable, here a woman could be jailed. I'll
    bet that many women would like that feeling of freedom to go topless
    if only they did not have to put up with some immature clown staring,
    or making lewd comments. 
    
       So take your wife on a vacation where attitudes are such that
    you won't feel conspicuous about nudity on the beach and it may
    surprise her. 
    
    Paul
    

    Thanks.... I am planning a cruise in September for our anniversary.
    I hope to cruise the Carrabian Island. I'll look around to see 
    what there is.
    
    

    Re .1:  I have never been to the Caribbean myself, but if St.
    Maarten is the same as St. Martin, it has Club Orient, a naturist 
    resort which has received unanimously enthusiastic reviews in
    everywhere that I have read.
    
    The problem of clothing-optionality vs gawkers is an awkward
    one (probably worth a separate topic for discussion); many naturists
    feel that requiring nudity is simply substituting one dress code
    for another.
    
    Re .0:  If your wife simply expects that she would feel awkward and
    embarassed, a visit to a truly clothing-optional site, where she
    would feel no compulsion to undress if she didn't want to, might be
    in order.  (I know, I know -- easier said than done in New England.) 
    The non-pressuring experience of nudity is enough for many people
    to realize what a non-issue it really is; and after being around
    naked people for a while, your own state of dress doesn't seem
    so important.
    
    On the other hand, if she simply finds the idea of public nudity
    repellent, then she probably wouldn't appreciate having it pushed
    on her (but gradual exposure to the concept might make it seem
    less horrific).  In that case, I really don't know what to suggest.
    
    	-Neil

    re:3
    
         The island we are talking about are one and the same, Sint
    Maarten (the Dutch side) and St. Martin (the French side). Orient
    Beach is on the French side, and any brochures I have read state
    that nudity on the beaches is not allowed on the Dutch side. It
    is a rather small island so you are never too far from any beach
    you wish to use. The Birnbaums reference book to the Carribean for
    1988 says that on the French side the attitude on the beaches is
    very much like in Guadalupe and Martinique. You are apt to see
    bikinis, mono-kinis, and no-kinis on many of the beaches. There
    are suppose to be numerous beaches where very few people (if any)
    will be around, and you are free to do as you please.
    
      I do sometimes wonder what you would do if you did go nude on
    the beach and someone made off with your clothes. It would seem
    a good idea to keep a change of clothing in the car, just in case.
    Has this ever happened to anyone?
                                                                
    
    Paul
    

    I've been to Club Orient. I didn't get to actually stay there, just
    spent all my time there, when not eating the incredible food on
    the island.
    
    It's wonderful. The beach is on a big bay, about 2 miles of white sand
    and aquamarine water. About half of it is Club Orient. The entire beach
    is clothing optional as far as I know or could tell. And that truly
    means "optional". It doesn't matter. Some people occassionally wore
    sarong-like wraps. A lot of kids in the 8-12ish range tended to wear
    bathing suits, a lot of teens went topless. 
    
    It was very definitely a family type place. Lots of extended families,
    lots of European families have been coming there for years. Easy
    place to meet people, everyone I met was very friendly.
    
    The actual Club is 2 or 4 person bungalows, 2 per unit. These are for
    sale. Owners get 4 or 6 (can't remember) free weeks a year plus some
    sort of discount for more weeks and then the Club management rents it
    out for you.
    
    Can you tell I liked it? ;-)
    
    Tamzen

    Re: 5
    
       Did you get to check out any other beaches while you were there?
    Did you notice that Orient Beach was good for snorkeling, were there
    reefs offshore? My wife and I are going next week, so any info you
    have about the place is appreciated.
    
    Paul 
    

    I went to St. Martin last year and Jamaica the year before. The
    French side of St. Martin (Sint Maarten) has many gorgeous clothing
    optional beaches...my personal favorite was Cupecoy. In Jamaica,
    we stayed at Club Caribbean in Runaway Bay and had a bungalo right
    at the beachfront. Half of the beach was nude and the other half
    was clothed (why can't we do this in the land of the free ?). Both
    Jamaica and St. Martin are nice even if they weren't clothin optional.
    
    Now, to the topic of spouses and friends. The old saying "try it,
    you'll like it" is the best answer. Once a person tries it they usually
    do like it. They may not enjoy it as much as you but at least they may
    understand how it is enjoyable. Do not be pushy. Some may never
    try it and that is their loss.

    Sometimes I wonder if my wife ever would try it. I asked her and
    she said "no way" She also said that she prefer I wouldn't either.
    I don't think she would be able to stop me, were I on a beach with
    clothing optional, but it would make her uneasy. This summer I will
    plan to find a beach near by. I cannot afford to go to those exotic
    places mention yet. 
    Another question; Guys, On you first nuding experience, did you
    find it difficult to stay at ease. That is one of my fears. I may
    not be able to control and get very embarrassed!

    RE: .0 and .8
    
    There's a place near Southbridge (Sturbridge) that you may want
    to try out.  It's called Solair Recreation League.  It is pretty
    much clothing-optional except on the beach/sunning area where you
    must be nude.  The people there are very nice and there are no hassles
    if you wish to leave your clothes on.  It would be a good place
    for a first experience in order that you clear up any myths that
    you may have about a "nudist colony".
    
    I'll post the mailing address and phone number later.
    
    B.

    Before our experience in Yugoslavia we had never been to a naturistcamp
    or beach and I would not suppose my wife would have gone there if
    she knew at forehand.But......
    as we were there she felt save because nobody hassled here or forced
    here.She had to get used to the idea, but now she prefers to go
    rather to Yugoslavia then to Itali for example.
    This is not because of going nude, but she doesn't bother anymore.
    She feels save and has as much fun as the kids and  I have.
    
    Bauke