Thursday, May 15, 2008

A great alternative to Hedo or Desire




In the world of travel in the buff, certain resorts come immediately to mind when thinking of nudist-friendly tropical vacations. The Hedonism II and III resorts in Jamaica (at opposite ends of the island, and opposite ends of the luxury spectrum as well) and Desire, just south of Cancun, are probably the best known resorts. However, they’re not right for everyone.

I’ve been asked if there are any resorts where you can go nude but never have to see anyone “in flagrante delicto.” The Hedo resorts and Desire are obviously popular (Hedo II has a 90% repeat guest rate, for example), it's just that there are some nudists out there who want the "au naturel" vacation experience without the "naughtiness" of Hedo or even Desire.

I recently found two resorts in Jamaica that fit the bill for a luxury nude (or mostly nude) vacation. Both Grand Lido resorts, part of the same SuperClubs chain that owns the Hedo resorts, have extensive “au naturel” beach areas and facilities. I would heartily recommend either one of them to the casual or reluctant nudist, or to the naturist/nudist that wants to avoid any element of sexuality within their own resort.

Grand Lido Negril is literally across the street from Hedo II. The atmosphere of the two resorts could not be more different. Grand Lido caters to an upscale crowd, newlyweds, and many European vacationers who want an au naturel experience as part of their vacation. Grand Lido Negril is a five-star, AAA four-diamond resort with a “nude” and a “prude” side. The prude side has the better beach, but the nude side is quite comfortable and provides lots of facilities for the nudist vacationer. With two buildings of rooms that face the nude beach, you can book a ground-floor room that will allow you to walk out of your room and into the pool, Jacuzzi or beach area in the buff. The nude beach is totally separate from the rest of the resort, so there are no gawkers casually strolling by to take a look. There are signs clearly marking the nude area (which strangely enough can be seen from one of the wedding gazebos on the property!). The resort is adults-only, so if you are uncomfortable with being nude around minors, no worries here.


The “prude” facilities at Grand Lido Negril are extensive. Five restaurants, all water sports, 24-hour room service, and a stocked mini-bar are all part of the “super-inclusive” plan. The plan, of course, includes all meals, but also includes premium liquors at all the bars, including the bar at the nude pool area. Reservations are required in the French, continental cuisine, Japanese and Italian restaurants, but you can eat at any of them as many times as you wish on your vacation.

Grand Lido Braco is another resort with excellent au naturel facilities. Located off of the new “super highway” about an hour from the Montego Bay Airport, this resort is designed to look like a 19th Century Jamaican village, and has a very homey, yet luxurious, feel to it. Like its sister in Negril, it is a five-star, AAA four-diamond resort. The nude side of this resort is even more extensive than at Grand Lido Negril. With a large pool, swim-up bar, snack bar area, Jacuzzi and, of course, an extensive beach, you may feel you never need to visit the rest of the resort. However, you would be missing out on fine dining, water sports and the other “super inclusive” amenities as described for Negril. Grand Lido Braco also boasts a 9-hole golf course (clothing NOT optional) and access to the Runaway Bay 18-hole course. There is no charge for greens fees, but caddies are required. Did I mention that there are two tennis courts in the nude area where you can play in the buff (tennis shoes required though!)?

Fall travel rates for these resorts (for stays before December 15th, 2008) are more reasonable than one might expect. Braco’s base rate is $189 per person per night, and Negril’s rate is $204 per person per night. SuperClubs is also running a “Fab5 for Fall” promotion offering various upgrades, including a single supplement, room upgrade and spa treatments, each for only $5. If you’re looking for a Caribbean vacation, honeymoon, reunion or even wedding (where you could invite both nudist and non-nudist friends and family at the same time!), these are certainly two excellent resorts to consider.

* For more information about the resorts, contact Michelle at Escape to the Sun Travel at 813 435-6898. The author is not affiliated with the SuperClubs Resorts. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author. Prices quoted are subject to change or cancellation with notice.

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