Spice it up at adults-only resorts

[NakedGary]

www.canoe.com (http://www.canoe.com) Travel

http://www.canoe.ca/Travel/Activities/Romantic/2007/05/17/5248266.html

Spice it up at adults-only resorts

By Lena Katz - Click by Lavalife (http://www.click.lavalife.com/)

http://travel.canoe.ca/Travel/Images/btn_review.gif (http://www.reviewblue.com/Reviews/?cpnAdId=1071/)

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More resorts are beginning to bill themselves as an adults-only getaway. (Comstock)




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Afternoon poolside naps. Au naturel sunbathing. Romantic evenings. Quiet mornings. (Actually, make that quiet everything.) For singles or childless couples, there are countless reasons to choose an adults-only getaway.
And more and more resorts are beginning to bill themselves this way.
Typically it's a way for places to guarantee that their guests will get as much R&R (that's ROMANCE and relaxation) as they want, without the distractions or noise that kids automatically bring to the table. Some resorts don't advertise it, like the lovely, serene Ceiba del Mar on the Riviera Maya, <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Mexico</ST1:PLACE></ST1:COUNTRY-REGION>. But it's company policy at Ceiba not to allow children at their resort. And once you've been to the property and seen the quiet grounds, the slumberous poolside and pristine beach, you'll immediately see why kids wouldn't be happy here -- and why lovey-dovey twosomes will feel as though the place was made for them.
Other resorts brand themselves as couples-only resorts from the outset, and don't leave any room for doubt about what kind of experience their guests might have. Couples Resort was the first company to try this approach back in 1978. There are now four Couples Resorts in <ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on">Jamaica</ST1:COUNTRY-REGION>, and plenty of copycats in the Caribbean and <ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Mexico</ST1:PLACE></ST1:COUNTRY-REGION>. Couples' primary goal is "to create emotional connections" -- in fact, it's on their mission statement. This makes it a great choice for dating twosomes who are looking to strengthen the bond.

"We offer a laidback, romantic environment to renew love and meet new friends with the same mentality," says Randy Russell, the Chief Romance Officer at Couples. Russell actually came up with his own title years ago as a way to reinforce the Couples philosophy even at the corporate level. And the philosophy is a winner, as a glance at the Couples message boards proves. Russell estimates that the boards get a thousand posts a day.
"It's all about getting involved in people's lives and making things special for them," he says. Russell himself has helped plan countless surprise getaways, including more than a few marriage proposals.
Many all-ages resorts have begun to offer grownup getaway packages to meet consumer demand. A lot of these properties are very high-end and don't get a lot of kids anyway, which makes it easy for them to switch into adults-only mode on special occasions. Cambridge Beaches on the western <ST1:PLACE w:st="on"><ST1:PLACETYPE w:st="on">peninsula</ST1:PLACETYPE> of <ST1:PLACENAME w:st="on">Bermuda</ST1:PLACENAME></ST1:PLACE> is one such place. With five private beaches, a private marina, a European-style spa, and Atlantic-facing plunge pool suites (the only ones on <ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Bermuda</ST1:PLACE>), this luxury resort encourages an adults-only atmosphere, though it doesn't exclude families.
To celebrate the opening of its new tiered infinity pool, Cambridge Beaches put together a Pool & Play package with all kinds of grownup activities including an outdoor couples' massage and a candlelight bath with a private butler. This place is always coming up with fun stuff for twosomes: on Valentine's Day, it offered an Intro to Tantra package.
In a recent story, we covered a few resorts that are bringing sexy back, millennium-style. Desire in <ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Mexico</ST1:PLACE></ST1:COUNTRY-REGION> is one such place -- it seductively hints at hi-jinks in the hot tub and naughty adult adventures in the clubs at night. Though the scene in the lobby and on the public beach is sedate, it switches to bare-naked and frisky by the pool. The scene isn't Girls Gone Wild, though -- when last we looked, the average age at Desire appeared to be 40-something.
As for the most notorious name in the "adult fun" (yes, this is a euphemism for "swinger") sector...well, Hedonism is still going strong in <ST1:PLACE w:st="on"><ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on">Jamaica</ST1:COUNTRY-REGION></ST1:PLACE>. This SuperClubs mini-chain made a name for itself back in the '80s, and its own particular brand of decadence (toga parties, male stripper competitions, singles mixers, Tantra packages) continues to be a hit. Hedonism is an all-inclusive property, but offers different levels of decadence according to what package you pick.
One concept that intrigues people as much as it confuses them is the nudist getaway. Nudism may seem racy just because we're culturally attuned to equate nudism with sex -- but in fact, it's actually a lifestyle choice. Do not make the mistake of thinking all nudist clubs are for swingers. As a quick glance at the American Association of Nude Recreation site will show you (see www.aanr.com (http://www.aanr.com)), that's far from the case. Many are for families.
That said, some of the AANR clubs have begun to cater more to singles.
"A lot of the clubs are having singles weekends now. They'll promote it and have up to 100 people," says Carolyn Hawkins of the AANR. She explains that usually, event attendees are pre-screened, and that a lot of the clubs take steps to ensure an even male-female ratio. This is a huge bonus for women who enjoy the nudist lifestyle (or just want to try it), but hate the male "gawkers" that typically spoil the nude beach experience.
Nude cruises have turned out to be a very popular concept among singles, according to Hawkins. Cruises draw upward of 1,500 people and tend to be adults-only. Though couples account for about 60 per cent of the attendees, there are still plenty of singles -- mostly in the 45-65 age range. There are also lots of planned activities and mixers just for singles.
"One of my best friends met someone on a singles cruise about five years ago, ended up getting married two years later, and went back on the cruise as their honeymoon," says Hawkins.
And what, you and a zillion other people would like to know, is the appeal of bare-naked dating?
"You strip away the clothing and the façade, and you get to know that person for who they really are," says Hawkins, a lifestyle nudist. She adds that the experience tends to be "very stress-free. "It's usually the man who wants to go the first time, and the woman who wants to come back."

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This story was posted on Thu, April 10, 2008

[G I Joe]

Thanks for sharing this great article!

[JeepNude]

More swingers action... Just what we don't need. Swingers are what the textiles think of when they hear the words 'Nudist Resort'. The more it happens, the more they are proven right.

Heck, Laguna Del Sol has become known as a swingers destination, though the club denies it with a wink and a nod. I am becoming very disenchanted with the whole thing. I wish the AANR or TNS would publicly denounce swinging at nudist clubs, but they won't. It makes me sick.

However, keep in mind, this is just my opinion. I respect everyone's opinion, even if I do not agree.

[NakedGary]

JeepNude,

JeepNude
Heck, Laguna Del Sol has become known as a swingers destination, though the club denies it with a wink and a nod. I am becoming very disenchanted with the whole thing. I wish the AANR or TNS would publicly denounce swinging at nudist clubs, but they won't. It makes me sick.

JeepNude, I don't know where you got or heard your information of Laguna Del Sol as being a swingers destination. I have been a member there for years, and haven't heard, seen any swinger activity in common areas or at the clubhouse or lounge.

Actually the management, staff, owners, and security are very strict about inappropriate nudist conduct, comments or gawking, or alcohol abuse, and one can get reprimanded, put on probation or thrown out very easily.

One of the owner is the president of TANR the Trade Association of Nude Recreation, and several residents are AANR board members, and AANR government affairs representatives.

If one is to promote, or arrange swinging in the common or public areas of the resort, Laguna Del Sol is the wrong resort to attempt that as one would be reported or turned in quickly and asked to leave or thrown out if they were a member.

I thought the article was an accurate report and good article about clubs who offer all inclusive get away packages for adult couples who want to be by them selves or socialize without the kids, pets, and need to baby sit if they have children.

As the article quotes:

Nudism may seem racy just because we're culturally attuned to equate nudism with sex -- but in fact, it's actually a lifestyle choice.

Do not make the mistake of thinking all nudist clubs are for swingers. As a quick glance at the American Association of Nude Recreation site will show you (see www.aanr.com (http://www.aanr.com/)), that's far from the case. Many are for families.


Unless you have personal knowledge, been approached, or reported actual sexual or swinging inappropriateness or activities at this resort, I think comments like yours perpetrates rumors and gossip which are far from the fact that Laguna Del Sol is one the nicest resorts with beautiful grounds, and best run and managed resorts domestically bar none, and is considered a world class destination.

Laguna Del Sol is the largest membership clothesfree resort in California, with DeAnza Springs being the largest nudist resort in grounds area in California.

[Croydon]

More swingers action... Just what we don't need. Swingers are what the textiles think of when they hear the words 'Nudist Resort'. The more it happens, the more they are proven right.

Heck, Laguna Del Sol has become known as a swingers destination, though the club denies it with a wink and a nod. I am becoming very disenchanted with the whole thing. I wish the AANR or TNS would publicly denounce swinging at nudist clubs, but they won't. It makes me sick.

However, keep in mind, this is just my opinion. I respect everyone's opinion, even if I do not agree.

Did you actually READ the above article or are you talking out of your ***, like you always do?

Nowhere in the article was swinging promoted. In fact, the article went as far as saying that it is a misconception to think nude resorts are swinging locations.

I think there is nothing wrong with couples wishing to go on vacation together and without children. Furthermore, there's nothing wrong with resorts catering to them. Such resorts do not automatically scream swinging.

As for Laguna Del Sol? I'm willing to bet a lot of money that you have never been to the resort. I am pretty sure your accusation that LDS is a swinging location is based on what you "heard" or "read" online. In your case, probably what you "heard" from you online nudist friend John, whose other online friend Mike, who has a friend Bob and Mary, who have a friend at their local nudist resort, Suzie and Joe, who went to LDS and think they saw swinging action.

[JeepNude]

Hi Gary.

I agree with you, the resort has one of the best facilities around. Although, I sorta miss Brian and the old restaurant. But the new one is very nice too. Yes, we have been 'approached' many times at the resort. My wife reported it once to Steve and was told that she should just avoid those people from now on.

In fact, a few years ago when we were staying at the resort for weeks at a time, it was common knowledge that the park model homes on the North West side of the lake was the 'swingers area'. Lots of people with butterfly tattoos, etc., which we were told was a swinger 'sign' of some sort for that crowd.

Further fact, when I approached Wayne about it once, he just laughed it off and said he knew, but they don't seem to bother anyone, they were 'harmless'.

When Steve's ex-wife was there, she kept the clamps down pretty tight. However, after she left, that is when we started seeing a lot of it.

Lastly, when my wife and I were at Glen Eden last time (we go once a year), we were asked by some people in the hottub one night if Laguna was still full of swingers, as even they had heard that it was a swinger hot spot. Then, to seal the deal, for Mothers day last year, we took my mom to breakfast and the next table over was a swingers' group planning their trip to Laguna Del Sol! We overheard them going over their plans for a 'Wesson Oil Party' as they called it at one of the LDS park model homes mentioned earlier. I don't even want to know...

I have no problem ignoring it or just saying 'no'. but my wife is very sensitive to behavior like that. Remember, she was not a nudist all her life like I was. She is still getting her 'feet wet' in many ways, and each time something like that would happen, she refused to go to the club for months. Finally, I just got so tired of spending all the money and only going once every 2 months, we just ended up letting our gold membership drop. Now, we go to LDS maybe twice or 3 times a year to catch up with friends we still have there. My dad doesn't have a place there anymore either.

Next time I go out to LDS, I will make an effort to meet up with you to discuss in person. I believe that discussing here will only bring more attacks on me by those who are misinformed and make false assumptions about my honesty.

[JeepNude]

Did you actually READ the above article or are you talking out of your ***, like you always do?

Nowhere in the article was swinging promoted. In fact, the article went as far as saying that it is a misconception to think nude resorts are swinging locations.

Read it again. I quote-

"As for the most notorious name in the "adult fun" (yes, this is a euphemism for "swinger") sector...well, Hedonism is still going strong in Jamaica. This SuperClubs mini-chain made a name for itself back in the '80s, and its own particular brand of decadence (toga parties, male stripper competitions, singles mixers, Tantra packages) continues to be a hit. "

Hedonism caters to swingers. I believe you owe me a big apology for being rude and disrespectful. I respect you, why do you disrespect me?

[NakedGary]

The topic of this article was international resorts where couples can Spice it up not necessarily swing it up. The Hedonism's and super clubs are well known who they attract and cater to as the article says.

This topic thread is being closed to further posts, as it has gone from an article mentioning international adult couples nude get-away resorts to rumored domestic resorts who cater to swingers.

All I have heard is gossip, rumors, and assumptions. I highly doubt LdS has housing areas set aside for swinger residences, and there is many or lots of people, members, guest or residents with butterfly tattoo's signifying they are soliciting swingers.

The resort at discussion does not condone swinger activity or solicitation in any of the public areas, wet areas, buildings, facilities, or grounds of the resort.

Any resort nude or textile which has 1,500 - 2,000 members and hundreds of residents is considered a small community. In any community a certain small fraction will be minorities of various life styles, genders and orientations as singles, couples and those sharing expenses. This fact does not make a resort or place a swingers community or one that caters to them. Just like in a textile community what goes on in private hotels, rooms, rentals, or residences is just that Private, and no one else's business.

It seems that a few in this topic thread want to make gossip, rumors, and assumptions about swinging everyones business. I suggest you do that some other place.