Top Five Clothing Optional

Travel Destinations

By David West

The best clothing optional travel destinations

for romantic couples, based on price, facilities, atmosphere,

location and overall travel excellence.

1. Desert Shadows Palm Springs, California
Described by USA Today as "The jewel in the crown of nudist resorts,"

Desert Shadows is simply the ultimate clothing-free travel destination

in the world today. Acres of landscaped grounds behind secluded gates

offer panoramic views and immaculate sunshine, and it's all only a mile

 from downtown Palm Springs. While Desert Shadows may not be as decadent

as some other destinations, it's certainly a place where first timers can get comfortable

shedding their skins in front of others - and with the incredible facilities, unbeatable

proximity to Los Angeles, and unbelievably low prices (rooms start at $130 a night),

this landmark tourist resort is a place to sit back, smear on some sunscreen, soak

up the sun, forget about your troubles and enjoy getting back to the way nature intended.

Desert Shadows, quite simply, has it all.

2. Hedonism III Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Some prefer seclusion and simplicity when they plan a romantic getaway.

Others prefer to go somewhere that they can get lost in a crowd and act out

 their wildest fantasies every night. Hedonism III, a 225-room resort devoted

to fulfilling your primal urges, is the perfect place for the latter, building on

the 25-year tradition of excellence set by Hedonism II, and adding a new millennium

 twist that takes it to a whole new level of Roman opulence. Hedonism is all about

getting what you want, when you want it. Everything (and we mean everything) is

 included in the price - food, alcohol, accommodation, you can even have them throw

in a free wedding if you like - and tipping is forbidden, so once you're registered you

really don't need to worry about anything for the rest of your trip. Rooms include

mirrored ceilings, Roman Jacuzzis, the works - and in case you think no tipping means

surly staff, guess again - this chain of luxury resorts has collected awards for best staff

 and service for two years running. Prices start at $450 a night per couple. It's big,

it's awesome, it's clothing free!

3. Caribbean Reef Club Cancun, Mexico
Close enough to the tourist Mecca of Cancun to make travel simple,

 but far enough away from the madding crowds to allow total relaxation,

 the Caribbean Reef Club is much different from the mega-resorts like

Superclubs, because it's limited to 30 suites. The rooms are all spacious,

marble-floored, beachfront facilities, and the dining and sporting facilities

are all amazingly complex for a resort of such an intimate nature. Perhaps

 the best thing about Caribbean Reef Club is it's just as all-inclusive as the

have to go into your pocket for anything again, and it manages to do so

without sacrificing privacy. The perfect place for a romantic getaway, and

 incredible value at just $260 a night per couple, Caribbean Reef Club is

everything a small resort should be - immaculate, relaxing... and clothing optional.

4. Grand Lido Braco North Coast, Jamaica
Offering a private section with 52 rooms and suites in two buildings allows

 'au naturel' guests to enjoy their privacy. Grand Lido Braco has a completely

private nude beach facility that includes the popular Neptune Bar. The resort

also offers the best of the best in amenities, all of which are included in your stay.

 Five dining facilities allow you to dine as casual or formal as you desire.

This resort is one in a chain of three Grand Lido all-inclusive resorts but

is the only one of the three that has a completely separate area for those

who desire a clothes free vacation. Spa facilities, fitness center, water sports,

great food and drinks, nightlife - it's all here for any romantic couple to experience.

Starting at $700 a night per couple in the high season, the Grand Lido Braco is a

 little pricier then some other resorts mentioned but well worth the extra money

 for the added luxury. You may also be able to take advantage of some better

 deals through your travel agent or during low season.

5. Hale Akua Shangri-La Maui, Hawaii
A little more 'new age' than others on the list, Hale Akua Shangri-La's

secluded two acres sits on a 300 foot cliff, overlooking Maui and the surrounding

 waters, not to mention some magnificent ocean sunrises. With full bed and

breakfast, a 60 foot ozonated swimming pool, and staff skilled in yoga, massage,

healing and nature walks, astrology, adventure and oceanic Tantra,

it's hard to believe that rooms at this resort run as low as $55 a night.

Not as high a hedonist ratio as compared to others on the list, but if

learning the art of tantra sex is your thing, there's nowhere better.

Adults Only Travel Guide is packed with information and photos from

over 150 romantic and exotic (and sometimes erotic) travel destinations -

and each listing includes website details, contact information and all the

information you need to know when planning your next getaway.

You'll save endless hours of research. No matter what your taste,

no matter how exotic the fantasy, there's something in the

 Adults Only Travel Guide that will suit you and your partner.

To learn more about this adult travel guide go to Adults Only Travel.