- For years, I've been visiting adult-only resorts where clothing is optional.
- The shock of seeing naked bodies wears off pretty quickly, and body positivity abounds.
- Every time I visit one of these resorts, I am amazed at how good the food and spa treatments are.
In 2017, I was invited with a group of journalists to Temptation Cancun, an adults-only resort with first-class amenities.
Over the course of five days, I ate my weight in guacamole poolside, made lifelong friends, and gradually lost my inhibitions and bikini top.
It was such a positive experience that helped me feel comfortable with my body and build intimate relationships with new people.
Since then, it's a good idea to visit as many sex-loving, unclothed spas as possible. Since then I have taken seven more vacations including Seduction Cancun, Desire Pearl, Desire Maya, Hedonism II and Seduction Cruise.
That's what it's like to party at a sex-positive resort where certain items of clothing are optional.
Each resort has different rules regarding nudity
Although clothing was kept to a minimum, each resort I visited had a slightly different nudity policy.
Some, like Temptation Cancún, are strictly optional, meaning you can go without a bikini in some areas of the resort. Others, such as Desire Pearl and Maya, allow you to be completely naked on the beach or in the pool.
Hedonism II featured the "low" and "bare" sides of a train station in Negril, Jamaica. Stripping to the bare side was mandatory.
Fortunately, on all my trips, people were dressed in the buffet and dining room. But the term "clothing" is vague.
It is not uncommon to see women in transparent mesh dresses, with only a bikini underneath. I even once saw a man at breakfast in a hotel robe.
The only exception I found was Hedonism II, a 24-hour snack bar in a mandatory nudist area. I found naked brave hikers eating hot pizza and chicken at all hours of the day.
Seeing so many naked people in one place is strange at first
I'll never forget the first time I saw a man forcefully applying sunscreen to his genitalia in Hedonism II.
But the shock of seeing so many people doing the usual resort activities of drinking, applying sunscreen and playing table tennis quickly wore off.
Consent and privacy are also important at this type of resort. The places I've visited require each guest to sign a contract agreeing to their "touch before you ask" consent policy.
Photography is prohibited at these resorts, except when close-up selfies or pictures of people are allowed. If you break the rules, you can be evicted from the property.
There is also a common refrain among resort-goers who don't want to dress up: "Nobody knows you and nobody cares."
As long as you are respectful and follow the rules, you can get away with literally anything.
Gender bias is everywhere
From erotic artwork to murals and mannequin legs sticking out of the walls, (often hilarious) sexy decorations are part of the fun at the no-clothes resort.
Often, the furniture in the rooms at these resorts is made of materials that are easy to clean.
Depending on the resort, your room may also have mirrored ceilings (Hedonism II) or erotic wallpaper that gives the impression that other "guests" are in your room (Cancun Seduction).
The stations encourage openness to different sexualities and preferences
It is not uncommon to meet swinger couples or simply discover new sexual activities with other people.
But if that's not your thing, that's okay. As I said, I have found that licensing is a priority at these resorts.
Depending on the location, you may find a "red room" or game room where couples can engage in public sex, group games, and BDSM.
Craft everything you can, but it can all be found in the gift shop
As for the packaging, I was particularly impressed by the fact that the regulars of the station could easily be recognized by the cups. They are often personalized and may include gender-specific nicknames or abbreviations.
But if you're new to shopping for underwear, sex suits, sex toys, or Viagra, you're sure to find what you're looking for in the gift shop.
As with any boutique hotel, the prices are quite high, so it's best to bring your own things from home if possible.
Themed parties, such as Lingerie Night or Angels and Demons Night, are usually held daily after dinner, and almost everyone dresses up in sexy costumes. So be prepared if you want to participate.
The food is pretty good too
Maybe people don't go to hotels where clothing is optional, but I've had some great meals over the years.
My favorites at the moment are the Sea Flirt Breakfast Enchiladas at Temptation Cancun and the Spicy Chicken at Hedonism II.
At Temptation Cancún, couples can also dine at the sophisticated She restaurant, which offers an aphrodisiac couples-only menu and evening pole dancing shows.
The spa offers sensual massages for couples
A spa massage is more expensive and usually includes sensual touch, sex accessories and some "alone" time to bond with your partner, usually in a private bubble bath.
But even if you're not traveling with a partner, you shouldn't sleep in a spa without clothes. They deserve to be bypassed.
I'm especially a fan of the Cancun Temptation massage and hydrotherapy.
I loved the body positivity and incredible community atmosphere of these resorts.
One of the most impactful aspects of this vacation and the reason I keep coming back is the body positivity. It's easy to shake off your insecurities when you see all kinds of people having fun naturally.
Another interesting feature of going to an optional resort is the people I met there. When the clothes are removed, the barriers to conversation also disappear.
It's easy to meet new people in places like this, and I've had many deep, thoughtful conversations with friends who became strangers while I lay naked by the pool.
Optional resorts are not for everyone, but I like the experience. These days, taking off my bikini allowed me to better appreciate my body and experience unforgettable stories.
