9 Tips for Visiting Your First Clothing-Optional Resort

The most important thing to remember before your first visit to a clothing-optional resort is to be open-minded. Get out of your comfort zone and leave the judgments at home. Even if you're nervous about completely stripping down, be open to au naturel sunbathing and pool volleyball, as well as more sensuous nighttime activities like risqué performances or nightclub parties.

When picking a hotel, you'll want to first know whether the property and its facilities are clothing-optional, clothing-required, or nude-only. Clothing-optional resorts generally allow guests to don clothes or go in the buff nearly everywhere, allowing travelers to choose their comfort level. The only area where clothing is typically required is at restaurants for hygiene purposes. On the other hand, some resorts have nude-only areas, so if you think you'll want to wear a bathing suit, skip these properties.

Secondly, some resorts are couples-only, and others permit solo travelers and groups, so pick whichever appeals to you most. For instance, the Desire Riviera Maya Resort is for couples only, while Hedonism II in Jamaica attracts groups, couples, and singles.

Certainly the sight of numerous naked bodies will be jarring at first, but try not to gawk. No need to keep your eyes peeled to the ground or the sky, but avoid staring at people's bodies. After a few hours, the novelty will likely wear off and you won't feel compelled to get a good look anyway. Plus, most guests at clothing-optional properties are repeat visitors, so their nonchalant attitude will likely rub off on you.

The standard procedure at clothing-optional resorts is to always have a towel on hand, so you can put it on a chair or lounger before sitting down, both for comfort and hygiene purposes. Check if you need to pack your own or if there will be towels available at the resort.

Whether at a couples-only property or not, you'll likely run into guests looking to have some adult fun with other travelers. Swingers are a common demographic at clothing-optional properties, and singles are often looking for like-minded individuals at hotels like Hedonism II. Fortunately, resorts generally make guests sign a waiver upon check-in that stresses "No means no." So, regardless if you're doing the asking or are being asked about engaging in sexual behavior, remember that no means no.

Although the atmosphere at clothing-optional resorts is more relaxed than most hotels, don't expect public sex to be okay. Most resorts have a strict no-public-sex policy, while others have designated areas where sexual activity is permitted. For example, Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort asks guests to refrain from overt sexual activities in public areas, though sex is allowed at the Jacuzzi Lounge and Sin Room. We've heard of lax enforcement at some properties, but it's best to stick to the resort's rules.

You may want to get a sexy photo of yourself or your partner by the beach or pool, but not everyone wants to be captured on camera. For that reason, cameras, cell phones, and laptops are typically prohibited from all public areas. If you want a digital keepsake, stick to taking photos in your room, or see if the resort offers erotic photo shoots.

Many clothing-optional properties have lively nighttime activities with themes that encourage guests to dress up. From nautical sailing outfits to cowboy hats for western flare, travelers often wear getups that are specific to that night's entertainment. If you'd like to participate, research the activities beforehand and pack accordingly.

Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

For those just-in-case cover-up moments, get yourself a cute cover-up slipdress


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