Clothing optional paradise in the Caribbean

My friend left yesterday for her first foray into an adults-only resort. She shyly fessed up that yes, adults-only is code for clothing-optional - no kidding. I teased her that at least she'd save money on a new bikini. She admitted that she didn't know if she could actually do a whole vacation in the altogether. You know, drop the towel in public.

I nodded but told her she'd be surprised at how easily those inhibitions roll off when you realize it's not wrong, it feels good and your mother's nowhere to be seen.

One of my favorite textile-free beaches in the Caribbean is Orient Beach on St. Martin/St. Maarten. It's a little touristy, but if you walk long enough you'll find that it has something for everyone.

The Dutch (and very conservative) north end is populated by families, but further south you'll wander through topless pockets and finally full-scale nudity in the very French area. The highest concentration of exposure is in front of Club Orient.

While clothing optional vacationing may not be your priority (it's mine when I go), Orient Beach has so much more to offer - luxurious white sandy beaches protected by snorkel-friendly reefs, beach-side grills and bars and a healthy selection of water sports.

The best fun though is getting on the beach early for a good seat to watch the spectacular sights (pun definitely intended). Orient Beach is the place to see and be seen in St. Martin/St. Maarten.

If you want to give naturism (the polite way to say naked) a try but you're still feeling skittish, consider visiting Baie Longue (on the other side of the island), a small, sexy expanse of white sand almost totally hidden from tourists, or Happy Beach (more north) - a secluded white sandy beach for naturists to be "happy".

Be warned that the road leading there is unpaved and the entrance to the beach is unmarked - there are no facilities or washrooms here. You're guaranteed sand and sun though - and a quiet spot can always be found.

Ever skinny dipped in daylight? Ever been to a nudist beach/resort and loved it?

Tell us about your secluded clothing optional or skinny dip locations. We'd love to expand our places to relax naked. Drop a comment below or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter!