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Between a rock and a nude place

"America is a Christian nation, and being nude has often been associated with being lewd," Pastor Jeff Bowman told me. He wants to change that attitude. That is why, as we stood facing each other, we were both completely naked.

"The point of this spa is to help people relax in the confines of nonsexual nudity. Not that there's anything wrong with sexual nudity, but not here," he added. His wife, Judy, similarly non-attired, nodded in agreement.

We looked from their office out over the pools containing mineral water pumped straight from the hot springs underneath the Living Waters Spa in Palm Springs, California. Jeff and Judy, who opened the spa four years ago, were two of the nicest people you would ever meet.

Despite a surreally, oppressively quiet atmosphere, Palm Springs is America's Nudity Central, with at least five "clothing optional" resorts within spitting distance of each other.

Taking your clothes off sounded simple but – good God – it wasn't. Standing in the doorway to my chalet, having made it down to my boxer shorts, I had gazed out over the eight or nine unclothed forms draped around the main pool, or quietly chatting in the whirlpool bath, sporting neon drinks with cocktail umbrellas in hand. These people didn't seem perturbed by their lack of garments; they seemed perfectly at ease with baring all. But then they weren't British, and we are a reserved people.

After 15 minutes of strategic posture – an arm crooked at the right angle to cover, stance nonchalantly twisted so that nothing was visible – I had walked out naked as the day I was born and slipped into the whirlpool bath, where I could breathe easily in the knowledge that the bubbles would obscure everything. Love those bubbles.

And then, all of a sudden, without preamble, life became quite pleasant. I watched the Santa Rosa mountains glow a deep orange in the afternoon sun, and gazed at the rooftops of the small town that was once a weekend getaway destination for the Hollywood elite – nudism was not without its attractions.

I fell to wondering quite why so many naturist resorts should be clustered around Palm Springs. The answer was eventually supplied by a plastic-holy- virgin-on-the-dashboard cab driver: with about 20cm of rainfall each year (yes, year), it is America's sunniest town. If you're hot, take your clothes off. When you look at it in those terms, you have to admit it makes sense.

But there were difficulties: eating was a potential minefield. And whenever I spoke to anyone I was at a loss to know where to look. (I plumped for locking my eyes to theirs. "Here I am, naked and staring at you like a psychopath.") It was actually a relief when the sun goes down and everyone puts their clothes on.

Back at the Bowmans' office, Jeff stood in front of a bookcase on which were displayed a row of copies of Nakedness and the Bible, a treatise to which he contributed. He told me that everyone was welcome at the Living Waters: "Many naturist resorts only take straight couples. We don't discriminate – single, married, gay, straight or lesbian. We accept anyone."

The spa, perhaps partly because Jeff has an earring, a serious California drawl and addresses you as "man", had a faintly new-agey vibe that seems to attract a younger market than the naturist stereotype. With just a hint of sadness for days gone by, I noted that at the Living Waters, you will not find the old Health and Efficiency clich�s of table tennis played by German-looking women with arms the size of Baden-Baden.

You do find smart chalet-like rooms clustered around the two pools in a former 50s motel (complete with the original neon sign) and stunning mountain views. Tranquil music played through discreet loudspeakers, making it very much a relaxing spa experience; indeed, Jeff and Judy are both trained masseurs. According to Judy, the idea is to lull guests into a state of "blissful boredom". Yes, drifting off seemed the natural thing to do in the soporific air.

There was a more lively atmosphere at the Terra Cotta Inn, on the other side of town. This was largely the doing of its charming, evangelically nude owner, Tom Mulhall. Tom is a former accountant whose overgrown schoolboy humour is infectious. "It kind of helps with the first-timers: it puts them at ease," he said.

The Terra Cotta was similar to the Living Waters, although the views of the mountains weren't as grand. At 4pm Tom wandered around the pools, pouring wine and handing out fresh strawberries. He wore nothing but a bow tie. In honour of my presence, today's was a Union Jack pattern. For meals, he will arrange anything from a Big Mac to caviar and oysters, and he surely must be the only chairman of the Palm Springs chamber of commerce to have had his official portrait photograph taken in the altogether.

The main leisure activities are still soaking in the pools or the sun. Tom introduced me to George, an estate agent from County Durham. We chatted a little about the housing market, and current trends in housebuilding. But I was clothed and he just wasn't.

George, however, seemed quite content; he had been going to naturist resorts for years: "It's the freedom really. And it's much more convenient – you do far less laundry. We pack the bare essentials."

Naturists are not swingers, and they're not weird: they just like an all-over tan and travelling light. Most are in their fifties. So although by later in the day I was holding my rucksack strategically in front of me a little less than during the first few hours of public nudity, it seemed I was just a little too young to be naked in public; maybe in a decade or two the time would be right. But I was not the only one caught out by age – Tom sometimes has to discourage bookings from young single men. "Some guys think this is a strip club," he explained. "Man, would they be disappointed." Really, they would.

Great deals for 2010 nudist resort vacations

Palm Springs, CA, July 30, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Never been to a nudist resort before? You're missing out on the most fun way to travel. Surveys show vacationing at nudist resorts is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry.


The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa located in sunny Palm Springs, Californiahttp://sunnyfun.com is the popular nudist resort for topless and nude sunbathing. Called the most mainstream nudist resort in America, it is perfect for couples vacationing at a nudist resort for the first time. Women love staying there as they are allowed to ease into getting an all over sun tan at their own pace.	" src="images/terracotta-view-200x142.jpg"> Photo: Terra Cotta

In these stressful times, you have to maximize your time and vacation dollars. A couple of days at The Terra Cotta Inn is like a week long vacation anywhere else.

And best of all, with this economy, they are a great value and are affordably luxurious.

Here is their fun reasons why you should vacation at a nudist resort this year:

10) No funny looking tan lines
9) No longer look bright orange from fake sun tanning lotion
8) Waves don't knock off your swim suit top.
7) No laundry when you return from vacation- save the environment
6) Say goodbye to $15 checked baggage fees
5) One more item checked off your bucket list
4) Shock your doc - Look doc, no tan lines
3) Each days hardest decision will be matching sandals to visor.
2) Friends will finally really want to see your vacation photos.
1) Vacationing at clothing optional resorts is just plain fun.

This summer, for a fun clothes free vacation, say goodbye to funny tan lines forever. Give The Terra Cotta Inn a call at 1-800-786-6938.

Contact Information:
The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa
Tom Mulhall
1-800-786-6938
tom@sunnyfun.com
http://sunnyfun.com

Press Release Distributed by PR.com

Vacation at a Nudist Resort this Year - The Top 10 Best Reasons to Go

The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa located in sunny Palm Springs, Californiahttp://sunnyfun.com is the popular nudist resort for topless and nude sunbathing. Called the most mainstream nudist resort in America, it is perfect for couples vacationing at a nudist resort for the first time. Women love staying there as they are allowed to ease into getting an all over sun tan at their own pace.

" src="images/terracotta-view-200x142.jpg" border="0" />
Photo: Terra Cotta

Contact Information:
The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa
Tom Mulhall
1-800-786-6938
tom@sunnyfun.com
http://sunnyfun.com

Press Release Distributed by PR.com

Seek Out 5 Best Nude Beaches In US

Seek Out 5 Best Nude Beaches In US
wnem.com
By Marie Gerber, Contributing writer

Thanks to the scantiness of modern swimwear, many beaches in the U.S. seem only a small step away from a nudist colony, but the experience for first-time nude beachgoers is often still shocking.

If you're looking to ease your way into the naturalist lifestyle, nudist resorts and topless beaches are available that offer a slightly less adventurous experience. However, our top five best nude beaches are the "Full Monty," so proceed with caution!

Photo: iStock / StudioStella

While many of the world's best nude beaches are located outside the United States, there are several beaches across the nation that encourage visitors to bare all. However, not all of these nudist havens are created equal.

Whether you're looking to get an even tan, meet people who share your naturalist values, or just let it all hang out, these are America's top five best nude beaches.

America's Best Nude Beach No. 5

Black's Beach - San Diego

Who says size doesn't matter? Located between La Jolla and Torrey Pines, Black's Beach is the largest nude beach in North America and ...

Nudist Resort Vacation in Palm Springs Is More Affordable Than You Imagined

ParadiseValleyResort.com News
Lexington, KY USA
By ParadiseValleyResort.com News Staff

Historically, Americans had to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale nudist resorts and hotels. No more. Some of the best nudist resorts in the world are now located in the U.S with the Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa located in sunny Palm Springs, CA considered one of the best.

Palm Springs, CA -- Why vacation at a nudist resort?

The simple answer is relaxation. In this hustle, bustle world of ours, people are stressed out. They need some major relaxation time. And nudist resorts are the perfect way to relax to the max.

Once your clothes come off, your tensions and stresses magically disappear. And if you want to relax even faster, you need to get one of the famous massages at The Terra Cotta Inn. This is one of the reasons, they have one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at just over 75%.

In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have said they have gone skinny dipping in mixed company. Forbes magazine says vacationing at nudist resorts is the fastest growing trend in the travel industry. You need to join the fun and try a clothes free vacation.

For many years, Americans thought the only places to go nude sunbathing in the U.S. were at rustic nudist camps. Sort of like the nudist colonies of old that the Pink Panther movies made famous. Well, times have changed for the better.

One of the first upscale nudist resorts in America that catered to couples on vacations is The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort located in sunny Palm Springs. http://sunnyfun.com And it is still one of the best.

Designed by the famous architect Albert Frey, The Terra Cotta Inn is a beautiful historic mid-century modern property. Originally built for celebrities, with its high walls and privacy, it is ideal for nude sunbathing.

With amenities such as free WiFi, top of the line king sized beds and linens, delicious complimentary breakfast and afternoon snacks, state of the art salt water system swimming pool and jacuzzi (which feels ever so gentle on your bare skin), and poolside misting/cooling system, The Terra Cotta Inn is the perfect year round vacation resort.

First timers are always very nervous about booking their first vacation at a nudist resort. Picking the right one is very important as all nude places are unique. This is one of the reason why guests from around the world go to The Terra Cotta Inn for their first clothing optional vacation. Here there is never any pressure to ...

immediately disrobe. Woman are more than welcome to start with European which is topless sunbathing.

CBSmarketwatch reported that they are the most mainstream nudist resort in America and perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. The Chicago Tribune newspaper reported that they are one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world.

This December, the Vancouver Sun newspaper in Canada picked them as one of the top places in the world to go nude sunbathing. They were the only resort on the west coast that was honored. Even Newsweek Magazine featured them in an article about some of the best small businesses in America.

And The Terra Cotta Inn is more affordable then you imagine. This spring, rates start at only $149/couple/night on Monday thru Thursday nights, $169 on weekends, and $959/couple/week. This includes their early check in (10am) and late check outs (5pm). With the most liberal check in and check out policy in the travel business, you will have plenty of time to relax. And unlike most nudist resorts, they do not charge membership fees.

So this spring (or any time for that matter), make this the year to relax and have fun on your vacation. Say goodbye to tan lines forever. For more information, The Terra Cotta Inn can be reached at 1-800-786-6938 or via e-mail.

New Rule: No Nude Gardening

ParadiseValleyResort.com News
USA
Source: Sentinelsource

BOULDER, Colo. — In response to neighborhood reports of a topless gardener, the housing authority in a Colorado town plans to amend its rules so tenants must cover up when outside.

Robert Pierce, of Boulder, says he’ll fight changes that would keep his wife from gardening outside topless, which is legal under state and city law.

Boulder Housing Partners Executive Director Betsey Martens didn’t return a phone call Friday seeking details on how covered residents would have to be.

The City Council is considering expanding its anti-nudity ordinance, but a proposal to make it an offense for women to go topless in public was removed.

A city spokesman says the housing authority is a separate entity and the city can’t dictate agency rules.

Nude Woman Joined By Nude Man in Village Gallery Window

ParadiseValleyResort.com News
USA
By ParadiseValleyResort.com News

You may recall that last month an exhibit at a small West Village gallery was shut down by the NYPD because the show featured a nude woman standing in the gallery window. (She was holding a jar of human testicles, by the way, but more on that later.) The NYCLU and famed civil rights lawyer Ron Kuby rallied to the gallery's defense, arguing that a state law on public nudity has an exception for "the breast-feeding of infants or to any person entertaining or performing in a play, exhibition, show or entertainment." In a surprise move, the NYPD agreed, and declared that the model, Megan Hanford, is an integral part of the artwork, and there's nothing lewd or indecent about it. Emboldened, the gallery is now kicking it up a notch!

Photo: Gothamist

Yesterday the artist, Brian Reed, joined Hanford in the window of the Chair and the Maiden gallery. (The jar of testicles was set aside, since they were no longer necessary to "balance the female energy.") Curator David Zell tells us that Reed had been ...

Wellingtonians to strip for art

Wellingtonians to strip for art
The Dominion Post, NZ
By DAVE BURGESS

PHIL REID/The Dominion Post

TESTING THE WATER: Model Christie Wright, 22, gets the feel of the Breaker Bay rocks before tomorrow's photo shoot.

Wellingtonians are invited to take part in a mass nude photo session at Breaker Bay tomorrow.

Palmerston North photographer Binh Trinh says he already has up to 100 people happy to be snapped in the buff against the rugged rocky cliffs near the harbour entrance, but more bodies are welcome.

Rubberneckers are not, though, so if you do turn up at 8am you are expected to take off your kit, he said.

"It is quite a brave thing to do but I want to create fine art nudes and not cheap, rude photography that looks like porn."

The Vietnamese-born photographer takes his inspiration from American artist Spencer Tunick, who is known for his photos of nudes in artistic poses at sites around the world.

"I want to see if I can do what Spencer Tunick does, but on a much smaller scale of course. That is what we are doing in Breaker Bay – Wellington's unofficial nudist beach."

If tomorrow's shoot goes well, Mr Trinh has grander plans. "I want to go up high onto a building and look straight down on the city.

"I can imagine having naked bodies scattered all over Wellington streets. My mind just runs wild thinking about that."

Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Young endorsed the event. "As long as these people are discreet and aren't causing any offence then we have absolutely no problems."

Christie Wright, 22, from Wellington, has posed nude before but is looking forward to her first mass shoot. "Everything I do I make sure is tasteful and this will be no different. It will be really good."

MetService says there will be cloudy skies and a temperature of 17C – but a 25kmh northerly will make it feel more like 15C.

Wellington city councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer said that, although there was some concern the event could turn into a circus, it fitted nicely with the ambience of the international arts festival.

Join Paradise Valley Resort and Club this Memorial Day

Friday May 28 through Monday May 31st. Spend the Holiday Weekend at the Valley. Free t-shirt to the first 100 members and registered guests at the pool on Saturday. Free beach towel to the first 100 members and registered guests at the pool on Sunday. Complimentary lunch on Monday from 12:30 - 2:00pm. Visit www.paradisevalleyclub.com for more information.

Where Your Birthday Suit is Your Church Clothes

Where Your Birthday Suit is Your Church Clothes
firsthings.com
Joe Carter

Dressing up to go to church has long been out of fashion in many denominations. Most Sunday services at church now resemble like casual Fridays at the office. The trend in dressing down will likely continue, but one congregation in Virginia may be taking the “come as you are” ethic just a bit too literally.

In church, you come as you are. That’s especially true inside the Whitetail Chapel in Ivor. Clothing is optional for everyone from the pastor to the congregation.

“I really don’t think God cares what you wear when you worship,” said Richard Foley, a member of the congregation. “The thing is worship.”

Churchgoers like Foley have no problem getting the word of God from a pastor in his birthday suit.

“Some of the biggest moments in Jesus’ life he was naked,” Pastor Allen Parker said. “When he was born he was naked, when he was crucified he was naked and when he arose he left his clothes in the tomb and he was naked. If God made us that way, how can that be wrong?”

Pastor Allen says the congregation is a family-oriented one and is very involved in helping others.

The Whitetail Chapel is part of the Whitetail Nudist Resort, the only year-round nudist resort in Virginia. It opened in 1984 and business is booming. More than 10,000 people visited last year and business is up 12 percent from a year ago.

For the adventurous, the WVEC website has a video of the segment that ran on the local news. It’s not particularly graphic but it is about as horrific as you’d imagine.

I’m in favor of everyone—even nudists—attending local services. But isn’t it a bit disrespectful to attend church wearing nothing but your birthday suit?

(Via: Gene Veith)