Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It's fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You'll quickly get the hang of it, but if you're not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.

While there are no clothes cops patrolling clothing-optional resorts or beaches, it’s somewhat of a gimme that guests who booked the experience are there to be fully clothes-free. When booking a nude resort, be open to embracing new and unexpected occurrences, but feel free to ease into clothing freedom with beach cover-ups.

Nude resort etiquette calls for guests to sit on a towel. Resorts will have them at the ready, but bringing your own beach towel is a great way to easily identify your seat. Grabbing someone else’s towel by mistake isn’t something you want to do at a clothing-optional beach.

Clothing-optional resorts take great care to ensure their patrons feel safe and comfortable. As such, many have strict policies around photography, some going so far as completely banning smartphones. Seize the opportunity to unplug, relax, and make new friends. If you’re not used to being without your phone, bring a great book to read.

The obligatory towel, sunglasses, sun lotion, a cover-up, and anything else you'd walk around a clothed resort with is also essential at a nude resort. Even when wearing nothing, there's still a lot you'll need—including a beach bag to carry it all in.

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Senior Editor Patricia Magaña writes about travel. Follow her onInstagram.