Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Clothing Optional Travel

Something that you been wanting to know but have been afraid to ask? We’ve got a lot of answers right here.
If you don’t find the answer your looking for, contact us and let’s see if we can help.

Q and A’s About Clothing Optional or Nude Vacations

We’ve never been on a clothing-optional vacation. What is it like?
What are the people like?
My body is far from perfect. Won’t I be embarrassed?
What are the ages of the people who go nude?
What is the difference between Clothing Optional and Nude?
Do I have to, or can I be nude all the time?
What do I do with “Woody” or “that time” of the month?
What’s this I hear about “Nude Etiquette”?
What about sex?

 

Q and A’s about Castaways and our Group and/or Escorted Trips.

Why should I consider one of Castaway’s escorted trips?
Who goes on Castaway’s escorted or group trips?
Do you have to interact with other people on a group trip?
Can singles join your trips?
Can you arrange for group trips for just a few couples?
What type of escorted trips do you offer?
How do I know I can get a “good deal?”

Question We’ve never been on a clothing-optional vacation. What’s it like?
Answer A clothing optional vacation is just like your other vacations – with one major exception – you don’t have to wear clothes. A growing number of people are enjoying these types of vacations and a growing number of first class resorts are offering the option to go topless or nude.Clothing-Optional or Nude recreation has been the norm in Europe for many years, and while a bit slow to “catch on” in the US proper, it is becoming very popular, especially in Caribbean destinations catering to American tourists.It’s not at all unusual for the first timer to be a little nervous getting started, but once they get out of their clothes, any nervousness quickly disappears.There are two pretty good methods of going about getting “nekkid” for the first time.

1. A lot of first timers will choose destinations that are clothing optional for their first trip. Optional means exactly what it implies – you can choose to go with or without your bathing suit. Many of the finer resorts like the Grand Lido’s in Jamaica all have clothing optional beaches. This way you can work out of your suit a bit more slowly until you are comfortable.

2. Just jump right in and “Go for it”. If you have already made the decision to go to a clothing optional or nude beach you have already passed the biggest hurdle. When you get there, head out to the nude beach or pool, and quickly strip all the way out of your clothing, just like you have been doing it all of you life. Remember… All those other people are “nekked” too… so it’s not a big thing for them to see you in your birthday suit

Question What are the people like?
Answer Just like you and me! In our travels to clothing optional or nude destinations we have met all types of folks including businessmen, entrepreneurs, secretaries, doctors, professionals, office & factory workers alike. The great thing about going to a clothing optional destination is that everybody is the same. Any pretensions of class or position are usually quickly lost and everybody seems to fit together and socialize together.

Question My body is far from perfect. Won’t I be embarrassed?
Answer If you’re going to a nude beach expecting to see a nude version of “Baywatch” you’re likely to be disappointed or relieved as the case may be. One quick look around a nude beach and you will soon realize that as we mentioned before, most everyone is just like you and me. You see bodies of all types, shapes and sizes – tall, short, calorically challenged (thin), calorically endowed (um… opposite of thin), black, white, brown and everything in between. Not wearing clothes is nothing to be embarrassed about.Wayne, our webmaster, relates his observations about some of his visits to resorts that have both “textile” and “nude” beaches. He finds that the people on the “clothed” sections of the beaches always seem to be MUCH more body conscious than on the nude beach. Always tugging and adjusting suits so they look just right, while the folks on the nude beach are relaxed and comfortable. We have noticed exactly the same thing.

Question What are the ages of the people who go nude?
Answer   It really depends on where you go. For example: One quarter of Cap d’Agde, France is a completely nudist. There you’ll see every age from toddlers to the elderly. In the Caribbean, most of the resorts that offer a clothing optional area, are for adults only. There we see the ages run mostly from the mid-twenties to the early sixties. From our observation we would say that 35 – 50 is probably the largest group, but over recent years it seems that a bit more of the younger crowd are starting to show up more, especially to Caribbean destinations.

Question What’s the difference between Clothing Optional (C/O) and Nudist facilities.
Answer   A resort or beach that is Clothing Optional means that you can be dressed or nude in the designated areas – your choice. Many first timers prefer Clothing Optional locations because it gives them a chance to “ease” out of their clothes. A Nude or Nudist facility or beach usually means that you are expected to be out of your clothes completely in the designated areas.

Question Do I have to, or can I be nude all the time?
Answer  At the Hidden Beach Resort – Au Naturel Club, you CAN be nude all the time which is unusual for most resorts. The only time you have to get dressed is if you want to partake in some of the activities or resturants at the El Dorado which are available to you. Other than that… you can sleep in the nude, dine in the nude, swim in the nude… you name it.As far as HAVING to be nude… No… you don’t have to be nude all the time at Hidden Beach, but unless you are, you are probably going to feel out of place here, as most if not ALL of the guests will be nude as much as possible.That said… if you fear you will burn in the sun… or maybe it’s “that time of the months” for the ladies, a coverup or bottoms is appropriate in those situations.The key issue here is that the resort does it’s best to keep the the resort comfortable for nude guests. They don’t want clothed folks around to make you uncomfortable.

Question What do I do about “Woody” or “That Time” of the Month?
Answer Don’t think that just because you have stepped out on a nude beach your are going to get an automatic stiffy. Sure its possible, but actually its pretty unlikely. But if it does happen just roll over on your stomach for a while, or cover up with a towel until the “situation” subsides. We have noticed over the last few years though that the medical miracle known as the “little blue pill” has had a noticeable effect at clothing optional and nude resorts, especially around the pool or spa at night. We’re not telling you what to do, but just remember that the effects from those things can be pretty long lasting.For the gals:What bad timing, Huh? But don’t worry about it, just go with the flow… so to speak. Usually women on their heavy days will simply don a bathing suit bottom and go on having a great time. On lighter days, most women just do away with the bottoms and just tuck the string. No big deal… either way.

Question What’s this I hear about “Nude Etiquette”?
Answer Any clothing optional or nude facility may have their own rules, but generally the following guidelines will be appropriate.

  • Always keep a towel handy and put it over any furniture you sit on. (Good hygiene)
  • Don’t stare or “gawk” at other people who are nude.
  • Refrain from any crude or lewd remarks about another persons body or appearance.
  • No photography. Save your picture taking for when nobody else is around and/or ask permission if anyone else is going to be included in your photographs or videos.
  • Observe the “rules of the house”. If a facility designates that clothing must be worn in certain areas, or at certain times – please comply.

Question What about sex?
Answer Personally… we are very much in favor of sex!!! Oh… you mean public displays of sexual activity that you might have heard about at some resorts?One thing to clarify about the subject for newcomers as well as a reminder to “seasoned veterans” is that the Hidden Beach Resort does NOT condone public sex. Take it to the privacy of your room or management can escort you off the property. Sexual harassment is not permitted, is against the law in Mexico, and Hidden Beach Resort certainly doesn’t allow it. and… No means No.Now with all of that said… let’s get real here. Hidden Beach Resort is absolutely stunning in its beauty and is truly a romantic dream come true. Sooooo… lets mix a romantic atmosphere, a few potent umbrella drinks, a butt naked couple on a moonlit beach, and it isn’t uncommon for inhibitions to “fly out the window”, so to speak.However, people should be careful to share their “private moments” discreetly out and away from others, but at other resorts some people can be quite the exhibitionists some times. Management at the Hidden Beach Resort promises to enforce the “no public sex” policy so please be discreet.

Questions about Castaways and our Group / Escorted Trips.

Question Why should I consider one of Castaway’s escorted trips?
Answer   If you are unsure of a destination, or not sure if you will easily meet people when you get there, our group trips are the perfect answer. We’ve been there, we know what to do, where to go, and generally how to get the most for your dollar.

Question Who goes on Castaway’s escorted or group trips?
Answer Basically the same types of folks mentioned above. If you travel with a CASTAWAY’S group, you’ll be pleased with the caliber of people you’ll meet. Based on previous groups, you will meet couples and singles who are typically professionals, business, educational and computer people or entrepreneurs, especially those that find us through the Internet. One common quality -we all like to have fun!

Question Do you have to interact with other people on a group trip?
Answer No, you can join our groups simply to have a CASTAWAYS TRAVEL escort or host organize the flights, transfers, rooms or location plus optional excursions if you wish. No pressure to join in if your don’t want to. However, we find virtually every person and couple on group trips discover compatible people to enjoy their vacation with. And, the big payoff is many become great, permanent friends who visit later once they return home.

Question Can singles join your trips?
Answer Yes, singles are welcome on most of our trips and Hidden Beach Resort does allow singles. Certain group trips are specifically advertised as couples only, and sometimes we do monitor the “makeup” of a trip so the male / female ratio doesn’t get too far out of line.

Question Can you arrange for group trips for just a few couples?
Answer Absolutely! In fact, due to your vacation dates, children’s schedules and other time constraints, much of our business comes from individuals, couples and small groups of 2-4 couples who can’t take advantage of the group dates and choose to travel on their own time schedule. We are happy to advise and arrange individual vacations for you plus offer you alternate destinations that suit your needs and budget. If you have 10 or more people you want to travel with, we can negotiate lower group rates for you plus you personally may get to travel or stay for free. Each supplier has different rules for “freebies” so check with us. There are exceptions to everything but a minimum of 10 people is a good rule to follow for what constitutes a “group.”

Question What type of escorted trips do you offer?
Answer Always keep an eye on our Group Trips page to keep abreast of our latest offerings.

Question How do I know I can get a “good deal?”
Answer As a wholesale tour operator for Hidden Beach, we have access to the lowest retail rates available.In addition, we also may negotiate special group/bulk rates if group size qualifies for volume discounts which are passed on to you. Customized trips are priced for a certain number of travelers with a specific date and resort with airfare, transfers, etc. included and are computed on a cost plus basis. Your best advice for getting your money’s worth on individual trips is to be flexible with your dates if possible and plan AHEAD in time to take advantage of early booking discounts or sales is offered.As you know, travel costs vary daily like the stock market. In fact, we advise some clients NOT to reserve their vacation when they call because we know when a sale is coming up or when a charter may be scheduled later that will save you money.