
Photo Courtesy of Esalen Institute
To bare or not to bare? We’ve got nudist spa resorts covered…and expose them here.
Nudist lifestyle resort spas — where clothing is optional and insecurity is scarce. These nude resorts invite guests to go au natural in a non-judgmental, comfortable environment (note that all resorts are run differently), and if being in your birthday suit is something you’re interested in, check out the following list of some of the top nude resorts and spas (plus, find out which countries are most comfortable with nudity). If the thought of it makes you blush (my shy self is right there with you — don’t even get me started on naked yoga class), but curiosity gets the better of you, read on with a brave face. No awkwardness allowed.

Photo Courtesy of Sea Mountain Inn
In the Buff, California
Sea Mountain Inn
66540 San Marcus Road, Palm Springs, CA 92240
The Terra Cotta Inn Nude Sunbathing Resort and Spa
2388 E. Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Desert Sun Resort
North Chaparral Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Living Waters Spa
13340 Mountain View Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Esalen Institute
55000 California 1 Big Sur, CA 93920


Photo Courtesy of Punta Serena Villas & Spa
Comfortable in Your Own Skin, Mexico
Desire Resorts (and cruise) — Riviera Maya & Spa Los Cabos locations
Contact +52 (998) 872 8280 Reservations +52 (998) 872 8293
Hidden Beach Resort, Au Naturel Club
Km. 95 Carretera Cancún-Tulum, Kantenah, Riviera Maya, Q.Roo. Mexico 77710
Punta Serena Villas & Spa
Km. 20 Carretera Federal 200 Melaque – Puerto Vallarta, Tenacatita, Jalisco, México C.P. 49989


Photo Courtesy of Sea Mountain Inn
5 Ways to Bare with It
Here’s nudity etiquette exposed to make your next spa visit seamless.
Ask if you can select the gender of your therapist (usually early in the spa treatment booking process).
Uncertain about spa nudity protocol? Ask the spa: What is the custom here regarding what I should wear for my spa treatment? What is the custom regarding clothing in the sauna? In the hot tub? etc.
Uncomfortable changing in the locker room? Undress in a bathroom stall – some spas will even invite you to change in the treatment room.
Many U.S. therapists performing a massage use a “draping” technique, where only the body part that is being massaged is exposed, while the rest of the body is draped with a sheet/light blanket.
Pick a treatment where there’s no need to undress, i.e., mani/pedis, hair styling, facials, Thai massage, etc.
Learn more tips here.

Where Nudity is the Norm
There are different customs when it comes to spa-ing and nudity etiquette depending on where your travels take you. In more modest countries like the U.S. and the U.K., spa-goers traditionally wear swimsuits in saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis, while in more relaxed places like Germany, nudity is typically a non-issue. In Scandinavia or Sweden, nude co-ed bathing is the norm among family or with friends, though public saunas/bathhouses usually designate separate sections or hours for men and women. Learn more about nudity and national nuances here.
Would you ever visit a nudist spa resort? Have a fave that we didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
