By Sarah Sekula; Published on usatoday.com
Ready for a nakation in the Caribbean? You know, a vacation sans the usual beachy attire? If your answer is yes, you’re in luck. Here are some go-to beaches for parading around in your birthday suit and getting that all-over tan.
Orient Beach, St. Martin
St. Martin consists of two countries, The Netherlands and France. The French side is home to the only fully nude stretch of sand, Orient Beach, which is known as the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean.” The island, in general, is pretty lax when it comes to topless sunbathing. But Orient Beach, takes it to another level; it’s not uncommon to see entire families roaming around in the buff and snorkeling in the windex-blue water (that often reaches 90 degrees). Nearby, on the southern end of this famous public strand is Club Orient, a 137-room resort that caters to nudists. Here, families do most things while naked, including taking a dip in the swimming pools, dining at the restaurants and taking clothing-optional day cruises. stmartinisland.org
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Grand Saline Beach, St. Barts
The clothing-free crowd will be happy to know that all beaches in St. Barths allow topless sunbathing. And while no beaches officially allow nudity, it is tolerated on secluded Saline Beach, the second-largest beach on the island and named for the nearby salt pond. Depending on the wind, the water can be rough; but on a nice day, it’s perfect for paddling about. It’s easy to get to, just take a 10-minute walk over a rocky path and a small hill from the parking lot to the bay. Keep in mind: there are no facilities available. saintbarth-tourisme.com
Pointe Tarare, Guadeloupe
One of the most famous places to skinny dip is Pointe Tarare, Guadeloupe’s only nude beach. Since this beach is off the road on the way to Pointe des Chateaux, you do have to walk a little to get there, but it is worth every step; once there, you’ll be surrounded by chiseled cliffs and loads of greenery. Besides that, it’s a protected area and offers an array of coral life. Here’s a tip: Families with kids usually go in the early morning and leave before noon. In the afternoon, it is mainly couples or singles. This beach is very exposed to the sun so sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. And know that there are no facilities at the beach. myguadeloupeislands.com
Tower Isle, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Guests who stay at the all-inclusive Couples Tower Isle resort in Ocho Rios have access to a private, offshore island with a pristine beach where sunbathing sans swimsuits is perfectly normal. Just hop on the private ferry, and it will shuttle you over to the island in minutes. Once you’re there, grab a comfy lounge chair on the sun deck, take a dip in the pool where you can swim up to the cabana bar for a cocktail. And don’t worry, there are several large trees when you need a break from the sunshine. couples.com/tower-isle
Hidden Beach Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you’ve been searching for a nude disco, Hidden Beach Resort has it covered. So after doing morning yoga and lounging on the private beach — all while nude, you can also hit the dance floor without clothing to hinder your John Travolta moves. The high-end, adults-only resort was designed with naturists in mind. They’ve even been known to host naked painting parties, spirited water-volleyball games and catamaran cruises. When it’s time to unwind, there is a rooftop sunning deck, swim-up bar, king-size beach beds, Sky Palapas, in-pool lounge chairs and a massive hot tub. If you want to go cloth-less the entire time, feel free. hiddenbeachresort.com