CLOTHING OPTIONAL LOS CABOS Posted: 12/01/06
Dear Nan:
We are full bodied baby boomers but would like to try a clothing optional resort, just for a change. We have never been to one, but were wondering if there are any that we can discreetly disrobe without stares and laughter?
Henry L.
Dear Henry:
I can't guarantee the response from onlookers; however, this just may be the right place for you. Inspired by the runaway success of their Riviera Maya property (near Cancun) Desire Resorts recently announced the grand opening of its second all-inclusive, clothing-optional property in Los Cabos, Mexico. This may fit the bill. Advertised as perfect for upscale couples looking for a liberating experience in a clothing optional resort! Formerly a Fiesta Inn, the new Desire Resort & Spa in Los Cabos received a complete high-quality renovation from top to bottom, including the addition of a new spa, a Jacuzzi lounge, a Beach Club and a disco. The hotel boasts a total of 151 rooms of which fourteen are brand new Jacuzzi suites and four are the brand's famous Passion Suites. All are decorated in an elegant red, white and chocolate brown color scheme, with crystal drop lamps, flat screen TVs with satellite signals, bathrobes and slippers, sensual lighting and décor in addition to the more mundane but oh-so-necessary amenities offered at five-star properties. Under the all-inclusive banner come all meals and premium alcoholic beverages in any of the three restaurants and five bars (including the discotheque), room service 24/7, day and evening entertainment programs, a sauna and steam room, access to the fitness room, hotel taxes and tips and more. It is the suites that are supposed to be amazing. The fourteen ocean view Jacuzzi Suites add a four-person hot tub to the mix, along with a variety of exotic candles for mood lighting, a Tantra essentials gift box, a selection of incense, daily hors d'oeuvres each afternoon and more. The four Passion Suites—ample enough to include two sitting areas include a mini bar stocked with premium beverages, daily breakfast served on the private terrace, souvenir bathrobes and slippers, unlimited reservations nightly at the specialty restaurants, as well as concierge check-in, private transportation to and from the airport and other excellent perks.
Outdoors, the weather of the Baja beckons guests to the secluded beach area, (you like privacy) dotted with lounging platforms built for two, made private with the addition of gauzy white curtains. The pool area is the heart of the resort, with its own batch of oversized chaise lounges, a swim-up bar and drink service all around. Après tanning, the Desire Spa is set up for restorative skin therapies and massages, with three double cabins for couple’s massages and a large Jacuzzi with a spectacular view of the ocean. www.desireresorts.com
© 2006 Nancy Zimmerman
CLUB MED BARE FACTS Posted: 09/17/06
Dear Nan:
I remember my first trip after college in the early 70's to Club Med Caravelle in Guadeloupe, and to Club Med Martinique...it was really a wild time... I hope the photos never re-surface. What would I tell my grand-kids? I heard that Club Med's making a comeback and many are more family oriented?
Gloria W Teaneck, NJ
Dear Gloria:
Yes, Club Med has come a long way in 30 years since your visits. La Caravelle in Guadeloupe, French West Indies has undergone a $29 million renovation and will re-open December 16, 2006. You could take your grand-kids there for a family vacation! However, they still have a clothing optional section at southern end of Caravelle Beach and at beach Plage Tarare, nearby. Easy air travel to La Caravelle for families will also launch mid-December. Effective December 13, Delta will add direct flights between Atlanta and Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe. Located on the breathtaking coast of Guadeloupe since 1971, La Caravelle is a favorite and the winner of "best resort for traveling with children," from several family publications. Guadeloupe is renowned for diving and known for its favorable winds for sailing, pristine beaches and French culture. Kids, young and old, can enjoy activities like windsurfing, tennis, kayaking, fitness classes, volleyball and of course, petanque while soaking-in the island's scenery. The resort has a Mini-Club Med for ages 4-10 years, and a Junior Club Med, ages 11-17 years. Parents can relax and enjoy time together confident that their children are in the caring hands of expert G.O.s (gracious organizers), with activities including flying trapeze, tennis, soccer, sailing, in-line skating, games, arts & crafts, mini-scientist and more. It won't be the Club Med you remember, a resort with spartan-like accommodations, electricity black-outs and tepid to cold water showers... so common in the 70's...that will be nothing but a distant memory. The rooms are updated, lovely and have the amenities travelers now expect at a resort. Caravelle could be great fun and a wonderful chance for family bonding. This winter, seven-night all-inclusive rates to Club Med La Caravelle start at $1120 and $1400 (peak weeks). http://www.clubmed.com/
© 2006 Nancy Zimmerman
