All Beach Travel Blog

Cap d’Agde : Welcome to the naked city

2016-04-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

We were born naked, but no one shows you the way back. I’ve just paid my €8 and walked through the pedestrian gate at Cap d’Agde’s world-famous naturist resort in the south of France. What now? A stark forecourt stretches out imposingly ahead. Is there somewhere to change, I ask the guard on the gate, as a group of baseball-capped lads stride blithely through. He nods at a set of lockers. But hauling down my kecks right here at the entrance feels wrong. Only one thing for it: do as naturists do, and make for nature. Several minutes and half a bottle of sun lotion later, I’m huddled tentatively in my birthday suit on a Mediterranean beach, one halloumi-hued Englishman in a griddle-pan of sizzling brown cheeks.

Cap d’Agde boasts a bank, a post office, hairdressers, fishmongers, opticians and several supermarkets

The entry procedure is a bit unforgiving, but beyond is something unique: a fully functioning town with largely naked citizenry, which grows to 40,000 in the summer. Only a day later, I’m happily part of a nude queue in the deli lining up for tabouli and octopus salad, while a hardbodied gay couple pore over a side of beef. Since the 1990s, Cap d’Agde has gained a lurid reputation as a meat market par excellence. Europe’s libertines and swingers flock here to participate in what Michel Houellebecq envisioned in his book Atomised as the perfect “sexual social democracy”. But every facet of ordinary city life is here, too: a bank, a post office, several supermarkets, concrete arcades lined with hairdressers, fishmongers, opticians and clothes boutiques. Throughout, fully dressed staff (a formality that apparently developed of its own accord) cater, with surreal nonchalance, to the great unclothed.

Cap d’Agde’s naturist retreat, though, is urban by conception. There had been a small nudist campsite here since 1958, but in the mid-1960s, the De Gaulle-instigated Mission Racine to develop Languedoc-Roussillon’s tourist economy created six modernist seaside resorts from scratch, each a day’s boat ride apart – still one of the largest state-run development schemes ever.

Originally, there were no plans to incorporate naturism, but someone changed their mind. No one knows exactly why, but there was some ideological overlap between the purifying doctrines of naturism and modernism: Le Corbusier himself enjoyed airing his bits on the Cote d’Azur and shared the same teacher as Cap d’Agde’s chief architect, Jean le Couteur. The Oltra brothers, who owned the original campsite, helped shepherd plans for a purpose-built naturist village, which began to rise out of the local marshes in the early 1970s.

“The village didn’t develop like that, all alone, in a corner,” says Christian Bèzes, director of Cap d’Agde’s tourist office. “It was integrated as part of a whole with the same principles of architectural unity, prioritising pedestrians and proximity to the sea.”

Maximising exposure to the elements was a particular requirement in the naturist quarter, something I appreciate as I squat like a baboon and sip water in the dry gardens of Héliopolis, the brutalist, amphitheatrical sun-trap next to the beach. Nothing here is higher than four storeys, so shadows do not impinge. Everything in Cap d’Agde, in Le Couteur’s eyes, had to serve a functional human purpose. “Architectural isn’t essential, it is ephemeral. It is urbanism that will last,” he said.

The naturist beach at Cap d’Agde, where dogs – and journalists – are persona non grata

The world's best nude beaches

2011-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Nude beaches have always lured free-spirited travelers to their shores.

For as far back as we can remember, we have had fantasies of going on a trip, wandering aimlessly, only to miraculously stumble on a nude beach where heavenly creatures bring you aphrodisiacal drinks as they lay you down under a palm tree... with nothing separating the warm sand from your soft skin (alarm just went off... must press snooze).

Bakers Beach,San Francisco

Located right outside of San Francisco, Bakers Beach also has views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Couples Ochos Rios

At Couples Ochos Rios resort, a nude beach lets guests explore their wild sides.

Crete’s Plakias Beach

The east end of Crete’s Plakias Beach is a favorite for nude beachgoers.

Red Beach in Santorin

The striking red sands of Red Beach in Santorini, Greece, welcome naturists.

Top 10 favorite beach trips and encounter the perfect spots to warm up

2011-03-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

Set out on one of our 10 favorite beach trips and encounter the perfect spots to warm up. The beaches come in all colors – white, pink, gold, and black – and are either beloved for their superb natural setting, smashing eye candy or unbeatable beachside activities. This winter, pick between beach trips to powdery Caribbean shores, heavenly Hawaiian islands, cosmopolitan Australia, spectacular Brazil or undeveloped Mexico. And, when you're ready to plan your beach trip for summer, we've got you covered there too, with glamorous Mediterranean swaths in Greece and the South of France, and even a remote archipelago off the coast of Africa.

1. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

The archipelago of the Seychelles, composed of more than 100 palm-tree-studded islands in the midst of the Indian Ocean, is a mostly undiscovered beach trip destination for American travelers, largely due to its distant location, some 1,000 miles off the eastern coast of Africa. Dedicated beachcombers who make the trek will, however, be rewarded with some of the most paradisiacal shores in the world, where beautiful secluded beaches and idyllic lagoons meet with unspoiled natural landscapes echoing with exotic bird songs. The tiny island of La Digue’s picture-perfect Anse Source d’Argent (French for "silver spring cove") is one of the islands’ most popular beaches, featuring fine sands; towering, weathered granite boulders; and giant, arching palm trees. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are ever-popular in these calm, reef-protected waters. A sprinkling of nearby luxurious resorts and spas also beckon, catering to the beach-lovers who make this ultimate pilgrimage. Note that high season runs May through September.

2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Revered as one of the last frontiers of the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is an oasis for those seeking to do little more than lounge on the beach, as there are few diversions other than surf, sun and sand. And when the sand in question is as superb as gorgeous Grace Bay, it’s no wonder the focus is on the beach. Edging 12 miles along the northern coast of Providenciales (the chain’s main island), the fine white sand here is easily one of the finest swaths of beach we’ve ever seen in the Caribbean. What’s more, the Atlantic waters it faces are calmed and protected by a natural 499-mile-long barrier reef, which gives the ocean a marvelous turquoise sheen. The fact that the beach also rarely gets crowded, even in high season, only adds to its appeal. Indeed, with this trifecta going for it, Grace Bay is one of the ultimate beach trips for R&R — the most strenuous thing you’ll do here is try to spot JoJo, the island’s resident dolphin, who likes to frolic in the distance.

3. Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the beach in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Tall and tan and young and lovely.” So goes “The Girl from Ipanema,” the famous ode to the bathing beauties (or garotas) who lounge and strut on this stunning stretch of prime beach-trip sand in Rio de Janeiro. Even four decades after the song’s debut, trendsetting bikinis still set the standard here (who can forget the oh-so memorable dental-floss version?) and the eye candy remains second to none. The 1.25-mile stretch of golden sand is no slouch either, as it’s edged by a groovy mosaic boardwalk and anchored by twin mountain peaks at its western end. On the sand itself in one of our top picks for beach trips, a mix of capoeira dancers, volleyball games, soccer and scantily clad "Cariocas" (locals) command attention. The surrounding neighborhood also brims with hip restaurants, clubs and shops; beach bums can take apres-sun strolls along Rua Vinícius de Moraes, a popular avenue offering a stylish spread of bars and eateries, including the most famous of all, the Bar Garota de Ipanema, where the eponymous song was penned.

4. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

That Lanikai is considered the best swimming beach trip even by local Hawaiians should come as no surprise – after all, its name does mean “heavenly sea.” An offshore coral reef protects the deep turquoise lagoon, making the surf relatively mild and ideal for splashing around as well as for kayaking, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The half mile-long beach itself, on Oahu’s windward side, is also quite scenic and has served as a backdrop in countless fashion shoots: Imagine a wide swath dotted by tall swaying palms that cast shadows on the soft, sugary sand. Plus, you’ll spot the twin islands and bird sanctuaries of Mokulua and Mokumanu in the distance – they're accessible by kayak and boast prime sunrise views.

5. Manly Beach, Sydney

When winter is just getting its frosty grip around much of the U.S., summer fun is only beginning Down Under. Lovers of both beautiful beach scenes and sophisticated city culture needn’t look further than the bustling metropolis of Sydney, where the best of both worlds combine. Enjoy all of the cultural goodies that Sydney has to offer and one of the world’s most alluring beach trips, Manly, just 7 miles north of Sydney Harbour. A scenic half-hour ferry ride connects Sydney’s Circular Quay with Manly’s main oceanfront, where rolling surf meets glorious golden-sand beaches and a verdant trim of pine trees. The lively cafe- and shop-lined strip of the Corso links the harbor side of Manly to its fabulous beach – where surfing competitions, beach volleyball, festivals and much more unfold every summer.

6. Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

If paradise means rambling golden sands met by the deep-blue Aegean, beach bars bumping with Euro tunes, bikini-clad bodies dancing on tables, topless girls sprawled on the sand and an overall hedonistic scene, Paradise Beach on the Greek isle of Mykonos is it. Come summer, hordes of young travelers head out on beach trips here to revel in the sultry thrills and clandestine coves that only Paradise Beach can offer. Dotted with thatched umbrellas and lined with bars, shops and discos, visitors to these raucous sands enjoy the Mediterranean seascape, soak up some rays and, come late afternoon, join in a full-blown fiesta right there on the sand. The music slowly starts to escalate and doesn’t typically die down before dawn – just in time for sunrise and a morning nap on the sand in one of the world's top destinations for beach trips.

7. Plage Malendure, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe

One of our favorite beach trips to black sands is found on the dazzling shores of Plage Malendure, at the base of steep jungle-covered mountains and the towering, still-active La Soufriere volcano on Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. The result of a mid-'70s volcanic eruption, which saw molten lava leave pearly-black ash in its wake (that now sparkles under the sun), this glittering sandy cove is a primary access point to the large Jacques Cousteau Underwater Park, considered one of the Caribbean’s best dive sites. Snorkeling and diving exhibitions here visit an underwater world filled with abundant aquatic life and vivid coral and fauna. On land, a hike from the beach finds the Parc National Guadeloupe (www.guadeloupe-parcnational.fr), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that encircles the rumbling La Soufriére volcano, where an array of natural splendors, from lush rain forest and tall ferns to orchids and pineapples, are found.

8. Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France

Sun-kissed St. Tropez, once a sleepy fishing village, has long been the most irresistible of French Riviera resort towns, attracting sunbathing beauties from Brigitte Bardot to Beyonce. This Mediterranean beach-trip mecca of summer beach lounging and late-night partying sees chic scenesters arrive in droves between June and September to stake claim to their own little sandy piece of the action. Plage de Tahiti, one of the northern beaches along the Baie de Pampelonne, is one of the best spots to bask on golden Mediterranean shores and soak up the carnival atmosphere created by flamboyant and fashionable beachcombers. Note that the prudish needn’t apply, as this haunt is notorious for itsy-bitty and teeny-weeny bathing gear. Aside from the sun-soaking and people-watching, this top destination for beach trips is also conveniently lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, to boot.

9. Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John may be the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, but it is home to Trunk Bay – an extraordinary destination for beach trips that’s sure to leave the biggest impression of any on the trio of isles. One of the most photographed – and photogenic – beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is the crowning glory of sleepy St. John’s dozen-odd beaches, its attractive powdery sand offset by a verdant inland replete with seagrape and palm trees and a turquoise shoreline drenched in the tropical sun. Scenic sands aside, the waters here are also popular with beginning snorkelers, who delight in following the fun, self-guided underwater trail complete with signage identifying native aquatic life and corals; snorkeling equipment can be rented right on the beach. The only downside to this crowd-pleaser is that it can indeed get crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port – on those days, you’re best to come before noon or after 4 p.m.

10. Tulum Beach, Riviera Maya, Mexico

The increasingly popular Mayan Riviera destination of Tulum, 80 miles southeast of Cancun, couldn’t be more unlike its northern resort sibling in terms of beach trips. With a beach presided over by Mexico’s only waterfront Mayan ruins, the unspoiled white sands that hug the Caribbean here offer visitors the chance to get in touch with their inner chi – not the excuse to party. Indeed, what few beachfront resorts exist here tend to host yoga centers, not all-inclusive nightclubs, along the sand. Meanwhile, on the beach below Tulum’s cliff-top castle, you can bask and swim where the Maya once came ashore, in superb waters protected by the world’s second-longest barrier reef, the Great Maya Reef, which provides countless underwater pleasures among shallow coral reefs, coast-hugging sand banks and offshore atolls.

Nude Beaches: Take Everything Off!

2011-03-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of some of the best stretches of sand where beach lovers can shed their skivvies and perfect that all-over tan. We all come into this world wearing only our birthday suits

Little Beach - Maui, Hawaii
Officially known as Maui's "unofficial clothing-optional beach," Little Beach is an isolated strand surrounded by high shrubs, craggy volcanic rocks and driftwood. Although nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii, the law has not been enforced here for years. As a result, Little Beach has become a favorite hangout for naturists as well as artists, who has been painting colorful scenes from nude beaches for more than a decade. Activities at Little Beach are plentiful, including swimming, body surfing and whale watching.

Aerial view from a helicopter flight of Makena Big Beach and Little Beach

Haulover Beach in Miami Beach, Florida

Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most beautiful clothing optional beaches–a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northern portion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. or years Haulover Beach, part of the city of Sunny Isles, has been a haven for naturists from South Florida as well as snowbirds from Canada and Europe.Thousands of people come to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications.Although Haulover Nude Beach is only a small portion of the larger Haulover Beach Park, approximately 66% to 85% of visitors use the nude beach area.

Top 10 Caribbean Beaches - Visit the Best Beaches in the Caribbean

2011-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

1.Shoal Bay, Anguilla

Once a secret hideaway, Anguilla has come into its own as a Caribbean hot spot for Hollywood starlets and honeymooners alike. Filled with beautiful beaches, posh resorts and overall laid-back charm, Anguilla's popularity is certainly well-deserved. There are 33 beaches on this 16-mile stretch of island, and the best part is that they are all open to the public. Shoal Bay is among the most popular with 2 miles of pearly-white sand on the Atlantic side that has a convenient equipment rental on-site for visitors.This is a stunning beach. The sand is beautiful, the water warm. You can have a wonderful day by visiting Tropical Sunset

2.Eagle Beach, Aruba

One of the nicest beaches in Aruba is Eagle. With miles of clean shores, tranquil waters and picture-perfect weather year-round, Aruba sees its fair share of tourism. Eagle Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with its wide swath of powdery sand and gentle surf perfect for swimming. The beach is a bit quieter than some of its neighbors, but still free to the public like all of Aruba’s beaches. Sleep across the street from these serene shores at the Dutch-influenced Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.

3.Trunk Bay, St. John

Nearly 50 years after Laurance S. Rockefeller donated Trunk Bay to the National Park Service, the beach and offshore coral reefs remain among St. John's most breathtaking and well-preserved attractions. Trunk Bay's clear, warm waters and silky coral sands draw tourists in droves, and its well-maintained facilities include chair and snorkel equipment rentals and showers. Visitors can bask in the tropical sun, snorkel the 225-yard-long Underwater Trail of reefs, or try their hand at underwater photography -- the clean water and variety of colorful sea life promise spectacular photo opportunities.

4.Crane Beach, Barbados

Barbados is a distinctive island, both in its natural beauty and fun-loving culture. This West Indies gem is actually a coral island. The sandy beaches are made up of pulverized coral, which makes for fine, soft sand. Just off the coast, there are coral reefs that tempt snorkelers and scuba divers with their exotic underwater life. Crane Beach is known for its great waves, and the waters are filled with surfers and even some body surfers, though the rough waters are appropriate only for strong swimmers.

5.Palominos Island, Puerto Rico

Palominos Island is a 100-acre private beach getaway off the coast at the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico. Adding to the island’s allure is its air of exclusivity as it’s only available to guests staying at the El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa. Those lucky VIPs board a fast-moving catamaran for an 8-minute ride to this retreat for a day of snorkeling, wind surfing or riding wave runners or embrace the island paradise by simply lounging in a hammock with a frozen cocktail.

6.Philipsburg, St Maarten

St. Maarten is a cosmopolitan beach destination with European flair on the Dutch and French sides of the island. Phillipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and the island’s hub of activity with cruise ships coming and going and visitors strolling along the brick-lined Great Bay Beach Promenade. This busy beachfront runs for nearly 2 miles with colorful umbrellas dotting the wide sandy shores. For a completely different experience, head to Cupecoy Beach, a clothing-optional spot beneath golden sandstone cliffs.
7.Nassau, Bahamas

While Nassau’s beaches are certainly lovely, the allure for many is the spectacular diving just off the sandy shores where visibility can reach up to 100 feet. Explore the Blue Hole, a natural hole 100 feet across and 200 feet deep full of large schools of fish. Trinity and Piece of Cake caves both have openings large enough to swim through and are home to some large lobsters. There are also countless shipwrecks that have occurred along the reefs surrounding the islands of the Bahamas that make for some very exciting underwater adventures.

8.Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are made up of a collection of smaller islands, each with its own unique topography and island vibe. Virgin Gorda, 1 of the largest islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing. Virgin Gorda is probably most famous for the Baths, a unique national park on the island's southwest coast with white sandy beaches framed by gigantic granite boulders, some of these with diameters reaching 40 feet. Bring along your water shoes, a snorkel and a waterproof camera and explore the series of caves and grottos created by these irregular boulders.

9.Harrismith Beach, Barbados

Spend the day like a castaway on the remote Harrismith Beach in the Parish of St. Philip in Barbados. Though it’s just a short walk from Bottom Bay, this sandy paradise is far removed from the resort scene at the more developed beaches. The beach is accessible by a flight of stone steps carved into a cliff overlooking the sea. The cliff-top ruins of an old plantation house add to the romantic air. After descending the steps to the shore, enjoy a picnic, search for shells or relax with a book—but swim at your own risk as there’s no lifeguard on duty at this hidden gem of a beach.

10.Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Bermuda's famous pink-sand beaches are considered some of the loveliest seaside retreats in the world, and the shores of Horseshoe Bay are no exception. Wide stretches of the pastel pink sand -- the result of crushed shells, coral and calcium carbonate -- offset by clear blue waves lapping at the shore, create an enticing lure for the scores of visiting beachgoers who descend each year upon the 21-mile-long island. Horseshoe Bay Beach's facilities, lifeguards and equipment rental shops have helped secure its ranking as Bermuda's most popular shore.

Ascension Island here i come

2011-02-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well here we are on another working trip abroad, this time on the beautiful island known as Ascension Island, which is an RAF base here in the South Atlantic ocean.
Working on a refurbishement of an Officers Mess, early starts, which is good as it is a very warm location, which is something i have never done before always like working in the cold not the heat!!!

First Saturday afternoon, we got taken in the company minibus to an amazing bay at the north of the Island, called funny enough English Bay, beautiful clear blue water, great snorkeling, very hot though, could only manage about an hour then had to cover up, still very enjoyable and thanks to Kevin for taking us up there!

Our first Sunday which is a day off yeah, me and another fellow electrician called Jamie, decided to walk up to the top of the highest point on the Island, known as Green Mountain. The round trip took us approximately 5 hours and it was no walk in the park, i can tell you!
About two thirds of the way up, we came across an amazing old building with a Clock Tower on it, i have taken a black and white picture, which i think turned out quite well.
The climb seem to last for an age, we eventually thought we had reached the top, only to find a path way that had a sign on it saying Dew Ponds this way, so being the fit people we are we went for it.
After another twenty minutes of steep climb, through mud and insects, we found the most beautiful pond, hence this picture you can see here. Surrounded by bamboo and lush green leaves, it was well worth the extra effort required to reach it.
The next picture you can see is one on which got taken on the way down, this Island is made up from Volcanic ash and i beleive there are about thirty four Volcanoes, which i hope are all EX- volcanoes!!!!!

Beach Life at Phuket, Thailand

2011-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

We left behind Malaysia and flew into Phuket, Thailand. Our hotel was on the southern end of the island, at a beach called Nai-Harn. Home to a Buddhist monastery, Nai-Harn is said to be the least developed of Phuket's beaches. However we were not actually staying at Nai-Harn beach, but at the nearby town of Nai-Harn, which was quite developed, thankfully, with a full compliment of German-Indian and English-Thai restaurants and many many hostess bars and prostitutes.

The beach was lovely, really lovely. The 40 minute walk to the beach from our hotel (said to be 20 minutes by the staff) was not. After hearing of holiday makers suffering real buzz killing moped accidents on Langkawi, and seeing as we had never ridden one, we have decided to never hire a moped. Or even get on one. Ever. So walking in the heat to the beach proved to be a pretty annoying factor about our hotel. But the beach was awesome, crystal clear water, beautiful sand, laid back beach park with Casuarina and Palm trees instead of condos.

After two days there we decided to move. Thought about Patong Beach but thought better. Phuket seems to be populated entirely by fat middle-aged sex tourists and scabby back-packers with ankle bracelets, crap tattoos and 'dreading' hair. From reports Patong beach is the Mecca of this. Instead we headed to Phuket Town. Given relatively short shrift by our guide books, it turned out to be quite a gem. Firstly we had turned up during the annual Phuket City festival, so the streets were full of night food markets, music and Chinese dancing (yes we ended up in ANOTHER Chinatown). Secondly, there were footpaths. And thirdly the food was amazing. We basically attained our goal in coming to S.E Asia in Phuket City, which was to have these little coconut crisp things with coconut marsh-mallow and shredded coconut soaked in something that makes it orange. We can come home now.
Frank went on a boat trip out to the Phi Phi Islands, which he said was great, although busy and full of Russians. I went shopping and bought cheese, which had been sorely missed. And a special thanks to Miss Wiyada, who made getting around Phuket super easy with her very helpful taxi/tour/everything service.

Swimming with crocdiles at Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico

2011-02-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

our hotel and beach from the boat

Saturday

I've been able to swim at least once a day now, swimming in warm salt water is one the best things ever.No one else seems to swim.They wade or paddle a bit in the edge. The water gradually deepens...it isn't over my head until I am 50 feet out....

Besides general relaxing, we've been playing cards, and trying new restaurants...and today we took a boat trip. It was the classic "see some birds, look for dolphins, see some more birds, go to a well worn local attraction". There was a bit of a surprise at the local attraction, at least....see the photos! We shared the boat with a couple from Chicago and a very well-traveled family from Denmark.

Monday

Not much else to report...just more beautiful beach views, swimming, eating...

Right now, we're sitting in the beach chairs under a palm tree in the late afternoon, drinking cold Negra Modelos (beer) and reading (or writing)and people watching. White, puffy clouds obscure the sun from time to time....birds fish out in front of us...the breeze keeps it from getting too hot. One more day and then back to snow and rain....