ALICANTE, SPAIN - It’s expected that next Monday (May 19, 2008), the Alicante municipal council will pass a series of new by-laws affecting Playa del Postiguet, the city’s most popular beach. News rules will severely penalize nudity outside of zones where it’s explicitly permitted with fines that could reach into the hundreds, if not thousands of Euros.
Spain’s constitution does not criminalize public nudity, regardless of location, thus it’s doubtful that anyone could be convicted under the new law, but it will certainly result in nudists being harassed and intimidated. It will be interesting to see what the F.E.N (Spanish Naturist Federation) will do to protest this attack on nudists’ rights, since if it’s left unchallenged, it could result in similar rules being adopted by other municipalities.

Euronat, near Bordeaux in southwestern France, is most often referred to as a naturist campground, but when thousands of nude patrons invade its 335 beach-fronting hectares (828 acres) in summer, it becomes a naked city that rivals its more famous rival, Cap d’Agde.

Unlike typical naturist campgrounds or even most clubs, the resort has much more than the usual offering of amenities, including a shopping complex with 28 businesses. Also untypical is that it stays open year-round, offering many indoor facilities when the weather turns cold. It boasts an enormous enclosed heated pool, for one (open April to October).

Visitors and residents alike have quite a few activities to choose from, from horseback riding to yoga, dancing or surfing classes, all of which are done nude, of course. There’s also a complete health and beauty spa. The resort is highly popular with families, as there’s quite a few activities available to keep the kids busy as well. Then, of course, there’s the immense beach, which is often said to be the best in France.

Lodging isn’t limited to camping and trailers, as there are apartment and chalet rentals available, with low season rates starting at 37 Euros (56 USD) for 4 people. If you plan to visit in summer (June-August), you’re well advised to book several months in advance due to the enormous demand. Note that it’s also possible to buy a property within the club’s grounds.

Attesting to the resort’s efforts to accommodate an international clientele, rather than just French, services are also offered in English and German. Euronat is one hour by car from the Bordeaux international airport.

Euronat web site [in English]

American entrepreneurs are building Mexico’s first nudist residential complex, Mak Nuk Village. Located in Tulum, the walled complex is aimed at the luxury nudist market. Buyers can opt to rent-out their units to tourists through the developer’s own agency. The grounds are to include a restaurant and swim-up bar, and unofficial nudist beaches are a short distance away.
The project’s developers are Michael Gormley, a California construction company owner, and Mike Hopson, an expatriate American who’s lived on the Mexican Riviera for the past 12 years. Hopson is a nudist who’s been involved in the naturist resort business for several years.
Prices range from 179,000 USD for a one bedroom penthouse to 249,000 for a 2 bedroom. Of the 16 units planned, 9 have already been sold.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - May 11, 2008 - This morning, photographer Spencer Tunick completed yet another installation, this time in a football stadium in Vienna. 1,840 nude volunteers participated, short of his goal of 2,008 for this montage which celebrates the European cup taking place next month in the same stadium. His photos will be exhibited in the local Kunsthalle museum.

Photos of Vienna shoot (Brisbane Times)
More Tunick stories

Located just outside Estepona, in Andalucia, Spain, Costa Natura Resort is arguably one of the more sought-after European nudist destinations, and in terms of amenities, it stacks-up well against many luxury naturist hotels found in the USA.
The club enjoys warm and sunny weather virtually year-round, thanks to its location on the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast). Amenities include a beach with bar, gym, restaurant and supermarket, all of which can be enjoyed in the nude. Lodging is in apartments for two to six people with rates ranging from under 39 Euros (60 USD) to over 140 Euros (216 USD). Low season is from November to mid-March.
Costa Natura was the scene of the recent conference (May 1, 2008) for the Spanish and Portuguese naturist federations.

Costa Natura web site (has English version)