Since nudist/naturist/"clothing optional" places and organizations can often be the gateway into all things poly, I thought it would be a good idea to post some sources here that could be of value to anyone who is looking at this for the first time.
Wikipedia's article on naturism (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturism ) serves as a good introduction. This is probably the best place to begin.
In modern times, nudism as a philosophy and way of life dates back to the late 19th century. Historically, there was a distinct difference between "nudist" and "clothing optional" (though my sense is that the terms are used much more interchangeably now). Back many decades ago, "nudist" sometimes had a compulsory feel about it; in fact, in some "nudist" places, wearing clothing in the "nudist" sections was actually prohibited. I think this doesn't ever happen anymore, but I'm not sure. However, this is why the term "clothing optional" came into use: it meant that people could wear or not wear whatever clothing they chose to.
There are two organizations important to contemporary nudist life: the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), founded in 1931 (
http://www.aanr.com ), and the International Naturist Federation which is worldwide (
http://www.inf-fni.org ). Anyone interested in nudist recreation should check these out (and if you Google "American Association of Nude Recreation," and "International Naturist Federation," the many sites which come up are highly informative all on their own).
As I have mentioned on this board, the hallowed memory of Elysium (which used to exist in Topanga Canyon, in the Santa Monica mountain range which runs through Los Angeles) echoes even today, but Elysium is no more and will never come back. (The property, which was inherited by the offspring of Elysium's founder, is now covered with McMansions.) So…given that Elysium is no more, I am going to recommend a place I have never personally been to, but want to go to very much: Olive Dell Ranch. (
http://www.olivedellranch.com ), located in Colton, in Southern California, fairly near to the intersection of the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10) and the Riverside Freeway (Interstate 215). From everything I know, Olive Dell is the nearest thing to Elysium that exists (at least my part of the country). Family friendly, it is open for day trips and also--for those who want to stay overnight--has cabins which can be rented, plus RV hookups, and there are camping facilities available.
AANR, the American Association for Nude Recreation mentioned above, is divided into regions (Eastern Region, West Region, Florida, Northwest, etc.), so more information on what is available in your area is easy to find. (For countries other than the U.S.A., go to
http://www.inf-fni.org ).
It may be obvious, but it needs to be said that there are quite substantial differences between family friendly facilities (where children are welcome) and those which are meant for adults only. (Some resorts, etc. are both: they're family friendly most of the time, but are "adults only" at specific times and on specific occasions…like a New Year's Eve party as one example.)
Also: some organizations rent out entire hotels, etc. for conventions or other gatherings, where "clothing optional" is available to everyone almost everywhere. The exceptions are usually in the public entrance areas, and in the places (like dining rooms) where food is served. The conventions that Family Synergy used to give were wonderful: they would rent out an entire hotel in Palm Springs for the duration of the event. It would be in the middle of summer (the least popular time of the year because Palm Springs is three figures Fahrenheit most every day), and a giant "island" made of ice would be plopped into the swimming pool to moderate the water temperature as it melted (because otherwise, the water was literally too hot to swim in for most of the day). There was a whole lot of "sharing" going on, and the population(s) of any particular room at any particular time seldom accorded with the names of the people who the front desk had registered for that room.
Everyone had a great time. (And I should point out that this kind of gathering is probably one of the perfect, totally safe places to begin hotwifing adventures. The people tend to be friendly and accepting, everyone knows and accepts "the rules" (for example: " 'No' means
NO"), and pretty much everyone is coming from similar mental/emotional/sexual attitudes and desires. )
One point of etiquette: At many places, you are expected to keep a small towel handy so—if you are not wearing clothes--you can put the towel down on chairs, benches, etc. before you sit on them. This is considered good nudist manners, so be aware that this may be expected of you. In any case, it's obviously a good thing to do.
And now, you too have enough information to begin your adventures in nudist/naturist/"clothing optional" living. It is a very easy way to find compatible people who are looking for very much the same things you are seeking.