What naturists do during a lockdown

On a typical weekday, you might find Parisian Laurent Luft taking a dip at the Roger Le Gall swimming pool in the city.

Like many others, Luft is currently missing his swim sessions, as the pool is closed due to France's lockdown restrictions caused by the pandemic.

However, unlike most people, Luft usually enjoys his swims au naturel.

He serves as the president of the Association des Naturistes de Paris (ANP), a naturist organization in Paris that has been advocating for nude recreation in the City of Light since 1953.

In addition to swimming nude, Luft often spends his time organizing ANP-sponsored nude excursions to art galleries, sunbathing au naturel in a private corner of Paris' Bois de Vincennes park, or setting up events like clothing-optional bowling nights and dining outings.

During the lockdown, Luft and the Parisian naturist community have shifted online, offering nude yoga and cooking tutorials via YouTube.

“It doesn’t replace the in-person connections we’re accustomed to, but it’s a way to keep the group active,” Luft tells Dinogo Travel.

Naturists believe that adopting a clothing-free lifestyle helps individuals feel more liberated and break free from society’s constraints.

Right now, with stay-at-home orders and lockdown measures in place, many people are spending more time indoors, prompting them to reevaluate their views on work, leisure, and life in general.

Andrew Welch, commercial manager of British Naturism, shares with Dinogo Travel that naturism has gained popularity in the UK during the lockdown.

He suggests that for some, choosing not to wear clothes may feel like a natural progression from lounging in pajamas or sweatpants, no longer needing to wear business attire for work.

Welch links this surge in interest to the shift toward a slower pace of life and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of nature. He also believes that the naturist community’s embrace of virtual platforms has helped people connect with others who share their values, both nationwide and globally.

Luft reports a similar trend in Paris: “People have been watching our videos and emailing us to say, ‘You’ve inspired us to try it.’”

“When you feel trapped and isolated, shedding your clothes can offer a sense of freedom,” Luft explains. “Even in our tiny Parisian apartments with no garden, and sometimes no balcony, we still have that option.”

Although naturism is attracting new followers, both naturists agree that a key part of the movement’s charm lies in collectively embracing nudity.

For naturists, recreating that sense of freedom online is challenging – and the reality that many won’t be able to visit a nudist resort for a holiday this summer is a tough pill to swallow.

“When you’re naked with others, you’re showing your true self, there’s nothing to hide, no masks,” says Luft. “It makes you more open, fosters deeper connections, and encourages more honest conversations.”

Naturist getaways

With travel restrictions in place, resorts around the world have been hit hard by cancellations and logistical challenges.

Naturist resorts face similar struggles – both naturist and non-naturist travelers are being forced to cancel vacations, while resort owners navigate the financial fallout.

However, naturist resort owners believe their businesses may recover more quickly than most, as they offer a unique experience and have a dedicated, loyal customer base.

Naturist travelers who spoke to Dinogo are eager to book their next getaway as soon as it’s possible.

“Naturism is something you can practice at home, of course, but it’s really about being outdoors, feeling the fresh air, the warmth of the sun, and the breeze on your skin. I think people will be longing for these experiences within our community,” says Welch.

“There’s nothing quite like waking up, opening the door of your tent or caravan, and stepping into the sunshine, completely naked. It’s an incredibly freeing and wonderful feeling.”

Martine and Pierre Dutray, a French couple, are the owners of Resort Naturista Grottamiranda, a naturist resort located in Puglia, southern Italy.

Currently, the couple is in France and unable to visit their resort, but they plan to return in June and reopen the resort.

They anticipate that most of their summer guests will be locals, as visitors from the UK and other parts of Europe may face challenges due to ongoing travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and concerns about Covid-19.

Martine Dutray says she isn’t worried.

“Our customers are incredibly loyal,” she explains, noting that many who canceled their summer vacations in February and March have already rebooked for the fall of 2021.

“You form real, meaningful friendships that are hard to come by in the clothed world,” says Luft, the president of the Parisian naturist community, reflecting on his visits to naturist resorts.

“I find that every time we go on a naturist holiday, we meet truly fascinating people that we’d never encounter elsewhere.”

In Spain, Skinny Dippers Mallorca is a collection of self-catered naturist apartments and a boutique hotel, operated by British owner Grant Hodges and his Spanish partner.

Hodges mentions he has a dedicated group of returning customers, with some guests visiting every year since the resort opened in 2006. He’s optimistic that the resort will recover quickly.

“We have a large number of loyal guests who consistently rebook, and they’re eagerly waiting for flights,” Hodges tells Dinogo Travel.

Both Hodges and Dutray say they are currently working on plans to safely reopen, implementing social distancing and adhering to local guidelines and regulations.

“We usually have a large communal table seating 24 guests, and host a dinner party every night. While that can’t happen this year, we’ll still accommodate people at separate tables and figure it out,” says Hodges.

He adds that the resort’s spacious layout will help manage the situation, and he’s confident that guests will show respect, as they always do.

Dutray, on the other hand, rejects the notion that being nude presents more hygiene concerns. She points out that naturists are accustomed to laying towels on seats or sunbeds before sitting down.

In Paris, Luft is in talks with the city hall to explore how to safely restart local activities. The high chlorine levels in pools may allow Parisian nudists to swim naked soon, although water aerobics might be challenging due to social distancing, and the gym also presents some potential difficulties, says Luft.

Luft mentions he’s prepared to require all participants to wear masks at naturist gatherings from now on.

“Some people won’t like this,” he admits. “Within the naturist community, there’s a strong preference for being completely naked, and a mask is considered a form of covering. But this is not about clothing; it’s about health and safety.”

Luft states that he takes his role as a leader seriously, and is committed to ensuring that everyone attending an ANP event – whether virtually or in person – feels safe and respected.

Last summer, there were reports of voyeuristic behavior in the naturist section of Paris’ Bois de Vincennes park.

Luft describes the story as “slightly exaggerated, or even largely so,” but notes that it was a valuable lesson – the key takeaway being that people now have “zero tolerance” for inappropriate behavior.

“So if someone showed up dressed, people would tell them: either strip down or leave. Previously, they might have felt too shy to address the person.”

At the start of lockdown, Luft was worried that some people might act inappropriately during online workout sessions, but he says that hasn’t happened.

“Everyone who’s joined has genuinely wanted to work out, and that’s been the sole focus. There’s been no negativity whatsoever. It’s been really great, proving that people understand what we’re about,” he adds.

Shifting Perspectives

Welch shares that British Naturism’s online events will continue even as the UK lockdown lifts. He’s also optimistic about a major shift in public attitudes toward naturism, with the surge in nudism during lockdown playing a key role.

“Attitudes are evolving,” Welch observes.

Luft agrees, noting that the myths surrounding naturism have mostly faded away.

He’s confident that virtual meet-ups will persist, but he’s eagerly awaiting the day he can once again arrange naturist getaways.

“I’m certain that by next year, people will be back to enjoying their holidays as usual,” Luft says.

“Online events just can’t replace the sun on your skin or the sensation of sand beneath your feet,” he adds.