Naturist beach in front of Costa Natura seen from the north side.Naturism is a lifestyle choice. The International Naturist Federation (INF) defines Naturism this way: “It is a way of life in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, linked to self-respect, tolerance of differing views together with respect for the environment”.
Naturism is the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting and is a lifestyle choice. Another term for it is ‘nude recreation’. It is a feeling of freedom and, for many, social nudity is personally liberating. Through it, we come not only to accept ourselves but others as well.
Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the nudist lifestyle. Our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. Nudists respect each person’s individuality and easily accept others for who they are rather than what they might be wearing. Some people say that when they shed their clothes, they also shed the stress and entrapments of their busy lives.
Nude recreation embraces the pure joy of living. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Nude recreation is a great way of getting back to basics. Experiencing and appreciating nature in the most natural way possible and totally unwinding. Relaxation, stress relief, positive body image, and increasing self-esteem are just a few of the reasons people choose the nudist lifestyle.
When the weather is bad, or you are performing some task where clothing is required for protection, or you are getting sunburnt, it is perfectly normal and sensible to wear something. We all have different tolerances to heat and cold. Naturists go without clothes when it is sensible to do so, e.g. when swimming, playing sport, or just relaxing. Women when menstruating often wear shorts or a sarong and can do so without any problem.
Naturist beach in front of Costa Natura seen from the resort terrace.The public have a misconception that nakedness must be sexual as most people only undress to take a shower or have sex. But naturists know there are other situations (i.e. normal daily life) where you can be naked and feel good without it being sexual. Naturists are not against sexuality but agree that there are appropriate times and places to experience it. A totally naked body is less sexual than a person wearing a skimpy bikini or G-string and people will always find others attractive, whether they are dressed or not.
The concept of the perfect body is a myth and one which leads to a lack of self-esteem and stress. At a naturist club, you will find all shapes, sizes, ages and colours but naturists will like you just as you are. Many people have scars, bumps, blemishes and signs of surgical procedures. It isn’t at all important what your body is like because people accept you in your entirety, as you are. Nudist clubs are a reflection of society at large. People come in all shapes and sizes.
Any naturist will tell you that to be truly in touch with nature. To feel the air, the sun and the water on bare skin, is one of the most life-affirming and amazing experiences one can have. In fact, when you´ve tried it you may never want to go back. When we shed our clothes, we also shed the constraints of social status by which we are often judged.
You can do so very easily meet people at Costa Natura since naturism is practiced in a friendly and laid-back atmosphere here. People shed most of their inhibitions and preconceived ideas when they slip out of their clothes and differences in fitness, age, health, appearance and even social rank appear almost irrelevant. So, whether you are an ardent naturist, somebody who enjoys nudist beaches or naturist swims, or someone who would just like to give it a try, you will find Costa Natura the right place for the perfect naturist experience.
Costa Natura
Garden path view to the swimming pool.Costa Natura is a family naturist resort just south of Estepona in southern Spain. It is located right on the first official Naturist beach in Spain and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy a naturist vacation. There is a restaurant, beach bar, large pool, toddlers pool, jacuzzi, sauna, volleyball court, pétanque court, children’s playground, table tennis, launderette and a library. In the high season an animator keeps the children busy and there is entertainment in the restaurant in the evenings. Other activities are yoga, pilates and aquagym.
The resort looks like a typical Andalusian village, consisting of more than 200 white-washed apartments, surrounded by well-kept Mediterranean gardens filled with palm trees, fruit trees and flowers. The apartments are owned by naturists from many different countries in the world, including Spain, Italy, France, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, USA, England and Ireland.
The owners run the resort through a Community which employs gardeners, maintenance staff and cleaners to ensure that Costa Natura is always well maintained and well presented. The restaurant, beach bar and reception are operated by other professionals under contract to the Community of Owners.
At Costa Natura people only wear clothes when necessary. Nudity is not required but it is considered normal anywhere in the resort including the reception. The pools, sauna and jacuzzi are the only places where nudity is required. Dressing up in the evenings is part of the holiday experience for some, while others prefer nudity throughout their entire stay and there is opportunity for both. Many guests who wish to dine without clothes also want to catch the last evening sun which they can on the restaurant’s covered poolside terrace. For breakfast and lunch nobody would dream of dressing.
Always remember to bring something to sit on when you aren´t wearing clothes. If you need to cover up, you can use a towel or sarong, but never wear a swimsuit which many naturists perceive as a dissociation from the essence of naturism.