Going Au Naturel at Breezes
Mark Rogers

When niche travel markets come up in conversation, it’s a safe bet that the usual target markets being discussed run along the lines of honeymoon, golf, spa, dive and ecotourism, things of that nature. There’s another market that ambitious travel agents may want to begin tracking – the nudist market. According to the American Association for Nude Recreation (an association with 213,000 members), nude recreation is a $440 million industry. A new catchword for the nudist travel market has even been coined, “nakation.”

Jamaica resorts Breezes Grand Negril and Breezes Rio Bueno have responded to this rapidly growing market with the launch of a Super-Inclusive four-night “Bare Bones” package starting at $900 per person, based on double occupancy. Au naturel guests at Breezes Grand Negril and Breezes Rio Bueno can enjoy a clothes-free vacation in private, beachfront accommodations. 

A single payment for a “Bare Bones” package covers au naturel beachfront accommodations; all meals and multiple dining options including Japanese, Italian and regional Jamaican cuisine; unlimited premium brand drinks; a full body wax and “Sun Kissed Aloe Wrap” at the Blue Mahoe Spa; myriad land and water sports including equipment rental, instruction and green fees; entertainment; weddings; recreational activities; and hotel taxes. Tipping is not allowed. Guests will have to pay an additional fee for clubs, carts and mandatory caddies for golfers are additional fees.

The all-suite Breezes Grand Negril receives high praise from nakationers and was aptly named one of the world’s “Top 10 Au Naturel Resorts” in 2008 by TripAdvisor.com. You might wonder how things work, since neither resort is completely designated for nudist travel. Breezes Grand Negril has 44 “nakationers”accommodations and a white sand beach where guests can go naked as a jaybird. Breezes Rio Bueno  Braco Village is a “hotel within a hotel” with 52 au naturel beachfront suites, 24-hour room service, and a swimming pool with a wet bar.

For those looking for added-value, Breezes Rio Bueno will host the signature event, “Jamaica Celebration of Food Music & Culture” on Nov. 2-7. The occasion will feature everything from cooking demonstrations to goat racing and rum blending, as well as beach parties and fashion shows.

www.breezes.com