I run a nudist resort – that is how erections are handled
The owner of a naturist resort in Fuerteventura has bared all about nudist holidays.
The 57-year-old explained the do’s and don’ts of being in the buff, from making eye contact to dealing with erections – and noted why naked holidays are not about sexual attraction.
Karie Jane, from Derbyshire, set up BHH Naturist Resort in the Canary Islands, Spain, after first trying the lifestyle 20 years ago.
Now, she runs retreats where she hosts groups of strangers who have ‘booked separately’ to enjoy the hotel rooms at her clothing-optional property as well as hosting families and couples.
On her resort website, Karie notes that ‘nudism is not embarrassing, or porn’, and told MailOnline Travel that when it comes to the etiquette of stripping off around fellow naturists, it’s all a matter of respect – ‘and a mistake to think it is about sexual attraction’.
Karie Jane (left) set up BHH Naturist Resort in the Canary Islands, Spain, after first trying the lifestyle 20 years ago
Karie explained that naturists must always sit on a towel when naked ‘out of politeness’ and for hygiene reasons
Men and women can book to stay at BHH Naturist Resort (above) from £80 ($101) per night
Karie (above) explained that the draw of nudism is ‘the freedom from wearing clothes and to feel liberated’
Karie continued: ‘Etiquette in every situation, not just naturism, is about respect and thoughtfulness to others about our own conduct.
‘With a bare bottom you should always sit on a towel out of politeness and hygiene to others. This is one example of etiquette that then promotes kindness, consideration, and humility.’
She adds on her website: ‘You will be required to sit on your towel regardless if you just had a fresh shower.’
The 57-year-old’s hotel FAQ page adds that you should always ‘keep your legs together’ when sitting as ‘we all know you have one and nobody wants to see your legs spread open wide’.
Showers before entering the swimming pool or hot tub, meanwhile, are mandatory, with Karie noting that you can transfer ‘dirt, grass, oils, sunscreen, lotion, deodorants and sweat’ into the communal water.
Karie hosts naturist retreats, with female guests pictured here on one of her women-only Ladies Weeks enjoying a macramé crafting session
Two of Karie’s guests enjoy skinny dipping during a trip on a chartered yacht
Does she have any protocols around erections?
‘They can happen,’ the resort owner says, ‘especially if you are new to nudism.’
She says that the best way to deal with them ‘is to either turn over on your towel or if you are at a beach, you can stay in the water until your situation comes more under control’.
If someone is drawing attention to the fact that they’re standing to attention, Karie remarks that they should be reported.
She explains: ‘If you see someone with an obvious erection and is purposely drawing attention, let a lifeguard or authorities know about this and in most cases, they will be kicked out and banned from coming back again.’
Staring at someone’s body is also frowned up.
Karie’s website says: ‘It is very rude to stare and moreover, if you are gonna have a conversation with someone make sure you are talking to them with proper eye contact.
‘If you’re going to an event or beach for a thrill… you might as well buy a magazine and do us all a favour and stay home.’
Showers before entering the swimming pool or hot tub are mandatory
Karie and some of her guests enjoy the sunshine on a nude beach
Karie’s naturist resort is in Fuerteventura (above). She says: ‘If you see someone with an obvious erection and is purposely drawing attention, let a lifeguard or authorities know about this’
Karie explained that the draw of nudism is ‘the freedom from wearing clothes and to feel liberated’.
The resort owner said: ‘When you’ve seen dozens of naked people in a day, trust me, you start to feel way less concerned about whether your boobs, your labia, your pubes, your cellulite, your freckles, your whatever-other-hang up, is normal.
‘Because you can see, very clearly, that it is.’
Keen nudist Karie runs occasional women’s-only retreats where naked ladies come together to experience ‘pampering sessions, macramé crafting, private charter sailing boats’ and even a ‘jeep safari’.
Discussing her latest ‘ladies’ week’ event, she said: ‘We’ve already had pampering sessions and long walks on the beach with interesting conversations during a skinny dip or two.
‘An all-you-can-eat BBQ at a local surf bar was great fun, followed by live rock music and dancing with the locals.
‘The yacht sailing trip should be a highlight, especially if dolphins come out to play.’
Karie shared some of the reviews from the ladies who have enjoyed a week at her resort.
Sally said: ‘Talk about life-changing, I will never be the same.’
While Steph added: ‘Highly recommend the whole experience, which was perfect.’
The naked host has previously run a men’s-only yoga retreat and explained that she ‘runs lots of mixed groups too’.
She added that ‘just like any group, clothed or not, it’s fantastic to be with like-minded people’.
The next ‘Ladies Weeks’ will take place from October 8 to 15, 2024, and April 7 to 14, 2025. Men and women can book to stay at BHH Naturist Resort Fuerteventura outside of these dates from £80 ($101) per night. Visit naturistcanaries.com.
