Naked, wet, free: 15 sexy skinny dips
Onsen, beaches, the French Riviera -- swimming's even better in the nude
Bathing naked isn't just for babies.
While the brave might whip off their underwear for an impromptu dip whenever the chance arises, some of us need more reassurance.
Following up on our popular 7 sexy skinny dips feature published back in 2010, here are 15 more places where you can confidently take a dip the way nature intended.
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1. Jerolim beach, Croatia
Nude-friendly Croatia.
Croatia is famed for its FKK (free body culture or "freikörperkultur") beaches and Jerolim island, the closest of the Pakleni islands to the town of Hvar, is renowned for its unspoilt, rocky shoreline and crystal waters.
It's popular with naturists (as well as non-naturists), who can be found sunning themselves on the white rocky outcrops.
For more privacy, get away from the main tourist area, hike through the forest and find a secluded cove. You can also explore the island's coast by boat.
Ferries travel regularly from Hvar town on Hvar island. Croatia National Tourist Board: croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage
2. Praia de Galheta, Santa Caterina, Brazil
This nature reserve has no restaurants or bars, so pack a lunch.
About 20 kilometers south of Florianopolis in the Brazilian state of Santa Caterina, this white sand beach attracts die-hard naturists and the nude-curious alike.
It's fine to turn up for a skinny-dip even if you don't want to then spend all day getting your white bits burnt. Praia de Galheta is a naturally preserved area, with no restaurants or other buildings nearby -- so take a packed lunch.
There is also an archaeological site and the surf is good. The Association of the Friends of Galheta lobbies and looks out for the interests of nature and naturism on the beach.
20 kilometers south of Florianopolis, north of Praia Mole; a.alles.sites.uol.com.br
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3. The New Naturist Beach at Marinadi Camerota, Campania, Italy
The not-so-secret nudist beach is a shingle beach like this one.
Despite Italy's showgirl culture, when it comes to nudity the Italians are not quite as free as their French neighbors. Naturist beaches are thin on the ground compared to the Côte d'Azur, but that's not to say there isn't a thriving naturist culture.
While Rome's Capocotta (just south of Ostia) has been a haven for naked bathers (and posers) for several decades, a 300-meter strip (excuse the pun) of shingle beach near Marina di Camerota, in the Campania region, has recently been designated naturist-friendly.
On the southern side of the Cilento national park, the clear waters of this quiet coast will feel like a breath of fresh air, just where it's needed.
Marina di Camerota is 90 kilometers south of Salerno and the naturist-designated beach (known as 'del Troncone') is south of Cala Finocchiaro; www.camerotamarina.it; Italian Naturist Federation: www.fenait.org
4. Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand
For the nudist-in-training, try a private courtyard for your streaking pleasure.
These luxurious villas -- 83 of them in total -- all come equipped with a private courtyard featuring a sunken pool and complete seclusion, which means you can take a naked dip to your heart's content without fear of offending other guests or staff.
While this kind of skinny dipping lacks the excitement and back-to-nature feel of taking a dip in the wild, there are benefits -- including a hot tub for two, an outdoor shower and a fully-stocked mini-bar within arm's reach.
A pool villa starts from 13,500 baht (US$429) per night but check their website for discounts and deals.
Anantara Phuket Villas, 888 Moo 3 ,Tumbon Mai Khao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand; +66 (0) 7633 6100; phuket.anantara.com
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5. Naked cruising, Côte d'Azur
Water so clear you've got nowhere to hide.
For something completely different, take a naked swim in the Mediterranean at any time of the day or night on a naturist cruise along the Côte d'Azur.
Cruises set off from Marseille and can be planned to suit your interests -- if you've always wanted to sail around the Calanques au naturel, this is the holiday for you. All you need to do is persuade a group of family or friends to share the experience.
Cruises cost €110 (US$152) per person per day and usually last one week.
Croisiere-med; +33 6 81 98 91 13; www.croisiere-med.com/en
