Best Places to Get Naked Around the World

From restaurants to beaches, where to go bare.

London’s first naked restaurant, The Bunyadi, which just opened in June 2016, may not be the easiest place to nab a reservation. But don’t worry; if you have the courage, it’s not the only spot on the planet worth visiting naked.

The Bunyadi, London

The Bunyadi, London

A bamboo privacy screen surrounds a table at The Bunyadi restaurant in London.

Photo by: Courtesy The Bunyadi

Courtesy The Bunyadi


London’s first nude restaurant opened to the public on June 11; as a pop-up, it’s only around for three months. Bunyadi is Hindi for natural, and that concept extends throughout. But the theme stretches beyond simply eating natural food while you’re au naturel. Instead it’s more of a nod to a prehistoric era, so there’s no electricity, gas or cell phone use either. Everything from the dishware to the furniture is also natural, and meals are eaten by candlelight. The multicourse menu provides a choice between vegan courses (sweet and salt seasonal forage) and non-vegan options (steak tartare with goji berries and wild nettle oil). Oh, since there’s no electricity or gas, food is either raw or cooked over a fire. If you’re on the fence about eating naked, rest assured: there’s a changing room with lockers, and robes and slippers are provided for the walk to the table. By the way, this isn’t open-floor-plan seating. Tables are enclosed with bamboo screens, so only your fellow diners will see you naked. However, nudity is optional and there is a small, separate clothed area—although that totally defeats the purpose. Just know that there were 46,000 people on the waiting list when it opened, and the 42-seat restaurant is consistently booked. On last check there were some times open for July; if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot, Bunyadi’s secret location will be emailed to you.

Russian and Turkish Baths, NYC

Russian and Turkish Baths, NYC

Man walking up the stairs of the Russian and Turkish Baths in the East Village.

Photo by: Dan Herrick

Dan Herrick

Don’t expect a luxury spa experience at the Russian and Turkish Baths—but that’s a good thing. This NYC institution opened in 1892 when bathhouses were common; now it’s among the last of its kind. It’s maintained a cult following as both locals and celebrities flock to the old-school Russian bath for schvitzing in its fabled saunas. The circuit of roasting entails five saunas and steam rooms, including an aromatherapy one. Don’t leave without sweating it out in the authentic Russian sauna, which is heated to almost 200 degrees by an oven filled with 20,000 pounds of rocks. Buckets of water and a (freezing) cold plunge pool provide relief. The bathhouse also offers treatments, from salt scrubs to full-body mud masks. But its signature is the platza, a traditional treatment that involves getting scrubbed/smacked by oak leaves soaked in olive oil soap. The hardy can elect to receive this service in the blistering Russian sauna. A bathing suit is required during coed hours, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time in order to schvitz in the buff.

Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France

Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France

Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France

Lounge chairs and parasol on the beach of Saint-Tropez.

Photo by: lilly3

lilly3

Brigitte Bardot put the fishing village of St. Tropez on the map in the 1950s, thanks to the film And God Created Woman. Since then, that swath of the French Riviera has morphed into a glamorous playground for the jet set. Along the way, Plage de Tahiti, located at the northern end of Pampelonne’s long, sandy stretch of beach, became one of the world’s most famous nude beaches. July and August are as likely to attract tourists as celebrities, but head over to exclusive Le Club 55 for a chance at spotting everyone from Beyonce to Elton John.

Bold & Naked Yoga, NYC

Bold & Naked Yoga, NYC

A woman practices yoga naked.

Photo by: Staras

Staras

Sure, it can be daunting enough practicing yoga fully clothed. True to its name, Bold & Naked wants people to practice nude in order to accept themselves as is, and to find the freedom that comes with bearing it all. The studio holds regularly scheduled coed classes, as well as a separate class for men. In order to ensure a safe environment, participants must first fill out a questionnaire that asks, “Why did you respond to Naked Yoga?” and “What would you like to get out of participating in Naked Yoga events?” Those who are selected agree to adhere to the rules, including no photographs or inappropriate touching or behavior. 

Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen, Japan

Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen, Japan

Japan, Tohoku Region, Aomori Prefecture, Kuroishi, Interior of Aoni Onsen. (Photo by: JTB/UIG via Getty Images)

Photo by: UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor

UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor

Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen, Kuroishi, Japan

Onsen, or hot springs, are a popular Japanese pastime, and the country has no less than 3,000 of them. Onsen are believed to help with a host of ailments; health claims cover the spectrum from easing arthritis to improving circulation. Either way, they induce a state of pure relaxation, and are traditionally experienced sans swimsuit. For the ultimate onsen retreat, Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen is an authentic ryokan (or inn) tucked away in the remote mountains of Central Honshu. Lamp no Yado translates to Lamp Inn, since there’s no electricity: instead more than 100 kerosene lamps are used to light the property. Otherwise, it’s just you, the fairytale scenery and four hot spring pools, including an open-air one; the rest are glass-enclosed for maximum scenery enjoyment. Three of the springs are gender-segregated, while the fourth is coed. In keeping with tradition, guests use wooden buckets to wash up before entering the pools. If possible, visit during the wintertime so you can experience the magic of snow falling while enveloped in steamy water.

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