Share

Nudity is lekker for locals

Cape Town - South Africans seem to have no problem taking their clothes off, says a British couple who celebrated the opening a new nudist resort in Somerset West last week.

At the opening of the Vasnat naturist resort last weekend about 60 people came to scope out the premises and had no problems shedding their clothes once the dignitaries had left.

And 95% of them were local Afrikaners, said Mark Taylor, who runs the resort with his wife Samantha.

The naturist couple are not new to the nudist resort business, having established the Vassalike Naturis Club on the Greek island of Kefalonia in 2007.

Since then - and despite the global economic downturn - their naked ambition has seen their unusual business flourish, and now expand to South Africa.

“People thought we were totally crazy when we left our jobs to start a hotel for naturists,” said Samantha, 32, who walked out on a lucrative management role at City firm JP Morgan. Mark, 39, worked as a chef.

The new resort, on an extensive property backing onto the Helderberg Mountains, boasts an outdoor swimming pool, luscious gardens, easy access to the beach and a spa.

Mark said they run a respectable operation.

“There are no sexual connotations at all,” said Mark.

“If anyone has any wrong ideas they’ll be out so fast they won’t believe it.”

The point of naturism was to enjoy nature without having to wear a “soggy bathing costume”.

Clients were professionals of all ages who wanted to enjoy nature and socialise without the burden of clothing.

“When people undress they become so much more sociable as all symbols of status were stripped,” said Mark.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE