For those of you who haven't read it in our profile... We are a couple, young 50-somethings from Belgium. Early last year we discovered through research for a professional project that naturism or at least clothing optional might be something for us. But as the saying goes: the proof of the pudding etc.
So, we decided to give it a try in a small, intimate and thus 'safe' surrounding. We spent a few days in a naturist B&B on the Continent, meanwhile reading up on naturism/nudism. And yes, this felt great. So liberating, so free, so nice. It learned us that we can completely agree with the definition that author Liz Egger compiled: 'The enjoyment of getting as naked as possible, wherever and whenever appropriate, alone or with others, just for its own sake.'
As a consequence we definitely want to further explore the naturist path, to find out where our final destination lies. Being that type of naturism which suits us best.
There are quite a few nude saunas in north Belgium my favourite was Sauna Imelda - I believe it was burnt down and not replaced - but was full nude, with many different saunas, indoor / outside pool, fully outside pool, large lawn for sun bathing a good bar and food - very easy to spend the whole day and evening there. Always many people there of all ages.
There is another just before you get to Antwerp on the right (from Brussels), still quite good, but not as big.
I always found the people very friendly even though I spoke no Flemish or French. In general I think the north has a much more relaxed view of nudity than the south.
Thanks for your post and, yes, that's absolutely true. Lots of saunas etc over here, especially in Flanders, and nearly everyone here is able and willing to communicate in one way or the other in English. Thing is, unfortunately, that the possibilities for outdoor-clothing optional are as good as zero. Unless you like being stared at at the only nudist beach or prepared to join a club, which over here feels more like joining a secluded community that tries to survive by itself, through itself and only with itself. You can't even join the national federation without being part of one of them. So, Holland, England... Here we come 🙂
Dit you stay at Sea Nat in Koksijde? If not, it would be nice if you'd give us the details of that naturist B&B.
The ones we stayed at:
Sea Nat - Koksijde (we live near Bruges)
Oasi di Mara - near Verona, Italy
Gîte naturiste des chênes - St-Christophe en Bresse - France
Le Chanozois in Chanoz-Chatenay - France
We'll be staying at Locanda di Terramare near Pisa during the first week of the Easter Holidays.
No, it was in the Netherlands. At De Heeren van Drenthe:
http://www.deheerenvandrenthe.nl/
Re naturalist locations other than clubs - I must admit I'm not aware of the legal issues of being naked in public in Belgium and I'm very aware that around Brussels there are few true open secluded areas where you will not come across others but I'm also aware there are many good country areas where you should be able to enjoy some naked walks, skinny dipping etc just by yourselves. In the Uk although its not illegal to be nude in public anywhere most people (including me) seek out more secluded locations. In such locations if someone does come across me naked the reaction is normally 'nice day for it' or similar.
Naturally Holland / Germany isn't that far and they do seem to be much more liberal than the UK - Some day I do intend to walk Germany's nude trails (we don't have any in the UK, and many nudists don't want designated nude trails - I would prefer to have some).
Re Spa's / Saunas I would have thought there would be some others with open spaces - because I mainly attended Sauna Imelda when I worked in Belgium I didn't look for many others, but there must be some.
Living near Bruges, I prefer going to a naturist just across the border, in Groede. As there is only one naturist beach in Belgium, you risk to see peeping Toms. You'll find that the people on the beach in Groede (and other naturist beaches in Holland) are 'regulars', only interested in spending a nice time naked on the beach.
That's absolutely true, about those peeping toms... That's why we don't even consider going to that beach.