Once in a while, my wife and I get an email from a couple interested in exploring nude recreation. It all started last summer when Mr. A sent us an email after reading several of our blog posts about our nude experiences. He had questions and concerns.
Mr. A and his wife were comfortable being nude at home and when they were alone and he was interested in trying a more social setting but he was most concerned about making sure the experience was a good one for his wife. She was concerned about the people they might meet and making sure it was a safe and relaxing environment and not sexualized in any way. These are honest concerns.
We shared advice with Mr. A and gave him suggestions. I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from Mr. A this week detailing he and his wife’s first nude experience in a clothing optional setting. Mr. A took the time and effort to find a great place for he and his wife to try social nudity. It was relaxed, fun and a great experience for both of them. Here is Mr. A’s firsthand account and review.
My wife and I were looking for a way to ease into our first clothing optional experience so we decided to visit Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens in Ashland, Oregon. (The Gardens has great reviews. See the TripAdvisor Reviews.) We are very comfortable with nudity around our home and in private settings, but this was our first time in a group setting.
Ashland is a tranquil little town in Southern Oregon that is perfect for a low key and relaxing weekend getaway. Chozu is located a few blocks from downtown Ashland, and we stayed in the small “cottage” that is on the property. The accommodations were great and the gardens are beautiful. Chozu is in a renovated house that contains a small lobby, massage rooms, and a small restaurant. The bath gardens are behind the house and are very private from neighboring homes and buildings.
The Japanese-inspired experience starts in the men’s and women’s locker rooms with a change and shower, then you have your choice of a private soaking pool, large group soaking pool, cold plunge and sauna. The gardens are clothing optional after 6PM. Prior to6PM you are given a “koshimaki” to wear in lie of a bathing suit. The koshimaki is a loose fitting Japanese-style wrap, which allows for a “near nude” experience without actually being completely nude. We quickly learned that regular visitors are often nude when in the water or sauna, regardless of the designated time.
My wife was apprehensive as we began our experience, and my goal was to give her as much grace as possible and let her move at her own pace. After checking in and a stroll around town, she decided to begin the experience in the large group pool rather than one of the private pools. Needless to say, the pools and sauna are very relaxing and we had a great time. She was happy to remove her koshimaki after 6PM. We were surprised that we had the large pool mostly to ourselves the entire weekend, but we were joined by other guests – some wearing their wraps and others happy being nude. We had a conversation with another woman in the sauna, all three of us completely nude and free.
Throughout the weekend we spent plenty of time at the gardens, we each got a massage, but we also went skiing and spent time around the town of Ashland as well.
I thought Chozu was a great way to “get our feet wet” and try something new. Being able to be nude and free feels great and it requires a tremendous amount of personal growth and confidence, both of which we have been trying to foster recently. In the past, I have been embarrassed and ashamed of myself and my body – I’m too pale, too thin, too sensitive. It was a healing experience to be able to nude in context with other people and be completely happy.
My wife thought the experience was a great starting point as well. While there was some initial hesitancy, she quickly became comfortable. It was a safe entry point into a new experience for us, and it was very freeing enjoy our bodies regardless of what others think… and to be honest, no one even notices!
I really appreciate Mr. A sharing he and his wife’s experience. Living in the Midwest, Ashland is not on our radar but we’d love to get there and experience it ourselves. We are always looking for firsthand accounts and trip reports to share with other couples who are interested in experiencing their first nude vacation. Also check out Mr. A’s blog: – http://www.onequestionaway.com/
Clothing Optional Trips 
Reblogged this on clothes free life.
Thank you for re-posting. Much appreciated.
Reblogged this on Nu et heureux – Naked and Happy and commented:
This is a great story about naturism and the benefits of it, for first timers, as well as a cool address for those travelling or being able to travel to Oregon. Definitely, one place I look forward to visiting some day if possible.
Really interesting post about Couples. This is a resort that we would love to visit so it helps to have such an in depth review. Thanks!
Also, your site is really nice – love the tone and the content. But you don’t have any information about you (like an “About Me” or “us”). Why is that?
Greg, great question. I recently updated our blog format and to your point, the “about us” section is now buried. It was there??? This is perhaps the best post about us: https://ourclothingoptionaltrips.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/so-why-a-blog-about-traveling-to-naked-places/ Give it a read. Thanks! TC
Hi TC, thanks for the response! I’ll go read that post right now. Oh, and fine job on the photos in your site. The one for this post is lovely.
Thanks Greg. I wish I could take credit for the photo from the Japanese Bath Garden but that was provided by a reader who sent it along. Great photo! TC