We just went to T and C in October and stayed at the Sands. We didn't see anyone topless at the Sands. We went on an island getaway via J and B tours where we were dropped off at a secluded cay. I went topless there because we were the only ones on the beach. Two couples did walk over from the other side of the island. They were there with a private boat. When they realized that we were there, they turned around and went back to the side of the island where their boat was. If you want to go topless or do anything else :) I would recommend going on the island getaway.

If you want to go topless all the time then you might want to go to St Martin to Orient Beach or Cupacoy Beach. In Aruba, toplessness is also permitted on the beach where Bucuti is - at least it was in 2002 when we went there. I've also read that Negril in Jamaica and some of the Mayan Riviera, Mexico resorts allow it but I haven't been to these.
Click on my screen name and read my recent trip report for T and C for more info. You'll also find my St Martin and Aruba trip reports there.

Hi, just to interject, I have been to the following places and have been topless with out any problem at all.St Barts, St Martin,Puerta Plata, Anguilla( yes Meads bay and far end of Shoal bay)for two weeks on numerous vacations,Curacao,Bonaire, Aruba, Turks and Caicos. Also in Miami, North Carolina, Florida Keys,Atlantic city and Wildwood, it does not mean that at all I walked on the beach or swam topless, but at all I did lie out on a lounge or towel and have never ever been approached by anyone, it is a matter of sensibility when you do it and being aware of your location.Just use some COMMON SENSE PLEASE. I did not include my visits to Europe as there it is much more the norm, its amazing there how you make friends, meet on the beach for a day enjoy wine cheese and other snacks and no one oogles anyone over the fact that they are topless, actually more men can not accept there wives that way in front of other men whereas the women are more comfortable with it than their spouses, I have been in hot tubs with other couples along with my husband and had wonderful afternoons and evenings with these people, we met on vacation and you know what it was always mature times and no like many of you think, iT DOES NOT LEAD TO SWAPPING< ORGYS or ROMANTIC ENCOUNTERS, lighten up we here in the US need to take an example from other countries and some of their freedoms to go along with our many.

AS AN AMERICAN I HATE TO SAY IT BUT MANY AMERICANS ARE RUDE WHEN TRAVELING. IF YOU ARE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY RESPECT THE LAWS. I DON'T CARE IF A PERSON OPTS TO GO TOPLESS BUT IF THE HOST GOVERNMENT HAS CHOSEN TO BAN SAID ACTIVITY WHO ARE ANY OF US TO IGNORE WHAT THEY FEEL IS BEST FOR THEIR COUNTRY? IF YOU WANT TO GO TO AMSTERDAM FOR "WHATEVER" YOU WOULD NOT ACT THE SAME WAY IN LONDON. IT'S TAHT SIMPLE-THERE ARE NUMEROUS ISLAND WHERE IT IS ACCEPTABLE SO IT SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE.

Sleepless?

Shouting? Why? this has been a reasonably civil discussion so far and now you are SHOUTING!

As I said on my post I went topless at IA in Negril but on the resorts' grounds and not on the beach.

I didn't remove my bikini top at the Jamaica Inn since the clientel is different.

I didn't go topless in T&C because the beach outside the Coral Gardens has no privacy.

I went topless at the Bucuti Beach resort in Aruba (where it is not against the law) until I realised that the rest of the guests were American and not topless, apart from one woman (American) who laid on a lounger less than 20ft from the bar and chatted to the barstaff while topless. It was very hard to ignore her - too 'in your face' for me. She was a very nice woman, I just preferred her with her clothes on and I kept my top on the rest of the time so as not to alienate the other guests.

I'm waiting for the time (in vain, I know) that it becomes illegal for men to go topless!

What's the difference? We all have nipples? Woman have larger breasts than men for a good reason - to feed a baby! Yet I know many women who are repelled by the thought of using them for their proper purpose.

It appears to me that breasts have stopped being the domain of babies or the woman who to 'own' the breasts and are now seen as totally sexual and to be hidden away!

From who? Well every woman I know has her own pair, what woman who would pay attention to my 'boobs' when she has her own? Who could it be?? :-?

alya, that just cracked me up. thank you for posting with such humor and vigor.

ej,

just don't get me started on Victoria's Secret!!!!! =;

YEAH !!!! You go girl !!! A woman after my own heart ! Thanx Alya ..... ( lol , but it's due somewhat to the above " duty " of the said "objects" that I keep my top ON !!!!! lol , Faith .

Alya - good for you! I am so glad someone pointed that out! Yes, I feel the same frustrations you do about this subject :)

Dear Alya, I wasn't shouting. I must be ignorant to the protocol of posting when using capital letters. My CAPS were on...that's all....I'm actually quite civil...you shouldn't be so quick to take offense as none was intended. the theme of my post should suggest that i believe that manners are of the utmost importance when visiting another's home country.

Nudity is frowned on in St. John, but I believe there is a civilized understanding that those wishing to bear it all may do so at Solomon beach which I haven't been to. I just don't understand why this thread always gets folks so riled up. It has been hysterical to follow though. I have a theory that those who have a problem with other people's nudity are exactly that: the one with the problem. Ashcroft should have saved the money and spent 8 cents to cover up his tiny little h-----.

This topic started out to be about toplessness for women (of course). Now it's moved to nudity.

So if topless is OK, is full nudity for both sexes OK? On any island? On New Jersey or California beaches? And for people of all ages and builds?

I have to say I agree that people should abide by the laws and customs of the country you're visiting.

And you, Sleepless shouldn't assume that I took offense when I didn't :-S

An all CAPS post is generally seen as shouting, please try re-reading your post with that thought in mind and see how it comes across.

Now, that's all finished with - Let's get back to nudity :-D

While in Negril we met another couple who invited us on their 'Day Trip' to Hedonism - not our thing at all but they had a wonderful time, Each to their own!

Brenandg, I assume the couple in Negril were staying at Firefly

I agree that it is respectful to know the local laws and customs ahead of time. That said, sometimes information like this is hard to find. Perhaps members of this board should compile a list of which Islands are "topfree" friendly and which are not. That would enable all of us to make more informed choices when planning our next vacation.

On TCI keep 'em covered , thank you ..

Hi, I am just curious as I just watched the show on the travel channel and they had the Nikki Beach Hotel on there and they showed quite a few people that looked topless on there. Is that the case? Until I saw that show I had never even heard of that hotel.

Sorry Palmtree - no help from me, hopefully Blamona will pipe up soon. I did look at that website but found it lacking in detail. Is it (I assume it is) an AI? I think AI's are allowed to designate areas of their grounds for topless/nude bathing. Call them.

So funny to re-read this thread. I do miss Diana, she hasn't posted since her Dad died, I hope she is well and fighting the dolphin cause :)

Nikki Beach is NOT AI, and NOT Topless, illegal on TCI...thank god ! Don't waste your time going there...everytime we've run over to check it out , it's DEAD. Bad location away from everyting!