A NUDIST resort wants to bring back swingers and sex parties in a bid to boost sagging tourism figures.

The White Cockatoo resort in Mossman, near Port Douglas, north Queensland, is promoting an adults-only “anything goes” month of hedonism for March next year.

Owner of the White Cockatoo Tony Fox yesterday said it was time to lift a self-imposed swinger ban.

“Tough economic times call for stiff measures,” Mr Fox said. “We’ve taken the bull by the horns and it’s going nuts; we’re close to fully booked.

Would you go? Have your say

“It will be a hedonism resort, where anything goes for a month. We’re not using the words sex or swingers, but it doesn’t take rocket science to work out what it means.”

Three years ago the controversial resort, once billed as the nation’s top group-sex hotspot for swingers, hit the headlines when it closed its doors to partner-swapping.

The ban followed a series of out-of-control sex parties and orgies where, in one case, police were called to evict six swingers after a free-for-all sex romp in a chalet.

In another, a naked husband-and-wife in their mid-50s upset others with a rowdy display of balcony sex before breakfast.

Other guests complained of being propositioned for group sex by a stranger in her 30s.

Mr Fox said he had since imposed a strict set of rules for the ordinary nudist season.

Cairns Catholic Bishop James Foley warned: “It might only end up cheapening the whole resort operation for a short term gain.

“Anyone who goes to a hedonist’s party goes at their own risk.

“You’ve got to wonder what sort of people go and why. Where is the moral code of behavior and how do you stop jealousies and fights?”

But Cairns Regional Mayor Val Schier said she was not opposed to the “month of hedonism”.

“People in tropical north Queensland are extraordinarily creative,” Ms Schier said. “And if they can create a business opportunity that does not offend any neighbors or harm anybody that is fine.

“It is tough economic times and as long as it is with consenting adults, then there is no problem.”

And local tourism chief Doug Ryan said: “As long as whatever they do stays within the law then good on them.”

Whether you’re looking for built-in friends and fun for your first trip to a lifestyle resort, or you’re looking forward to meeting up with old friends while meeting new friends to your favorite resort, a Shoes Only Travel resort takeover week may be just what you’re looking for. 

As the name implies, a takeover happens when Shoes Only books all the rooms in a resort or on a cruise giving them full, exclusive access to all the resort has to offer.   All the personal attention results in a more luxurious vacation for you and your partner! Another takeover plus is that with the resort all to Shoes Only guests for the week, all your fellow guests are there for the duration, unlike at other times during the year when check ins and check outs happen daily.  All your new friends will be staying just as long as you are!

For newbies to lifestyle travel, filling a hotel with others traveling with Shoes Only Travel may seem to mean only that everyone in the resort booked through the same travel agent- but that’s not the only perk of having booked for a takeover week.  When Shoes Only takes over, there are fun filled activities designed to get you mingling with your fellow Shoes Only travelers.  The first night is usually spent at a get-to-know-you reception where new lifestylers meet one another and experienced travelers reunite. Listening to returning guest regale their stories and pass along tips can help those newbies decide how to make the most of their first experiences. For the rest of the week, the activities are tailored to the Shoes Only crowd offering more fun and excitement.

Returning guests to a resort can have fun with the special activities planned exclusively for Shoes Only guests during a resort take over as they take in past favorites of the resort.  They can also enjoy familiar activities with a new level of service with the increased staff to guest ratios. 

Because take over weeks are 100% Shoes Only guests, bear in mind that there have to be enough guests registered to fill the resort requirement for take over.  This means you have to book ahead and pay in advance early enough to ensure a commitment to the vacation.  It also means it’s a great time to talk your friends, either real life or online, to join you. What a great way to meet friends from an online site such as Couples Touch or other social networking sites.  Even if you don’t click as well as you did online, there will be more playmates for you to meet in the course of your stay!

Shoes Only Travel has a variety of resort takeovers & group trips planned for 2009 at Desire, Hedonism, and Hidden Beach resorts as well as an exclusive Lifestyle Luxury Cruise, giving you 9 chances to give in to the private pleasures of an exclusive Shoes Only experience.  The first planned trip for 2009 is a holiday recovery in Desire, Los Cabos.  What could be a better gift than a get away in the sun with a nice group of  friends right after the stress of the holiday season?  It might be hard to put a bow on, but it is one gift you’re certain to remember forever! 

Getting started in “the lifestyle” has fascinated you for awhile now.  You’ve decided to book a trip to an adult playground but are unsure of which one and how to behave there.  C’mon, Shoes Only Travel does more than get you to your destination, they are there to help you make the best choice for you.

 To get started, take the Traveler Personality Profile to find out which is the right destination for you.  Hedonism may sound like fun, but maybe a bit more than you’re ready for.  Let Shoes Only help you plan a vacation for you that is a better fit.  You can always go back for more- it is, after all, a lifestyle, not a vacation style!

Once you have your itinerary booked, you can start looking up information about what to expect on your trip.  In on-line resort forums, the best, most informational posts are from experienced vacationers; ones who have been to the resorts multiple times and probably make an annual visit.  They know the staff by nickname, they have their room all picked out, and they can tell you how wild and crazy things can get.  It sounds like fun for them, intimidating for you.  This is your first time.  Not to worry.  Everyone has a first time.  All the regulars remember their first time and are happy to welcome you into the family.  Running naked to the beach after dropping your toothbrush off in your room might be too fast for you.  Read up and find out the best spots to people watch.  Plan a day to warm up to the whole scene, and be ready to throw all expectations out the window too!

But still, you don’t want to go in totally clueless.  Continue reading.  A great first step regardless of where you’ll start your swinging experience is to learn swinger etiquette.  There is no better way to stand out like a sore thumb than to not know how to handle yourself.  Remember things like the importance of talking to people regardless of how nervous you are.  A drink may help ease the tension. Dress sexy.  It will help boost your confidence as well as get you noticed.  Above all else communicate with your partner.  You are always in control and always have the right to say no.  Browsing might be the easiest first step you can take before jumping in head first.

Beyond the internet, there are some helpful books to consider.  One that gets high reviews is Swinging for Beginners: an introduction to the lifestyle.  It helps open up communication between you and your partner about conversations you might not know enough to have, offers tips, and tells real world stories from people who started right where you are. 

Regardless of how you learn about the lifestyle, remember to keep an open mind.  The best way to let yourself go regardless of where you go is to go with the flow.  You might find yourself in a situation you never dreamed possible that will blow your mind and have you panting for more.  All the studying in the world is useless unless you get yourself out there and experience it for yourself!

Each month, we’re going to talk about one of the various resorts Shoes Only Travel represents.  Please remember that we’ve chosen to represent only the best for lifestyle and au natural travel.  Our pick this month, Hedonism II, is certainly represents that high standard.

Of course, you want to know the basics about Hedo II before we tell you why you should go.  Hedo II is located in Negril, Jamaica, about 50 miles south of Montego Bay, where your flight will land.  Obviously Hedo’s  beaches are bathed in sun and the water is plentiful.  Hedo II is filled with fun in the sun activities, clubs, and parties. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone going, by the time you leave the island, you’ll be part of the family.  First time traveler Brandyn said “Max & I looked at each other to say, ‘We’re so screwed… we’re never going to see another part of the world are we?’ Yep, we’ve been bitten by the Hedo Bug.”

Once you land on Jamacia, getting to Hedo II is easy!  Super Clubs, the parent company of Hedo resorts, has a lounge right in the airport terminal where you go after debarking your plane and getting through customs.  They will take you directly to the resort.  A past guest warns “The bus ride to the resort was WEIRD and exciting! Here in the US we do drive on the right side of the road, we do have our steering wheels on the left side of the cars, we have traffic lines, traffic signs, red lights…etc. All I could do was watch and HOLD ON!!” 

Once you hit the resort, the concierge staff will make short work of getting you to your room.  Be sure to find your schedule so you don’t miss out on any activities, but the best way to find out what’s going on is to get out there and talk to people.  Friends tell us that Hedo II “gets more like Disneyland for adults every year”.  If you think a trip sounds like a good idea, but aren’t sure when to go, ask Shoes Only about their Hedo Takeover Weeks when we book most of the clothing optional rooms for our guests and offer special deals, amenities, and group activities.  Also, Hedo II will be having their next Ms. No Swim Suit Contest March 7-14, 2009!  Why wait ‘til New Year’s to start that new workout plan?  Call Shoes Only Travel to make your reservations, get to the gym, and get in the sexy competition! We’d love to brag that we sent the winner. (And her lucky partner!)

Watersports are tons of fun and you can get in some incredible SCUBA dives.  “Scuba, at H2, is free: the equipment, the boat ride, the tank, the weights … everything. I do recommend that you bring your own mask, fins & booties, lycra body suit, gloves if possible as you know they fit. H2 does not offer body suits, even for rent. Keep in mind that the water will be in the 85F temp range.

Before you do your first dive, you must present your c-card (I know this is stupid to say but do remember to bring your card. I HAVE SEEN FAR TOO MANY DIVERS FORGET IT [not shouting, but emphasis] so pack it now).”

Our friend Chris adds “Some of the favorite things to do at Hedo in addition to scuba:
Water ski (and add some walking around Bloody Bay while you’re there)
Snorkel
Water slide (a must - lots of fun)
Find the 2 secret hidden hot tubs
Try a flaming Bob Marley shot or 2”

 “HedoRick has a great suggestion. Plan to do it all and be open to the possibility of doing nothing.”

 “Sexual energy and excitement that makes up Hedo.”  While each night has a theme and costumes are encouraged, we’re not talking the Halloween type you’re used to!  Think less is more when coming up with your outfits.  Currently the themes are Western Night, PJ Party, Red Stripe Bikini Party, Regge, Retro, Toga, and International.  One word of caution- on PJ Party night, you will not be allowed into the disco without pajamas.  For those really looking for some lifestyle travel, January at Hedo II is lifestyle month.  “While it is not a take over, the percentage of H2 guests interested in the lifestyle of sharing does go up significantly. Which is to say that the probability of meeting similarly minded couples is very high and without difficulties.”

A fun in the sun, everything out in the open trip awaits you at Hedonism II.  Those with any concerns will find them quickly melted away in the Jamaican sun, and returning family will be thrilled to be back at “home”.  Take your travel personality profile on the Shoes Only website.  If Hedo II comes up, make your reservations to the party of your lifetime!