The latest interview with naturists around the world comes from someone who lives in Cyprus and Wales.

We are delighted to welcome SiRo R to this project:

Share little about yourself and your part of the world.

I’m now retired. I spent much of my working life in a small Welsh town, but these days I split my time between Wales and the Mediterranean, where we have another home. It’s quite a contrast: drizzle and sheep one week, sunshine and citrus trees the next. I like to think I get the best of both worlds. 

How did you first get involved in naturism and what were your initial thoughts?

My first encounter with naturism in the UK was with a friend from university who was a member of a club in Gloucestershire. It was a strange experience for me: although I was used to nudity, this was something rather different — people specifically choosing not to wear clothes in a culture where being dressed was very much the norm. I must admit that at first it felt a little odd, mixing with people I was more used to seeing fully clothed. There was a self-consciousness to it that I hadn’t expected, given my background. 

But that feeling passed surprisingly quickly, and before long I found myself completely at ease and happily joining in. One thing led to another — club membership, then holidays abroad, then larger gatherings and organised events. In fact, I realised rather quickly that this was something I wanted to be part of — and I’ve never really looked back since. 

Share some your naturist adventures so far.

They have been wonderfully varied — from a spontaneous skinny dip to holidays abroad and larger gatherings. Some settings have been small and peaceful, perfect for lazing in the sun or wandering woodland trails without a stitch on; others lively and sociable, with bars, music and plenty of good company. I’ve swum naked in rivers, lakes and seas, and there’s nothing quite like striding across open countryside wearing nothing but a smile. 

There have been some odd moments along the way too. I once took part in a naturist beauty pageant — the full works: a circuit of the stage, the crowd looking on with great interest, being called forward individually to answer questions about hobbies and ambitions. I approached it with complete earnestness, which was perhaps slightly undermined by the fact that I was stark naked throughout. Though to be fair, so was most of the audience — it was a naturist venue. The fact that the contest appeared on Game for a Laugh in the early 1980s probably tells you everything you need to know about the spirit of the event.

What do you think naturism has taught you about yourself, and do you think it has changed you in any way?

Naturism has taught me to relax and not take myself too seriously — which is just as well, as I’ve been teased a bit along the way. It’s shown me that people are far less judgmental than I once feared, and that many of the barriers we imagine are really just in our own heads. I’d say it’s made me more open, more approachable, and probably more fun too — at least I like to think so… though others may feel the teasing is well deserved. 

Do you think there are certain people better suited to naturism, and others not suited to it?

There probably are people who are more naturally suited to naturism than others, though I’m not entirely sure why. It may be upbringing, personality, confidence, cultural background, or simply mindset. Some people seem instinctively comfortable with social nudity, while others never quite feel at ease with it. Equally, many people simply don’t wish to be unclothed in the company of others, and that’s perfectly valid. 

Naturism isn’t about persuading anyone — it’s about freedom and comfort. A “live and let live” approach seems the healthiest one. 

How would you like to see the future of naturism developing over the next 30 years, and do you feel these ideas are achievable?

I’d love to see naturism become more mainstream — accepted simply as another leisure choice, without the baggage and eyebrow-raising that sometimes comes with it. It would also be wonderful if social media and online platforms stopped censoring or misrepresenting it and allowed naturism to be seen for what it really is: ordinary, wholesome, and far less shocking than plenty of things they already permit. 

In reality, of course, nobody knows what will happen. When I reflect on the last fifty years of naturism and how much has changed — and if the next fifty bring even half as much change as the last, predicting the future feels like a fairly hopeless exercise. 

What I do believe is that the general direction of travel is positive.

Has there ever been a specific day, location, or activity that made you think, “this is naturism at its best”?

One of the most memorable days was at a naturist campsite when I bumped into someone I’d known for years in my professional life. I was completely naked at the time — which certainly wasn’t how she was used to seeing me, nor I her! It broke down barriers instantly though, and we found ourselves chatting far more openly than we ever would have managed back at work. It turns out that professional formality becomes surprisingly difficult to maintain when neither of you has anything on. 

Share five words would you use to describe naturism that people who haven’t tried it may not have considered? And five words that wrongly describe it?

Five that describe it: natural, freeing, social, calming, joyful. 

Five that don’t: sexual, weird, exhibitionist, exclusive, shameful. 

If you were to close your eyes and consider naturism as an animal, a colour, and a food item, what comes to mind?

Animal: a dolphin — playful, graceful, and free. 

Colour: golden — the warmth of the sun on skin.

Food: fresh fruit — simple, natural, and full of life.

Do you have any naturist regrets?

Yes — I spent too long worrying about how people might react if they knew I was a nudist, and so I rarely talked about it. Now I am far more open; it has simply become part of who I am. 

If you could go anywhere in the world now as a naturist, where would it be? 

For me, it isn’t really about ticking off a particular place on the map — it’s about the experience itself. Put me by a lake, on a beach, or walking through the hills without clothes and I’m happy.

What would you suggest as a reason for joining ANW?

ANW is one of the most straightforward and genuine naturist sites online. I don’t surf around much myself, but from what I gather there are some pretty lurid corners of the internet that give completely the wrong impression.

ANW offers something very different: it’s straightforward, friendly, and authentic. It feels like a place where real naturists can share real experiences without all the nonsense. In a world where naturism is so often misunderstood, that feels refreshingly valuable.

How important is home naturism? 

Living in both Wales and the Mediterranean, home naturism is quite important. The climate rather dictates that the less you wear, the more comfortable you are, so without really thinking about it, clothes tend to get dispensed with altogether. It also makes everyday life feel simpler and more relaxed. 

What hobbies do you enjoy, and do any of them lend themselves particularly well to being done naked?

I have several hobbies — quite a few of which can be done perfectly well with nothing on. I enjoy swimming, walking, gardening, yoga and cooking, and one way or another I’ve managed to do most of them naked at some point. Some activities lend themselves to it more easily than others.

A big thank you to SiRo for taking part in this interview. 

The full interview with further photographs can be found under Interviews in the Articles section of ANW. 

There are over 1,400 articles, blogs, podcasts, videos, and other resources across our growing libraries shared on ANW, as well as 15300+ Members, 300+ topics debated in the Forum, 1400+ Albums and 44,000+ Photographs, 4100+ Beaches, Venues, Clubs and other Naturist Opportunities, and much more to connect with in our womderful naturist community.  

ANW welcomes all who are respectful and interested in naturism and invite all genuine naturist organisations, clubs, events, venues and other opportunities to be part of the ANW community and work with us to encourage the growth and acceptance of naturism around the world. If you have any questions email Anna and Steve at [email protected]


© 2026  SiRo R, and www.anaturistworld.com All Rights Reserved


To Join ANW simply click the box below.