As someone who’s been out for years, I thought I’d seen it all — the apps, the parties, the rainbow-soaked festivals peddling self-love and overpriced flags. So you can imagine my surprise when, during a late-night scroll, I stumbled on a Facebook ad that made me do a full double take.
A naked gay retreat. Right here in Southeast Asia!
This wasn’t some artsy commune in Ibiza or a high-end naturist cruise off the coast of Mykonos. This was happening right here, in a region more known for discretion than for skin-on-skin liberation. My first thought? Is this just a more polite way of saying “orgy getaway”?
The journalist in me couldn’t resist. I clicked, I read, I dug.
What I uncovered was nothing like what I expected.
Dear Straight People,
Everything To Sea isn’t your typical travel company. On paper, it offers all-male, clothing-optional trips across the world. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find something far more layered than a risqué escape from reality.
Founded by Max Strauss and Dave Power, Everything To Sea was born out of a 12-month sailing journey and a desire to create spaces that felt both free and grounded — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As Max puts it, “That trip sparked more than just a love of the sea, it planted the seed for what would eventually become Everything To Sea.”
“We imagined trips that were relaxed and full of good energy, where guys could just be themselves, have fun, and share some laughs. The clothing-optional part wasn’t meant to be edgy — it just made everything feel more open, easy, and real.
That’s how Everything To Sea came to life — built on the idea that travel should be freeing, a little cheeky, and a lot of fun.”
Its flagship experience, The Naked Paradise Villa, takes place in a secluded, private property and promises a week of connection, self-discovery, and (optional) nudity. The trips are conducted in English and open to men of all ages, body types, and backgrounds. It’s all very wholesome. Very evolved.
Or at least, that’s what the website says.
The skeptic in me couldn’t help but wonder: Is this just a sun-soaked PR spin? Or does it actually deliver on the liberation it promises? To find out, I spoke to someone who’s actually been to The Naked Paradise Villa.
Meet Ewan, the Reluctant Nudist
Ewan is a Singaporean in his late thirties — a self-professed introvert who, by his own admission, doesn’t exactly scream “naked gay retreat.” But after the end of a ten-year relationship, something shifted in him.
“I wanted to do something I had never done before.”
Most solo travel options felt predictable — generic packages posing as personal growth. Then, one day, Ewan stumbled across a blog post by the Nomadic Boys reviewing Everything To Sea’s sailing trip. It was cheeky, honest, and unlike anything he’d seen. He booked it on the spot.
Then COVID hit.
Years later, borders reopened and so did his curiosity. This time, he opted for The Naked Paradise Villa. The idea of group nudity still made him nervous — introversion and undressing in front of strangers don’t exactly go hand in hand. But before the trip even began, one of the founders personally called to check in, answer questions, and ease any concerns. That simple, human touch made all the difference.
What followed wasn’t just a holiday. It was, as Ewan would later tell me, a complete recalibration of how he saw his body, how he connected with others, and how he showed up in the world.
The first time Ewan stepped into The Naked Paradise Villa, he was taken aback — not by the nudity, but by the view.
“The pool was overlooking the gorgeous sea and the Villa itself was huge!
It felt peaceful. I felt happy and excited.”
As other guests began to trickle in, Ewan met the group leaders, including co-founder Dave, who immediately put him at ease.
“Dave greeted me like he had known me for years and that’s what’s so special about him.
He was charismatic and he really made you feel comfortable.”
They kicked things off with a short group introduction, setting the tone for the days ahead.
“The group leaders shared about the importance of being non-judgemental, being honest and asking consent for the activities and reminded us to enjoy ourselves at our own personal comfort level.”
And that ethos wasn’t just talk. According to Max, guests are encouraged to take things at their own pace:
“From the moment they arrive, we focus on creating a welcoming, laid-back vibe… Within a day, guests usually realize it’s not about how you look — it’s about how you feel.”
And for Ewan, that meant staying in his shorts — at least for now.
“Of course, there were already a few travellers in various states of undress. I was just in shorts. But I was glad that I wasn’t shamed nor forced to be nude.
Everyone was accepting with what I am comfortable with.”
“I’m not someone who has a nice, fit and muscular body. I have flabs and a tummy.
It definitely will make me feel shy about showing myself off in the nude.”
But something shifted on day two. Surrounded by warmth, acceptance, and zero pressure, Ewan gave himself a push.
“I told myself that no one is judging me, and that I am here to experience how it feels to be nude in a nudist environment.”
So he did it. He walked out of his room — naked.
“The minute I walked out of my room in my naked self, I can feel all eyes on me but all I felt was just friendly smiles and the group welcoming me.”
There was no applause, no commentary, no awkward silence. Just smiles. Just ease. It was a small moment, but for Ewan, it was a seismic shift.
By the end of the week, Ewan had done far more than just confront his fears — he’d gone river rafting, partied under the stars, and shared moments he’d never forget.
“I enjoyed the river rafting, the famous party nights, a surprise fire spinning performance and the birthday celebration for one of the travellers. I also love the places that they brought us for dinner.
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the architecture at many of the places we visited was equally stunning.”
But what stuck with him went deeper than any itinerary.
“I tend not to judge people nowadays. I try to engage in conversations with newly met people and try to understand them more. I am much more comfortable with being in the nude.
In fact, I had even gone on a second trip with Everything To Sea early this year.”
For Ewan, The Naked Paradise Villa wasn’t just a break from routine — it was a full-body reset. A rare opportunity to reconnect with himself in a way that daily life rarely allows. It was about learning how to quiet the inner critic, shed the layers of expectation, and simply exist — unfiltered, unedited, and fully seen.
And that, perhaps, is the most radical part of it all. In a world that often demands queer men to be polished and curated, this retreat offers something refreshingly human: the space to let your guard down — not just physically, but emotionally. As Max puts it, being burden-free means “shedding more than just clothes. It’s about dropping the stress, judgment, and armor we carry in our daily lives.”
Ewan’s journey is just one of many. But it’s proof that you don’t need to be loud, ripped, or even particularly comfortable at first to take the leap. You just need to be willing.
As Max explains,
“Everyone is welcome here. You don’t need a six-pack or a certain label. Our guests range from their 20s to their 70s, from all different backgrounds.
Many arrive a little nervous, thinking about their bodies or fitting in. But within a day or two, they realize none of that matters. They discover the freedom to be silly, vulnerable, adventurous… and real.
If a part of you is curious, follow that spark. You don’t have to be a nudist, an extrovert, or even someone who’s super comfortable right away. Just bring yourself — exactly as you are.”
Open to all men regardless of your sexuality, join The Naked Paradise Villa on one of their upcoming trips: October 5–11, 2025, July 12–17, 2026, or October 6–12, 2026.
Learn more about The Naked Paradise Villa here.
Ready to book your burden-free journey? Click here to reserve your spot.
This article was produced in collaboration with Everything To Sea.
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