Clothing Optional... what it's all about - FAQ's

"We are interested in trying "clothing optional" but we are worried about other people finding out and not understanding. Will our privacy be guarded?"

Your privacy is YOUR privacy. We do not give out any personal information about our guests. While you stay with us you'll be with those who, like you, are concerned with privacy. So, rest assured that your visit will be kept confidential. We understand the difficulty that people might have in trying to grasp the purity of simple nudity and European style sunbathing. We've had people from all walks of life: Pastors to Police; Doctors to Dairy Farmers; Musicians to Monks -- well you get the picture. Since 2003 we've become the "oasis" for folks needing to recharge. Is it time for you? Poke around our website and learn more: www.LivingWatersSpa.com.

It has been said...

Living Waters Spa is truly one of a kind for many reasons. The waters in the mineral pool and the spa are very healing. Every time we spend a day or two in these waters, we feel rejuvenated, but who wouldn't, sitting in some of the most mineral rich water in the world, surrounded by blue skies, fresh air, palm trees and scenic mountain views? The rooms and facilities are impeccable and I attribute that to the owners' - Jeff and Judy’s - high standards. 

Living Waters offers many different types of massage packages, which are an added bonus to a couple of days of relaxation. They offer a fantastic little continental breakfast and also have a gas grill on premises if we want to do a little barbecuing. And let me not forget; some rooms have kitchenettes which are very helpful if we don't feel like dining out. 

Each time we return to Living Waters we are greeted like old friends who are back in town. The folks we've run into at the resort all seem to be respectful and mature. The pool and common areas are always quiet and serene so that maximum relaxation is possible. No cell phones are going off. It's just such a relaxing vibe. My girlfriend is fairly new to the clothing optional scene and kind of shy, but has found it easy, natural and freeing to walk around in her birthday suit at Living Waters Spa. There's not another feeling like it in the world. I would highly recommend this spa to anyone who would like to take advantage of the healing waters and relaxation of Desert Hot Springs in a beautiful, serene setting. 

Thank you, Jeff and Judy and all of the staff at Living Waters Spa! 

Ray and Maryam

Things to Expect at Living Waters Spa

Au Naturel apparel. Wonderful, wonderful, mineral water. A large spa pool with an awning over it. Massage that "puts you back together" instead of "tearing you apart." Free wifi that works and is FAST. Great Starbucks coffee in the morning. A "mini-bar" in our lounge with FREE soda, yogurt, and juice. Views of Mt. San Jacinto from bed! A totally different and accepting context for you to be just "you." These are some of the things that Living Waters Spa is all about.

9 Years providing guests with "more than a vacation..."

In August of 2003 we acquired a spa building that was being run as apartments and was in need of serious renovation... with the help of friends (about 600 man hours) we got 4 rooms (out of 9 - we finished the final rooms by February 2004) ready and our lounge and massage studio.

We held our breath as guests arrived. Would they like our spa? Would they appreciate the clothing-optional mineral water pools? Would they "get" our approach to massage? And finally, would they come back? As it turns out they did! We've had well over 7,000 guests from all over the US and even the world. By our 4th month we realized that each week we were having repeat guests and now average about a 73% repeat rate. We work hard to provide our guests with "more than a vacation."

In our goal of being a restful "oasis" where people can relax and be restored - "blessed" if you will, we've been blessed by them. We've been called by TripAdvisor one of the top 10 Clothing-optional resorts in the world as well as named as one of the top 25 hotels in the US for relaxation! We are honored to be here, making a difference in the lives of people.

Happy Birthday to US!

We say "Happy Birthday to US!" Yep, this Saturday we celebrate 9 years of providing folks with "more than a vacation." We've still a few rooms left on Saturday night. Those spending the night will be treated to a great meal. Oh yes, we'll be in our "birthday suits" the whole weekend. BTW, this picture was taken this week - we've been having fantastic sunsets!

If you have been looking for a unique vacation getaway, look no further than Living Waters Spa. We are an award winning spa hotel whose discriminating guests appreciate our "Lexus" service. We have one of the highest repeat guest rates of all the hotels in the Palm Springs / Desert Hot Springs area at 70%.

Living Waters Spa is an elite natural hot water spa resort that offers you a chance to get away, get in touch with life, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.  Here, you'll discover an enhanced level of the small resort / hotel / bed and breakfast experience.
 
Our facility is completely private and "European style" clothing-optional.  You are encouraged to soak in our healing mineral waters au naturel and enjoy this total immersion in nature.  For generations Europeans have visited the "spas" and have sunbathed nude.  We Americans are now realizing how relaxing this "nude recreation" can be.  Swimsuit optional vacations are now becoming common for us and we are discovering what our European friends have known all along -- such simple nudity is total freedom.  We've designed our place to give "first timers" the best clothes free experience possible.  At Living Waters Spa we provide you the coolest vacation souvenir of all: no tan-lines!  

Living Waters Clothing-optional Mineral-water Spa Resort

Nudist, naturist, clothing-optional, skinny-dipper, and other terms... to describe the person who enjoys NO CLOTHES on their body and takes every advantage they can to be au naturel.

Here at the Living Waters Clothing-optional Mineral Water Spa Resort we give you that opportunity to do so. You might not use any of those terms to describe yourself but you do know the feeling. We also add one more very cool thing to this experience, pure mineral water pools. Yep, water right up from mother earth that is laden with life giving minerals. We pump from our own private well from the depths of 200 feet directly into our two pools. This water is odor free (unlike some mineral waters) and silky smooth. One guest described it as "Liquid Cotton!" Just let that description sink in... liquid cotton.

So if you'd like to try something new OR try it in a new place. Come for a visit.

At Living Waters you can expect:

Another World…

A Positive Clothing-optional Environment

Soothing Pure Mineral Water

Magical Massage

Unparalleled Pampering

Getting Away from it ALL
Quiet and Meditative
Time to Think

Time to read a Book
Quality time with your Partner
Immersion in the Elements
Complete Relaxation
Great Sleep!

Experiencing Something New

Feeling At Home in Your Skin
An Engaging of the Senses
The Ability to put it in Neutral
Genuine Hospitality
Total Acceptance
A Detoxing not "Toxing" Environment

7th Anniversary of Living Waters Spa

DESERT HOT SPRINGS: Living Waters Spa celebrates 7 years of providing guests with "more than a vacation" in a European-style swimsuit optional environment, magical massages, and pure natural mineral water pools.

When Jeff and Judy Bowman had their first clothing optional experience in the year 2000, little did they know that in as short as three years later they’d open their own resort and now this November they celebrate 7 years of business at Living Waters Spa: a European-style Clothing Optional Resort.

“Time has gone by quickly” says Jeff, “and we are so pleased to have built a business that not only has matured well beyond the start-up phase but is thriving.” Currently Living Waters Spa enjoys an over 73% repeat rate and is the only clothing optional natural mineral water spa in Southern California. “We’ve had guests from 49 different states, Canada, all over Europe and beyond. They come for our pure mineral water pools, magical massage, and a clothing optional experience.”

Living Waters Spa is one of the Top Ten clothing-optional resorts in the world according to TripAdvisor.com and has won the “hidden gem” award from TripAdvisor 4 times in the past seven years. These awards from TripAdvisor are quickly becoming among the most coveted in the hotel industry because they are voted on by millions of real travelers who gather to share their opinions on the world's largest travel community: TripAdvisor.com.

“More than a vacation” according to Judy, is what they provide the guests at Living Waters Spa. “People come from all walks of life, all ages, sizes and shapes to enjoy our pure mineral and do so with the option of not wearing a bathing suit. Jeff and I feel that our spa is special in that our guests leave the spa fully refreshed, rejuvenated, and restored as a person. Living Waters Spa is a place to be still, to listen, to sense, to feel, to breathe life, and to receive a transformative massage.”

The spa has two primary types of accommodations: 9 rooms around the pools and 6 condos a few steps away. All feature a custom mattress, fine linens, and European style décor. Most of the rooms around the pools have kitchens, and in keeping with the spa concept, do not have phones or TVs. The condos are all two bedroom units. The fully furnished kitchens have granite or tile kitchen countertops, and the comfortable living room features a flat screen TV and DVD player. All accommodations have free wireless broadband internet access.

The pools at Living Waters Spa flow with mineral water that comes out of the earth odorless and pure. The smaller pool is like a large Jacuzzi, covered with an awing so guests can sit in the mineral water and be out of the sun. It is always at a perfect 100 degree temperature. The large pool is under the sun-kissed desert sky and has a mid-80 degree temperature, even in winter.

“You don’t have to be a nudist or naturist to experience the clothing optional aspect of Living Waters Spa” says Jeff. “In fact the vast majority of our guest would not use those terms to describe themselves. These days clothing optional vacations are the fastest growing segment in the travel industry. Living Waters Spa has had some wonderful recognition as THE place to try a simple nude, naked or clothing optional experience. USA Today and the Ellen Degeneres / AOL websites have singled us out as THE place to try the ol’ fashioned skinny-dipping. We are quite proud of these mentions as they show that Americans are starting to learn what Europeans have known for a long time, that nude doesn’t mean lewd!”

Living Waters Spa is also the only clothing optional resort to offer discounts for guests under 30 years of age, those who are in active military, or who are survivors of breast cancer. “We are here with a passion to help people,” says Jeff, “and our discounts especially provide these groups the chance to take a break, reconnect with their partner, and restore their soul.”

Please feel free to contact them if you have any questions about having a clothing optional experience or want to experience “more than a vacation.” Living Waters Spa can be reached at 760-329-9988 / 866-329-9988 or http://www.livingwatersspa.com/ and www.SpaCondos.com.

Couples Erotic Massage Workshop

Palm Springs / Desert Hot Springs - California: If you are a monogamous couple interested in learning erotic massage for each other, where do you go? Sure, there are instructional DVDs that might work, but they can be kind of “porn-ish.” You’ve heard of Tantra and it sounds mysterious and sexy but you may not be into new-age spirituality. Terms and concepts such as chakras, meridians, and kundalini awakening can be rather baffling and unfamiliar.

So where does a couple go to expand their relationship, grow closer to each other, and celebrate sensuality in a safe monogamous context?

The answer: Living Waters Spa! On February 5th and 6th such a workshop will be held at the desert’s only mineral water, clothing optional spa, Living Waters Spa. This event is called “Hot Winter Nights.” It will be led by owners and massage therapists Jeff and Judy Bowman who have conducted this workshop several times each year since they opened their spa in 2003. “We wanted to create a workshop that we would want to attend, one that would allow us to explore our sensuality in a safe monogamous context and learn some new approaches to our sex life,” says Jeff. “As massage therapists we know the power of touch. As a couple we’ve been together for 36 years and have worked through many of the issues that block intimacy between a couple. So we’ve put together a weekend workshop that will teach various massage techniques which will give you new tools for the toolbox of intimacy & romance.”

"We have designed this weekend to be a sacred experience that is full of sensuality and joy”, said Judy. The weekend starts on Friday night where couples will learn to give each other a sensuous massage that is as pleasant for the giver as for the receiver. Various massage techniques and body positions will be taught to make it an enjoyable session. This aids the couple to grow in their ability to communicate with their partner via touch. No massage experience needed.

Then on Saturday afternoon the “heat is on.” In “Woman’s Hour” the man will focus on his woman. For about 90 minutes Jeff and Judy share erotic bodywork and sensual touch focused on the woman. In the evening the “Man’s Hour” is held where the woman will focus on her man. During all sessions Jeff and Judy describe and demonstrate on each other the intimate massage and erotic bodywork exercises while instructing the couples as they work on their own partners. “We don’t know of another workshop like this,” say Jeff and Judy, “where couples can learn specific massage exercises that they may have never tried before, where they can discuss aspects of sexuality that are often left unsaid or only in the pages of Cosmo!”

“In prior workshops we’ve had couples of all ages, and as you know, sexuality is far different for a twenty-something couple compared to a sixty-something couple. But as people open up and share during the weekend many wonderful ideas are discovered by all. Some couples have expressed concern regarding the presence of other people in the same room. We can tell you that while there are other couples (limited to 8) you are so concentrated on your partner that the rest are blocked out.” A note: access to Living Waters Spa is restricted during Hot Summer Nights to those participating in the workshop.

Living Waters Spa is a European-style clothing optional natural spring water spa resort that has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, EllenDegeneres.com, the Washington Post and the spa is currently top rated on TripAdvisor.com. It offers its guests a chance to get away, get in touch with life, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Hot mineral water has been sought out by health enthusiasts the world over and Europeans have gone to the hot baths since ancient days. The mineral water found at Living Waters is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.

The cost of “Hot Winter Nights” is $395.00 per couple plus room rates. LivingWatersSpa.com will provide you with more information or you can call Living Waters Spa at: 760-329-9988.

Oprah says: "Step out of your Box"

Believe it or not, Oprah Winfrey challenged a group of 40-something women to give skinny-dipping a try as part of a "step out of the box" episode. You can read more details on Oprah's site here.

Yep, stepping into the unknown or doing something you've not ever done can bring a unique sense of "life" back into you. Here is a question for you: "When was the LAST time you did something for the FIRST time?" It really is a good question.

We get comfortable in our life and we slowly drop into a stagnant state. Then before we know it we settle into a predictable routine and then one day we bottom out... "Is this all there is?" we ask ourselves.

Oprah's challenge is a good one. Here at Living Waters Spa we see people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, various ages and ethnicity come and try a "social nude" setting for the first time. Guess what happens? A revitalization of life - I'm not kidding. Doing things for the first time - things that reveal your inner self - have a way of waking up our sleepy (lethargic even) souls. To feel the warm sun ALL OVER your body, to step out of a pool and not have a clingy bathing suit to remind you of your perceived imperfections, to feel the air brush across your being... well, you've just got to "step out of your box" and give it a try.

Living Waters Spa is a safe place. We really are! We are a place for personal retreat not party. Couples and singles find a true "oasis" here at LWS. Palm Springs has a number of clothing optional or nudist hotel resorts but we are the only one whose emphasis is on "spa." Our mineral water pools (fed from mother earth) are the ONLY clothing optional mineral water pools in Southern California. If you are wanting to step out of your clothes, in a social setting, for the first time, we are the place.

Living Waters Spa

13340 Mountain View Rd.

Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

760-329-9988

A "normal" woman in Glamour! Body Acceptance

Model Lizzi Miller created a stir in the fashion world after she appeared nude except for a thong in the September issue of Glamour magazine. Glamour--and other women's fashion magazines--typically feature thin, unrealistically-shaped supermodels. But Miller, at 180 lbs., posed nude for the issue, complete with "stomach pooch." Readers immediately began flooding Glamour with positive responses for showing a "typical" American woman. Web sites such as Facebook, MSN and Jezebel.com joined the discussion. Glamour editor Cindi Leive told Matt Lauer on the Today show,"It's a sign of the times that women are really looking for a little bit more authenticity and little bit less artifice in every part of their lives."

The article goes on and says: "“Immediately, within hours of the magazine coming out, we had people telling us they were e-mailing it to friends, and that it was the first time they felt good about their own bodies, looking at this picture,” Leive told Lauer.

One reader wrote to Glamour saying, “Get this hot momma off of page 194 and put her on the cover!”Another reader said, “Thank you for showing a picture of a BEAUTIFUL woman who has a stomach and thighs that look like mine! I have NEVER seen that in a magazine before.”

Yet another said, “This woman rocks and we need more women like her to make a mark on what the real woman looks like.” Glamour editor Cindi Leive said positive reaction to the photo of Lizzi Miller may change the magazine’s approach. Miller admitted the reader responses brought tears to her eyes. The sun-kissed California girl spreads her weight over a tall, 5-foot-11 frame, and while her varying size 12 to 14 body is in keeping with the average American woman’s, she competes in a modeling industry in which any size over 6 is considered “plus size.” To read the whole article follow this link.

The concept of body image and self acceptance is one of our core values at Living Waters Spa. Each week women and men come to our clothing optional spa (you don't have to be a "nudist") and experience the freedom of clothes-free vacationing. You see all, and realize that our society has truly warped our sense of body acceptance.

Living Water Spa is a safe environment where you can luxuriate in our pure mineral water pools, experience our magical massage - even a couples massage - and enjoy the elements in the "alltogether." We are not a party place. We are not a swingers / public sex club. We are the REAL deal, a true spa in every sense of the word. Come and be "in your skin" for a day, a week or more... Read more here. By the way, on our website we have pictures of REAL people, not models as found on other websites.

We are located in the Palm Springs area city of Desert Hot Springs - California's Spa City! We have wonderful sunshine 340 days a year!!!

Mention on the LA Examiner.com

It is always nice to pick up press from an outside source. In this case the Los Angeles Examiner website. Check it out here.

We have been honored to be covered by some very main stream media. We've been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Ellen Degeneres / AOL.com and others. Even our State Senator John J. Beniot sent us a letter of congratulation on receiving our rewards!

Yes, you can "mainstream" a clothing optional spa. Yes, a clothing optional hotel can compete with standard hotels. Yes, you can have a vacation of a lifetime here at Living Waters Spa.

With our summer rates you can enjoy our mineral water pools, magical massage, and award winning customer service. Check our specials here.

Living Waters Spa: celebrating 5 years of business

Desert Hot Springs, CA - Living Waters Spa opened their doors 5 years ago November 10th. What started as a dream for owners Jeff and Judy Bowman, Living Waters Spa has turned into a top rated boutique spa hotel attracting people from all over the country and Europe. “The American dream is still alive and well” says Jeff Bowman. “We wanted to create a spa that would offer people a chance to get away from their daily life, reconnect with life, and experience a bit of Europe right here in the USA.”

Acquiring a vintage 1960s “spa-tel” originally named the “Kismet Lodge” (named after the famous musical), the Bowmans set out to create something totally unique. Located next to Palm Springs in Desert Hot Springs California, Living Waters Spa is situated above a hot mineral water aquifer that provides the hotel with pure, odorless mineral water that is pumped from the hotel’s own mineral spring well. When they acquired the hotel it was tired and rundown and actually used as low rent apartments. “We hauled out over 30 cubic yards of junk just to get at the core of the building” according to Bowman. “Then once we started renovating we realized that the mid-century modern building was well built and perfectly designed for what we were going to do. It even had the 1960s quality imprimatur ‘live better electrically – medallion homes’ as part of the signage.” Renovation included reviving the hot water well, new pools, new pool decking, all new carpet and furniture, and even a complete overhaul of the old neon sign that proudly lights up “Kismet Lodge” and “Living Waters Spa” underneath.

Their spa has become a favorite having achieved an unprecedented 73% repeat rate of its customers in the 5 years of business. Judy says: “What really sets us apart from other hotels/spas is our customer care, hot mineral water, massages, spa/skincare treatments and the fact that we are a ‘European-style’ clothing optional spa. You don’t have to be a nudist or have a ‘perfect’ body to try skinny-dipping at Living Waters Spa. People from all walks of life are discovering what Europeans have known for centuries that nude is not lewd. We’ve had guests in their 20s to 80s enjoy our amazing hot mineral water naked or au naturel.” Judy herself is a breast cancer survivor and often shares with guests her experience with surgery, chemotherapy, and because of the clothing optional context they can have frank discussions about breast reconstruction.

In this trying economy, Living Waters Spa is the only clothing optional resort to offer discounts for guests under 30 years of age, those who are in active military, or who are survivors of breast cancer. “We are here with a passion to help people,” says Jeff, “and our discounts especially provide these groups the chance to take a break, reconnect with their partner, and restore their soul. On top of that with our winter specials you can stay a week in one of our condos for only $499.00 – an unbeatable offer!”

In this past year Living Waters Spa was:
- Listed as on of the top 10 clothing-optional resorts of the world (TripAdvisor)
- The highest ranked California spa and listed 9th on “Spas of America” top 30 spas
- Awarded the “Hidden Gem” award for the 3rd year in a row (TripAdvisor)
- Featured in articles by: Los Angeles Times; Times UK; Conde Nast Traveler on Concere.com; The Desert Sun; and American Spa

So, if anyone questions whether or not the American dream is still possible, just ask Jeff and Judy Bowman. They’ll tell you if you work hard, and provide your customers a “Lexus” customer experience -- then it is!

For more information see the spa website at: http://www.livingwatersspa.com/.

August and September in the Desert? You’ve got to be kidding!

We’re going to let you in on the secret of the pure enjoyment of beautiful August and September days in the desert. It’s one of our favorite times of year. Here’s how to get the most out of it at Living Waters Spa, a popular clothing-optional spa with pure mineral water pools.

Sleep in – go ahead, there’s no hurry to get up. Enjoy that comfy bed a little longer. Your room is air conditioned, so go ahead and snuggle with your sweetie.

Then meander into the lounge for a cup of freshly ground Starbucks coffee, a great selection of fresh summer fruits and maybe indulge in a piece of homemade coffee cake. Eat in the air conditioned room or take your goodies poolside.

Next comes the most beautiful part of the day, filled with gorgeous cloudless skies, the warm morning sun, relaxing music. Can you see the angel in the mountain? It is there; ask us and we’ll show you.

Grab a pool mat and work on your all-over tan, or take it easy on a lounge chair. “Honey, more sunscreen, please.” The mineral water is refreshing – in the high 80’s, and the Jacuzzi is a mere 100 degrees. Don’t forget that our Jacuzzi is covered, so you can enjoy it all day long. Book one of our signature massages for yourself, or do a couples massage with your partner! What a way to start the day…

It’s lunchtime, so go on inside, make yourself a snack, and spend some more quality time with your partner. Maybe follow up with a nap… If you get stir crazy, it’s a great time to go off to a movie, casino, or even the top of the tram. When was the last time you were up there?

3pm arrives and so do our daily hors d’oeuvres, served by the Jacuzzi. Haven’t guessed all the ingredients of the LWS famous dip yet? Now is the time to try again. Enjoy a glass of our white wine sangria or hibiscus tea, finger foods and some great conversation.

Now the day is cooling off. There’s most likely a gentle breeze. Time to sun again, take a soak, read a book, doze off…

It is dinner time already? Bring fixings to make a quick dinner al fresco. Wheel the BBQ right by your room and enjoy the delicious aromas while your food is cooking. Or you can choose from a variety of local restaurants in the Palm Springs area for a casual but deliciously satisfying meal. Then come back to the spa to enjoy the star-filled skies and another soak in the waters.

End the day in the privacy of your cool room, and enjoy the sound of no TV. Amazing how easy it is to talk with your partner when there are no interruptions. Before long, you’ll have drifted off into a deep, contented sleep.

Wake up. Repeat.

Who says you can’t enjoy the desert in August and September? Not us.

Living Waters Spa is located in the Palm Springs area city of Desert Hot Springs, California. The spa is one of the Top 10 clothing-optional resorts in the world, according to TripAdvisor and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Ellen Degeneres / AOL.com and others. Don’t forget to look on LivingWatersSpa.com for some great summertime specials.

For more information, please contact Living Waters Spa at 760-329-9988.

Nothing to Wear - no problem a LWS

Bluefly,the leading online fashion retailer, has released two new television spots that contain nudity. The ads feature the voice of Brenda Strong, the narrator of Desperate Housewives, and give a humorous take on the age-old dilemma of having nothing to wear by having the women in the ads deciding to give up attire altogether and go nude. In "Airport," a woman waits in a security line until she's asked to remove her shoes, the only article of clothing she is wearing. "Family Dinner" shows a woman raising her glass for a toast wearing nothing while her family, understanding her fashion dilemma, acts as if nothing is different about the gathering. The ads debuted on the new season of Project Runway and appear on major television networks. You can view them here.

Here at Living Waters Spa we just got a gift of a sign that reads: "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem."

If you are looking to try social nudity or a clothing optional experience - we ARE the place.