“Desert Sun Resort is now permanently closed for business. If you have made a deposit for a reservation with us, we will be issuing a refund to your credit card for deposits paid. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. We wish you all the best in the future.”
Such was the message posted on the nudist resort’s website, leaving southern California naturists discouraged. Glen Eden Sun Club in Corona is the only remaining resort affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) in Southern California. Late last year, Olive Dell Ranch adopted a clothing-mandatory policy, and the state’s wildfires have destroyed Zorthian Ranch which, although it operated as a textile ranch, often played host to nude events. The fires also forced the temporary closure of Arroyo Del Sol, a bed-and-breakfast in Altadena. (See link below.)
Established in 1992 as Desert Shadows Inn, the Corona resort expanded to cover nine acres, with a full-service spa, restaurant, and bar. Desert Sun Resort underwent significant renovations after John and Elizabeth Young acquired it in 2008. However, by October 2023, there were reports that the resort was under contract with a new buyer. Contract negotiations fell through, with the reason given as complications with the many easements on the property. Still, the club has continued operating as a nudist venue until now.
The closure is not unique, as nude resorts and naturist clubs have been closing across the country, faced with increased regulation and taxation, buyout offers that reflect sharp increases in the market value of such properties for more traditional enterprises, and a declining client base that does not bring in enough revenue to provide sustainability. Years ago, when nudist resorts began operations, they were not as concerned about turning a profit as they were with providing a place that was welcoming to social nudity. Today, it takes a savvy business outlook to preserve those spaces.
Even Germany, the birthplace of freikörperkultur — free body culture — has seen a decrease in nudist participation. Some have attributed the decline to the “pornographic gaze” of Westerners since the reunification of Germany, while others say it is due to the influence of social media like TikTok and Instagram which promote a cult of body perfection, leading those with normal bodies to fear exposing their imperfections. Widespread us of the internet also has increased fears of someone using digital technology to secretly photograph people and post the images online without their consent.
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