Fantasy Fest - Key West

Oh fantasy fest.  If you live in Florida no doubt you know what it is.  How do I explain it in a nutshell?  I'd say a bunch of party minded, Florida loving nuts get together and party on Halloween!   It's your chance to get crazy with other Hedonist minded folks. 

The first FF was in 1979 when two Key West businessmen came up with the idea to stimulate business.  I'd say they were successful!   Attendance most years exceeds 100,000 people.   This street party is held each October during that last week leading up to Halloween.  

This year, 2010, the festivities kick off on Friday October 22nd and wrap up October 31st on Halloween Sunday.   For complete list of events try the official site located here, Schedule of events.  Look for a Fetish party, fantasy parade, dungeon of fetish party and more!

Nudity and body-painting are a big part of the celebration so this is most definitely an Adults Only party.  Each year local artists paint up daring women (and some men) with some rather cool designs.  Sample body-painting (rated R).   Warning, if you do go and get topless/nude watch out you WILL end up on the internet.

So where to stay?   Rooms are at a premium and often times booked up to a year in advance so you'll just have to do your best and call around.  You can always book further up the keys and drive in for the events.  If you can book at Marrero's Guest Mansion <---from another post of mine, you'll be in like company beings the resort has a nude pool and daily happy hours.

BONUS LINK:  Sloppy Joe's Stage Cam

Youtube Homemade Bikini Contest!

Top 10 "adult only" vacation spots for 2010

So here they are, 2010's top 10 adult only vacation spots.  Why 2010?  Places sometimes come and go, sometimes the vibe comes and goes.  As of right now, these resorts are the placed to be in 2010.  So get your swimsuits...errr never-mind, just pack your suitcases and head out to one of these sweet spots ASAP!

1.  Hedonism II - Negril, Jamaica
The king daddy of them all, Hedo II!  Located in Negril this party resort has been pleaseing customers for over 20 years.  It has one of the highest return rates of hotel guests in all of the world.  People must be going back for a reason.  It's got a "prude" and a "nude" side yet all who go coexist in Hedonistic harmony.
Check them out at:  Super Clubs - Hedo II

2.  Paya Bay Resort - Roatan, Honduras 
In the mood to snorkel in the buff?   Go right ahead here in Beautiful Rotan Honduras at Paya Bay Resort.  Home to some of the best beach coral snorkeling in the world and some of the friendliest people too this resort will have you coming back for more.  Check them out at:  Paya Bay Resort

3.  Sea Mountain Inn - Desert Palm Springs, California
This notorious SoCal spa is famous for being Hedonism-like but here in the states!   With some of the coolest staff in the nation this resort keeps a drink in your hand at all times.  Enjoy the hot spring feed pools in the desert sunshine.  Check them out at:   Sea Mountain Inn

4.  Caliente Caribe Resort  - Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Caliente Caribe is located on the beautiful island of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic.  The entire resort is clothing opiotnal so feel free to be as nude as you want, anywhere/anytime.  It's an exceptionally clean resort with amazing views.  Check them out at:  Caliente Resorts

5.  Marrero's Guest Mansion - Key West, Florida
Marrero's is a 100 plus year old bed and breakfast in wonderful Key West, Florida.  Small and inattentive this B&B features a clothing optional pool and daily happy hour.  Plus being in Key West you're in walking distance to many amazing restaurants and clubs.  Check them out at:  Marreros Guest Mansion

6.  Beach Club 25 at the Stratosphere - Las Vegas, NV
Not so much of a nude resort as a topless pool located high above Las Vegas.  Located in The Stratosphere, this pool is for adults only.  Ladies get in free, guys - you gotta pony up $10 to get in on this naughty pool in the sky.  Book a room at The Stratosphere and enjoy!   Check them out at:  Stratosphere hotel pool

 (25 stories above Las Vegas)

7.  Desire Resort and Spa - Riviera Maya, Mexico
Desires is known throughout the traveling community as one fun place.  It's for couples only and it's very very nude.  You might run into some couples that are looking for more than just sunshine and drinks, it's just that type of place.  Check them out at:  Desires Cancun
 

8.  Caliente Resort - Tampa, Florida
Tampa Bay is the land of nude resorts in America.  Why, no clue.  But if you want a nice resort that you can either buy a condo in or just visit for the night this could be your destination.  People rave about the cleanliness and food.   Check them out at:  Caliente Resorts - Tampa

9.  Mi Amor  -  Guacimo, Costa Rica
Not much is known about this small start up in amazing Costa Rica other than the fact that you can get "all natural" in nature.  So why is this in my top ten?  Sometimes a new adventure is just what the doctor ordered!  Small and quaint this resort is not a place to go to meet 50 other couples.  Check them out at:  Mi Amor Resort

10.  Garden of Eden resort - Private Island off Bocas del Toro, Panama
Here's a new happening opening of a resort located on one of the 200 islands that make up Bocas del Toro.  Getting to the Island is a trip, you either fly in to Bocas and take a boat or boat in from Almirante and take another boat or water taxi.  Once there enjoy this very private, very intimate gem.  Check them out at:  Garden of Eden

The end

Oh Key West - Changes in Latitude

For anyone wishing to visit the tropics but wishing to stay in the lower 48 should visit Key West as soon as the opportunity pops up. This city is pure awesome! Key West itself has a lot of history and in 1860 was America's richest city thanks to the misfortune of ships crashing into coral just offshore.

Key West was relatively isolated until 1912, when it was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. In 1938 the railroad was converted into a drivable highway that then President Roosevelt toured one year later.

Since that road opened up Key West has played host to many famous guests including: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Harry Truman (175 spent there on 11 trips) AS President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy (a month after the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis was signed) and of course everyone's favorite Jimmy Buffett who resided there for a time.

To take in YOUR Key West I'd suggest you book a room in "Old Town" Key West at one of the many B&B's (Bed and Breakfast's) this area provides. Most B&B's are in very large historical homes built in the late 1800's by ship builders who employed their craftsmanship that still works today. These skillful gentleman used old Dade County pine, Coral and tongue and groove techniques to adapt the homes to the tropical environment.

One such B&B that get's rave reviews is Marrero's Guest Mansion.

This Restored 1889 Victorian mansion has less that 30 rooms all equipped with in-room refrigerators, air conditioners, cable TV and WiFi internet. Start off each day with an expanded continental breakfast. Care to take a dip in the pool al natural? Then Marrero's won't stop you. A modern pool attracts guests that don't care for tan lines. And each day at Marrero's there is a Happy Hour which is a great touch. No pets, no smoking in the rooms and you must be 21+ to enjoy this historic party place.

Prices run from $100 to $220 depending on what room you choose and when you travel.

One word of warning:   Some have claimed Marrero's Guest Mansion is haunted by a woman named Enriquetta who was the wife of Francisco Marrero who built the house to entice her to move in with him - it worked. The husband died and she was forced to leave when ANOTHER one of Francisco's wife's (player) won the rights to the house. She claimed she'd haunt the house after death and according to some guests that stay, she's keeping her promise.

Once in Key West there's plenty to do other than sitting around naked poolside yacking it up with ghost and guests. Including...

* Famous Duval Street with it's many shops, restaurants and bars.
* Taking sailing trips, dolphin cruises and snorkeling will keep you on the water.
* The city has several museums for history buffs.
* And of course the nightly celebration of the legendary sunsets at the pier.

So go get your Key West on and remember the great works of Jimmy Buffett, "Changes in attitudes changes in latitude".

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or call Marrero's direct at 305.294.6977 and/or www.marreros.com