AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON HATHERILL, OWNER OF MAGNOLIAS NATURE RESORT IN GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN
Jason, tell us about yourself and your naturist journey.
Me and my partner first visited Gran Canaria in 1995 and I was struck by the sunshine, the lovely Canarian people and the relaxed freedom of the beaches, we returned to Gran Canaria 26 times! Holidays were important to both of us as we both had demanding jobs working in education and finance. I was a member of British Naturism a few years ago when I lived in the UK which is where my connection with naturism began.
How did you come to own Magnolias Natura? Can you elaborate on the history of the place?
During our many holidays to Gran Canaria me and my partner chose to stay mainly in a holiday complex which was very nearby Magnolias Natura. To cut a long story short, we got to know the owner of this complex who was also the owner of Magnolias Natura. He was ready to retire and move to Thailand and wanted to leave Magnolias in safe hands. Gladly he chose us….so here we are! We took over Magnolias Natura in February 2016 and we have never looked back – not for a second.
Please explain about the facilities.
Magnolias Natura is a naturist hideaway situated in Maspalomas on the southern tip of Gran Canaria. Over the past twenty years Magnolias has earned itself the reputation as being one of the best naturists resorts in Europe, the number of our guests who return over and over again are testimony to this. Magnolias is found in a quiet and location close to the Maspalomas golf course and sand dunes. Maspalomas beach, Europe’s unofficial nudist capital where naturists gather every day to relax naked in the sunshine, is only a short distance away. Good quality restaurants and shops can be found in Meloneras which is also close by.
Magnolias has 28 bungalows, each of which is ideal for one or two people. Each bungalow has a separate bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, sitting area and private terrace. The bungalows have a flat screen TV with freeview channels and air conditioning. Naturist sunbathing takes place around our large, heated pool and jacuzzi. Games can be played in our tropical gardens and guests can take lunch, breakfast and dinner in our on-site restaurant. The reception and restaurant are operated by a professional, multilingual team – Magnolias is well known for its welcoming, sociable and relaxed atmosphere.
We also operate a free shuttle bus service to Maspalomas beach and Playa del Ingles.
Which other naturist opportunities await the visitor in Gran Canaria?
It is regularly said that Gran Canaria has the best climate in the world which is probably true. Then sun shines every day quite often coupled with a refreshing breeze – ideal for naturism! Both the winter and summer are pleasant times to visit.
The famous naturist beach of Maspalomas is undoubtedly the main attraction outside of Magnolias Natura. The beach attracts large numbers of naturists all year round. There are small beach bars and sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired for the day for a reasonable fee. The sand dunes behind the beach are perfect for a naturist stroll.
Gran Canaria has a very open minded and freedom loving people. Naturism here is embraced and popular. There is also a great nightlife of open-air bars and restaurants.
What’s the typical profile of your guests? Do you have Irish visitors?
Magnolias attracts guests (aged 18+) from almost every European country throughout the year and some even further afield! Solo travellers, couples and friends are very welcome. We are very pleased to have Irish guests!
Have you observed any change/evolution in the naturist guests?
One thing that has really struck me over the last few years is the extent to which friendship groups form in Magnolias and those groups return at the same time each year, this is really lovely to experience. It is true to say that many friendship groups have begun in Magnolias.
