We are vacation nudist having been visitors to st Martin since the early 90s. Have never been to a US land based club. Later in the fall we will be in Tampa and are thinking of trying caliente for the day. From reviews I don't know what to expect . If we go for a day of sun and relaxation around the pool will we be accosted by vacation club sales people? What about lifestyle couples will we be subjected to open sexual activity around the pool areas ?

I'd say ... take a look at their website. Browse through it and then decide if it's right for you.

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Went there in May 2013 -- a Thursday and Friday--both days in the 80's. Thursday around pool was very peaceful and quiet. Had poolside sandwich which was good and a few cocktails which were fine. We did not go in on any special "timeshare" incentive and were never approached or asked by anyone if we had interest. Their spa facility and service was well above average in cleanliness, size, and offerings-the spas staff was very professional. Had dinner at restaurant and service was good --food was not gourmet but very adequate in comparison to the price point. We stayed in the hotel which was close to the front (and only) door to the complex--many of the other accommodation were a pretty good hike. The room was adequate, clean, refrigerator, screened balcony, plenty of hot water --beds OK, towels and linens are clean and well stocked. You could get up and do quite a walk around the neighborhood in any attire you so choose. A variety of private homes and condos on the grounds. Thursday night cocktail specials with a large indoor dance floor. I would say about 90% had some sort of clothing on their bodies. Some very little some completely and a lot in between. Evening the large pool was quiet as was the lower level smaller pools. The upper pool had some people trying "advanced adult aerobics and palates" --- we choose to go down to the lower level pools for a private night swim. Overall a weekday is much quieter with the weekend substantially more lively--and our guess was that this was the "local" crowd coming over. We are friendly naturists and not swingers --we were NOT approached by anyone for private activity or timeshare sales. Would probably go back some day to see if things changed and would probably do a weekday and weekend night just like we did this last time.

While standing in the happy hour line at The Perch, I talked to a gentleman about Caliente. He talked about all the great features there. I told him that I was concerned about the Lifestyle atmosphere that we would be uncomfortable with regardless of the facility. The gist of the remainder of our talk was that we would not find it a problem during the day. But, it is there at night, because "they have to make a profit".

If it's any solace for you, the infamous timeshare couple are no longer living at Caliente. Since Greg is no longer working in vacation sales, he and girlfriend Val presumably will no longer be performing their from-out-of-thin-air sales pitch illusion to unsuspecting couples.

Thank you, I guess you always have fear of the unknown. We will probably book a spa service and enjoy the day. If anyone else has personal experience with caliente I would appreciate the feedback.

We have been to Caliente Tampa several times and have always enjoyed. Yes it is crowded on weekends but that is to be expected. We usually stay in a condo, walk in the morning and end up at club for a swim. What's not to enjoy?

We have stayed at Caliente several times too - the most recent this past April. Quiet during the week and quite busy on weekends. Lifestylers stay to themselves and activity is most likely on weekend late nights at the upper pool. We were there a week and there was no problem.

There was no evidence of timeshare sales on our most recent trip and we were never approached - not even on check-in. They may be taking a rest until they get further along with the building plans/financing.

You can order and eat food and drinks in the pool area.

Do check the website before you go. You'll want to stay away on a weekend they have a SM theme or big lifestyle bash. There are not often but you do need to check.