Shangri La Ranch a clothing optional ranch and resort in rural New River Arizona, opened originally in 1959 by a World War 2 Prisoner of War. Horst and Gigi Kraus bought the business in 1997 are currently the longest running owners and celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Unfortunately Gigi passed in 2018 after suffering a brain aneurysm in 2013, and Horst at 92 although still involved passed the baton onto future generations and put them in a comfortable position to continue the business for many years to come. Over the years, the Kraus family has maintained the resort as a family friendly environment for people of all ages, genders and religious preferences. The day-to-day operations of Shangri La are maintained by second generation, Patty Faber (Horst and Gigi’s daughter) and third generation, Cyndi Tendick. Shangri La Ranch maintains a 160 sites, approximately 150 year-round residents, and holds a steady count of 600 members. There are cabins that are rented for nightly, weekend, and week stays, as well as transient RV sites for those that would like to bring their own RV in. The property itself stands on 45 acres, has 2 swimming pools, a hot tub, dry sauna, sport courts (pickleball, tennis, volleyball, basketball), hiking and walking trails, a large clubhouse which hosts karaoke every Friday and a DJ dance every Saturday, a wonderful café that is open on the weekends and even draws locals to come and eat, even if they do not partake in the clothing optional aspect of the park. Over the years, adding in 100 sites over 25 years, constructing and maintaining their own wastewater treatment plant which treats and recycles used water for irrigation on ornamental plants which border the property, drilling new wells and advancing water treatment for the needs of the residents. Starting in the late 90s the park opened during the summer for local kids to come and use the pool to swim, with instructors, while all residents and visitors remained dressed during designated times. Owners and members are also active with local community groups, Kiwanis and Rotary, supporting kids in the schools, holiday meals drives with a local radio station, sponsoring families with toys, clothes and other needs during the holidays. Being in a rural area the fun filled resort has garnered a close relationship with the Fire and Police department. Members regularly attend citizen classes offered by these authorities, including but not limited to CPR, Citizen Fire Academy, Emergency Response and Preparedness. The ranch receives little to no push back from the local community and even garnered support to remove a time restricted Special Use Permit (allowing the ranch to have a higher occupancy density than the surrounding area) in 2021, thus securing the future of this business for many generations to come. Shangri La Ranch has always been a proud and active member of AANR, American Association for Nude Recreation. AANR is a national membership organization that advocates for nudist rights and host a large network of clubs across the country. Currently serving as the western region president, represents and serves members across, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. She is on 24/7 adjusting, reconnecting and making sure that every guest who visits the resort comes away feeling much better than we they arrived. What I found most interesting is the kind of heart that one must have to act out of compassion allowing all the opportunity to share more than a face and more than clothes that are just an outer garb fit for table broths and non-sensical conversation, she is completely dedicated to and committed to the idea of harmonious communal living. what could be so wrong with that? It also strikes me oddly that our so call puritan embryo of a society gone insane allows for children to be exposed to twerking, jerking, sexting, while texting and apps who sport sex for sale with the tenderest of names. Then oh yish, clutch my pearls if someone exposes a nude body in public then that sweet smell of shallowness finds its way amongst us. What does one get out of being nude in front of others? There is an overall sense of acceptance, not just from yourself but others too. When you remove the barriers of clothing you see people and talk to people for who they are, not the image that their clothing is presenting. The environment is extremely welcoming, non-judgmental, and very free. Nude recreation is for everyone as young adults, families, middle-aged adults and retirees comprise the membership. All are welcome as long as they follow basic rules and show respect like bringing a towel to sit on. Should someone become sexually aroused well sex is a natural part of humanity and we are all people and it may happen, but most likely not since this is a non-sexual environment. Excuse yourself from the area, take a cold shower or walk, and do not encourage or maintain the mentality.
