day s-trippers...

And, it seems, striptease could soon become strip squeeze as holiday hopefuls rush to grab the chance.

The naked truth about the Island -- noted for its modesty -- has been uncovered by a curious ad in The Royal Gazette on Monday.

Headed "By Request!!'', it offers clothing free vacations, and bare cruises.

Targeted are naturists, nudists, and skinny dippers. And, of course, confidentiality is strictly guaranteed.

The man behind the baring venture is Bermudian photographer Mr. Lloyd Webbe.

Trading as Unique Safaris, he believes Islanders are just raring to let their hair down...and perhaps a bit more...on their holidays.

"There are a lot of double standards in Bermuda,'' explained Mr. Webbe, who launched his one-man travel agency in 1984.

"We pretend we are very conservative and narrow-minded, but it's only a pretense. It's the same with gambling.'' Mr. Webbe, who organises other holidays as well, including an African safari, said his ad had already provoked a lot of interest.

Asked whether any well-known locals -- politicians, perhaps -- had replied, he was less than revealing.

"I can't tell you anything about numbers, or those who have expressed interest. Everything is, as the ad says, confidential,'' he said. "But I can say there has been quite a big response so far, although it's early days yet.'' Holiday hot spots offered in the ad included Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean.

"I feel Bermuda misses out on European tourists because there are no nudist colonies,'' he said. "We are one of the few places in the world which frowns on that sort of thing. It makes us a nation of voyeurs.

"I've been to a nudist beach. At first, because I was Bermudian, it was strange, but I soon got used to it. I don't see why we couldn't have a secluded nudist beach here.'' Mr. Webbe, who works from a Hamilton office, said he organised a "bare-all'' holiday two years ago, although on a private basis.

"I had no complaints, so I thought I would try it again, but using an advertisement this time.'' Bermuda, it seems, is in for a nude awakening...