COME FOR A VISIT | STAY FOR A LIFE
OUR JOURNEY
A glimpse of our Past, Present & Future
INSPIRED BY A VISION
Once upon a time there was a South African naturist living in Britain who dreamed of building an off-the-grid, holistic, community in the tropics where naturists from around the world could live, work and play naked, all-year-round.
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In 2010 that man, François Harley, found the perfect piece of land in the hills of the Dominican Republic’s north shore, not far from postcard perfect secluded beaches. The land was a mix of tropical forest, grazing pastures, and old cacao plantations. There were even sea views from a few vantage points.
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Francois cultivated a relationship with the mayor and influential folks in the local village. They didn’t understand these crazy foreigners who wanted to live without clothes; yet they offered a generous welcome and Francois purchased the land. Cambium was born.
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​Naturists from many countries leased lots and built houses. Roads, a security gatehouse, and a small common area were also built; a feeling of community developed.
A NEW BEGINNING – A NEW CAMBIUM
Unfortunately, the one with the grand vision didn’t have the ability to take the project beyond its infancy. In 2014 a number of factors culminated in a management and financial crisis which left the future of Cambium uncertain. After four years of treading water, a small group of Cambium homeowners purchased the property and created a shareholder corporation called VLN (Viva Libra Nalifree) and renamed the property New Cambium. Since then, other homeowners have purchased shares in the company.
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Today, management continues to be through the generosity of volunteer board members, and has been augmented by committees that oversee select operational areas. These committees help spread out the work while inviting each of us to bring our unique talents to the community. As a result, we now have walking trails around the property and a lookout on Zen Hill; a redesigned logo, website and newsletter; an expanding and profitable cacao farm; environmentally friendly lights; and upgraded garbage facilities.
​NEW CAMBIUM TODAY
New Cambium is focused on developing our unique identity, which is rooted in our vision statement:
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​New Cambium is a financially sustainable residential and rental community that is aligned with the naturist philosophy of living in harmony with nature, each other and ourselves.
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The ways we live in harmony with nature and each other is a continually evolving conversation that guides our operational and business decisions.
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Consider our two collaborative farming projects: cacao and vanilla. We have a professional company caring for our long-standing cacao forests and a new enterprise to grow and harvest vanilla beans. Not only lucrative revenue sources, these projects are also a way to honor and care for the land in a conscientious way. With our partners, we are working to become “certified organic cacao and vanilla,” which means New Cambium has stepped away from using chemical herbicides.
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New Cambium is not a resort or an upscale vacation destination. It is naturism at its most pure: flora, fauna, the breezes, the rainstorms, abundant sunshine, and rainbows. It’s also a bottle of Presidente Beer by the pool, shared meals, lunch at our local beach restaurants, an off-site visit to a typically Dominican venue. It is like no other naturist place.
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Living off-the-grid in the tropics comes with unique challenges. A succession of cloudy days can mean no power when solar batteries don’t charge. If there’s a drought in the summer months our water supply can become a drizzle. If there’s too much rain, ironically, you could find yourself with little water flow, too. Fortunately, these situations are rare and are usually quickly remedied. We realize there will always be challenges. If you can embrace the quirkiness of off-grid tropical living, and see it as an adventure, you’ll fit right in.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED
As New Cambium matures, we’ll continue to focus on being an attractive vacation destination, while organically adapting to a culture that is expanding from short-stay vacationers to include residents and visitors coming for months at a time, or choosing to make New Cambium their primary home. Winter is our busy season, with homeowners and renters escaping colder climates. When they arrive each year, it feels like coming home to family. However, the number of year-round residents has increased. We’re also being discovered by Dominicans who want an escape from the city and find the naturist environment inviting. We are an eclectic group! You must meet some of us face-to-face to experience the generosity and welcome you’ll find here.
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We welcome naturists who share our vision of harmonious living and who will bring their own ideas, expertise, and energies. In a world where life can be hectic, a serene place like New Cambium is a treasure. We certainly are not for everyone, but maybe we’re perfect for you!
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Our future is bright.
Come see for yourself.
