6 minute read
TRAVEL
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL.
Top Party Playas
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Whether you prefer speedos, boardshorts, or nothing at all, these top three beaches in North America, South America and Europe have something for every LGBTQ traveler to enjoy.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
MIKE FALLON
As
the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to disturb travel plans for many, including yours truly, I’ve spent hours reminiscing about past experiences with family and friends over outdoor dinners and socially distanced drinks. Those conversations led laughs, tears, and chills of excitement about some of my favorite destinations in the world and this edition’s travel write-up. Now, there are few things you need to understand about my personality and preferences to fully understand the list of destinations you are about to peruse. First, as a native Floridian, beaches are in my blood. I need a beach day at least once a month. Secondly, I love a big city with a unique personality and lots of history, art, culture, and architecture. A few years back I spent a weekend thoroughly enjoying over 18 hours of audio walking tours of Rome. Lastly, I need to socialize with the locals, experience the nightlife, taste the local cuisine fl avors, and dance the night away. Simple enough, right? Now that’s out of the way, let us explore my favorite party + city + beach destinations!
Number three on my list is Rio de Janei-
ro, Brazil. Yes, it’s cliché, but Rio off ers an experience like no other. A massive, diverse city by the sea, Rio has a stunning landscape, fabulous beaches, and is one of the best natural harbors in the world: Botafogo Bay. World-renowned Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are fi lled with locals and tourists from around the world, and some of the best people watching anywhere. Bikinis, check! Speedos, check! Mankinis, check! A trip to Rio is not complete without enjoying a few Caipirinhas, the national cocktail of Brazil made from sugarcane, lime, and hard liquor, while lounging in the sun at one of Rio’s famous
Beach scene with clouds and mountain: The expansive white sand and tan bodies of Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
beaches. After your fun in the sun is over, check out the art deco “wonder of the world” Christ the Redeemer statue at Corcovado Mountain, the cable car views from Sugar Loaf Mountain, and if you’re brave, tour the local ghettos (called favelas in Portuguese) to see how innovative, creative, and artistic the working-class locals live. Time to party? Head over to The Week – the largest nightclub in Rio that hosts LGBTQ+ parties and events weekly, and if you are lucky, you may spot a celebrity or two at the bar. If you are too pooped to party like a rock star, head over to La Cueva, a more intimate experience that’s been welcoming a gay staple since 1964.
Number two on my list is Ibiza
Town, Ibiza, Spain. For me, just hearing “Ibiza’’ conjures an energy like no other. Ibiza is a well-known destination for Europeans, but also attracts a fair share of intrepid travelers hailing from the Americas and beyond. An island in the Mediterranean off the coast of mainland Spain, Ibiza off ers centuries of history, countless beaches, and a nightlife that is known around the world. The fortifi ed city of Ibiza Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect place for a base camp to explore remnants of the island’s Phoenician roots, a medieval castle, and countless cobbled passageways that lead to art galleries, restaurants, and architectural styles that span 800 years. The best way to see the island is to rent a car from one of the numerous agencies in Ibiza Town. As you explore the island, be sure to stop at the picturesque coves with small beaches and quaint restaurants along the way. Ibiza’s beaches are some of the best places to “drop your drawers’’ if you require a full-body tan or a freeing frolic in the Mediterranean. My favorite spot is Platja des Cavallet located in a preservation area not far from the airport. Here you can sun, hike wilderness areas and sand dunes, or take a dip in the soothing waters of the sea sin ropa. It is a great place to recharge your batteries before a night out on the town. Speaking of going out, Ibiza is known for its expansive nightclubs (Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaia to name a few) and electronic and deep house dance music. World renowned deejays such as David Guetta and Paul Oakenfold call Ibiza home for the season and host parties that last until sunrise. Once you leave the club and are ready for a “fi nal fi nal” stop at JJ’s, a friendly LGBTQ+ bar in the heart of Ibiza Town.
Last but certainly not least on my list of favorites is Miami Beach,
Florida. And no, this is not a shameless plug for my birthplace; Miami Beach has everything one could want: from beautiful beaches to sweaty nightlife and iconic architecture to an international art and fashion scene.
Pacha beach scene: The lively beach area of Platja des Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain with impromptu dancers advertising the island's world famous nightlife.
Middle: Beach scene with rocky cliffs: One of the more intimate beach areas, Ibiza, Spain.
Nightclub scene: Electronic music and stage dancers at Pacha Nightclub, Ibiza, Spain where infamous DJ parties continue until daybreak.
Miami’s South Beach Art Deco District is home to the largest collection of Art Deco Architecture in the world, and nestled amongst these historic gems, you will fi nd some of the fi nest international cuisine this side of New York City. There are several expansive beach-front parks, and since Miami Beach is extremely walkable, you can explore the area on foot or on a rentable scooter. As you explore, you will fi nd unique corner pubs and wine shops, pop-up art displays, and all sorts of shopping to keep you busy. By the way, if you happen to see Ricky Martin, please tell him that I said hello. If you’ve had your fi ll of South Beach, take a short ride over to the mainland and you can explore Miami’s famous Wynwood art district, grab a café con leche at Versailles Restaurant on Calle Ocho, or head north to the popular Haulover Beach, one of the world’s top nude beaches. Lastly, a trip to Miami Beach must include a visit (or multiple) to the very sexy Twist Nightclub (think dancers and drinks) followed by a fabulous drag brunch at The Palace to sober you up for another day of fun at Miami Beach. — MICHAEL FALLON is a business professor at Beacon College in Leesburg, Fla., and an avid traveler. He spends about three months per year traveling the world, and has visited all Seven Wonders of the World. He’s been to nearly 80 countries, and around 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
