Feature
The Getaway
Jill Goldsberry
With all this deep freeze we have had lately, I bet you’re ready for some R& R and a lot of S&S (that’s sun and sand). This month I joined Papierdoll to entice you with some hot places to go with your sweetie. Take off that sweater, scrub those dry elbows and get ready for some summer weather.
Sunning on the beaches is the only vacation getaway we could possibly imagine to get away from those wind chill factors below zero. I don’t know about you, but I’m longing to head anywhere above 60 degrees.
Now we all know St Bart’s is the place for celebrity couples to be seen and seen again. Since you’re a savvy Papierdoll reader, you also want to be original. So why not take advantage of some lesser-known just-as-hot places. You can channel your inner celebrity for less than those $1000 haircuts we hear about.
COSTA RICA
Central America
Alegria Beach /Retreat– Guan caste –
Sunbathing – topless –no problem
Rating 4 Suns
Alegria means happiness in Spanish, and I guarantee that’s what you will experience here. It’s pure bliss. But be advised this isn’t travel 4 star all the way. Alegria is a relaxed retreat run by former German pilot now yoga master Frank S. He and his sister began building there about fifteen years ago. Alegria Retreat is located in the middle of the rainforest between the cities of Samara and Nosara , this is the perfect place for lovers to escape all things modern . There are no phones, TV or internet . However if you absolutely need to connect with the outside world, the owner will direct you to the nearest internet center. It is a peaceful, tranquil lifestyle that will make you forget you ever had a cell phone. Sunning on the beach here with your honey is private and cozy. Feel free to sunbathe au natural if you like. For certain there may be more folks doing the same about a mile down the beach .
Communal dinning with other guests is the resorts way of getting everyone to know each other. A nightly feast is cooked up by the local chef –talk about fresh ceviche!
If you are a vegetarian or have special dietary needs you should let the chef know and they will accommodate. As for accommodations, my favorite is the outdoor bamboo shower. It feels as if you are in the rainforest taking a shower right in nature. The view is breathtaking and vibrant with plants and trees, you may even see a monkey or two. The bamboo houses make for comfortable lodging, which are surprisingly mosquito free. There is all of this plus activity to take up your day such as snorkeling, fishing or even just chatting it up with the locals at the bar. If the two of you are up for a little adventure, take the bus up the hill to Nosara’s famous beaches for day tripping ideas
Beach Beauty Tip
Looking your best while you are there will be easy . Want to come back home with a sexy bronze tan? I like Carol’s Daughter Browing Gelee (photo) This is a rich blend of oils and sun block that helps keep you moisturized while still tanning. Before heading out smooth it on over skin for
a nice glow
To maintain that after sun glow you will want to keep the skin hydrated and soft. After the bamboo shower while skin is still damp, smooth on Mango Mélange Butter by Carols Daughter. It melts in and keeps the skin moist and soft. No peeling here ever! (www.carolsdaughter.com)
If you are not looking for the golden brown look, try an SPF 30, I recommend Peter Thomas Roth Ultra Lite. This product is great because it never leaves an ashy residue and continuously protects. (www.peterthomasroth.com)
Mango Mélange
BARBADOS
Caribbean
Ratings 4 Suns
Surf and Sun
Vacation
Sunbathe –Topless –At your own risk
Well let’s say you and yours haven’t brushed up on your Spanish, and Costa Rica may not be the place for you; how about a short flight down to the British Isle of Barbados? Barbados is absolutely beautiful, and I truly believe you can find every type of beach environment here. Being that this is a small island, you can literally rent a car and see it all in the span of a few hours. But why do that when you can check it out on a Bajan time clock one day at a time… The island is broken up into parishes (or provinces). Each side has different beach , waves, and unique feel.
If you and your guy want to try a little surfing head to the east coasts Bathsheba Beach This place is internationally famous for the huge “ Soup bowl” surf competition. There is always a group of pros and amateurs trying the waves here. Feel free to chum up and ask for pointers. Another surf spot to try is Cotton’s Bay Beach in Frieds .This one is rumored to have the cleanest waves on the island.
Beach Beauty
Remember Bajans are not fans of nude, not even topless sunbathing; be sure to keep it all inside your bikini. One to try is a reversible string bikini by Jill Kelly Swim. You can wear up to four different looks for your stay and none will be the wiser. Recently this suit was seen on the shores of St.Barts. (Ms Tara Reid was bathing in it.)
Available at( www.jillkellyswim.com)
And as any smart bathing beauty knows the sun can be cruel and dry your skin out. So after the hot Bajan sun grab some gelato from the only Italian gelato shop on the island ,then have your honey smooth on some “Yum” yes , that’s right “Yum”. This smells like a fresh combination of cream soda and childhood . It‘s one of the fantastic smelling body butters by skin care new comer Danas Loft (www.danasloft.com)
The skin is kept silky and fresh smelling like a baby’s bottom. I’m not lying !. You can ask my other half. Danas’ Loft uses a special combination of oils and scents , coconut oil being a key ingredient.
More Beaches In Barbados
For another day of sunning and relaxing on the island try Bottom Bay Beach . This one is bit of a drive off to the southern coast where couples frequent to have their own private picnics . Later afternoon is best. During the time we were there a nice breeze that kept us cool and the water was cooler
than the west cost .Surrounded by high, almost mountainous coral this beach is semi enclosed. The scene is completed with lots of palm trees and a panoramic view of the south shores. The water is a bit rough so swim at your own risk.
For a bit of glamour try the Crane Beach. This is considered by many to be the islands most pristine beach. Even Lifestyles of the Rich and famous have touted it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s truly romantic and has been a favorite of newlyweds for years. This is place to spend that last romantic beach day.
URAGUAY
South America
Ratings : Punte Del Este -5
Cabo Polonia -4
Punte Del Este, Cobo Polonia,
Sunbathing –Topless –Use your judgment
Where? Yes, I know it’s the little country nestled away between Brazil and Argentina.
Many have passed through but few take the time to stop. Uruguay is probably the last place you are thinking of for a vacation-right? Well if you and sweetie have time for this getaway it’s worth it.
Once you enter the country either by ferry from Buenos Aires (buquebus.com) or air (Buenos Aires airport) you immediately feel different. Once you get into the small town of Cobo Polonia it’s like another world.
This place will take you back to another time when necessities were just that. It is definitely a natural habitat. No modern technology, or paved roads and very little electricity .The town Cobo Polonia is a town of approximately 80 inhabitants. February is a great time to go because January is peak time. Finding a hotel spur of the moment is much easier this month also. The town has quaint inns and rental properties. Another perk to the small population is the food; incredibly fresh and tasty.
The beaches here are amazingly clean and beautiful with miles of sand dunes.Take part horseback riding , view sea lions, Ombu trees and more. The trick is to find a guide to get you set up. Never fear. There are guides for hire at the local hotel Hosteria La Perla .
If a more social getaway is preferred try the famous playground of the South American rich and famous, Punte Del Este. Punte DelEste has everything a you could want sand , shore, nightlife, people from around the world, and great food. Modern conveniences are abundant so feel free to indulge in four-star lifestyle here. Conjure up that inner celebrity you know your are. There are over 100 hotels and 80 different restaurants so you’ll never have the same thing twice.
Visit the famous Bikini Beach and flaunt your tiny weenie bikini. Believe me its ok to wear a thong this close to Brazil.
January is peak season here as well , so you’ll find it very charming and peaceful during February. Lodging rates are generally less as well.
Beach Beauty Tip
Before any big event or trip it’s wise to take time out to be pampered by a professional.
Instead of cramming in an appointment at the overbooked Manhattan spa,
Adventure out just a bit to Jersey City. Yes, that’s right I said it. A hop, skip and a jump away from the World Trade Center path train stop is SkinOrganix (www.skinorganix.com)
Owner Michelle Williams opened up her door a little over a year ago. Williams was a top aesthetician at Bliss Spa before branching out on her own. Skin Organix prides its self on Organic skin care consultations and natural skin care products. She works from the premise of “you skin is what you put on it” Her advice is to always read the labels.
Michelle offers clients the perfect antidote to tired over worked skin: The Whatever You Need Facial. It’s literally a complete analysis and treatment of your skin that gets you on the right path. Michelle can do this for you or one of her very capable staff members can help you.
So give SkinOrganix a call or email and make that appointment.
Beach Beauty Tips and ideas can be submitted to Jill Goldsberry at goldenmediarelations@yahoo.com
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