Where to Wear Your New Guria

The previous two blogs explained a lot of the features of the new Summer Somewhere Collection from Guria.  From our favorite Brazilian Bikini to our most figure-flattering Brazilian one piece swimsuit, the collection has something for everyone.  Most of the collection is either available now, or will be soon, at your local Brazilian Bikini Shop! And as I mentioned some weeks ago when we started our Fall In Love With Your Brazilian Booty Contest, the blogs this season will help to inspire you along your fitness journey.  What better way to get excited about a fitness goal than to plan to show off your new body, and bikini, in a tropical paradise.  After all, like the collection says, it’s Summer Somewhere.

This week we will explore three popular winter get-a-ways where you can beat the blues.  Bali, Indonesia; Tulum, Mexico and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Bali… Far, Far Away

 Let’s start with Bali, the furthest destination from our US base in Florida.  I’ve priced out economy travel from Miami, an international hub for many airlines, and you can find roundtrip tickets for approximately $1300.  Bali is known for pristine beaches, lush forests and cascading waterfalls.  If you are looking to reconnect with nature and maybe enjoy some surfing or diving, Bali is a great choice.  The price may be a bit pricey, but once you get there, the food and excursions are somewhat economical.

If surfing is your main goal, I recommend the beachfront towns of Uluwatu and Canggu.  Ubud is a do-not-miss point of interest. It’s located in the center of the island in the middle of the rainforest and acres and acres of rice patties.  Ubud is known for it’s yoga retreats, caves, culture, local cuisine and waterfalls.  For the best nightlife and hotspots, you will want to visit Seminyak or Gili Trawangan.  If you are looking to get off the beaten path, a trip out to Nusa Penida, an island off Bali, is a must.  Nusa Penida has some of the best scenery and is very underpopulated compared to other locations on the main island of Bali, but be warned, the roads are not in such great condition.  The best way to get around is still moped but proceed with caution.

 Canggu,Bali:

Ubud rice fields:

Picturesque Tulum

From ancient Mayan Ruins to picture-perfect boutique hotels, Tulum is off the beaten path and this helps keep it from becoming too commercial.  Roundtrip flights from Miami can be easily found for around $300.  Once you arrive at the airport in Cancun, you will have to travel for between one and two hours to Tulum.  My suggestion is to have your hotel set up a shuttle.  They are trustworthy and relatively inexpensive.

 The flight from the states may be affordable, but a stay in Tulum can be a bit pricy.  A cocktail can easily run $15 US.  Wifi is also very unpredictable, so you may want to rely on a good old paper map when exploring.  Tulum is a place where the boho lifestyle is embraced.  Yoga retreats and Cenotes dot the map in this five-star Mexican paradise.  What is “cenotes” you ask?  They are underground caves with swimming holes of aqua blue water.  You can swim with dolphins and turtles.  There is usually a fee to enter the cenotes.  Locals are a great source for recommendations when it comes to which ones are the best.  Some are more populated, while others are more serene.  Tulum also boasts ancient Mayan Ruins.  You will need at least a day to explore these, and be prepared to do a lot of walking.  A favorite hotel for photo ops is Azulik Tulum, although, if you do not have a guest room at the hotel, you will not be allowed to take photos without paying a resort fee of around $40, which is expensive, but worth it in my opinion.  There are certain areas that non-hotel guests can enter like the museum and the gift shop.

Cenote:

It Actually IS Summer in Rio

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is located south of the Equator, which means, when North America is experiencing winter, Rio is experiencing summer.   Flights from Miami can be found for $700 roundtrip.  Even though Brazil’s most popular city for tourism and second largest city overall, boasts relatively warm temperatures all year round, there is something magical about summer in Rio.

 The longest beach in Rio is actually Barra da Tijuca Beach.  With it’s clean white sands, and fewer tourists than more “famous” Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, this beach is a locals favorite for sports like volleyball, surfing and kite surfing.  Ipanema is a popular beach for tourists and locals alike.  There is a plethora of shops, restaurants, galleries and clubs along the promenade.  Every Sunday, Ipanema hosts the Hippy Fair from 9am-5pm where you can buy inexpensive souvenirs and delicious local street food.  Interested in seeing how the “other half” live?  Lagoa Neighborhood is the most expensive neighborhood in Rio, but you can still afford to sit at a sidewalk café, slowly sip a café and people-watch.  If you are interested in sport, as you know, Brazilians love their Soccer. Take a visit to Maracana Stadium, with capacity for 80,000 spectators, it’s the largest stadium in all of South America.  To re-connect with nature, visit Tijuca National Park or Jardim Botanico.  At Tijuca you’ll see plenty of forestry, mountains and waterfalls.  If you have the energy to hike to any of the peaks, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular views of the city and coast in the distance below.  Looking for a Samba Bar?  Lapa Neighborhood is where you’ll find the best nightlife and the iconic ceramic tiled steps, Escadaria Selarón.  Two scenic viewpoints not to miss are Sugarloaf Mountain (1300 ft. above sea) and Christ The Redeemer at 2330 ft. above sea.  Christ the Redeemer boasts the famous statue of Christ overlooking the land below with his arms open wide which began construction in 1922.

Whatever destination you choose, you can pack light.  Some comfortable walking or hiking shoes, some flip flops for the beach days, a few light shorts or jeans and t-shirts, a sun dress or two and your favorite Brazilian bikini, by Guria of course.

Written by JS