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JUNE 2015 -
SEXY GLAM
MAGAZINE -
37
Why go: New York City hosts infinite urban adventures: Wan-
der through Central Park, tour the exhibits at the Met, catch
a Broadway show or peruse SoHo’s stylish boutiques. And at
night, admire Manhattan’s glittering skyscrapers from the top of
the Empire State Building.
Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, constantly evolving … the Big
Apple blends big-city splendor with small-town charm. Amid
Gotham’s iconic landmarks and towering skyscrapers, you’ll
experience a vibrant culture permeating each of the city’s dis-
tinctive neighborhoods and boroughs. Follow trendsetters to the
East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic
bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterward, peruse the racks of
the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue, admire the cutting-edge art
collections at the MoMa and the Met, catch a memorable show
on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest “it” restaurant.
As the most populous city in the U.S. — set at the forefront of
food, fashion and the arts — NYC requires stamina. But don’t let
the Big Apple’s frenetic sights and sounds intimidate you from
soaking up its grandeur. Wander through the concrete jungle and
you’ll discover roaring taxicabs pouring down bustling blocks,
fast-paced pedestrians whizzing past on their way to marquee
galleries and innovative cocktail bars and Times Square’s neon
lights flickering at all hours. And yet, the city’s twinkling lights
and chaotic corners also invite you to embrace every New York
minute, explore every flourishing enclave and create your own
urban adventure. There are virtually endless ways to occupy your
time in the city that never sleeps, but before you leave, stop and
look around — what’s here today will be transformed into some-
thing bigger and better tomorrow.
Why go: Maui — one of the most beloved of all the Hawaiian
Islands — lives up to its superlatives with exotic beaches (like
Kaihalulu), palatial resorts (like the Four Seasons Resort Maui at
Wailea) and lush terrain (as seen in the Iao Valley State Park).
Maui is not nearly as large as the Big Island, nor is it as small as
Lanai, as bustling as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai.
For many Hawaii vacationers, Maui is just right — offering a
taste of just about everything the Aloha State has to offer, from
impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture. While on a
visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers,
golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types
of sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii’s most
notable beaches.
One of the archipelago’s most popular tourism spots, Maui can
be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much
tinier Molokai. Maui is divided into five distinct regions: Many
travelers base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home
to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of
Kaanipali Beach and the music from the Old Lahaina Luau are
located. But the rest of the island should not be missed. Travel
narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to
the city’s dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by
the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the
couple, the backpacker, the culture lover — and more — with an
almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for
a few days, but chances are you’ll need a whole week to explore.
In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it’s really the cos-
mopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity re-
volves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys
packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian mar-
ket. But you should also take a tour of Antoni Gaudí’s master-
pieces; Gaudí is responsible for sites like Parc Güell, Casa Batlló
and La Sagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out
on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food
and wine. Do you see why we suggest a week vacation?
along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui’s scenic coast-
line, explore Haleakala — the world’s largest dormant volcano
— in the Upcountry, and explore the former tribal battlegrounds
of Central Maui’s Iao Valley State Park.
#4 Maui
#5 New York City