SEXY GLAM MAGAZINE

JUNE 2015 -

SEXY GLAM

MAGAZINE -

bridge. Then, you must paint in the cosmopolitans—they’re sun-

kissed and fashion-forward, making their way to photo shoots,

architecture firms and cafés. And of course you must hear their

conversation: Even their English is laidback, unlike the posh

clip of the Brits or the sometimes-brash American intonation.

This is Sydney.

The most populous city in Oz, Sydney is a natural choice for

a first-time Aussie visit. With its lovely beaches, world-class

restaurants, and cache of interesting things to do, Sydney’s

personality is a mix of carefree Australia and sophisticated me-

tropolis. So, whether you want a laid-back vacation surfing the

giant waves of the Tasman Sea or a high-octane trip of dining,

shopping, and partying, Sydney’s got you covered.

Why go: Rio jockeys with Buenos Aires and São Paulo as

South America’s hottest destination — and not just for its warm

weather. The famous Christ the Redeemer statue presides over

Copacabana Beach. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more

lively event than Rio’s Carnival.

Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), this glim-

mering Brazilian metropolis has certainly earned its title. Lined

with white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and staggered green

mountains, Rio de Janeiro boasts dramatic views from nearly

every angle. From the slopes of Corcovado Mountain, you’ll

admire the striking 125-foot tall Christ the Redeemer, who

overlooks Rio’s pristine beaches flanked by sun-seekers. And

from Rio’s sun-drenched shores along Copacabana and Ipane-

ma, you’ll admire the picture-perfect backdrop that has attracted

Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) and visitors

alike for over 500 years.

But there’s much more to Rio than scenic vistas, tropical

rainforests, and cerulean seas. Here, glitz, high fashion, and a

Why go: It’s hard not to be enchanted by this paradisiacal

destination: Lush jungles extend into sky high volcanoes and

sands stretch into upscale resorts. Carve out some time for

hiking Mount Otemanu, observing aquatic life at the Bora Bora

Lagoonarium and relaxing on the beach.

The small island of Bora Bora (just six miles long and 2.5 miles

wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its

center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aqua-

marine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote Tales

of the South Pacific, called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island

in the world.” The 18th-century British explorer James Cook

even coined it the “pearl of the Pacific.” The very definition of

a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious

resorts, sunny skies, warm waters, and friendly locals.

As you might’ve already guessed, the main industry on this

petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu

(small surrounding islands) is tourism. To that end, you can

snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora’s quaint town), hike Mount

Otemanu and more. But there’s a catch: Bora Bora is expen-

sive—very expensive. In short, visit Bora Bora for natural beau-

ty, visit for utter relaxation, and visit if you have the money.

#10 Bora Bora

#9 Rio de Janeiro

laid-back attitude dominate the city’s character. Stroll along

Avenida Atlântica in Copa, and you’ll find a city brimming with

bikini-clad beachgoers. At night, listen closely, and you’ll hear

the soothing sounds of samba, pulsating through the city streets

in Lapa. And if you visit in February—just in time for Carni-

val—you’ll witness Brazil’s vibrant Portuguese masquerade that

draws revelers from across the globe.