Winter Games

Nov. 13 2013

by Laurence Ogiela / TÊTU

>>>> Where to find the most beautiful gay beaches?

In Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro

The city offers splendid gay beaches frequented by "bichas" (homos) and by sublime "barbies" (muscular homos). The main meeting point is on Ipanema beach (see photo above), opposite Farme de Amoedo street. It is easy to recognize, the gay flags are flying in the wind. On weekends and in the summer (our winter), it's packed with tourists and locals who come to sunbathe, play volleyball and chat. It's the ideal place to meet people and especially to get invited to parties. Alternatively, the gay beach in front of the Copacabana Palace welcomes a more mixed crowd.

In South Africa, in Cape Town

With an air of California, sunshine all year round and plenty of handsome men, Cape Town has nothing to envy to LA. On either side of the famous Table Mountain lies the gay-friendly city with its dream beaches. Clifton Bay has a gay section, number 3. Handsome guys with oiled bodies tanning in a setting that would make Malibu and its lifeguards jealous. Further on, Camps Bay has a sublime white sand beach, as well as trendy restaurants and bars, all gay-friendly. Further south, Sandy Bay offers a naturist section, a famous cruising spot frequented by both gays and lesbians.

>>>> Where to find the hottest guys?

In Israel, in Tel-Aviv

A totally gay-friendly city, Tel-Aviv displays a degree of "bogossitude" that is hardly believable. Young soldiers, artists, musicians, gays and straights: to see the number of hot guys walking around the city, one would almost fall in love. It is necessary to say that three years of military service, that sculpts its man! The gay bombshells meet on the terraces of the cafes of Sheinkin Street and in the restaurants of the Neve Tsedek neighborhood which attracts the trendy population of Tel Aviv. The Dallal café is home to the sublime dancers of the Batsheva company, established in the Suzanne Dellal cultural center. Finally, the "tayelet" (the promenade, in Hebrew) on the seafront sees all the city's muscular bodies pass by on foot, by bike or on rollerblades.

Boys on the gay beach in Tel Aviv

In Denmark, in Copenhagen

Latin is not your type? Why not try Scandinavian for a change? Copenhagen is full of beautiful specimens: all tall, mostly blond with looks and haircuts worthy of supermodels. In addition, they only travel by bike, eat healthy and organic food and the cold air makes them look good.

>>>> Where to find the best parties?

in London

The British capital hosts parties like only the British know how to throw. The monthly Gutter Slut in Whitechapel is a mix of dandies, hipsters and gays brought together by the self-proclaimed Dalston Gay Mafia, which programs electro-pop-punk and big-name DJs like Hannah Holland. And we can't forget Salvation, a staple of the gay circuit.

in Sydney, during Carnival

Now is the time to put on your rhinestones, feathers and sequins, replay Priscilla, Madwoman of the Desert and book your flight to Sydney to attend the Australian Mardi Gras. The only gay and lesbian carnival on the planet is worth the detour, or rather the 24-hour flight! The party lasts for three weeks, during which there are parties, drag races, pool parties and other festivities until the big final parade.

Sydney Mardi Gras © Michael Douglas / Sydney Mardi Gras

>>>> Where to relax in the most beautiful spas?

At Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand

In the heart of Phang Nga Bay, in the south of Thailand, the fishermen's island of Yao Noi is a jewel. Nestled in its lush greenery, the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi hotel spa is only revealed to its guests. The treatment rooms, luxury wooden villas carefully hidden in the jungle, are an invitation to relax and rejuvenate. Six Senses is known worldwide for the quality of its spas and body treatments, and Yao Noi's is no exception.

At So Spa at Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam

So Spa offers two floors of relaxation with an indoor heated pool, treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. With exotic wood, velvet upholstery and bright colors, you can enjoy Cinq Mondes treatments and massages in a luxurious and exotic atmosphere. All you have to do is choose between a Balinese massage, the hammam ritual or the Ko Bi Do Précieux signature treatment to restore harmony to body and mind.