rounD-up - Formentera Yoga

round-up
PERFECT FOR PLAYAS
VIP Tip: Meredith McGeachie
‘When I’m not working I pretty much live in Playa
del Carmen, a coastal city in the Mexican state of
Quintana Roo. There’s a very laidback vibe to Playa;
the people are open, friendly and gregarious and it’s
very international – lots of Europeans live and work
here. There’s not exactly a gay scene but it’s definitely
gay-friendly – there’s a big gay party in nearby Cancun in September called Latin Hot.
My favourite nightspot is the Mezzanine Bar and Restaurant on the
beach in Tulum, 30 minutes from Playa – it’s incredibly stylish and the
food is wonderful.
I’m a diving maniac and the sea-life here is spectacular. In Playa itself
I love Ranita – a funky, Mexican-style pub run by a fabulous Swedish
couple – it’s the place to grab a cocktail after a day’s snorkelling. If
you’re planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, check out my travel concierge company, Fresh in Playa (freshinplaya.com) and we’ll make sure
you have an amazing time!’
Meredith McGeachie played Tanya in The L Word. Between starring in
US TV shows Eureka and Paradise Falls, she runs Fresh In Playa
Readers recommend
FRIDAY BRUNCH IN DUBAI
Gaycation
Formentera Yoga
Formentera Yoga offers retreats for gay women amid
beautiful surroundings where, as founder Jax Lysycia
explains, ‘we can celebrate our internal connections to
ourselves.’ She goes on: ‘To practice loving ourselves
and inviting love into our lives through yoga may sound
a little hippy-dippy, but it really is the key to life – being
relaxed and open about who we are and celebrating
that with like-minded souls.’ Sunrise and sunset yoga
sessions are lead by the gorgeous Jax, but there’s a
host of other activities on the menu: jet-skiing, sailing, cookery lessons, spa treatments and the beautiful
National Park island are at your fingertips. Accommodation is four star and flawlessly stylish with fantastic sea
views. Visit Formenterayoga.com for more information
and the next gay-only retreats.
‘Dubai may not be a gay-friendly city, but if you
know where to look, there is a “scene”. Check out
the Submarine club in the Downtown area, it’s a real
eye-opener! More mainstream, the Royal Mirage is
spectacular – pay a day fee for all the wonderful facilities and enjoy poolside cocktails in a truly beautiful
setting. Friday brunch is a big tradition in Dubai. Try it
at least once – it’s total indulgence. I love the Shangri La on Sheikh Zayed Road. The oysters are to die for! For fun and frolics, the Barasti Bar
on the beach near the marina is a good, old-fashioned ex-pat hang-out.
I lived in the Emirate for one amazing year, and would’ve stayed longer
if I hadn’t wanted to come home to set up thelipstickladies.webs.com
with my friends. It’s the latest way to meet like-minded, professional gay
women, bringing a touch of Dubai glamour to London and Brighton.’
Trudi Pearce, 36, is founder of Lipstick Ladies and life-coach in training
Travel essentials!
Louis Vuitton City Guides
Do you ever find yourself in Miami, or Tokyo, or
Rome, wondering, ‘Now, what would Louis Vuitton have done?’ Well, wonder no more because
this ultra-luxe series of city guides reveals the
designer brand’s top tips for a high fashion
sojourn in a selection of the world’s most stylish cities. These guides
would make a gorgeous gift for glam jet-setters as the presentation
boxes are inspired by vintage luggage labels.
Buy them for €25 at colette.fr
STAYCATION
SANCTUM SOHO HOTEL
Sanctum Soho Hotel is an oasis of comfort, style and sophistication in the heart of London’s buzzing West End.
Two beautiful Georgian townhouses have been converted into a sumptuous 30-bedroom boutique hotel – within
easy reach of the shops of Regent, Bond and Oxford Streets, the theatres of the West End, and the nightlife of
Soho and Mayfair. Sanctum Soho Hotel pays homage to Soho’s history as a hub of artistic and bohemian life.
From the underground cinema to the destination restaurant, No.20, and roof-top garden with 24-hour bar and
hydro spa, your every whim is catered for. In-room facilities include REN amenities, Wii consoles and Wii Fit, iPod
docking stations and state-of-the-art entertainment systems alongside much, much more. sanctumsoho.com
70 DIVAmag.co.uk OCTOBER 2009
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27/08/2009 15:52