Who doesn’t enjoy hitting the beach on a smoldering hot day, relaxing on a lounge-chair, feeling the cool breeze and the ocean mist caressing your face? For many women, the thought of strutting out onto the beach half-naked in a skimpy swimsuit is terrifying, especially if they know they are going to be either gawked at (or even worse, laughed at) by on-lookers of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, many women decide that the psychological discomfort of being “on display”outweighs the pleasures of the beach. But now there is another option, just for women.
Italy has introduced their first women-only beach, number 134 on the Adriatic coastline between Rimini and Riccione. Also known as “Pink Beach,” there are restrictions against the presence of men (other than the lifeguard), children, deep-fried foods and loud music. “Healthy salads and fresh fish make up the beach club menus, while lessons in deportment, manicures, pedicures, keep-fit classes and cookery lessons from a well-known chef are the order of the day,” according to The Telegraph. There are some mixed feelings about the concept behind the women-only beach, but I think it offers women a great way to truly relax and let loose. Click here to watch a short video clip about the beach and some reactions to it. — Laura Cimperman