Summer is finally here! Now, I know it's not the same summer break we enjoyed during our grade school and college years, but that doesn't mean we can't cash in those earned PTO days and plan our next trip. CNBC notes that American companies are giving us less paid time off, so I can understand why using those days for leisure might feel overindulgent.
But, science proves that travel is good for our overall health, especially for women, as a lack of vacationing is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and death from heart disease. Dr. Oz said so. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I want to share the eight beaches that can assist you in your mission of operation: summer vacation.
1.Church Bay
Located on the on Bermuda's South Shore, Church Bay is ideal for beach lovers that enjoy a little adventure with their sun. Snorkeling on this part of the island is a breeze since you don't have to dive deep or swim too far out to see the parrotfish and marine life.
2.Sugar Beach
St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. From the people to the Pitons, you'll feel both grounded and small taking in the beauty this island has to offer. My favorite beach was Sugar Beach, located in between the mighty Pitons located near Soufrière. While you're there, don't forget to stop by La Petit Peak for the red snapper and the Sulphur Springs for a mud bath.
3.Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos are one of the most beautiful, sought-after spots for beach vacations. If you plan your trip far enough in advance, airfare is reasonable, especially during April and May. I booked in August and found that time of year to be reasonable as well. Once you get airfare out of the way, accommodations can get a little pricey, but again with a bit of early planning and possibly a stay at an Airbnb — you'll be able to plan a luxe, budget-friendly vacation.
4.Tulum, Mexico
Visiting the airy resort town seems to be on everyone's list for obvious reasons. Tulum is about a two-hour ride from Cancun, which is the best airport to fly into if you're planning a vacation in the small beach town. While Tulum is a great place to get your beach time and yoga classes in, its proximity to the Mayan ruins makes the city special. Since the town is bike-friendly, you can take a bike ride over to the ruins or hire a tour guide.
5.Thailand
Thailand is known for its beautiful coastline, street food, and wellness retreats. We say you should take in everything! Planning a trip to Thailand is pretty easy to do solo with all of the information at our fingertips, but if you want to experience the Southeast Asian country with a little help, groups like Black Girls Travel Too and Up In The Air have pre-planned itineraries.
6.Palm Beach, Aruba
Since Aruba doesn't have to worry about hurricane season, this Dutch island is an ideal vacation destination any time of year. If you're traveling with kiddos, you're in luck! The island, unlike many hot spots, welcomes families with many of the all-inclusive resorts participating in the "One Cool Family Vacation" offering discounts from July 1 - August 31.
7.Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI
You won't need your passport for this one. Trunk Bay boasts high marks for its white sandy beaches and its 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail, but there is one downside to its popularity. The beaches can become crowded during peak travel times. But, don't let that stop you from planning your next trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as they still need our support post hurricanes, Maria and Irma.
8.Inkwell Beach
The Inkwell or Oak Bluffs has been a safe haven for the black elite for over 100 years. The Shearer Cottage was the first black-owned hotel that allowed black vacationers to stay on Martha's Vineyard without issue. The town of Oak Bluffs is still thriving, so if you're inclined to take a day trip or spend a long weekend there, be sure to take a tour of the African American Heritage Trail. I hear it is not to be missed.
Featured image by Masego Morulane/Getty Images
Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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