One of Uruguay’s most popular beach destinations becomes the playground of celebrities once summer rolls around. This cosmopolitan city has two main beaches: Playa Mansa (Tame Beach) and Playa Brava (Fierce Beach), which offer waters that match their names well. Even the sand differs from one beach to the next, with Playa Brava offering more rougher golden sands and Playa Mansa softer whiter sand. The two beaches are divided by a giant sculpture of a half-buried hand, fingers peeking out of the sand.

A popular destination for water sports and sunbathing, Punta del Este also offers plenty of activities off the sand – including a long avenue filled with chic boutiques; lots of cafés and bakeries; and plenty of museums, art galleries, and fun restaurants.