In the run-up to the imminent release of the Barbie movie, it’s impossible to escape the trending pink hue that has dominated our screens recently. We’ve taken inspiration from our favourite gal pal’s iconic palette and put together a list of the hottest pink destinations that are perfect for a visit, whether you are a Barbie-lover or loather.
1. Cherry blossom season in Japan
If Barbie was to travel to Asia there’s no way she would miss the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. March and April are the ideal months to visit to see the spendour of these soft pink blooms known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese. The ritual of watching this spectacle is called ‘hanami’ and while there are many places throughout Japan that you can witness the cherry blossom in full bloom, some of the most famous include Tokyo, Kyoto and Kansai.
2. Lake Hillier, Australia
You’d be forgiven for thinking the stunning and vibrant colour of Lake Hillier in Western Australia was man-made. However, this striking fuschia colour is thought to be caused by the presence of a particular type of red algae which lives in the water. The water remains this colour throughout the year and despite its high salt content, it is possible to take a dip in the lake (don’t forget your rubber ring, Barbie wouldn’t!).
3. Caño Cristales, Colombia
Visit this river at any other time of the year and you might be slightly underwhelmed, but if you’re lucky enough to see it between July through November amid the changing of seasons you’ll be wowed by a magnificent sight! The water in the river appears as a kaleidoscope of colours and is known as the ‘liquid rainbow’, with one of those colours being, you guessed it – pink! This wonder is off the beaten track; to reach Caño Cristales you need to fly from Bogotá to La Macarena and you’ll need to be accompanied by a tour guide.
4. Tan Dinh Church, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
If you’re wandering the busting streets of Ho Chi Minh, then a quick pit stop to see the Tan Dinh Catholic Church is a must! This unique building was established in 1874 and is one of the oldest churches in the city. The pink paint is certainly not contained to the outside of the building, step inside and you’ll be met with blush coloured pillars and ornate details throughout the chapel.
5. Pink Beach, Komodo National Park
If Barbie were to go on a beach holiday, well shouldn’t that beach be, erm, pink? The rose-coloured sand of ‘Pantai Merah’ beach can be found in Komodo National Park in Indonesia. The colour of the sand is caused by Foraminifera – microscopic red organisms that wash up from the coral reefs onto the beach. A day trip to Komodo Island is well-worth fitting into your itinerary as not only can you swim in the clear waters on offer, but it’s also home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on earth!
6. South Beach, Miami
We don’t know about a dream house, but these beach huts on South Beach certainly have us dreaming of a holiday to Miami! As well as boasting glorious weather and beaches, South Beach is famous for its art-deco architecture along Ocean Drive. Stay at any one of these hotels and you’ll feel like a movie-star from yesteryear! Pour us a margarita already!
7. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Why stop at one pink beach when you can have two?! If ‘think pink’ is your motto but some of these destinations are just a little bit too far for your summer holiday, fear not – Elafonissi beach in Crete sounds like just the place for you! Located just over an hours drive from Chania, this pink beach is perfect for a day of relaxing and splashing about in the turquoise waters that lap against the shore. Browse our best deals to Crete and go check out Elafonissi beach for yourself.
8. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Just like the flamingos that inhabit this stunning landscape, visitors flock to Laguna Colorada in Bolivia to experience the rich rose-coloured waters for themselves (some may say red, but we’re not sticklers). The lake is located in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve and as well as the migrating flamingos you can also find volcanoes, hot springs and geysers.
9. Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Jaipur has been coined ‘The Pink City’ after the Maharaja Ram Singh ordered all the buildings to be painted in a subtle blush colour back in 1876 as a sign of hospitality in preparation for a visit by the Prince of Wales. As well as roaming the streets and spice markets, there’s plenty to do and see in Jaipur including a visit to the Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the vibrant pink Patrika gate. The best time to visit Jaipur is during dry season which falls between October and March.
10. EL&N Café, London
If an adventure around the world isn’t quite on the cards just yet but you’re still looking for your Barbie-pink fix then a trip to ‘the most instagrammable café in the world’ is a must! EL&N cafes in London, Manchester and Edinburgh are floor to ceiling covered in pink paraphernalia and provide a beautiful setting to enjoy a coffee or brunch – grab some friends and get snapping!
