Punte del Este, Uruguay

Consider it Monte Carlo for Latin America's jet set. Punta is located a few hours drive time to the east of Uruguay's capital, Montevideo. But Argentineans in particular abound on the golden beaches during the peak summer months of December, January and February (Buenos Aires is a short flight or ferry ride away). Beautiful people crowds preen and pose for South America's top gossip and entertainment magazines, always on hand to shoot Latin America's hottest summertime scene. VIP parties abound at clubs that stay open till long after dawn. And tanned goddesses and gleaming Ferraris are on every corner. There's a casino, too—all the more fitting for a populace with no shortage of pesos and a passion for play.