San Jose del Cabo: Beach Goth clubs & skull mezcal bars vacation! Depop Gothic Lolita Harajuku Jrock clothing sale.
Yes, sometimes I’m a Beach Goth! (Always slathered in SPF, of course).
I spent some days in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico — which is the chiller area (partiers and tourists tend to stick to Cabo San Lucas). Read on for the most photogenic, quiet beaches and beach clubs in SJD…
… as well as some Gothic destinations in Cabo, like this Day of the Dead skeleton lady mural in the artsy town. You can also watch a reel of my trip highlights here on @lacarmina IG.
But first a pretty big announcement: I’m selling almost ALL my worldly possessions.
Including rare Gothic Lolita Visual Kei memorabilia, Harajuku punk Goth fashion (like this Lovecraftian shirt I wore to Angkor Wat), and hundreds more kawaii cute and alternative Japan items on @LaCarmina Depop.
I need to clear out everything, so if you would like anything I have, please let me know! Happy to do reductions and can ship worldwide.
TO VIEW MY CLOSET SALE: Everything is listed here @LaCarmina Depop, but no need to use the app. You can email me gothiccarmina @ gmail dot com – let me know what you’d like, and I can mail packages worldwide. Open to all offers and will do discounts. Thank you!
If you’ve been following me on @lacarmina social media, you probably saw that I had a flight cancellation fiasco that left me stranded in Los Cabos for a few extra days. Although it was a bit of a hassle to figure out a new flight and extended accommodations, I made the most of my bonus time in the sunny west coast of Mexico.
I spent a day vegetating at El Ganzo Beach Club, which is part of Hotel El Ganzo in San Jose del Cabo. No need to stay at the boutique hotel (although it looks lovely) — anyone can purchase a day pass, and take the quick, free boat across the water to the chic club!
El Ganzo’s Cabo beach club has a a private, luxe vibe — as well as this pristine beach with gentle waters.
Tip: go early so that you can grab one of the chic cabanas of shaded lounge chairs overlooking the ocean.
Love the artsy, relaxed atmosphere of El Ganzo — it’s a world away from the raucous tourist scene in Cabos San Lucas (which I didn’t even visit).
I also much prefer the weather on the west coast of Mexico — it’s a dry heat, so you can avoid humidity and mosquitoes (my ultimate nemesis, along with microplastics).
This “Goth in hot weather” kept chill and pale under the shaded cabana. Order drinks and snacks, which are served right to your lounger bed.
And always bring water, a hat and mineral sunscreen! (Goths in hot weather are a rare sight, indeed.)
These catch of the day fish tostadas with lime and a bit of spice were perfection.
Can’t beat a smoky pineapple mezcal cocktail with this view of palm trees and light waves.
I’d love to come back to spend more time at Hotel El Ganzo’s beach club. (Anyone can purchase a day pass, which includes a credit that can be used on food).
Speaking of Mexican food… there are so many scrumptious options in San Jose del Cabo, especially if you go to small restaurants outside the tourist zones. I double-fisted ice coffee and green juice at Abrejos Cafe (close to the beach), and ate generous portions of birria (above), tacos, and other local eats for low prices.
No need to stay at a pricy resort in San Jose del Cabo. You can rent an inexpensive Airbnb, and take inexpensive Ubers to public access beaches like the long Ocampo.
Wore a Y2K shrug (vintage from the early 200s) and Michi Playa dress to cover up from the sun.
Walking along a Cabo beach and dipping my toes in the waves = happiness. (See the crashing waves and more in my SJDC video on @LaCarmina IG.)
As you can see, I had Ocampo beach mostly to myself — yet another benefit of coming to San Jose del Cabo rather than crowded Cabo San Lucas.
Tip: on the western side of Playa Ocampo, there are free palapas that are first come first serve. If you arrive before noon on a weekday, like I did, chances are you can nab one.
A PSA from the sunscreen queen: please take care during the summer heatwaves. Temperatures and heat effects are stronger now than even a few years ago (hello, The Collapse!), so burns and heatstroke can creep up on you faster than you expect.
Be vigilant with SPF and coverups, seek shade, hydrate with electrolytes, and limit time outside. (I took these photos in two minutes, then put my hat back on and sought shelter,)
Nothing beats natural beach waves. I’m often asked for my hair care tips so let’s go:
– Don’t bleach / dye your own hair if you lack training. Invest in a salon that uses pro products and gentle techniques (my stylist is @katatkore in Vancouver)
– Only have your stylist bleach the roots, and don’t change the colour too much to keep it healthier
– Never overwash your hair (once a week or longer depending on circumstances), and use pro quality shampoos and conditioners, not drugstore
– After washing, gently towel dry and finish with protective hydrating serum and @dysonhairpro blow dryer (worth the investment)
– No heat tools. I use overnight rope curls for waves
– Cut off split ends & tie hair in non-damaging not-too-tight ways (like Dutch braids and with silk scrunchies, not regular elastics that encourage breakage)
– Sleep with a silk pillowcase. I also wear a silk hair cap on flights
– Nutrition and hydration make a difference (fish oils, protein, veggies, fruit)
– Don’t forget that genetics play a role!
It’s worth going a little further south and west to Playa Palmilla — one of the most gorgeous Los Cabos beaches. The rocky landscape and clear waters are “chef’s kiss.”
Palmilla Beach is also the site of One&Only Palmilla, one the most exquisite five-star resorts in Cabo (with beachfront access).
You can also kayak, paddle board, swim, snorkel and take part in other water activities. (Or just hang out and enjoy, as I did.)
Then, luxuriate at Aqua Restaurant in One & Only Palmilla resort. (I cooled off in the air conditioned area with a mezcal cocktail and these views.)
The oceanfront One&Only Palmilla is one of the most stunning places to stay in Cabo.
The One and Only’s infinity edge pool is picture-perfect, and the service here is top notch.
As you can see, I was perfectly happy to be stranded in Mexico for a few extra days!
I also explored the artsy town of San Jose del Cabo. The streets are filled with art and antique galleries, and framed by colorful banners.
I recommend eating slightly outside of SJDC, as prices here are higher. (I got cachete or cheek tacos about 8 blocks away, for $2). However, you can find Goth goods like this skull chocolate in town.
San Jose del Cabo also has an Art Walk every Thursday evening that lets you learn more about local artists and meet them at galleries. However, you can shop their wares — like these sugar skull scarves — at any time.
Look out of street art as well, such as a skeleton lady mural and Boo sticker near El Encanto Inn.
Love the joyful vibe of San Jose del Cabo, especially around sunset.
If you’re a mezcal fan like I am, a visit to Cabo Santo Mezcal (craft cocktail bar) is a must-do.
The San Jose del Cabo mezcal bar is decorated with dark skulls — this Goth felt right at home.
Try a tamarind mezcal cocktail at Cabo Santo Mezcal, and tell the friendly bartender Sergio that I sent you.
I’m trying to blend in with the plants so that I don’t have to fly home from Cabo! I hope these travel tips help you plan a chill Goth-on-the-beach vacation.
If you have any questions about Mexico travel, let me know — I’ve been to many parts of the country now! You can see my previous Mexico blogs here, and watch a video of my Cabo getaway.
And don’t forget to check out my closet clear-out @LACARMINA DEPOP – let me know if I can mail you anything!
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Sky Lagoon review & Instagrammable Iceland photography locations! Reykjavik Gothic street art, Hallgrimskirkja.
The blue-haired Ice Queen is back in Iceland… and this time, she’s taking a dip in the new Sky Lagoon!
If you’re looking for the most Instagram-worthy photos spots in Iceland, then the queen has got you covered. Read on for our Sky Lagoon spa experience, and watch the video of my visit here on @LaCarmina Instagram. I’ll also show you photogenic spots in Reykjavik like the Gothic Dead Gallery, a vampire mural, and the famous Hallgrimskirkja church.
I’m sure you have heard of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon (which I visited on my previous trip) — but did you know about Sky Lagoon? Opened in 2021, this hot springs spa is located closer to Reykjavik and lets you enjoy saunas and mineral baths while being immersed in nature.
Sky Lagoon is a photography dream — you wade into the warm, shallow waters while framed by Icelandic rocks and the dramatic mountains, ocean, and sky.
Other benefits of visiting Sky Lagoon over Blue — the attraction is adults-only, and you can put your head under the water without messing up the texture of your hair! (The mineral content in Sky Lagoon is different, so it won’t damage your hair if you get it wet.)
Sky Lagoon is conveniently located only about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car. (You can also easily take a shuttle — see details further down in this article). The geothermal spa sits at Kársnes Harbour, Kópavogur — southwest of the capital.
Photographer Joey Wong and I were able to enter Sky Lagoon in the morning before anyone else arrived (we got special press access). However, if you get there as soon as the spa opens in the morning, there won’t be many people there — so you can take photos like this without anyone in the background.
When you arrive at Sky Lagoon, you’re given a wristband that unlocks a locker in the changing rooms. Put your items away, shower, and then enter through a cave tunnel entrance to the steamy, soaking pool.
I recommend booking your ticket to Sky Lagoon in advance. You can choose from various packages — including deluxe ones that come with private changing rooms and the Seven-Step Ritual (more about that below).
Sky Lagoon is warmed by geothermal energy. The natural hot springs keep the water comfortably toasty at around 38 to 40 °C (100 to 104 °F).
Be sure to keep hydrated (Sky Lagoon provides free drinking water). You can take a dip, come out to rest, and then go back in as many times as you’d like.
You can also quench your thirst at the In-Water Lagoon Bar. The cave-side watering hole serves cocktails, wine and Icelandic beers that you can drink while overlooking infinity views of the ocean.
The wellness offerings at Sky Lagoon include the 7 Step Ritual. (Lagoon, cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, sky scrub, steam room, shower). The salt scrub is heavenly and leaves your skin feeling baby smooth.
If you’re curious how the recently-opened Sky Lagoon compares to the classic Blue Lagoon, check out my visit to Blue Lagoon in 2015. I loved how Sky Lagoon is adults-only so there were no children splashing around. The lagoon was also more peaceful and less crowded, which makes the conditions easier for photography.
And as mentioned above, Sky Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters won’t muss up your hair. You can go under the waterfall, wade over to hotter areas, and massage your back and feet over the jets.
Please check out our Instagram reel of the Sky Lagoon experience — you can see what it’s like to explore and eat at this geothermic oasis. (Wearing Y2K style wraparound sunglasses and a Charli Cohen halter swim top.)
The Sky Lagoon is one large body of water with various nooks and natural features like volcanic rocks. Head over to the infinity edge pool, which has spectacular views of the ocean and horizon.
We worked up an appetite, and were excited to try Icelandic delights at Smakk Bar. The modern restaurant serves local tasting platters — I loved the reindeer pate, salmon gravlax, sheep cheeses, bakery bread, and homemade sauces and jams. Sky Lagoon has a cafe as well that serves delicious lattes with milk from Icelandic cows.
My chunky blue hair matched with the vibe of Sky Lagoon.
Getting here to Sky Lagoon is a breeze, as it’s only a 15 min ride from Reykjavik. Taxis are pricy in Iceland, so I encourage you to book a transfer with Reykjavik Excursions. Their timely FlyBus picks you up from a stop near your hotel and whisks you to Sky Lagoon and back (there’s a regular timetable for departures). You can book transfers to/from the airport and other attractions as well: Reykjavik Excursions’ buses are the best way to get around.
I had a rejuvenating time at Sky Lagoon! I hope you’ll visit this stylish hot springs when you come to Iceland. (I recommend the earliest morning timed spot for a quiet experience and the best photography conditions.)
Back to our hip hotel, Berjaya Reykjavík Marina, which has an ideal location by the harbour — steps away from downtown Reykjavik and attractions like Harpa Music Hall. The hotel sits on the historic Slippur dock (there are boats right outside), and the decor pays homage to Iceland’s fishing culture.
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel has funky boutique-style rooms, and plenty of chic common areas for working and hanging out.
Their Slippbarinn restaurant also serves a delicious fish soup. In the morning, we filled up on the hotel breakfast that included Icelandic delights like skyr (high protein thick yogurt) with real vanilla bean… I ate so many bowls!
From our hotel, it was easy to walk to downtown Reykjavik and see the sights — such as Hallgrímskirkja. This neo-Gothic expressionist church is the masterpiece of Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson.
Hallgrimskirja is a Lutheran church that was commissioned in 1937 but not finished until 1986. The stark, geometric planes stand out like an alien ship against the blue skies. Architect Samúelsson’s design was inspired by his country’s unique lava rock formations, mountains, and glaciers.
This is my second visit to Iceland with photographer Joey Wong. You can see our past photos taken inside the Church of Hallgrímur here, from 2015.
Hallgrímskirkja is breathtaking to see in person. The door gave of rather Gothic vibes too.
Speaking of offbeat Iceland spots… Reykjavik has a peen museum! I entered the Icelandic Phallological Museum to gawk at hundreds of phallic specimens, from snail art to plaster casters of musicians like Jimi Hendrix.
Iceland’s penis museum is dedicated to collecting and displaying phalluses big and small, from preserved narwhal to mouse specimens.
I didn’t see the northern lights in Iceland (as I came too late, in late April) — but I got to witness a polar bear vs puffin fight. As you can see, Reykjavik is filled with playful large-scale street art.
One of my favorites is the Goth vampire mural. It shows a man with horns sucking blood from a woman’s neck, in a 1950s pop art style. There’s also a rainbow Pride walkway leading up to the famous Icelandic church up on the hill.
I found another peen… and Rokk & Rómantik, which is the only Goth store in Iceland!
Last time, I was mesmerized by the skull art at Dead Gallery, run by artist Jón Sæmundur. One of his paintings — a butterfly with skulls on its wings — sits outside the shop’s old location.
Dead Gallery now has a new location (Address: Laugavegur 10b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland).
I didn’t get to go inside since Jon was away, but I got to peek at his latest works that powerfully convey themes of death and beauty. (I have one of his skull watercolors in my apartment.)
Jon is also the frontman and founder of the band, Dead Skeletons. If you’re drawn to Gothic art, be sure to visit his new Dead Gallery (you can also get skulls, paintings, tees and more on his website.)
Isn’t the street art in Reykjavik a vibe? Meandering around the small city is one of my favorite things to do here.
Here’s a tip for planning an Iceland trip — get tickets with PLAY Airlines, a new affordable Icelandic airline that flies between North America and Europe.
PLAY lives up to its playful name, with colorful Airbus A320ne jets that stand out on the Keflavík Airport tarmac.
The staff and pilots greeted us warmly, and provided terrific services throughout the flight. Although PLAY is a low-cost airline, you get comfortable padded seats and can tailor the experience to your needs with add-ons like additional baggage. You can also do a stopover in Iceland at no extra cost before continuing on to Europe or North America.
PLAY Airlines turned out to be a wonderful way to fly on a budget. Keep this modern airline in mind if you’re looking to travel to the Land of Ice and Fire, and beyond.
For more inspiration and travel tips, check out my Iceland posts here. Once again, Iceland delivered on adventure, and turned out to be one of the best places for photography… no wonder it’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice!
PS: I did a new interview with Authority Magazine about writing and publishing books, working with literary agents and more. I also have many new items available on my Depop @lacarmina shop — let me know if anything catches your eye, and we can do a direct sale and bundle discount (just email me!)
LA CARMINA
