Swimmer Diana Nyad to speak at Olivia Travel’s Mexico getaway

World-record long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad will be a featured guest at Olivia Travel’s Mexico getaway in November. Nyad will take part in the week’s activities and address attendees about her record-breaking Cuba-to-Florida swim.

The eight-day, seven-night, all-inclusive getaway will be held Nov 2 to 9 at the newly renovated Club Med Resort in Ixtapa.

Nyad swam 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Cuba to Florida. Following a 53-hour swim, she crawled onshore on Sept 2. The 64-year-old had been trying to complete the crossing for 35 years; victory came on her fifth attempt.

“We should never, ever give up,” Nyad told onlookers as she reached shore in Key West. “You never are too old to chase your dreams.”

But since her victory, Nyad has found herself defending her swim against skeptics, even colleagues within her own swimming community. “I never ever knew that we would not be trusted,” Nyad responded to media.

On the Olivia getaway, Nyad will speak about the determination required for her five swims and the challenges she faced en route to success.

“Not only are we thrilled for her victory, but honoured that she has chosen to join us for some much-needed R&R,” says Judy Dlugacz, founder and president of Olivia Travel. “Our guests will certainly be inspired by hearing about her experience, both the ups and downs, and leave fully rejuvenated and ready to put their own dreams into action.

“Diana truly represents the core of the Olivia Travel brand: believe and persevere,” she says.

Olivia Travel specializes in vacations especially for the lesbian community, from chartered cruises and resorts, to adventure and luxury vacations.

Club Med Ixtapa recently underwent a $20 million upgrade that includes refurbished rooms, a luxurious new spa and three resort-exclusive restaurants.

Daily activities at the resort will include sailing, snorkelling, fitness classes, circus school, tennis and water aerobics. Olivia Travel will also offer solo mixers, dance lessons and the “Olivia Olympics.”

For more information about Olivia Travel and the Club Med Ixtapa trip, visit olivia.com or call 1-800-631-6277.

If you plan to explore gay Mexico beyond Ixtapa, it’s a six-hour drive to Mexico City or Guadalajara and a 10-hour drive to Puerto Vallarta.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Mexico City, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Guadalajara, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Puerto Vallarta, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.