Heatwaves - A vibrant new beachside community
Introduction
One of the more frustrating aspects of Second Life is the abundance of regions that, in theory, have many residents and traffic but are, in practice, empty and quiet. People can be creatures of habit, staying in their houses or a select few favoured places, resulting in deserted streets and public areas.
One place that has successfully fostered a sense of community where people actually live, interact, and play is the brand-new Heatwaves.
This new development from the team behind the very popular Sonance nightclub boasts an excellent design and build by one of the Sonance owners, Katt Harcourt, who has created something resembling a vibrant hippyish beach community with Californian and Mediterranean influences.
Heatwaves offers regular events from club nights to film nights, but one of the highlights is the lively atmosphere on the beach and at the beachside bar during European and North American evenings.
Look and feel
Heatwaves is centred around a main beach area, surrounded by hillsides dotted with trailers and camping spots, available for rent (though currently fully booked with a long waiting list).
The main beach serves as a vibrant hang-out spot and plays host to club events.
Beyond the beach, you'll discover a waterside area with beach loungers, which evokes the ambience of a beach club in Europe.
You can also explore a cave area with its own bar. Various eating and drinking spots are also available around the region.
The trailers and containers can be found spread over the hills.
They are quite close together and sometimes literally on top of each other. This is deliberate, as it encourages interaction among residents and discourages isolation behind garden fences, house walls, and ban lines.
The attention to detail in the landscaping and design is impressive, a testament to the time and effort that has gone into creating Heatwaves.
Make Yourself at Home
Trailers cost 500-700Ls a week, and tent units cost 300Ls a week. However, these are all currently booked and have a waiting list.
It's worth noting that you don't need to live here to enjoy Heatwaves. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and there is no fee to use anything.
Indulge in the Amenities
Amenities include several bars, food stands and trucks, a zip line, and a yoga area. The main beach serves as the hub for club events.
There's also a sea area with boats to explore.
However, the true draw of Heatwaves lies in the overall experience. It's a destination that should be enjoyed as a whole rather than a collection of individual attractions.
Important Details
Heatwaves has an adult theme, with plenty of adult furniture. As expected, most of that is public or semi-public.
During busy times, my Mac struggled a bit with lag, which was helped by reducing the draw distance. I would, however, recommend keeping to the region’s environment settings, which add a lot to the overall experience.
Visiting Heatwaves and using all its facilities is completely free. Events are advertised on the Sonance group and Discord channel.
Finally- Heatwaves will only be around for the Northern Hemisphere Summer!
Final Thoughts
Heatwaves is an absolute delight - lively, well-crafted, and refreshingly unique, with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. I have had a fantastic time every time I have been there, and I'm confident you will, too.
Thank you to two of the Sonance owners, Katt Harcourt and Maya Snowfield, for taking me around Heatwaves and giving me the tour. Check out their Flickr feeds and that of Sonance owner Seven Starlight.
