THEGAYUK

Author: Nick | Travel Editor

  • Are The Seychelles Gay-Friendly?

    Are The Seychelles Gay-Friendly?

    When you think of dream beach getaways and idyllic honeymoon destinations there are a few locations that spring to mind. You might consider the Caribbean, plan to bounce over to Bermuda, or maybe even the Maldives. Unfortunately, the sad truth is all those countries still class being gay as a criminal act. So there’s one clear winner when it comes to the best place to go for a gay beach vacation, the Seychelles aka the GAYchelles!

    Gay/LGBT rights in the Seychelles

    In May 2016, the Seychelles Parliament voted to amend Section 151 of their Penal Code that named sodomy a felony that was punishable with up to 14 years in prison. While the news wasn’t especially well-received by religious leaders, it was a landmark decision that gives gay travel enthusiasts added confidence in visiting the stunning 115-island country off the East African coast, making it one of the few African countries to decriminalize the gays.

    With male-male intercourse now legal (lesbian sex was always fine apparently) the Seychelles have even legalised same-sex marriage, and gay residents are able to legally adopt children as a couple. That being said, the predominantly Catholic country is still fairly conservative, operating a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to all visitors, but with any hostility directed more towards locals than tourists.

    Gay travel in the Seychelles

    Tourism is one of the Seychelles’ most lucrative industries, so it relies on doing it well. The islands are scattered with high-end resorts, catering to the luxury escape fantasy that fills most of our minds when we think of a trip to the Seychelles.

    I was lucky enough to stay at the luscious Eden Bleu resort which has always been welcoming of LGBT travellers, offering discrete private beaches and villas long before it was all decriminalized.

    While the country is now more accepting of LGBT visitors and locals, it’s still a long way from having any kind of gay scene. The capital city of Victoria can be walked in about 30 minutes (40 if you stop to take photos) so don’t expect a bustling social scene of any kind. That’s not really what tourists come to the Seychelles for.

    Two of the islands, Mahe and Praslin, are a little more vibrant and are home to a few nightclubs, bars and discos (oh yeah, discos). While there are no actual gay-only venues local sources say that Barrel is probably the best place to go if you’re looking for an LGBT-accepting crowd and a place to dance the night away before you pass out on a beach.

    The Seychelles are a great beach holiday for any gay traveller, and the locals will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I visited the Seychelles as part of an LGBT press trip, and even wandering around with a big group of gays I never encountered anything but friendly, genuine welcome attitudes.

    When to visit the Seychelles

    The Seychelles has a tropical climate and has warm temperatures all year round so you’ll never need to pack anything warmer than shorts. The downside being that there are rainy seasons, which is great if you like swimming in the rain or if, like me, your ginger skin is not designed for sunbathing.

    Otherwise, April – May or October – November are the sunniest times to go … if you’re into all that sunshine, beaches, and sailing stuff. ?️‍?

  • The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    Looking for the best nudist beach in the UK?

    When searching for a nudist beach, minds often wander to a warmer, more ‘European’ environment. Where banana hammocks are frequently discarded in favour of sunning those few parts that were left to the imagination. But you don’t have to travel that far to get some sun on your privates at a not-so-private locale, there are plenty of nude beaches right here in the UK.

    We have nude beaches in the UK? Really? All I can think about is the amount of unflattering shrinkage that will be occurring. But for those of you who enjoy shedding your clothes and parking your posterior on pebbles WHATEVER the weather, there are a surprising number of nudist beaches right here in the UK for you to explore.

    Just remember that not all nudist beaches are gay beaches, and not all gay nudist beaches are ok with other “activities”. A nudist beach is not always an excuse to go dogging.

    Studland Bay, Dorset

    Let’s start with the most (in)famous nudist beach in the UK. Studland has the image of naked men baked right into the title. The popular beach is packed come summertime, whether or not the weather is hot, so this is not the beach to come to if you’re looking for peace and solitude. The shy nudists out there might be better off trying a different beach if you’re still precarious about stripping off.

    Studland Bay has a dedicated gay section which, whether you like it or not, has unsurprisingly become a popular cruising ground. Many voyeurists take to the dunes for a little slap and tickle of the bait and tackle before taking a cheeky skinny dip in the sea.

     

    Brighton Beach, Sussex

    Originally opened in 1979, Brighton’s nudist beach is one of the most popular and most accessible nudist beaches in the UK. And since it’s Brighton and involves public nudity, the beach is hugely popular within the gay community. Despite the fact that the beach itself is one of shingle and pebbles, it remains one of the UK’s busiest naturist spots. So be sure to bring flip-flops and particularly comfortable towel if you’re planning on sunning your bits in Brighton.

    Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall

    If you’re looking for something more secluded, and perhaps a little more comfortable and beach-like, then it’s time to head to Cornwall. Britain’s best beaches are tucked away at its southernmost point, many of which are treacherously difficult to access. The rugged beauty of the West Cornwall coastline makes it ideal for naturists, populated with plenty of little coves and rocks that are perfect for sunbathing in your birthday suit. Though naturism is not officially recognised down there, you’ll be sure to come across many isolated coves whose seclusion makes them well-suited for nudists.

    Porthzennor is one of the coastline’s secluded sandy coves that is difficult to get to but ensures that there won’t be any passers-by that will be shocked to see your white bits. The crashing cliffs cleave open to reveal several corners of private sand that make an ideal private beach for two (or more). Just be careful when swimming as there are often strong undertows, and the closest land from there is the USA.

    St Osyth, Essex

    Nude beaches in Essex just seems to be asking for trouble to me. I mean how many people try to tan in the land of fake tan? But low and behold St Osyth exists, not far from Clacton-on-sea, in the heart of good ole Essex beach country. The beach itself is a bugger to get to, taking about 20 minutes to walk to from the nearest car park. So while this makes access difficult for the more “mature naturist”, it also discourages snoopers.

    The beach itself is about 2 miles long and isn’t overlooked, with about 1 or 2 miles of ground between it and the nearest road or track. St Osyth is unofficially divided into three different sections: one for straight naturists, one for men only, and then one populated by sand dunes. The latter part has been known to be something of a “swinging” area, but again that’s all just luck of the draw and who’s around on that day.

    Morfa Dyffryn, Wales

    Wales?! I know, first Essex now Wales, but hear me out. What the Welsh coast lacks in warmth, it makes up for with incredible landscapes to go with your manscapes (I’m running out of naked men jokes here). The blissful Morfa Dyffryn beach was made an official nudist beach in 2000 after a number of complaints by residents. The council put signposts up earmarking a 1 km space for people to disrobe. It has pristine clear (albeit slightly chilly) waters that are so clean they have earned the highest quality rating by European standards. Waters which are frequented by dolphins and the occasional German nudist. High praise from both.

    Cleat’s Shore, Isle of Arran

    indianabones / Pixabay

    So at this point in the list, we’ve all but abandoned the idea of a hot sandy beach in favour of whatever else UK beaches have to offer. So in for a penny, in for a pound, and let’s get naked on the brisk beaches of Scotland.

    Cleat’s Shore is Scotland’s only official nude beach, and despite that impressive title, it is almost always empty. This makes it a great spot for our first time naturists. You’re far more likely to spend your time conversing with nature rather than other couples. But you won’t be the only nudists on the beach; seals are common in the area, so at least you’ll be skinnier than someone.

    Throw in some rock pools, basking sharks and the occasional golden eagle, and Cleat’s Shore is a nude beach with a difference, which, let’s face it, is probably a good thing.

    So don’t write off the UK as a great place to strip off. Yes, the water may be colder, but the experience may be all the richer because of it. Have you been to any secret or beautiful nude beaches in the UK? Want to know what it’s like to go on a nudist beach for the first time, our editor tried it out.

  • HOTEL REVIEW: Moxy East Village, New York City

    HOTEL REVIEW: Moxy East Village, New York City

    by Jamie Tabberer

    A lift – or in that delicious New York drawl, an ‘elevator’ – can say a lot about a hotel.

    Being easily spooked, I usually detest them. Thus, any distraction is welcome, from music to low-lighting or a retro lift operator/baby-sitter.

    So then, what to make of the 286-room Moxy East Village, and its very, very memorable lifts? At first glance, you’re greeted by glassy explosions of stars, so brightly-lit, they’re piercing. On closer inspection, you see they’re actually emojis – including the beloved poop emoji. Once you’ve processed this (‘What the actual…’), and made awkward eye contact with the other guests in what feels like a hall of mirrors, you’ve reached your floor.

    Full marks on the distraction front.

    Irreverent, fun and young, the clearly-defined Moxy brand follows the lead of sister hotels Moxy Times Square and Moxy Chelsea. Still brand spanking new since opening in September 2019 – the rooftop bar isn’t even finished yet – this is dependable and well-located stopover, minutes from Union Square, that won’t break the bank. Prices start at $179 (£138.12) per night, and that isn’t easy to find in Manhattan.

    A timelessly smart, clean exterior, courtesy of Stonehill Taylor, is somewhat at odds with more daring design and decor from Rockwell Group inside. Not least in the lounge, where wacky features included a vast collection of 90s knickknacks. Among them VHS tapes, a Fisher Price cassette player and a skee-ball table that begs you to play with it.

    The famously (or infamously) compact rooms, meanwhile, exploit space in inventive ways: fold-away furniture, bunk beds, flat screens HDTVs literally at the foot of your bed. My queen room covered 155 square feet and I didn’t feel cooped up, but people I know who’ve stayed with the Moxy in the past have felt differently. My advice: go with it, and don’t let your luggage explode all over the room, as that’ll make it feel even smaller. Space is lacking, but it’s worth it for the price point and the perks, such as fast Wi-Fi, rain showers and a Netflix connection: hallmarks of a truly modern hotel.

    Meanwhile, the moody lighting and plush textures in the Alphabet Bar & Cafe is a Manhattan fantasy come true, and a show-stopping hanging wire sculpture by Edoardo Tresoldi in the absurdly glamorous Cathédrale restaurant is befitting of a five-star hotel. Elsewhere, the atmosphere and the service exudes easygoing cool.

    The East Village is one of umpteen gay playgrounds in NYC so there’s plenty to see and do on your doorstep. You simply must visit the Cock, a time-tested gay dive bar, and Big Gay Ice Cream – ‘like Ben & Jerry f***ed each other’, as my friend puts it.

    But what really sets the East Village apart is its historical flavour: it’s the former stomping ground of actual, proper queer icons like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Allen Ginsberg. The latter, for example, lived at 437 East 12th Street for 40 years until he passed away in 1997. It’s also where Blondie’s Debbie Harry lived while working as a Playboy Bunny in the 60s (oh, to have been her roommate), and other famous former residents include Jack Kerouac, Jeff Koons and Madonna.

    Gentrification has scrambled the countercultural spirit somewhat, so to get under its skin, a tour with an in-the-know local is good bet.

    For more information, visit www.moxyeastvillage.com.

  • 6 Great Gay Winter Sun Destinations

    Christmas is over and the dreaded January march has begun. The best way to get through the worst month of the year? Go travelling and search out some winter sun in these idyllic gay-friendly destinations.

    1. San Francisco, California

    I’ve got to start with one of the most famous gay cities in the world, and a personal US favourite of mine. Long before it was the setting of the heated sexual tension between Jonathon Groff and Russell Tovey in HBO’s Looking, San Francisco was the biggest gay haven in the United States. Now more than ever the city exudes a sense of welcoming and diversity, with people from all walks of life living and visiting here.

    Since California is almost perpetually sunny, the City by the Bay can offer a warming respite for UK travellers even in the dead of winter, with temperatures staying comfortably above 18C throughout the season.

    2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    If you’re looking for a more intense kind of heat, in terms of both temperature (26C) and temperament, then it’s time to head across the equator to the second largest city in Brazil. If you’re looking for carnivals, beaches and boys in TINY trunks, then Rio is the city for you.

    3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    While Rio may hold the title of gayest city in all of Latin America, you may be surprised to find out that the number 2 spot goes to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This romantic Mexican Riviera resort has been a welcoming gay-friendly city for decades, and the gay scene is only growing with the most popular LGBT beach and several welcoming hotels, restaurants, and bars centred upon the charming and historic Zona Romantica district.

    A slightly more subtle vibe than Rio, Puerto Vallarta offers a great combination of daytime activities (think zip-lining, boating, hiking, and other adventure tours), beautiful beaches, oceans and islands, as well as vibrant gay nightlife. Add to that an endless supply of tequila and a Pride celebration that lasts an entire week, and Puerto Vallarta is most definitely a gay winter sun destination you should be considering.

    4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

    So while Miami might be the obvious choice for a gay trip to some winter sun in Florida, let’s take a moment to talk about Fort Lauderdale. Known primarily as the home of “spring break”, Fort Lauderdale has been making a conscious effort to create more upscale appeal and attract LGBT travellers.

    Since the early 1990s, more than a dozen gay men’s resorts have opened within walking distance of the city’s beautiful beaches. Great food, great shopping, great weather, and plenty of clothing-optional resorts, it’s a gay man’s paradise just a short drive from both Miami and Palm Beach.

    5. Sydney, Australia

    Truth time, I’m much more of a Melbourne fan myself. But if we’re talking about places to indulge in winter sun, then you need to head over to Sydney as soon as your air miles allow. Australia’s biggest city is a thriving metropolis full to the brim of LGBT venues.

    Bondi Beach is an obvious must-see, but is actually fairly small in real life. I’d personally recommend hopping on the ferry and visiting Manly for a few days if you’re after some beach time.

    6. Cape Town, South Africa

    South Africa is be far the most gay friendly country in Africa, making it a great destination for those looking to explore the wildlife and nature that only Africa can provide, without having to be concerned for their safety.

    Cape Town has warm temperatures all year round, and is on the other side of the equator so will be nice and toasty this time of year. Climb up Table Mountain, swim with Great White Sharks, visit the botanical gardens and do the full safari experience while you’re there. And be sure to visit Camp Bay and Clifton, which have a sort of gay scene beach.

  • 6 Gay Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    Mexico is vast and stunning country, but many travellers never make it past Cancun or Tijuana. Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city that sits on the western coast just south of Mexico City, and it is chock full of fun gay things to do that make it well worth a visit.

    1. Go gay clubbing

    Let’s start with the obvious one, you’ve got to go gay clubbing when you visit Puerto Vallarta. The gay scene exists mostly in the romantic zone (Zona Romántica as they say) along Lázaro Cárdenas. Though not expansive, the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta is warm and welcoming, with a string of stylish bars opening out onto the street. Wandering from one to the next is a great way to meet both visiting and local gays as each will have an opinion of where you should go next.

    We started out with dinner at The Top Sky Bar (LGBTQ, where you can enjoy both the stunning sunset and the go-go boy dancers while you eat. From there we went to Roxy Rock house for a couple of cervezas, and then danced to Madonna in Mr Flamingo. If you want something a little more hardcore, Cici’s Slaughterhouse is your more traditional club setting. Complete with sex swings should you so desire.

    2. Head to the beach clubs

    If clubs aren’t your thing, or they are and you need a place to chill out the next day and nurse your hangover, then you should absolutely spend the day at Mantamar Beach beach club. Whether you want to sprawl out on the beach, splash around in the pool, or chill out in the VIP area and have hot waiters bring you drinks.

    3. Visit the islands

    With year-round sunshine you need to make the most of your time outdoors, and if lounging around the pool isn’t your thing then you should take a trip to Las Caletas with Vallarta Adventures. You’ll receive endless refills on your margarita as you set sail for the islands, with plenty of high-energy entertainment from your hosts during the hour-long trip. As a happy coincidence our tour leader was a screaming homo, but in all honesty the straight ones are so camp you wouldn’t notice the difference.

    The island itself offers all the typical beachfront activities including water-sports (not those kind of water sports though), boat rides, zip lines and all that fun stuff, as well as cooking classes and tequila tastings. For something a little different, visit the island at night for Cirque du Soleil-style evening experience.

    4. Naked boat trips

    Unfortunately there are no nude beaches in Puerto Vallarta, which is criminal given the sensational weather they have all year round. So the next best thing is to head out on a nude excursion. Jets Private Boat Tours offer both public and private tours of a nearby beach that is only accessible by boat, offering the closest alternative to a nude beach experience.

    Trips last 5 hours and include a number of activities including nude snorkeling, nude jungle activities, and of course some good old fashioned nude sunbathing.

    5. People watching

    Again, no necessarily a gay thing but man do we love to watch people and silently (or not so silently) judge them. Head down to the Malecón, the mile-long esplanade downtown that runs along the beach. You’ll find stretches of bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries to wander around in, or simply park yourself outside and watch the world go by.

    To get a more in-depth experience of the city, take a guided walking tour with Vallarta food tours. You’ll never experience tacos the same way again.

    6. Go to Pride

    Puerto Vallarta Pride is a sight to behold, starting from the Hotel Rosita, followed by a party in the park at the Lazaro Cardenas Park Gardens. The whole of the gay district is closed off for a massive street party, with 20+ gay bars and clubs all getting involved.

    It’s an 8-day event and a Pride not to be missed.

    ABOUT PUERTO VALLARTA

    Puerto Vallarta, located in the state of Jalisco, is well-known for the preservation of its authentic Mexican traditions. The Pacific Coast port features 40 miles of coastline and a diverse topography, including tropical jungles, river beds, steep mountain sides and arid flatlands.

    Tourist Board Website: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puertovallarta/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/puertovallarta

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitpuertovallarta/

  • Puerto Vallarta: The Gayest City in Mexico

    Puerto Vallarta: The Gayest City in Mexico

    Welcome to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s gayest city, and second only to Rio as the gayest city in all of Latin America. This is a city that, amidst its staunch Catholic roots, has a history of LGBT rights that spans back decades. Add to that, year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and friendly locals, Puerto Vallarta should definitely be on your list of gay cities to visit.

    LGBT rights in Mexico

    Same-sex activity has actually been decriminalised in Mexico since 1871 thanks to the French influence of the 19th century, and the Federal Law to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination was passed in 2003 to protect the rights and safety of LGBT citizens and visitors. In 2015 and 2016, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption followed. But just how big of an impact do laws and declarations have on countries and cities with such a strong history of religion and masochism? Quite a lot actually.

    Gay-friendly since 1980

    Puerto Vallarta’s gay neighbourhood is in the city’s “Old Town”, also known as “The Romantic Zone”, which is where the gay community began buying land and properties back in the 80s alongside the retired Americans and Canadians. And where the gays go, gentrification quickly follows, and the Romantic Zone is now filled with bars, restaurants, stores, nightclubs, and both budget and boutique hotels.

    How gay-friendly is Puerto Vallarta?

    Far from being just accepting of the LGBT community, Puerto Vallarta revels in it, with one of its most popular and beautiful beaches belonging almost exclusively to the gays. Known as Playa de los Muertos – the beach of the dead – don’t let the name fool you as the scene on this beach is always very much alive.

    The stretch of beach is also known as Blue Chairs, named after the many blue chairs set out on the beach by a gay resort of the same name. The concentration of gay-friendly beachfront hotels and beach clubs guarantees a high concentration of LGBT tourists, opening up the whole area to the advantages of being welcoming and accepting of gay travellers.

    Macho men vs the gays

    Mexican men have a reputation as being especially macho, and that could cause problems with gay travellers, tourists and locals. The conversations I had with local gay men very much left the impression that locals think gay tourists are great, but gay locals not so much. There is a macho man attitude that keeps many of the locals from accepting the LGBT lifestyle, however hostility and violence is still rare.

    Like many parts of the world, tourism is so important in Puerto Vallarta that the same rules and attitudes don’t really apply to tourists. The gays made the city a thriving and inclusive community that draws in tourists from around the world, particularly the US and Canada.

    As a gay tourist you will be welcomed with open arms, just bear in mind that if you’re trying to meet gay locals — especially those in smaller communities — they may be a little more hesitant and reserved.

    Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride

    A simple way to assess if a city is LGBT-friendly is whether or not they celebrate Pride. Puerto Vallarta doesn’t just acknowledge and celebrate Pride, they transform the entire city in a week-long gayfest that is the envy of all of Latin America (after Rio, maybe).

    Puerto Vallarta Pride 2020 is set to be an 8-day event packed with arts and cultural events, concerts, films, plenty of beach parties and a parade that closes down the entire city.

    Pride season events kick off, unsurprisingly, at the beach, with opening parties held at all the clubs and hotels along the beachfront, and the official opening party hosted at the Mantamar Beach Club. Endless crowds of gorgeous men in tiny tight white trunks will flock to the scene to celebrate LGBT-inclusivity with pride!

    The main parade takes place on Saturday 23rd May from 6pm, leaving from the Hotel Rosita, followed by a party in the park at the Lazaro Cardenas Park Gardens. The whole of the gay district is closed off for a massive street party, with 20+ gay bars and clubs all getting involved. Each year the locals say that Puerto Vallarta Pride gets bigger and better, so it’s one that’s definitely not to be missed.

    Vallarta Pride 2020 will run from May 18 until May 25.

    ABOUT PUERTO VALLARTA

    Puerto Vallarta, located in the state of Jalisco, is well-known for the preservation of its authentic Mexican traditions. The Pacific Coast port features 40 miles of coastline and a diverse topography, including tropical jungles, river beds, steep mountain sides and arid flatlands.

    Tourist Board Website: www.visitpuertovallarta.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puertovallarta/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/puertovallarta
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitpuertovallarta/

  • Ruby Hotels | Gay Friendly Hotels Vienna

    When we think about a gay-friendly hotel, there are a lot of things that come to mind. While you may not necessarily want a built-in dark room, you’ll want to know that you’ll be safe, comfortable and enjoy your stay. And that’s the experience I had when staying at the Ruby Hotels in Vienna.

    Lean luxury – a very millennial style choice

    I’m showing my age when I admit that I am on the cusp of millennial – one of the first batches ever produced – and so a lot of the newer hipster shit isn’t of interest to me. What I do love is quirky style, authentic locations, and amenities that I actually care about, and that’s what Ruby Hotels accommodate for.

    Ruby Lissi, the third and newest Ruby Hotel to open in the gorgeous capital city of Vienna, is housed in an 18th-century Neoclassical stone building. With various tenants over the years, the striking facade gives way to a somewhat underwhelming entrance, in which guests walk through a long barren corriden that feels like an old, abandoned school building.

    However, once into the main reception, Ruby Lissi is a total hipster dream. The spacious reception/dining room/cafe/bar/entertainment space is packed with vintage items that are chosen specifically for each property. Electric guitars, globes, gramophones, all that weird shit that I really love.

    Check-in and check-out is all automated, processed through iPads dotted throughout, and the staff are on-hand to answer questions, make drinks, and generally look pretty.

    The Rooms

    The rooms vary in size, from a ‘nest’ room up to a ‘cosy’ room, then a ‘lovely’ room and a ‘wow’ room. But apart from square footage the rooms are pretty much the same, with trimmed down features with cool and cosy design elements. There’s a flat-screen TV that you can stream your own entertainment to, art deco fixtures, and a guitar amp that you can plug your phone into.

    Yes it was slightly weird that the bathroom and shower exist within a glass cube right in the room (so do NOT take a new boyfriend there if you want to retain some of the mystery) but that also meant I could watch TV while I showered.

    Amenities and such

    The downstairs bar is open 24 hours a day, and as such is the hotel’s main source of food and drink. There are also a few vending machines dotted around along with stations to make your own cups of tea. There’s no mini-bar, no room service, and no main restaurant, the idea being that while you’re in Vienna you should go out and experience Vienna.

    Location, location, location

    Apart from cool design and affordable rates (below), the biggest win for the Ruby Lissi is its location. Just a few steps from the Danube Canal (yes, it is connected to the famed river), the Schwedenplatz U-Bahn station and the tram system, getting around Vienna is incredibly easy, allowing you to explore the numerous bars, cafés, saloons, and sights of the city.

    Rates

    From about 80 euros. For more information, visit Ruby Lissi, Vienna.

  • Hotel Review | Roslin Beach Hotel

    Hotel Review | Roslin Beach Hotel

    by Jamie Tabberer

    With 62 rooms and suites, the Roslin Beach Hotel in Essex’s Southend-on-Sea, or Southend, is one of only a small handful of first-class hotels in this enduringly charming seaside town of 182,000. Its competitors, meanwhile, tend to fall into one of two camps: the retro/in dire need of a facelift, and those belonging to soulless budget chains. The Roslin, then, is something of an anomaly.

    Decor and style

    First up, its smart, impeccably whitewashed exterior and excellent location are instant selling points. An agreeably light, bright interior – full of wedding-ready whites and creams, plush textures and subtly luxurious touches, like mini chandeliers in the dining room – are crowd-pleasing but gentle. In fact, my only gripe with its appearance was an overabundance of artificial flowers, particularly in the reception area. They were convincing (I was initially delighted when I saw them) but I’d still prefer, if natural, a third as many flowers…

    We later discovered our room (which did feature a lovely natural flower arrangement) was similarly simple, tasteful and comfortable, with soft greens added the the colour palette, and curtains and furniture featuring soft, soothing patterns.

    The spick and span bathroom, complete with Elemis toiletries (in my opinion, among the best out there), was lovely. But my favourite aspect of the room was the small balcony looking out to sea; my guest and I arrived just an time for an impromptu sunset photoshoot. The room and the sky were with both wonderfully photogenic.

    Food and restaurants

    The on-site restaurant, boasting AA two Rosettes, also boasted an excellent view. The food, although expensive, was absolutely spectacular.

    To start, delightfully arranged seared yellowfin tuna. The sections were bite-sized but big enough for the delicious contrast in taste, colour and texture between the burnt char and the fleshy middle. The pan roasted trout that followed was crisp, impossibly fresh, and quite substantial, accompanied by a rich smoked mussel butter. Dessert – a double chocolate sphere with milk ice cream, melted by the addition of hot chocolate sauce in front of you by your waiter – was full-flavoured and theatrical. Afternoon Tea looked to be the same, and was demonstrably popular with locals and families celebrating birthdays, engagements and more.

    Hotel location

    This sea-view property enjoys a prominent position on the Thorpe Esplanade – a great spot for jogging. Southend Central train station can be reached in 11 minutes by taxi, while London Southend Airport – the capital’s newest and smallest airport, with a single runway – can be reached in 12 minutes. From here you can fly to many European countries, including blockbuster destinations in Spain, Italy and of course the UK.

    Southend itself overlooks the Thames Estuary (where the River Thames meets the North Sea). A mini break destination historically popular with East Enders, it can be reached from London Liverpool Street in under an hour by train, or under 90 minutes by car.

    During our weekend visit at the beginning of summer the town centre was remarkably quiet. While enduringly charming – the retro thrills, spills and lights of Adventure Island are magnetic – you get the sense Southend isn’t the tourist hotspot it was in years past. But there are still reasons to visit the town. Not least Southend Pier Museum, still the world’s longest pier. Measuring 2.158km, it’s an instantly bewildering sight, like the lone skyscraper of a city skyline.

    Southend gay scene

    Southend’s gay scene is quiet – there weren’t an abundance of guys on the usual apps. Albeit The Cliff gay pub, with the eye-catching rainbow night lighting of its exterior, is a local institution and has regular drag karaoke and themed nights. At the hotel itself, the staff were seemingly made aware of my sexuality and across the board went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable and welcome.

    For more information about the Roslin Beach Hotel, visit roslinhotel.com.

  • Gay Travel | Vienna – Culture, Clubs & Nude Beaches

    Gay Travel | Vienna – Culture, Clubs & Nude Beaches

    Vienna has a reputation for music and culture, trust me, you’ll hear a lot about Mozart and Beethoven while you’re there, and it’s that cultural appeal that draws in a lot of gay travellers like yourself. But there’s more to Austria’s capital than just museums and art.

    How gay-friendly is Vienna?

    Official Vienna tourism website: www.vienna.info

    It’s usually a good sign that a city is gay-friendly when the tourism board has a dedicated gay travellers page on their website.

    Vienna is incredibly gay-friendly, with gay couples walking comfortably hand-in-hand and LGBT rights assured across the board. Gay marriage, gay adoption, all these rights are protected by the Austrian government despite the influence of Catholicism that once dominated the country. They host their own Pride parade, as well as being home of the Euro Pride celebrations 2019.

    This isn’t a city that will leave you feeling like the only gay in the village as there’s a thriving LGBT population that are out, open, and welcoming.

    Vienna gay scene

    I was lucky enough to visit Vienna during EuroPride 2019, meaning the entire city was transformed into an open-air gay bar; swarming with international lovelies alongside enough gorgeous locals to make your Grindr overload.

    However, for the rest of the year there are still plenty of gay venues to chose from, despite the fact that Vienna doesn’t have a dedicated gay neighbourhood.

    Located on one of the oldest streets in Vienna – the Tiefen Graben – WHY NOT is a relatively small gay club that’s something of an institution in Vienna, having been around since 1980. Open every Friday and Saturday, WHY NOT plays popular house and dance music with 3 bars on 2 floors, and even a pole-area… just in case.

    Pitbull, Vienna’s first bear & butch club, opened in 2009 and – in their words – provides sweat-producing beats for that pure testosterone rush. While some of that may have been lost in translation, it still sounds filthy and fabulous.

    Museums and operas, oh my

    Image by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay

    If you’re not into the scene, there’s still a load of gay-friendly activities to keep you occupied during your visit. The cultured gays of the world will feel right at home in Vienna with plenty of museums and galleries to visit, as well as the State Opera and the Volks Opera for those looking to experience some of the world’s best opera performances.

    Even if you’re not super into art or history, the MuseumsQuarter is definitely worth a visit, and the Kunst Haus Wien museum is known to show LGBT exhibits and artists such as Mapplethorpe and Pierre & Gilles.

    The best time to visit Vienna

    We visited Vienna at the beginning of June and we were sweating our balls off! The best time of year to visit Vienna is typically April to May or September to October, either side of the intense heat of the summer months. Plus higher temperatures tend to bring with them higher prices along with even more tourists.

    So if you can avoid the busier summer months I would recommend it. That being said, the summer sunshine is great if you want to swim in the Danube and strip off at the beach.

    Nude beaches in Vienna

    Yes gentlemen, there is a nude beach right smack in the middle of the city, on the shores of the Danube River itself.

    Donauinsel (Danube Island) is a long narrow island in central Vienna, between the Danube river and the parallel channel Neue Donau. Nude sunbathing is permitted on both sides of the Neue Dona, starting from Steinspornbrücke and ending at the southeast end of Donauinsel.

    It is not a secluded beach, so this is not the nude beach to visit if you’re shy. Expect to get glances from the 190,000 visitors that come to Danube Island, not to mention the swathes of tourists that sail along the river itself (some might even take a few pics… not that we would ever have done such a thing).

    FKK (pronounced ‘eff-ka-ka’) is written on the roads to guide you to the right spot, it’s printed on a sign or stenciled on a wall or sidewalk indicates freikörperkultur or nudist area. The area directly across from the marker on the Donauinsel is also designated as a gay beach on many maps.

    There are even some restaurants on the dam where you can eat and drink without having to put your trunks back on.

    For more information about Vienna and it’s gay scene visit www.vienna.info

     

  • Gay-friendly road trips in the USA: The Great River Road To Minneapolis

    The USA is the place to visit if you love yourself a road trip, and with a country of that size there are plenty of routes to choose from.

    You may have already driven up the west coast of California, or road tripped along some of the iconic Route 66, so now it’s time to follow the mighty Mississippi River and drive along the Great River Road.

    Starting in Minneapolis / Saint Paul

    The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are the biggest and capital city of the state of Minnesota respectively. These often overlooked cities are an ideal place to start and/or end your great gay road trip along the Great River Road.

    The twin cities were historically some of the first to adopt bans on anti-gay discrimination, making its fierce determination to be welcoming and inclusive a great reason to make it your starting point.

    Minneapolis & St Paul is also a hub for US airline Delta, making it easy to fly directly in and out from Heathrow.

    No specific gay neighbourhoods

    Unlike a lot of other major cities, Minneapolis & Saint Paul doesn’t have a defined gay neighbourhood. Instead you’ll find gay bars and venues dotted throughout the city, the most prominent being Gay 90s, the supposedly straight-friendly gay venue that is home to the city’s beautiful people. The downside being that, like many mainstream gay venues, it is starting to become overrun with straight people, watering down some – but not all – of its appeal as a gay bar.

    The Saloon on 9th and Hennepin is another popular gay spot for a drink and a dance, while the Eagle/Bolt is more like a leather/bear bar if you’re looking for something a little different. If you’d rather do a big gay brunch instead of – or as well as – a big night out, LUSH have a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, as well as hosting drag nights and all sorts sorts of big gay fun!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BygCAQ4nwVe/

    Non-gay things to do in Minneapolis /St Paul

    In addition to plenty of gay things to do, there are a few non-gay things that are still quite enjoyable. Grab lunch in the Seventh Street Truck Park, an indoor, super hipster dining experience with a variety of food trucks and beer on offer. Take a selfie or two in the Sculpture Garden or see a show or just grab a drink in the Guthrie Theater, and there’s some great guy-watching to be done in Riverfront Regional Park with plenty of hotties in short shorts, well in the summer anyway. All-in-all a genuinely lovely city that I’m looking forward to visiting again.

    Before you hit the road

    Once you’ve seen enough of the city and decide it’s time to hit the road and travel down the mighty Mississippi, take the opportunity to take a leisurely river cruise along the river (we dare you to try and not sing Tina Turner constantly), and if you have time, Minnehaha Park is a delight with lots of wide open park space next to a cascading waterfall.

    And don’t forget that just outside the city is the imaginatively-titled ‘Mall of America’. This is a quintessentially American experience that you do not want to miss. Loads of shopping (with no tax on clothing or shoes), an indoor theme park, and all the fried food you could eat.

    While there we stayed at the Renaissance Minneapolis Bloomington Hotel, a fabulously millennial hotel a short drive from the world-famous shopping centre. Featuring great design, gorgeously comfortable rooms with big beds and big-screen TVs, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend it if you’re wanting to visit MOA as they have regular shuttles to take you there and back.

    The Great River Road

    OK, so once you’re on the open road you could actually follow it all the way down to New Orleans if you have the time and petrol money, but that article would go on forever so I’ll just cover a few of my favourite stops along the Great River Road.

    National Eagle Center

    One of the highlights of the trip for me was the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, where you can learn about the country’s national bird and see rescued birds sitting casually just a few feet away.

    Minnesota Marine Art Museum

    This tiny little town somehow manages to house some of the world’s most famous paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.

    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

    Another spot I wish I had had more time to explore, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is the location of the most civilized prehistoric civilization in the country, with archaeological remains dating back thousands of years.

    When to drive the Great River Road

    This kind of road trip is ideally suited to the summer months, as winters in Minnesota and Wisconsin can be brutal. However, with all the beautiful wide-open plains you may enjoy seeing the leaves change in autumn for something a little different.

    For more information visit exploreminnesota.com

  • Where to take a gay-friendly road trip in the USA: Illinois and Route 66

    Where to take a gay-friendly road trip in the USA: Illinois and Route 66

    One of the best ways to see the USA is by packing up your rental car and heading out on an old school road trip.

    Foundry / Pixabay

    The size of the country means that you could drive for days and not even get halfway across it, so be sure to pick a road trip that will include plenty of gay-friendly cities and towns so that you can make the most of your gay travels in the USA.

    Not all road trips are created equal, and after spending a lot of time in the States, it’s easy to take for granted that the gays are everywhere. While most areas are fairly accepting of the LGBT community, there’s a significant black hole of gay life in small towns across America. So where’s a good place to take a gay road trip in the USA?

    Starting in Chicago

    Chicago is an ideal starting point for a great road trip of any kind, with plenty of flights everyday on airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and it’s partner Delta (like alliance partner, not life-partner), it’s an ideal starting/ending point. Chicago is one of America’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, but unlike locations like New York, LA, and even San Francisco, Chicago is a much more manageable metropolis.

    The entire downtown region can easily be explored on foot, so take the time to wander around from the world-famous Willis Tower (which used to be called the Sears Tower, and still is by most locals), to the riverfront that stretches throughout the city, to the lakefront beach.

    Chicago architecture

    Chicago is a city that’s known for its amazing architecture, and despite the looming presence of Trump tower, it’s easily one of the prettiest big cities I’ve ever visited in the States. Though there are numerous skyscrapers (definitely visit the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower, the views are breathtaking… if the weather is nice that is) the city layout means that you never feel towered over, with plenty of bright blue sky on show at all times (again, weather permitting).

    350543 / Pixabay

    Gay Chicago

    Chicago is also SUPER gay-friendly with a few distinct gay neighborhoods you can explore to get your LGBT fix before you hit the road. Boystown delivers on its name, with a somewhat twink-orientated vibe, while nearby Andersonville better caters to those of us on the other side of 30. With loads of gay bars, gay cafés and gay restaurants to visit, the northern neighborhoods of Chicago are a vital part of any gay US getaway.

    Route 66

    Route 66 is one of America’s most famous road trip routes. Connecting Chicago with LA, travelling the full length of this iconic highway would take weeks, so we’d recommend exploring just a small portion of it on your road trip.

    Springfield

    ahundt / Pixabay

    There are a number of Spingfields across America, and though you may not see any mention of the Simpsons here, Springfield Illinois is the state capital and home to the equally-important Abraham Lincoln. Abe was a long-rumoured homosexual (though nothing has ever been proven) and made a huge impact on the shape of the US as it is today, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is definitely worth a stop on your trip.

    12019 / Pixabay

    If you’re road tripping then be sure to make the most of it by stopping in one of the many cool and kitschy diners along the route. Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum is full of old cars, vintage road and neon signs, and a surprisingly good veggie-burger, making it a true slice of Americana that should not be missed. There’s also the Pink Elephant Antique Mall which sells – for the most part – a load of crap. But take the time to have a browse and you never know what you might find. I came away with some vintage comic books, 80s games, and a bag full of weird American candy as big as my head. Money well spent.

    Alton (meet me in St Louis)

    This small quaint town is just across the river from St Louis, making it a great spot to stop and explore. One of their best joints in the Old Bakery Beer Company where they brew their own craft beers and serve it with great organic food.

    St Louis is a natural stopping point for many road tripping tourists who could then opt to fly out of the city, or backtrack their way along Route 66 to Chicago, which is a long drive but totally doable.

    Another option would be to then follow the Great River Road upwards along the Mississippi to Minneapolis & Saint Paul… but that’s another story altogether.

    Tour Operator – Bon Voyage. Tel: 0800 316 1094. www.bon-voyage.co.uk

    The Great Lakes USA is the largest expanse of freshwater in the world with a unique and diverse landscape. This region, which is the size of continental Europe, includes the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Go to www.greatlakesusa.co.uk for more information and suggested itineraries.