Category: Travel

 

  • GAY TRAVEL: Gran Canaria

    GAY TRAVEL: Gran Canaria

    Travel expert, Ray Si checks out gay Gran Can…

    There can’t be many tourist destinations which encompass so many different landscapes and diverse geographical features, cultural blends and range of exciting holiday activities in such a small area. Gran Canaria may have a diameter of only 50km, so it is safe to say that this island is compact and bijou, but that just makes it easily navigable. And with this “miniature continent” having everything from long golden beaches and dunes of rich sand to green ravines and picturesque villages, volcanic uplands and ports, you won’t have to travel too far for the next change of pace or scenery. It also blends the best of Spanish colonial architecture and ultra-modern hotels, all under the rays of an African sun.

    Gran Canaria also has a very liberated attitude towards gay and lesbian tourism and there is a very vibrant scene to be found here especially with gay hotels such as Vista Bonita by MOW Hotels, catering specifically for rainbow flag flying tourists.

    Vista Bonita sits at the heart of the Gay Resort community of Maspalomas, in the lively commercial region along the southern coast. Vista Bonita is an apartment hotel (with an upstairs and downstairs) with a very social scene going on around the heated pool and sauna, well worth catching happy hour at the pool bar and a world away from the tourist trap of Yumbo Centre (pretty much the outdoor shopping centre that the name suggests) and its bad drag shows and even worse the food.

    Gay apartment hotels in Gran Canaria such as Vista Bonita can afford you the perfect combination of privacy and freedom to structure your break the way that you see fit and the convenience of having everything close to hand, the onsite supermarket being a useful touch especially for your fully equipped kitchen. If cooking on a break is not your thing then the pool bar caters to all of your breakfast, lunch and thirst quenching needs. One drawback in the area is car parking which can cause a bit of stress but this is easily avoided if you arrange your parking with the hotel €5 a day as of May’18.

    Obviously the icing on the cake of any hotel stay is the staff and here the housekeeping team are always friendly, seemingly loving the environment that they work in, and it is almost worth staying to see there smiles as well as the extremely helpful and gorgeous Monica managing reception, not only brilliantly accommodating in her role and suggesting the best restaurants but I’m sure can be a lot of fun to share a few cocktails with on the hotels rooftop.

    (C) KOPAZ / TWITTER

    Away from the hotel, there is much to do and a walk along the seafront of the exclusive Meloneras area will reveal a range of bars, cafes and restaurants and also KopaZ, a hidden gem of what I would describe as the only gay outdoor tapas pub in Meloneras. KopaZ has fantastic views of the ocean from its elevated decks, the tapas prepared are humble and delicious with hints of South American and German influences and there is a great selection of drinks to be tried. Service is always friendly and unhurried and the location itself is discreet and away from all the tourist traps. It makes for the perfect place to lunch and wait to watch the sunset sipping on a glass of sangria.

    Atelier. #rooftop #bar #cocktailbar #excellence #passion #bartending #grancanaria #island #bohemiasuites #5stars #hotelboutique #atelier

    A post shared by Atelier Cocktail bar (@loungeatelier) on

    And if it is perfect views that you are looking for then the 360° Restaurant is a must for dinner. Situated on the 8th floor (but feeling much higher) at Bohemia Suites & Spa Hotel, as the restaurant name suggests, it offers all-round panoramic views of the ocean and dunes and offers an exquisite dining experience both via its tasting menu or a la carte options. With live music and the company of attentive restaurant ambassadors, this is a great and stylish way to end the day as the night draws in.

    Maspalomas is a beacon for LGBT tourism, sitting both comfortably alongside mainstream venues and attractions but also catering specifically and brilliantly for the gay scene in Gran Canaria, there is even an annual gay pride event and a number of boat parties and other activities to explore. The perfect destination and the perfect time to hit the sun, grab yourself a twenty-five year old…scotch and bottoms up!

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • TRAVEL | Belgium Balladry with Sam Smith

    Travel expert, Ray Si takes to the roads to check out Sam Smith in Belgium in a gay travel special.

    Sam Smith in concert
    Sam Smith in concert

    If music be the food of love, and travel broadens the mind, then it follows that undertaking a trip to watch a live music concert should make you lovelier and more broad-minded than you were to begin with. There seems to be logic to that, but you would probably have to ask someone with a more academic background. However, it’s a nice thought, so let’s go with it. But it takes more than nice thoughts to make all of the logistical pieces of a trip to an arena show fall into place these days, as was evident when I attempted to secure tickets for Sam Smith’s London O2 show.

    Despite springing into action as soon as tickets were announced, I encountered what is becoming a regular stumbling block for gig-goers of late, in that as soon as they come up for sale, a quick scan through the box office website generally reveals that all of the best seats have been bought out by a sister site, and the prices inflated way beyond face value. This was indeed the case, and I did want to see Sam Smith live. What’s a boy to do? A scan through other available tour dates, a quick flex of the credit card to the tune of €66, and I was not only able to secure a 4th-row ticket at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp but give myself the perfect excuse for a short break in Belgium. Not that anyone really needs an excuse to head off to Belgium.

    Eurostar waiting in London's St Pancras
    Eurostar waiting in London’s St Pancras

    Okay, so in the grand scheme of things, I didn’t really save much money doing it this way, because of course, I now had to include the cost of a hotel and a Eurostar ticket, but what I did end up with was a mini holiday in another country for the price of the original London seat.

    What's it like to travel on Eurostar
    Inside the Eurostar

    Any trip from the UK to Europe is best done on Eurostar, and believe me, the new trains add a whole extra level of convenience and comfort to your journey. Tickets and check-ins for the train are simplicity itself, and with spacious seats, power sockets, and entertainment (via WiFi) and a generous luggage allowance, the journey couldn’t be more enjoyable. Eurostar’s new Standard Premier is even more spacious, quiet, and has a cute meal and drinks service included.

    What's it like to travel on Eurostar
    An upgrade on your Eurostar journey

    As a small celebration for getting such a good seat for the show at such a reasonable price, I thought that I’d splash out a little on accommodation and chose The Dominican hotel in central Brussels. Not only was its central location wonderfully convenient, but it is one of those hotels where you can’t help feeling a little bit special. Built on the site of a Dominican abbey, hence the name, this majestic hotel mixes utmost modernity with historical elegance and abounds with antiques and artwork from more classical times.

    Inside the Dominican Lobby
    Inside the Dominican Lobby
    Inside the Dominican Bedroom
    Inside the Dominican Bedroom

    There are plenty of options to eat in at The Dominican, but with such a short time to fit in as many new experiences as possible, I wasted no time in finding a great little restaurant in the guise of the wonderfully named Ricotta and Parmesan. Cheesy in name perhaps, but anything but cheesy in nature. It’s actually a wonderful Italian eatery, a blend of traditional flavours served in modern ways, although having mussels on the menu this far from the sea is odd, though it does allow diners to crack a Jean-Claude Van Damme joke or two.

    Although Antwerp and Brussels are only an hour apart, to save having to fight through all the other gig goers jostling to get to the same station after the show, I thought it best to book something more convenient for apres-gig accommodation, and the B-aparthotel Moretus was the perfect combination of comfort and practicality. Not for me a fight through the madding crowds just to experience standing room only in a full to the brim train.

    And of course, the reason for this trip was to take in the bruised balladry of Sam Smith, no longer the new kid on the block but musically seeming like an old soul, wise beyond his years, and walking a fine line between the melancholic and confessional, and more upbeat and soulful musical waters. And with this current tour spread out across the world right through to the end of the year, my little adventure just goes to show that you don’t have to play the ticket touts’ game, and with a bit of planning, you can use the live show as the jewel in the crown of a fantastic short break.

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Moxy Times Square

    Unashamedly hip, effortlessly cool, functionally beautiful.

    The Moxy, New York Times Square review
    Moxy Times Square in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan

    Overview | The Room | The PeopleThe Location | The Gay Scene | The Verdict

    If you’re a Manhattan novice, or even if you’re not, you’ll probably want to stay close to Times Square. The hip and the cool amongst us will tell you that you need to stay on the lower west side where you’ll find the meatpacking district, Chelsea Greenwich but the newly opened Moxy, brings that effortlessly cool vibe right to Times Square’s backyard.

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  • TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Exeter

    TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Exeter

    Exeter is a city in the South of England, it’s known for its history but also a place where you can be accepted for who you are.

    What's gay in Exeter, UK?
    The crowds turn up to celebrate Exeter Pride

    So what is in Exeter for gay travellers and LGBT guests? Well, for a start, Exeter boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the country. In 2018 the county’s major football team, Exeter City took a stance against homophobia and Exeter’s MP, Ben Bradshaw is an openly gay man.

    Gay Bars

    Are there any gay bars in Exeter? Well in 2018 there is one gay venue and it’s called The Vaults, which is located at 8 Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS. Overall it gets great ratings from users on TripAdvisor. It opens daily at 7 PM or 9 PM except on Sunday when it opens at 10 PM.

    Exeter has a yearly Pride event.

    This year’s pride takes place on the 12th May. Exeter Pride takes place in Northernhay Gardens, but there is also a parade to watch. It will run from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens, best of all it’s free to take part and enjoy the event.

    Are there any gay saunas in Exeter?

    The nearest gay saunas/bathhouses to Exeter are in Plymouth (45 miles), Manticore Spa or Torquay, the Steamer Quay Spa (23 miles).

    Any LGBT Hotels in Exeter?

    There’s the “gay-friendly” Woodleigh Coach House, which is set on the edge of Dartmoor, about 11 miles west of Exeter. They have a choice of five rooms, all ensuite.

    There are a few “gay owned” hotels in and near to Exeter. Overcombe House which is about 45 miles away from Exeter is, “just a short distance from the historic market town of Tavistock & there is easy access to the ancient maritime city of Plymouth; whilst having all the benefits and amenities of Dartmoor National Park & the adjacent Tamar Valley area of outstanding natural beauty” right on the doorstep.

    There’s the gay-owned Strete Barton House in Dartmouth which is located 42 miles away.

    There is also a gay-owned self-catering holiday cottage in Sidmouth, which is about 16 miles away.

    Check out all accommodation options and the latest prices with our partners TripAdvisor and hotels.com.

    Meeting gay guys in Exeter?

    If you’re looking for a connect to gay and bisexual guys in Exeter why not join our free social network.

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Mövenpick Hotel Berlin

    ★★★★★ | Mövenpick Hotel Berlin

    Recently I was lucky enough to be able to visit Berlin for the annual Snax sportswear fetish party.

    While I was there, I made sure that I had a great place to stay for the night in order to get party-ready and to have somewhere to rest my head before taking the train home again. The Mövenpick Hotel in Berlin was the perfect answer. Since I knew I was going to be partying all night long on Saturday night, I booked Sunday night as well so I could get home from the club and sleep before taking my late-night train home. 

    The hotel is easy to find from several U or S-bahn stations in Berlin, or of course by taxi. The foyer is tastefully decorated and bright, furnished with comfortable sofas so that any time you might spend in the lobby is a pleasure.

    The Mövenpick hotels have developed the perfect room for people like me who have a hard time sleeping when things aren’t perfectly dark. Especially true when coming home after a long nights party and the sun has been up for a while already. The ‘sleep’ room has full blackout curtains and comes with a little package of goodies to help you sleep which includes an eye mask, herbal teas, chocolates, and little stickers that you can use to cover the standby lights of the devices in the room. Apart from all that, is probably the room’s best feature: the adjustable king size bed. The bed is split into two large beds which each have an electronic control which adjusts the firmness of the mattress. With the push of a button, you can sleep on something as hard as wood, or sink down into the mattress and be enveloped into a plush world of warm. Add to that the pillow selection from a form given when you book, which lets you choose the firmness of the pillows in your room, and the room is sure to give even the biggest insomniac a good night’s (or afternoon’s) sleep. This bed alone was enough for me to fall in love with this hotel. Coupled with the black-out ability of the room, I can say I have never had such a restful nights/afternoon’s sleep in a hotel when travelling. It really was a pleasure, and I wish I had spent more time there.

    Outside the room, the Mövenpick Berlin has a fully stocked cocktail bar and restaurant, as well as a buffet breakfast, which for me was a godsend after spending a few hours dancing at Snax. The best thing about Sunday morning breakfast is that it runs until 1 pm, so if you’re like me and like to spend all night out partying, you can safely return home to the hotel to get some food whenever you want. 

    The hotel staff are attentive and always ready to provide you with whatever you need. In my case, it was a lot of extra black tea and fresh milk, which I found waiting for me in my minibar upon my return from being out for the afternoon. 

    The Mövenpick hotel can be found on Schöneberger Straße, a short walk from the Anhalter S-Bahn station, or the Ubahn stations of Gleisdreieck, Mendelsohn-Bartholdy-Park, and Kochstrasse. Bookings can be made directly on the hotel website.

  • GAY TRAVEL | Costa Del Sol: 24 hours in 20°C

    GAY TRAVEL | Costa Del Sol: 24 hours in 20°C

    If you have never visited the Costa Del Sol might it of been because you are not ready to retire, don’t need a tan, don’t want to socialise with Brits abroad or don’t care for an English breakfast or perhaps that was just me.

    I had to add some gay travel glam to this trip so booked a direct flight from London City Airport to Malaga and with a flight time of 2hrs 40mins and the welcoming temperature of 20°C (Feb ’18) this was a great start.

    A 20-minute drive from Malaga airport is Torremolinos a beach town obsessed by the Brits wanting to escape the grey’s of the UK to catch some of the 300 days a year sunshine in the comfortable climate of this Mediterranean resort town. Sol House Costa Del Sol by Melia occupies the edge on one of the sandy beaches that is La Carihuela.

    Waking up to views of the ocean and the seafront promenade in one of the hotels main attraction (stayed in House Suite). Its cosy modern loft style design can be divided into two private independent spaces by a sliding door.

    The Sol House Costa Del Sol Hotel is in a very desirable location with easy access to Benalmádena which hosts one of the best marinas in the world. Having explored a few of the beachfronts in the nearby areas you will notice that La Carihuela has a more compact feel with a nice bustling energy of locals and visitors exploring this stretch.

    There are numerous activities, trips and excursions that the Sol House offers which easily places this hotel in the family and pet-friendly category. The hotel’s resort approach will have a few surprising beach gifts waiting for you in your room which offers a considerate welcome.

    Breakfast time can be quite stressful at this hotel as if you are lucky enough to get a vacant table right away you will still end up with warm toast and cold tortilla (omelette) or vice versa – I just don’t know how to mathematically work my way around those buffet breakfast’s especially when hot food should be hot…so cereals and fruit it is.

    After the commotion of breakfast, it was wonderful to discover this serene water culture haven in Malaga – Hammam Al Andalus. The Hammam experience at these Arab baths allows you to enjoy the water journey, massages and rituals without any overcrowding since they have a strict capacity for each session which adds to the exclusivity of your visit. This gem has some wonderful touches that will make the feeling of being wrapped in clouds a possibility. Hammam Al Andalus is so peaceful I almost felt as though the elegant staff can sense when you need assistance and then serenely appear.

    I always find it a turn off when restaurants try to lure diners from the promenade with staff or advertising – I don’t want pizza, all day English breakfasts, kebabs or generic tapas. I wanted somewhere where the food speaks for itself and not dependent on advertising or location – I won the food lottery with finding the discreet, humble and enticing Lime and Lemon. Every dish was like a visual theatrical experience. Their tapas menu raised the bar for combined flattering tastes and creativity all without the hefty price tag. It was no surprise that this quaint passion joint was fully booked. The snug atmosphere that the owners create all match the pleasing dishes they produce.

    G

    The Sol House Costa Del Sol Hotel arranges themed nightly performances however; leave yourself plenty of time to order a beverage as like me, you may go unnoticed at the bar (and I’m very tall).

    I would definitely return to the Costa Del Sol – unless Lime and Lemon open up and take a squeeze out of The Big Apple or London.

    Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

  • This is the world’s largest Key Lime Pie

    nom nom nom

    This is the world’s largest Key Lime Pie

    Culinary masters have created the world’s largest Key Lime Pie, one of Key West’s most famous of exports.

    Florida Keys, one of the gay-friendliest places in the US,  has just delivered one epic pie, overseen by chef and restaurateur Bobby Stoky who led a culinary team on Saturday, 24 March, to prepare a gargantuan Key lime pie to serve about 2,000 people.

    Measuring 8 feet in diameter – the size certified by the World Record Association as the globe’s largest – the giant pastry was made from ingredients including the juice from 5,766 Key limes, 200 pounds of graham crackers and 55 gallons of sweetened condensed milk. The finished dessert weighed around 1,000 pounds.

    “It’s a balance between sweet and tangy that makes this pie absolutely delicious,” Stoky said.

    Key lime pie is the official pie of Florida, as designated by the state legislature in 2006. Most historic accounts indicate Key lime pie was first created in the kitchen of the Curry Mansion in Key West and referred to as Key West pie.

    “The 8-foot pie was prepared in Atlanta, Georgia, at an upmarket shopping mall to showcase the culinary delights available to visitors holidaying in the Florida Keys”

    International visitors keen to get in on Key lime pie action can travel to Key West in early summer to attend the annual Key Lime Festival. Running from 30 June, to 4 July, the festival’s events include a ‘Mile High Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest’ on America’s Independence Day, where competitors attempt to be the first to devour a 9-inch Key lime pie.

  • Is it safe for LGBT+ to travel to Bermuda?

    Is it safe for LGBT+ to travel to Bermuda?

    Despite the repeal of same-sex marriage, Bermuda is relatively safe for LGBT+ travellers.

    skeeze / Pixabay

    Firstly, we have to point out that in Bermuda it is legal to gay and lesbian. However, LGBT+ residents and visitors may still find that the people and its governance are still quite conservative.

    It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexuality in Bermuda, but not on the basis of gender identity.

    Up until February 2018, Bermudan same-sex couples had the right to marry. A law was passed in December 2017 effectively replaced same-sex marriage with domestic partnerships. It was given Royal Assent on the 7th February.

    When Bermudan people were given a referendum on the issue of same-sex marriage, it was overwhelmingly voted against.

    So is it safe for LGBT+ people to travel and visit Bermuda?  By and large yes, although due to its conservative nature, LGBT+ people might find it uncomfortable to show public displays of affection.

    Crime rates against LGBT+ people seem to be low.

    Please note, there is not an equal age of consent – and the law is different to the UK for gay and bisexual males. Gay and bisexual men must be older than 18-years-old.

    The UK Government’s travel advice for LGBT+ people says, “Homosexuality became legal under Bermuda law in 1994, and in 2017 the Supreme Court of Bermuda ruled that same-sex couples have a legal right to marry (now out of date). Attitudes to homosexuality are tolerant but conservative, and some people may not approve of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.”

    In our opinion, yes it is safe to travel to Bermuda if you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

  • Is it safe for LGBT people to travel to Indonesia?

    Is it safe for LGBT people to travel to Indonesia?

    Despite homosexuality not being illegal in Indonesia, recent events have shown that it is not an entirely safe place for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people to visit.

    Strictly speaking, homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia. However, the country does have a very conservative view on same-sex sexual acts.

    Recently there has been a crackdown on homosexuality and transgender people, particularly in the Aceh Province, which uses Sharia law to govern its people, Sharia law outlaws same-sex sexual activity.

    There have also been reports where there have been raids on gay men in the Country’s capital city, Jarkata. In May 2017, dozens of men were arrested for allegedly attending a party at a sauna. Police raided the venue and captured 144 men, under broad pornography laws. The broadly written rules have been used to target the gay community in the past unfairly.

    Punishment has ranged from 100 lashes, in public, in Aceh, to imprisonment and public humiliation in other areas.

    THEGAYUK.com cannot, at this time recommend that anyone who identifies as LGBT+ travel to Indonesia for the foreseeable future. However, if you do visit, we recommend that you do not use gay saunas, which could be targetted by law enforcement officials. If you are travelling to Aceh province, you should refrain from public displays of affection with a same-sex partner.

  • Here’s why you should definitely keep your shoes on during a flight

    Maybe you shouldn’t kick ’em off just before take off.

    You know the drill, you’ve settled in for your flight, you’ve got your thimble of champers (if you’re in business/first) the aircraft has just pushed back from the gate and you kick off your shoes and make yourself a little more comfortable. But one expert suggests that perhaps you should keep them on, at least for take off – and then again for landing.

    Take off and landings are the most dangerous part of the flight most air crashes happens during takeoff or landing.

    One expert on Quora has suggested that keeping your shoes on, could, in fact, save your life in case of an emergency.

    Tony Luna suggests that after a crash a lot of debris could litter your exit route and that litter could include shards of glass and scraps of metal. Not having shoes on could literally shred your feet and stop you reaching safety.

    via GIPHY

    Remember that scene with Bruce Willis in Die Hard?

    If you’re thinking that you could just slip them on in the case of an emergency, Tony warns that in a cabin filled with panic and chaos every second counts.  He explains, “during an emergency, all sorts of debris and unpleasant ground surface will block your way towards the exit, as well as outside the aircraft.

    “If your feet isn’t [sic] properly covered, you’ll have a hard time making your way to safety.

    “Imagine destroying your bare feet as your run down the aisle covered with broken glass, fires and metal shards. Kinda like John Mclane in Die Hard, but worse.”

    But before we all melt into worry about flying, to put an accident into perspective, in 2017 there were no major air crashes involving a passenger jet. Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel.

     

  • TRAVEL REVIEW | Gay hotspot Fort Lauderdale? Perhaps.

    We hear many appealing things about gay hotspot Miami, and eyebrows start to raise when Fort Lauderdale, Florida wants to step up to contest with a gay scene that competes with all gay capitals around the globe. With fabulous beaches, outstanding weather, fresh seafood, and the recently launched direct route from London Heathrow to Fort Lauderdale (BA), I wonder if Fort Lauderdale can be listed as a favourite gay hotspot?

    Retirement springs to mind when I hear about Florida, especially when the state boasts the highest percentage of people over the age of 65. It’s the centre of juicy oranges, the birthplace of commercial aviation, and thanks to the likes of Disney – tourism is the engine that drives Florida. I questioned why I’d choose to travel to Fort Lauderdale, instead of neighbouring gay Miami (30 miles) or gay haven Key West (approx. 189 miles away) and was surprised to find numerous gay exclusive hotels in the Fort Lauderdale area. Ideally situated near the oceanfront, I was welcomed by gay owned and operated – The Grand Resort & Spa. A reserved and refined resort that has plenty of touches, such as: the 24-hour access to the friendly and professional front desk team, pool/jacuzzi, unlimited towels, selection of housekeeping services, hot breakfast, fully equipped large kitchen/living room (in penthouse suite), quality toiletries including mouthwash. They all making a stay extraordinarily fresh and very comfortable.

    Although The Grand Resort has its own award-winning spa, I ventured out (or I would never leave the resort) to the newly opened Hush Spa situated in Fort Lauderdale’s gay area of Wilton Manors. Spoilt for choice from the all-male focused indulgent menu, I opted for one of their signature massages, and if you enjoy precision with elements of nurturing, then I think any service would be recommended. The social atmosphere that the staff creates makes you want to keep a bit hush-hush like a new best friend – all to yourself.

    Wilton Manors is where most of Fort Lauderdale’s gay establishments are – I struggled to find a bar that didn’t have a view of a shopping complex or a car park, and travelling from wintry London, why would I not want to spend time al fresco with a view of the ocean?

    Walking along the oceanfront was far more appealing, and the South Florida humidity always complements a stroll.

    During my visit, I took an oceanfront 2-mile walk in shorts, vest, and flip-flops (Dec ‘17), and after some time in the sun, my face was ready to be treated. I found myself sipping champagne (nice touch!) before my facial at the impressive Marriott Harbor Beach Spa; by this time, I was almost certain that spa hopping was far more fitting than bar hopping. The treatment I had was exceptional, and I couldn’t wait to show off my new face to the Floridians, and what better way of doing so than by dining at Ocean 3030?



    Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier had all my senses on fire with her carefully constructed tasting menu. I felt as though my dishes were prepared as if I was the only patron in this shimmering restaurant. The American modern seafood restaurant embraces dining with technology by having electronic menus on tablets so you can see how your cocktails will be made and have an idea of what your dishes will look like – some may argue that they want to be surprised, and that’s fine as they have regular paper menus as well.

    The surprise will always be in the taste. Chef Grenier made sure that my meal was going to be the highlight of my trip, and it indeed was – over and over again.

    The Grand Resort and Spa is grand in value and location, and I would loosely recommend Fort Lauderdale to those that enjoy the quieter side of a gaycation. Accommodation at The Grand Resort is a lot less inexpensive (even for a penthouse) compared to other hot spots such as Miami and Key West. Clothing is optional in parts of the resort, which meant that you could sunbathe and use the jacuzzi in the nude.; however, because of alcohol licensing, swimwear must be worn in and around the immediate area of the pool – great for those that enjoy a drink, and not so great for those that don’t.



    Five things that you must never do at The Grand Resort & Spa:

    • Don’t miss The Grand Resort’s happy hour
    • Don’t be an introvert while using the jacuzzi
    • Don’t use the fitness centre (you’re on gaycation!)
    • Don’t pet Racoons as if they were house cats
    • Don’t keep Ocean 3030 a secret to fellow patrons

    A grand hotspot for a gaycation in the winter sun!

    BOOK THIS TRIP, Check out the latest prices: