Obviously, you can’t hope to get to know any city via just a one day stay but, if you know how to organise your time, you can combine a relaxing and luxurious break with enough of a flavour of the place to make it a memorable experience and Brussels is perfect for such a trip. Without much time available to travel too far from your base, choosing the right hotel is essential, it being required to deliver all the necessary wining, dining and pampering needs and easy access to other amenities is also essential.
Located on the Boulavard de Waterloo in the Louise district of Brussels, the equivalent of Chelsea or Knightsbridge, but without the pretentious feeling that often is associated with those parts of London, The Hotel Brussels, is an ideal base of operations to explore and soak up the city’s vibes. Continuing the theme of concise titles, The Restaurant offers a weekly menu with the focus on local, fresh and seasonal produce that combines both the authenticity of Belgian cuisine and chef Pierre Balthazar’s own unique creativity. It should be noted that vegetarians may find their hot breakfast options to be a little on the limited side.
The rooms are an oasis of refinement and space, the decor is modern and light, though one drawback is that the bathrooms are not only open plan but the toilet door is hinged to serve also as the shower door. Fine if you are staying with someone who has seen it all before, not so ideal if you are just sharing with a friend.
The Hotel also offers a spa and fitness suite, located on the 23rd floor of The Hotel meaning that whilst you exercise you can take in the sumptuous views of the city. It’s a little on the small side but the views do make up for this. You can also indulge yourself in a visit to the sauna or steam room and spa treatments are also on offer.
What to do when in Brussels
You could use the combination of dining, relaxing and wellbeing as the extent of your visit, but step outside the hotel and a wealth of experiences opens up. If Belgium is known for one thing it is chocolate and Groovy Brussels offers a walking tour to help you appreciate this most exotic of foods. Over two and a half hours you will visit six of the most beautiful chocolate shops found in the heart of the medieval city passing along beautiful galleries, romantic city views and impressive monuments. The tour might not be your cheapest activity around but you will come away from this memorable experience with a much better understanding of the history and culinary art of chocolate.
If something more social is your goal then there are a cluster of gay bars nearby such as the iconic Le Belgica, with its wealth of drinks, including the world-famous Belgian beers, and top DJ’s pandering to all of your House and Techno needs. There is also a great selection of restaurants nearby especially if you want to find something away from the hustle and hassle of the tourist routes around the Grand Palace.
And as you want to get the most out of your brief time in the city, it is worth noting that the Eurostar terminal is an easy walk from The Hotel allowing you to maximise your time getting to know the city itself.
The city that doesn’t sleep isn’t cheap. In fact, you’ll find it hard to find free things to do, but here are 10 of our favourites.
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
Planning on going to New York? Well, as a gay traveller there are certain things you have to do, like visiting the Stonewall Inn or even planning a night out at the infamous Cock bar. But, if you’re on a budget here are some of our favourite things to do for free, or just the price of a drink, in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry, View of Boat
This is one of the go-to free things to do while in the city of New York. The 5.2-mile trip takes you right past the Statue of Liberty giving you an outstanding opportunity to take a full-on frontal picture of the great lady. The cruise takes about 25 minutes and runs every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Many people disembark once arriving at Staten Island and get straight back on the boat for the return journey.
The Central Park Reservoir
On a sunny day, the 1.5-mile walk around Central Park’s reservoir will enliven the senses and make you feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. It stretches from 86th to 96th Street (very close to the Guggenheim Museum).
The decommissioned reservoir holds over a billion US gallons of water and covers 106 acres. One of the best times of year to walk around the reservoir is when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
The High Line
Take a stroll along the disused and abandoned railway track set above the streets of Lower Manhattan. It’s a 1.45-mile walk which leads you through landscaped gardens over the roads. The High Line has been repurposed from a former railroad, which was created to ship goods from one part of the city to the other. It runs from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District. After “getting off” the high line, head for the Bus Stop Cafe on the corner of Bethune and Hudson for a spot of lunch.
Stonewall Inn
Where it all began. The birth of the modern gay rights movement in the USA. Located in the gay/gay-friendly neighbourhood on Christopher Street, a trip to the famous Stonewall Inn should be high on your list of gay things to do in New York. Entry is free, but please do buy a drink and support this historic, legendary venue.
Christoper Park
Situated outside the Stonewall Inn in the centre of Christopher Street is Christoper Park. Christopher Street is the oldest street in the West Village and in the 1970s became the “Main Street” of gay New York. Over the decades, numerous shops, bars and other businesses that cater for the LGBT community have populated the street. Make sure you get your photo at the Gay Street sign which coincidentally intersects with Christopher Street.
In Christopher Park, there’s a Gay Liberation Monument where numerous bonze statuses, covered in white lacquer sculptures commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969. It features four people. Two men and two women.
9/11 Memorial Park
A humbling experience awaits at the 9/11 memorial. Take time to reflect and remember.
A humbling experience awaits in the mass of skyscrapers at the lower end of Manhattan. This is where, in the footprints of the original World Trade Centre twin towers, you’ll find the names of nearly 3000 people, who died on September 11th, 2001, etched into bronze, on the outer rim of the two reflecting pools where the towers once stood. There is a museum as well. However, queue lines are long, and the entry ticket costs a whopping $44 each for admission and the tour. You can get significantly reduced entry by purchasing a New York CityPASS.
The Buildings
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
One of greatest attractions of New York is its buildings and where NYC is concerned, bigger is best. Across Manhattan, you’ll discover icon after icon. There’s the Empire State Building, The Rockefeller Center, Radio City, Carnegie Hall, New York Times, Times Square, The Chrysler Building, The United Nations building, One World Trade Center, the former PamAm building (now MetLife), The Guggenheim and Madison Square Gardens. The list goes on and on.
Pier Life
Pride Kickoff Rally 2013, Tribeca, Manhattan
If you’ve ever watched Paris Is Burning, you’ll know that the piers played a considerable part in LGBT+ life in New York especially during the 70s, 80s and 90s. The dilapidated piers reaching out into the Hudson River became a hang out for those on the fringes of society. Some of the piers have been redeveloped and given a new lease of life. Take a walk to the piers at the end of Christopher Street. It’s not uncommon to find all manner of activities taking place, like dance classes or music to listen to.
This year’s pride parade takes place on the 24th June. Check out the parade route here.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk the walk. 10,000 people every day cross the Brooklyn Bridge
This famous bridge is well worth the walk – despite the crowds (apparently 10,000 people use the footbridge part every day). The views of Lower Manhattan from the centre are breathtaking. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the USA. It was finished in 1883 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Look out for the 3500 bikers who use the bridge every day too. They aren’t particularly friendly towards pedestrians who walk on the cycle lane!
Once in Brooklyn make the short walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some impressive views of the waterway between Brooklyn and Manhattan and the famous NYC skyline.
Big Apple Greeter
Believe it or not, you can get a free walking tour with the Big Apple Greeter organisation, whose team of volunteers will show you New York in a totally personal light. You should request your greeter at least three to four weeks before your trip to New York. The Big Apple Greeter has a no tipping policy, but they do ask you to consider donating to help continue the non-profit service.
Marie’s Crisis Bar
Ask anyone where to go for a good night out that’s camp and gay and they’ll probably suggest this legendary piano bar, where show tunes and awesome singers are the promised offering. It’s a gay bar just off 7th Avenue behind Christopher Street on Grove Street. Be prepared for how busy it gets and bring cash for drinks and tips. We loved this Yelp review from Niall and it pretty much sums up this venue:
“While this is a gay bar it is also a musical bar. There are two types here; gays who love musicals and everyone else who loves musicals. If you are a member of either tribe you are family, if not, please keep it moving!”
How to get to NYC?
Wondering on the cheapest way to get to Manhattan after arriving from JFK – check out our guide here.
Our top tip is if you’re going to be a total tourist – which you totally should be in this magnificent city, then purchase yourself a CityPASS. It will give you access to numerous tourist destinations, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty for 40 percent off. It costs around £96.27 and is well worth the price if you plan on visiting all of the destinations on offer.
If you’re flying into New York’s JFK airport, there are a few options on how you can get to Manhattan Island, both Downtown and Midtown. But there’s one way that’s super cheap and really doesn’t take any longer than a cab ride or airport shuttle.
JMZ Train, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
If your hotel offers a shuttle from JFK, then you should get on board that baby, but if you’re looking at getting into Manhattan on a budget the best way is by the AirTrain which runs directly out of JFK and then catch the subway to your destination. It takes just under an hour – which if you’re caught in traffic to or from the airport, which is more than likely, it could end up being a quicker option. Obviously, it won’t be as picturesque, but you’ll definitely get to people watch and save a lot of dollars.
A cab ride into midtown currently costs over $60 and once you ad tip you’re heading towards $70 – it’s not the cheap way to start off your trip. Or, you can hop on the airport shuttle bus, you’ll find them in the arrivals hall, which is $18 each – so if there’s two of you that’s $38 – plus tip if you’re feeling generous. Or you can spend under $8 and get the AirTrain, which takes around 50-60 minutes.
How to access the AirTrain at JFK.
Subway, New York City
Look for the signs for the AirTrain, you’ll need to get the one that’s heading towards Federal Circle (which is where you’ll find Airport Hotel shuttles and car rental companies and onto Howard Beach Station. This section of your travel is free, so you don’t need a ticket if you’re getting off at Federal Circle.
If you’re going downtown and Lower Manhattan you’ll need the train heading to Howard Beach. If you’re going to Midtown or Upper Manhattan you’ll the Jamaica Station.
Once you arrive at Howard Beach or Jamaica Station, you’ll need to buy your ticket to leave the station and to get your onward travel to Lower Manhatten. Go to the ticket machine and buy a travelcard.
How much does the AirTrain cost from JFK to Manhattan?
It will cost $5 for the AirTrain (which you’ve just travelled on) and $2.75 for the connecting subway. You’ll also be charged $1 for a Metrocard, which you can refill and reuse each time you use the subway, so don’t throw it away.
Once you’ve cleared the gates at Howard Beach or Jamaica, head to the platform which has trains heading towards Lower Manhattan or Midtown.
At Howard Beach, you need to get onboard the A Train – on the Subway map it’s a dark blue colour. At Jamaica, you need to get the E train, it’s also dark blue in colour.
If you’re heading to Upper Manhattan you’ll need to make a change when you’re in Manhattan. Use the MTA’s TripPlanner to find the best route. Trips up to the Upper island will take another 15 minutes or so.
Durham is a city in the Northeast of England, its proximity to Newcastle means that you might need to leave town to go gay.
So what is in Durham for gay travellers and LGBT guests? Gay clubs and bars are thin on the ground in the actual city of Durham, you need to travel to Newcastle which is about 15 miles away from Durham.
Generally speaking Durham is a safe place to be and the police in the area are committed to ending homo/bi and transphobia. There have been numerous reports in recent times of homophobic attacks or abuse. Caution is advised over public displays of affection between same-sex couples.
As a plus, all three of Durham’s Labour MPs Roberta Blackman-Woods, Kevan Jones and Pat Glass (who no longer serves the North West Durham) voted in favour of same-sex marriage back in 2013.
Gay Bars
Are there any gay bars in Durham? The short answer is no. However, there is an LGBT+ night on Monday nights at Osbourne’s Bar.
There is a yearly pride event held in Durham. This year it takes place on the last May bank holiday weekend (Sunday 27th May). You can find out more about the event here.
Are there any gay saunas in Durham?
The nearest gay saunas/bathhouses to Durham are located in Newcastle which is 15 miles further north. There is the Number 52 sauna, Base Newcastle. There was a sauna called H2O but it looks to have closed.
Number 52 and Base offer entry to non-members for £12.
Any LGBT Hotels in Durham?
There aren’t any gay or LGBT+ hotels available in Durham. However, you can check for the best deals from Hotels.com, Booking.com and Travelodge
Meeting gay guys in Durham?
If you’re looking for a connect to gay and bisexual guys in Durham why not join our free social network.
How to get to Durham
By road
Durham is only two miles from the A1(M). Leave the motorway at Junction 62 on the A690 Durham – Sunderland road and follow signs to Durham City Centre.
By rail
There are 60 trains from most major cities in the country calling at Durham each day. There are 14 trains from London, which takes under three hours from Kings Cross.
By air
Durham is 30 minutes’ drive from Newcastle Airport and about 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley. Both serve domestic and international flights. Durham is linked to Newcastle Airport by rail and metro. To look for flights click here
Gran Canaria has long been a sort of gay mecca in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, off the coast of western Africa.
Over the years a number of gay / bisexual only hotels and resorts have cropped up on the tiny Island, making it one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the planet. Gran Canaria is one of the go-to gay travel destinations.
Most of these resorts are on the southern end of the Island, near Maspalomas and, no doubt; you will have heard of the Yumbo Centre, where most of the Island’s gay bars and drag shows are located.
Maspalomas is easy to get to from the Island’s only airport. You can either hire a car or get a cab to your hotel. Some hotels and resorts even offer an airport shuttle. Of course, Gran Canaria is served by numerous airlines from the UK, and you can get great deals on flights to Gran Canaria from the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.com and Norwegian.
So what about the gay hotels? Are there any and should you stay at one?
Our editor and chief, Jake Hook recently made a case for staying gay when on holiday, but the short answer is yes. You should definitely try it.
There are many gay exclusive resorts on Gran Canaria, most of them located in the Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria.
Roma, 13, Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain,
A 15 room hotel in Playa Del Ingles, catering to gay men. Clothing is optional at this resort, and it is pet-friendly, although you will be required to pay an additional 19.00 EUR per night. Breakfast is available at a surcharge of 8.00 EUR per person. It does offer free WiFi.
The hotel has a pool and is located close to the beach. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Timple 5 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 765 877 Web: www.bungalowsartemisa.com
This property is located in the Playa del Ingles and is close to the Yumbo centre, the beach is a half a mile walk, while the dunes are a near 2-mile trip. Each one-bed bungalow offers a dining area and a kitchenette. Breakfast is available to purchase. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Vingresor, 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 772 096 / (+34) 649 019 985 Web: www.beachboysresort.com
A highly rated gay only resort in Maspalomas. The dunes are an 11-minute walk away, and the Yumbo centre is under 30 minutes walk away. The location has just 12 apartments ensuring an intimate feel. There is free WiFi. Clothing is optional. Breakfast is available at a surcharge. Also available are lunch and dinner, if you don’t want to cater for yourself. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Egipto 10 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 764 722 Web: www.birdcage-resort.com
The Birdcage Resort is a four-star property in the Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria, which means its close to the Yumbo Centre and a 20-minute walk away from the beaches. There is free WiFi offered, and clothing is optional around the poolside. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Touroperador Kuoni 46 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 760 051 Web: www.clubtorso.com
Club Torso is just a short walk to the beach and 10 minutes from the infamous dunes. The property is clothing optional, and each bungalow comes with free WiFi and a kitchenette. Breakfast is served (as an extra), and there is free parking close to the location.THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Los Almendros
Address: Avda. Francia 3 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 761 688 Web: www.losalmendros.es
Address: Avda. Touroperador Finnmatkat 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 161 718
Rainbow Golf is a clothing option, gay men’s resort in Maspalomas. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the famous dunes of Maspalomas beach, and the Yumbo centre is a 28-minute walk. There are 21 self-catering apartments, but food, including breakfast, is available for purchase. The location offers free WiFi, and there is free parking available. The hotel does offer an airport shuttle priced at 35.00 EUR. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Calle Touroperador Matkatala, 2, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain
One of the only 4 star hotels on the Island that caters for gay men. There are free WiFi and parking at the location. There are 24 guest rooms, and it is located near the beach. Again the airport offers an airport shuttle (38 EUR), and there is a free shuttle to the beach. This is an optional clothing location. Breakfast is charged at an extra 10 EUR per day. Read THEGAYUK’s full review of Seven Hotel and Wellness.
Address: Avda. de Tirma 20 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 773 342 Web: www.tropicallazona.com
This 25 room property offers free WiFi and a fitness centre / work out room. There is also a bar. The Yumbo centre is a short walk away. The accommodation is self-catering and offers a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave. The location is clothing optional. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Villas Blancas
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Tjaereborg s/n – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 770 122 Web: www.villasblancas.com
Address: C/. Carmen Laforet 1 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 140 032 Web: www.vistabonita.es
A popular gay-only resort in Sonneland, which is a drive away from the beach (30+ minute walk) and Yumbo centre (40-minute walk). There are 20 self-catering apartments. The hotel offers an airport shuttle as parking is extremely limited. You can reserve parking with a 5 EUR a day charge. Breakfast is available (surcharge). This is an optional clothing hotel, and there is free WiFi. Read THEGAYUK’s full review on Vista Bonita.
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.
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!
Travel expert, Ray Si takes to the roads to check out Sam Smith in Belgium in a gay travel special.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
Our editor in chief, Jake Hook looks at why gay resorts and hotels are still necessary in 2018.
I’ve just come back off holiday – and while I battle the post-holiday, aeroplane lurgy, I can’t help thinking that one of the most memorial moments of the holiday was our 2 days in a gay-only hotel.
There was a time when the idea of choosing a “gay hotel” as a place to vacay was totally off the cards. Why would I want to segregate myself from the rest of society? Why would I want to just limit myself to “gay conversations”? And anyway, aren’t guys who go to gay resorts just after one thing?
Perhaps some of them are. But here’s what I learned from my stay at Key West’s The Equator Resort, in Florida.
Not everyone who’s at the resort is looking for sex
Okay, some are. Whacking on your Grindr will identify those around you who are looking for something a little more than a suntan, but there aren’t people actively pursuing you around the pool. Guys are there to chill, check out the sights, get to know new people and generally hang out in a safe, non-judgemental space.
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes
My historical success with nudity is somewhat patchy, but what I learned from this stay was that us gay men come in all shapes, colours, sizes and well dick sizes – and it’s all good. Yes, even I may have slipped off my trunks in the pool.
Even better, however, is that seeing all those bodies really helped me tackle my own body insecurities. Seeing others in the altogether help me reevaluate my relationship with my love handles.
There’s no heteronormativity
We live in a world where 99.9 percent of everything is geared towards heterosexual couples and gender binaries. Hanging about with other guys who identify as gay or bisexual, makes being gay at the front and centre. Gay literally becomes the norm at a gay resort.
You don’t have to watch what you say
You probably realise that there aren’t many subjects that are off limits when you hang around with other gay guys. Everything goes: anal to sunscreen, hooking up to the best restaurant in town to coming out. Honestly, my conversations were so varied.
There are no screaming kids
There is nothing worse than seeing that the expensive resort you’ve booked has a “kids’ zone” or “kids’ pool”. I don’t want to spend my holiday listening to screaming, whining kids. I can whine enough for anybody. I simply don’t need the competition. Sorry, not sorry.
Lifelong friends
I’ve been on a gay cruise and stayed at two gay resorts, every time making new friendships that have lasted. The moment you arrive, there’s always someone to talk to, get to know – and you know, if it feels right to take things further.
Here’s to gay stays and long may they last.
Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.
We stumbled across the best Instagram account out there for those of you who’ve ever had a cabin crew crush.
Let’s be honest, most of the time the second we clamber onboard our Ryan Air flight, we put our headphones in and do our best to ignore the world until we land. Yes, I know I should watch the safety demonstration, but I literally flew out 2 days ago and I doubt anything has changed since then. Wear a seatbelt, don’t smoke, brace brace, etc etc.
That being said, perhaps I’d be more inclined to pay attention if these guys were standing by the cockpit (there, I’ve said it, the cockpit joke has been made. Now we can all move on).
If you, like me, are always looking for an excuse to soak up the sun, regardless of it being summer yet or not, look no further than the sunny Croatian peninsula of the Istrian region.
Pula is the main centre and on the edge of the water lies a large resort complex run by Park Plaza. I had the pleasure of staying at the Park Plaza Arena Pula, which is a beautifully built new resort complex nestled among the trees, right at the water’s edge. The resort has 175 rooms, which are beautifully appointed with large comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, and balconies you can sit in to enjoy the sun. At Arena Pula you have the option of waterside or park side rooms, either side gives you a wonderful vista across the peninsula. For those with a little more pocket money, or just in need of a little more space, you can splash out for the penthouse suite, a favourite of celebrities that come to Pula to perform. Or the newly build garden suites which include two bedroom, two bathroom suites and a large patio or balcony, depending if you’re on the ground or level one.
Park Plaza Arena Pula, Croatia:
Prices from £101(EURO 117) per room per night, based on two people sharing a standard room with breakfast.
Price inclusive of VAT. Tourist tax not included: daily 1,00 Euro per adult and 0,50 Euro per child (12-18)
To book, visit: www.parkplaza.com/croatia
Once you have settled your luggage, the resort facilities offer a pool, access to the Adriatic Sea via a small beach directly in front of the hotel, a spa and massage service (extra fees apply), I highly recommend the Gold Massage, where you are luxuriously pampered as you are massaged with gold-infused oil. The massage left me feeling very relaxed and shimmering with a golden sheen that lasted all afternoon. Also available in the facilities in the resort are a small gymnasium, which is open daily, and a comfortable foyer bar and terrace where you can enjoy drinks as you soak up the sun’s rays. The bar has a more than competent staff, and a decent cocktail list. They can also whip something up for you should you so ask.
The resort also provides a buffet breakfast and dinner, and an a la carte lunch. While we visited, we were able to sample some wonderful local style foods, which take their influence from the rich history of Croatia, particularly Pula, which has at times been controlled by the Romans, Venetians and Austria-Hungary. This gives their food a wide range of influences, not least of which is the use of locally pressed olive oils in pretty much everything, as well as an excellent, and award winning local wine industry. Each of our courses on this trip were coupled with a different local wine, chosen to suit the food we ate.
While in Pula, travel further afar from the resort area to the local sites. In Pula city, you will find the ancient Roman amphitheatre, which you can explore as a tourist. The building is mostly destroyed, though there are still some seats remaining, as well as an exhibition of an ancient olive oil press that once ran underneath the complex. If you are in town at the right time, you can enjoy the arena as a functioning entertainment stadium. Throughout the year the stadium hosts the opening night of the Pula International Film Festival (July) and the opening night of the local music festivals which continue throughout the summer months in various abandoned Venetian fortresses which surround the city. Outside of the festivals, the fortresses can be visited to look at and wander around, but not to enter. The Old town in Pula boasts several squares where one can enjoy a coffee, or many local stores.
If you’re staying in Pula at the Park Plaza Arena Pula, I suggest hiring a car so that you can explore the local areas. One of which is Fažana, a local sea-side village, from where you can take a short ferry ride to the Brijuni National Park. Here you can take a ‘train’ ride tour of the islands, where you get a trip through the zoo, populated with animals that were mostly given as gifts to the President of Yugoslavia. The President, Tito, had a summer residence on the island, which is now used by the President of Croatia, and visiting dignitaries from other countries. My advice would be to visit the island in the morning, as school trips and the majority of tourists head over in the early afternoon. We returned on the 1 pm Ferry to Fažana, where we found the village mostly empty of tourists, as they had all been on the return ferry. We enjoyed lunch at the Stara Konoba, where we were treated to several local specialities, including Boskarin (ox meat) and sardines cooked in more ways than there are numbers. This was again accompanied by a selection of local white wine.
Once in Fazana, you can take an hour or two and enjoy an olive oil tasting session with one of the local producer. I enjoyed the olive oil of Balija a small local producer, one of the few managed by a woman. She and her team produce only 2000 bottles of olive oil per year.
Getting there: Jet2.com – Stansted-Pula Leading leisure airline Jet2.com offers friendly low fares and great flight times to Pula from London Stansted Airport, with flights operating up to two times per week. Jet2.com also flies to Pula from Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports. Fares from Stansted Airport to Pula with Jet2.com start at £25 one way including taxes. Fares from Edinburgh Airport to Pula with Jet2.com start at £25 one way including taxes.
While Pula is a small city, of about 85,000 people, during the summer it comes alive with the hundreds of thousands of tourists who arrive to enjoy the many natural delights. During the summer the small city entertains 2 million overnight stays. There are of course a number of bars and clubs that are available to enjoy, long into the morning. While we were there, we found a little bar called the Shipyard, Pula’s newest bar. Filled with the young people of Pula, attentive bar staff and a DJ to play music, it is a great place to take in a few drinks.
Back at the resort, if you’re interested in exploring various local things, the hotel can arrange a culinary experience, where you can learn how to make some local pasta, which you can enjoy as a side to your next meal. For guests at the Park Plaza hotels, the hotels guest relations people have a large range of activities that can be organised at the front desk of the hotel. These include information about places around the Istrian region that you can drive to with your rental car or towns you can get to by taxi for short excursions. The Histria hotel also has a 300msq gym, an indoor heated pool and a large spa/massage centre which can be booked by guests of that hotel. In addition, a yacht club restaurant is open to the public to enjoy a great selection of local food and excellent cocktails right on the waterfront.
Not far from the Histria hotel is the Ribarska Koliba restaurant. A local seafood restaurant situated directly in the marina. Here you can try some truly wonderful locally sources seafood, prepared freshly each day. The new chef recently hired at the restaurant has created a menu that is rooted in the local cuisine of Istria with a modern twist.
Getting there: Jet2.com flies directly to Pula from Stanstead, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester. Flights from Stanstead leave at a bright and early 8am, so you might want to stay at or near the airport. Holiday Extras offers a choice of UK airport hotels that can include your holiday parking along with lounges at all major UK airports.
A night’s stay at an airport hotel is the perfect way to get your holiday off to a hassle-free start. Holiday Extras offers a choice of UK airport hotels that can include your holiday parking along with lounges at all major UK airports so you can start your holiday in style. Hotel room at Stansted Airport from £55.00. To book, visit www.holidayextras.co.uk or call 0800 1313 777
There are plenty of locations around the world that are looking to celebrate everything that is wonderful about being gay, without the onslaught of rainbows, banners, political undertone, and crowds so large that you’re about as likely to get to the bar as you are to score a wristie from Russell Tovey (ps if anyone knows how to do the latter, please get in touch IMMEDIATELY!).
So if you’re thinking about a gay vacay but don’t fancy packing your rainbow flag, here are a few fabulous festivals that you can book right now.
1. Pink Week Festival, Slovenia – 24th to 28th May
Slovenia is probably not one of the first places you’d think about when you consider gay festivals, and while Mykonos and Tel Aviv have plenty of obvious draw, Slovenia definitely has its own appeal. Slovenia boasts being one of the greenest countries in Europe, with breathtaking backdrops and lush green countrysides that put ours to shame. And while it’s a relatively small country, that could, in fact, be a big part of its appeal.
Now in its 4th year, Pink Week is an event that aims to combine cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences with a healthy mix of events and parties for both visiting and local LGBT communities.
Pink Week, organised by local couple Matej and Mattej (matching names, totes adorbs), offers a variety of different packages that you can buy in advance, depending on the type of gay holiday you’re looking for. Have a browse and pick from highlights such as guided tours of the capital Ljubljana, gourmet dinners, a visit to Tiffany GAY Club, an afternoon of luxury at Lake Bled, and a champagne boat ride on river Ljubljanica.
Head on over to pinkweek.eu to find out more!
2. Pink Lake Festival, Austria – 24th to 27th August
Another Pink-themed gay festival in Europe, hopefully featuring this guy wandering around handing out drinks … or weird pink hovering balls.
Set, as the name suggests, around a lake in the Wörthersee Region of Austria, Pink Lake is an LGBT celebration that revels in its small town charm. With so many big-scale LGBT events across Europe, Pink Lake’s appeal is it’s “off the beaten track” nature. No big city backdrop, no parades, no international celebrities, Pink Lake is more of an international get-together for all LGBT travellers. All taking place in a beautiful town in a magical countryside that’s straight out of a gay fairytale.
Find out more about this at pinklake.at
3. Aspen Summer Holiday, USA – August 24-26
Hosted by men’s wedding magazine Men’s Vows, the Aspen Summer Holiday is the complement to its more established winter counterpart, Aspen Gay Ski Week. For its first year, Aspen Summer holiday has paired with notable charities such as the National LGBT Task Force and The Generation project to turn some well-earned fun into a good cause for the whole community.
I mean, check out the promo guy on their website. He looks like he’s having a nice time…:)
The event is focused on all the amazing activities you can do outdoors in Colorado, giving gay men the chance to meet other people and bond while hiking, horse riding and river rafting. There are fashion shows, pool parties and event CrossFit sessions planned, so it looks to be a community event with a difference.
If you favour the idea of fresh air, exercise, and outdoor activities that don’t include underwear parades and dogging, then visit www.aspensummerholiday.com
.jpg "TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Durham 20")
%20Down%20Elvet%20Bridge.jpg "TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Durham 22")
.jpg "TRAVEL GUIDE | Gay Durham 23")
%20View%20from%20hotel%20Room%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 41")
%20Ampitheatre%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 43")
%20Fazana%201%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 44")
%20Holy%20Rock%202%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 45")
%20Pasta%20Making%20Class%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 46")
%20Ribarska%20Koliba%202%20copy.jpeg "GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia 47")
