Florida Agenda

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

Swaying palm trees, the sound of distant waves lapping upon pristine white or red or black sand beaches, tropical sunsets silhouetting hula dancers in flowing grass skirts. Yes, this is paradise, otherwise known as Hawaii.

Often referred to as the ultimate in vacation destinations, Hawaii is more diverse than any state in the union—and the only state comprised entirely of islands numbering in the hundreds. Of these, seven are inhabited, and each has a charm unique to its position in the island chain.

The most populated and gay famous is Oahu (The Gathering Place), the home of Waikiki beach, Honolulu, high-rise condos, and the only royal palace on U.S. soil.  ’Iolani Palace, built in 1879 for King Kal?kaua, isn’t grand by international palace standards. It is, however, unique as the only example of Hawaiian Renaissance architecture. Located at 364 S King Street, the palace is in downtown Honolulu and is open to the public.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (2346 Kalakaua Ave) has a long history of celebrity guests, its pink façade welcoming heads-of-state, financiers, and movie stars. But despite repeated restorations, the hotel is no longer the Queen of Waikiki Beach, though a visit to the lobby is always a pleasant journey back in time. For the height of luxury accommodations, there is none finer than the Halekulani Hotel (2199 Kalia Road) which has been ranked among the top five-star hotels in the world since its opening in 1997. With Hawaii’s acceptance of civil unions in January of this year, the hotel has become the favored spot for beach-front ceremonies and receptions.

The gay beach in Hawaii is a few blocks away from Halekulani (toward Diamond Head volcano) on Queen’s Surf Beach near Kapiolani Park. Before you get too excited, the name derives from Hawaii’s last royal, Queen Liliuokalani. Her beach house and pier were once positioned at the exact spot where current day lesbians and homosexuals paddle board and sun. On weekends, the adjacent park area becomes Sunset on the Beach, with movies shown under the stars. Too much fun.

Right around the corner, you’ll also find Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand Waikiki (134 Kapahulu Ave), the Hawaiian version of Stonewall. It’s been a fixture on the Honolulu gay scene since Adam and Eve did their thing, or perhaps longer some say.

Our dear friend Jack Law (otherwise known as Da Kine or Big Daddy) is the owner of the joint, which is located on the second floor of the Waikiki Grand Hotel (a good inexpensive choice if you want to say close to the action). At dusk, the bar’s sliding glass windows glide open and transform this gem into a visual postcard of people watching, sunsets and passing catamarans. The drinks are strong, the music is upbeat, and the clientele a mixture of cute, rugged, muscled locals with a few paunchy tourists advertising themselves by their sunburn.

If you’re in a hiking mood, from Hula’s follow Kalakaua Ave. along the beach toward Diamond Head until it turns into Diamond Head Road.  Four blocks ahead watch for the turn-off on your right to Beach Road. This takes you to Diamond Head Lighthouse, which was completed in 1917 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It’s a great spot of soak up the sun. You might even meet some new friends, since this is a hot gay rendezvous point.

An extra bonus: on the way home, you’ll pass right by Hula’s again. It’s the perfect time to visit Jack, and tell him Guy Magazine says Howzit?

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

We’re a sucker for Brazilian butts. And nowhere on earth are there more on display then in the incredible city of São Paulo. It’s not only the largest city in Brazil; it’s the largest city in all of South America, and the seventh-largest city by population in the world.

It’s just another example of the fact that size matters. At last count, the population of São Paulo was just over 11 million—three million more than NYC.

Ah, and the people. Attractive, friendly, open, and happy. And, lest we forget the most charming part, they speak Portuguese—but with an Italian accent, in case you’re relying on your Rosetta Stone. They’ll be rattling it off at such a machine-gun pace that there is no point in trying to keep up your end of the conversation. It’s all part of the adventure in this city named after Saint Paul—as in the Apostle, not Minnesota.

Getting to São Paulo can be a bit of a headtrip since it’s an eight-hour flight from Miami (or ten hours from New York) non-stop as the crows fly via the national airline TAM Linhas Aereas. Translation: two full-length movies, a fourcourse dinner and a three-hour nap. It gives new meaning to the phrase: somos nós lá ainda? (Are we there yet? for the Baptists among us.)

Upon landing at the São Paulo/Guarulhos– Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport, take a deep breath and plunge head first into the excitement. You get to the city via taxi (there is a bus, but you’re gay, remember?). This will set you back exactly 85 Brazilian reals, or $42 in real money. Buy a prepaid taxi voucher in advance, since the traffic will be monstrous. Though it’s only 19 miles to São Paulo, it could take as long as an hour to get there. You don’t want to be in the back seat when that meter is ticking.

Our favorite hotel in São Paulo is the Mercure São Paulo Alamedes Hotel. It’s not the most luxurious hotel in the city, but it is one of the most convenient and reasonably priced at $139 per night. It has everything you could possibly need—room service, a good gym, rooftop pool with a view, a fantastic cute staff, and wi-fi service.

It is centrally located in the most fashionable part of town, called the Jardins district, which not only has the most exclusive shopping street in the country—it’s called Oscar Freire (think Rodeo Drive), it has the majority of the gay clubs as well as the São Paulo Museum of Art.XXX On the club scene, spending Sunday at Dorothy Parker (Alameda Lorena, 2119 – Jardins) is must do. During the rest of the week, it’s a very very private club with a guest list. And no, you’re not on it. On Sunday, however, they open the doors to extremely cute gay guys who like dancing flesh to flesh beginning at 11 p.m. and hanging out until 2 a.m. or so.

Not far away is the Ritz (Alameda Franca, 1088 – Jardins), a fun burger and pizza joint where you can people watch all night, and linger over a cappuccino. Afterward on Fridays and Saturdays, head across town to Flex Club (Ave. Marquês de São Vicente 1767 – Barra Funda)—an enormous hanger-like structure that holds 2,000+.

While that may sound like a large number, wrap your head around 4 million! That’s the number of gays expected to attend the Parada do Orgulho Gay GLBT de São Paulo on June 10. Translation: Gay Pride, São Paulo style. Prepare to sweat—and grin ear-to-ear.

Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

In case you’ve been living in a foxhole lately, things haven’t been going well for the LGBT community in North Carolina these days. First, the fair citizens of the 12th state in the Union decided to amend its constitution, declaring “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” Given that North Carolina already had a law on its books that prohibits same-sex marriage, it was a bit of overkill.

On top of that, a few days later, the pastor of the Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden gave a sermon in which he advocated that lesbians and gays should be surrounded by an electrical fence and left to die off from natural attrition. The Providence Road Baptist Church (which happens to be located on Williams Street—figure that one out) is not to be confused with the Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte, whose own pastor went online to declare that in his church, they offer the “same grace, mercy and love to all people.”

The natural reaction of the LGBT community is to boycott the state, and that is precisely what you should not do. Just because they’ve given gays and lesbians a drop-kick to the gonads does not mean that there isn’t much to see and do in North Carolina.

The capital of Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks”, and is linked with the neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill in a triangle that may not be gay, but is still very sweet. Beside the aforementioned oaks, there are over 150 incredible gardens, parks, and lakes. The most friendly and stylish hotel in town is the new Aloft (1001 S. Hamilton Rd) in Chapel Hill. With soaring ceilings, 42-inch flat screen TVs, and complimentary Internet wireless, there’s little not to like in this modern hotel run by the Starwood chain.

When it’s time to go clubbing, think of Flex (2 S. West St., Raleigh). The place requires a membership, but that’s taken care of with a $5 bill. It’s the kind of place that hangs a urinal on the wall, fills it with peanuts, and calls it class. No Southern Belles here. If you want something a bit more upscale, try Legends (330 W. Hargett St., Raleigh), with its live drag shows and top-notch DJs. Pecan sweet.

Across the state on the border with “South Caroline,” you’ll find the second largest financial center in the U.S., otherwise known as Charlotte.

It’s both the home of Bank of America and the east coast headquarters for Wells Fargo. Charlotte is nicknamed the “Queen City”—not because it’s so gay, but rather because it was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of England’s King George III. Since few in town seem to know this fact, use it as an instant entre to all the best places.

Count among those: the Woodshed Lounge (4000 Queen City Dr.) where Thursday nights, the boys dress in boxer shorts to get happy hour prices on drinks (and show off their pale legs). Or better yet, try Petra’s Piano Bar & Cabaret (1919 Commonwealth Ave.), where you can sip Mint Julips between sing-alongs to Broadway anthems. They do things like that in the South.

The point of this chatter is that North Carolina needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. It’s the same thing with gays and lesbians. Go—in droves. Once they get to know us, they might just like us. Even at the Providence Road Baptist Church.

Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.

By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

South Florida has some of the best weather in the world. The tropical breezes, cloudless skies, and an ocean temperature that can easily top 80 degrees in the summer. It’s little wonder then that this paradise has one of the most popular clothing optional beaches in the world—topping our list of best gay nude beaches around the world. As I write this piece, I’m sitting on this delicious stretch of oceanfront, officially called the Haulover Beach Park, Florida, USA, located south of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami.

This is not only one of the largest nude beaches in the world, it is the earliest to reach. No rocks to scale, no fences to climb. With a wide expanse of white sand with changing rooms, food stands, and a lifeguard station, you’ll want to park at the north end of the beach parking lot (“$6.00), and walk through the tunnel clearly marked “Beyond This Point You May Encounter Nude Bathers” and enjoy. (www.miamidade.gov/parks/ parks/haulover_park.asp) Hippy Hollow, Texas, USA, is located along the rocky shoreline of manmade Lake Travis just west of Austin. Just a fifteen-minute walk from the parking lot, Hippy Hollow Park charges $12.00 admission, but is well worth the price if tipsy Texas cowboys in need of sunscreen application is your thing. Make yourself useful. (www.co.travis.tx.us)

It’s not easy to reach Sandy Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, but if you’re willing to drive 20 minutes from Capetown to Llandudno and then hike a half-hour from the parking lot, you will be rewarded with white sandy beaches, a bevy of friendly South African men, and the coldest water into which we’ve ever plunged. Gives a new meaning to “shrinkage.” (http://capetown.dj/ beaches/SandyBay/SandyBay.htm)

Canada is always high on the “cool” meter and adds it own take on the gay nude scene with Wreck Beach, Vanouver, Canada. Perched on the very tip of Point Gray, Wreck Beach is close to the University of British Columbia, so expect the college crowd in record numbers. Parts of the show are the many vendors who sell an assortment of wares including beverages, lotions, candy, and assorted narcotics. Whatever you need, Wreck Beach provides. (http://www.wreckbeach.org)

Our personal favorite of all the nude gay beaches in the world is located on Maui in Makena. Little Beach, Hawaii, USA, has all the charm of a secluded paradise with a paved parking lot to make for easy access. There is a lava outcrop to climb from the far side of the public Big Beach. Once accomplished, you’re exposed to a nudist paradise with a pristine turquoise bay and white sand. The further you walk, the gayer it gets. And make certain not to miss a side trip into the surrounding scrubland. Hanky panky is your reward. (http:// www.littlebeachmaui.com)

Robert Elias Deaton is a world-traveling epicure who enjoys the finer things in life.

By PAUL RUB

Sprinkled along the Gaelic-rich countryside, historic relics and towering castles from the Middle Ages to the 19th century create fairy tale settings for reliving the histories of Scotland and Ireland. A number of these castles have been reinvented as hotels, doling out the Full Monty “Once Upon a Time” experience, combining “Harry Potter” scenery with moat-and-guard castle greatness, and some Clue and Scooby Doo-style mystery thrown into the mix (think: secret doors and passageways that lead to an entire underworld, face paintings with tracking eyes, and staff personalities that have you thinking, “it was Mrs. Peacock in the study with the candlestick”). From Inverlochy Castle, ambassador to the Scottish Highlands, to my personal favorite, Ireland’s 13th century Ashford Castle, venturing off Europe’s beaten path and heading to these remote pockets of living history brings a personal storybook to life.

Ashford Castle

Once upon a time, in a reality of fairy tales and fantasia, medieval nobility and majesty prevailed throughout the emerald green island today known as Ireland. During the High Middle Ages, the Norman invasions gave way to settlements such as Ashford on the island’s far west, peppering the landscape with towering castles that epitomized power and period-appropriate ostentation. Nearly eight centuries after its naissance in 1228, Ashford Castle (ashford.ie, 1-800- 346-7007) triumphs as a functioning hotel and historical link to Ireland’s tumultuous past, a splendid adaptive reuse of the fortified residence built by the Anglo- Norman de Burgo family following their defeat of the native O’Connors Connaught. (History lesson now over. Whew!) A top-notch hotel in every facet of design and service, Ashford Castle keeps history in style deep in the remote stretches of western Ireland, about a two-hour drive from the nearest major airport, Shannon. The superbly manicured sprawling grounds, regal interiors, and touches of modern luxury bow down only to the original dramatic exterior, a perfectly preserved architectural and cultural treasure. Ashford Castle embodies the medieval mystery and magnificence that has inspired literary and philosophical greats, recalling an exalted yet eerie age of societal evolution. A protective moat, sharp spires, raised watchtowers, creaky stairways, and secret passageways are just the beginning (Zoinks!). Dimly lit libraries, quiet drawing rooms, draped canopy beds and plush Victorian interiors exude traditional luxury while extensive, labyrinth pathways cut through dozens of verdant acres, leading to on-site centers for falconry, archery, fishing, spa relaxation, golf, and equestrian endeavors. The seasoned and eccentric staff take tremendous pride in facilitating an allencompassing sojourn far back in time while dutifully attentive to the whims and wants of today’s discerning and pampered traveler.

Inverlochy Castle

Inverlochy Castle

One of Scotland’s most exalted hotels, Inverlochy Castle (inverlochycastlehotel. com, 1-888-424-0106), lies in the foothills of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, amidst the inspirational, striking scenery easily recognized by avid “Harry Potter” movie fans. Minutes away from the ruins of the original 13th-century Inverlochy castle, the hotel dates back to mid-19th century, its former life as the private home of Lord Abinger and a resting spot for Queen Victoria on her travels to the Scottish highlands circa 1873. (Insert condescending accent here). Nowadays, this country castle home welcomes globetrotters from around the world and hopeless romantics to receive their own royal treatment. The castle’s formal common areas and seventeen rooms and suites honor the décor and opulence of the late 19th century, none more so than the exquisite dining room, where Chef Philip Carnegie doles out decadent Michelin-starred cuisine. Be prepared to dress to the nines for dinner, gorge over six courses, and whisper the entire time in a dining room where you can hear a pin drop! Lush landscaping and lichen-rich trees envelop the property, flanked by two small lochs and surrounding walking trails ideal for short afternoon ambles. While most high-end Irish and Scottish castles function as stand-alone experiences in remote swaths of Gaelic country, Inverlochy is conveniently located within proximity of Fort William, gateway to the Scottish highlands, and within an hour of the Inner Hebrides and Loch Ness. It’s a fantastic home base or gateway for exploring greater Scotland and is located a two-hour drive from Glasgow or a three hour drive from Edinburgh.

Read Here: CASTLES IN THE CLOUDS PART II: GLENAPP AND EDINBURGH

Paul Rubio

Paul Rubio is a Miami-based travel editor who has visited over 82
countries in his quest to showcase the world. A graduate of Harvard
University, Paul is the author of “Out Traveler: South Florida” and
caters to both avid voyagers and armchair travelers.

By PAUL RUBIO

Rising above the caricature of media punching bag, Mexico is finally regaining its stature as a truly majestic nation, eager to welcome tourists south of the border.  And thanks to some recent laws and court rulings, today’s Mexico holds very special interest for LGBT tourists.

After Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009, Mexico’s Supreme Court gave “two snaps”–in Z formation–to the Mexico’s 31 other states a year later, mandating legal recognition of same-sex matrimony. Now more than ever, LGBT travelers are heading south to explore a land of astounding archaeology, diverse cultures, and luxury hotels, and show their support for a country with a progressive stance on LGBT issues.

One of the best things about modern Mexico is that it’s filled with top-notch luxury enclaves that easily rival the Caribbean’s most treasured islands. Case in point: Mayakoba, along the Yucatan Peninsula’s “Mayan Riviera.”

Located five miles north of Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba doubles as a private community and ecological reserve, housing three upscale hotels, residences, and plenty of biodiversity across 1,600 acres. Flanked by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the east and thriving mangrove colonies to the west, Mayakoba’s super ”green” hotels are built around complex labyrinthine waterways that connect the Yucatan’s underground sinkholes and the deep blue sea.

The opening of the first resort on premises in 2006, the gay-friendly Fairmont Mayakoba, ushered in a new era of luxury tourism for Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. The resort’s wide range of room product, from comfortable classic “Fairmont-view” rooms in the principal towers to colossal, oceanfront and lagoon-front casita suites, present options for both couples and families to revel in the beauty and amenities of this environmental paradise.

Most notably, the outcropping of 34 romance-oriented suites along the resort’s eastern perimeter underscores the global “hotel-within-a-hotel” trend, offering a more private experience while having the resort’s full offerings at hand. Although it’s hard to escape the indulgences of these elegantly understated suites–like the 24-hour butler service, private plunge pools, sprawling al fresco terraces, and glass-heavy, jaw-dropping mega-bathrooms–the chic common pools, cabana-ready beachfront, and ecological boat tours are not to be missed. Moreover, you’ll want to peruse the greater resort to sample the cuisine at its four fabulous farm-to-table restaurants: the authentic Mexican eatery La Laguna Grill and Bar, the award-winning Las Brisas, the sushi-and-cocktails-driven Lobby Lounge, and the fine dining steakhouse, El Puerto. Savvy travelers should opt for the new “Appetite for Luxury” package, which includes all food and beverage on property, excepting El Puerto. This arrangement prevents any guilt (caloric, financial, or otherwise) associated with enjoying that third tamarind margarita, a second bowl of fresh ceviche, and an order of lobster summer rolls, either on the beach or at the swim-up bar (between meals of course).

To feed those urges for self-pampering, the 20,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa is a veritable spa-topia, best appreciated in the couple’s treetops suite, followed by lengthy soaks in the mineral pool, and capped off by a cocktail around the adults-only infinity pool. Golf enthusiasts delight in the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed “El Camaleón,” best known for the annual PGA Mayakoba Golf Classic at the Fairmont. Nature buffs will want to rise early for the morning bird-watching tour.

More than just providing love nests for couples, the Fairmont Mayakoba welcomes alternative families. In line with its kid-centric ethos, the hotel shows as much love for kids as it does for the grown-ups. Each day, kids 4-12 years old get three complimentary hours of fun-filled activity at the dynamic Discovery Club & Adventure Camp. From toddlers to teens, they can make new friends at the four family pools, including one with a water slide. The hotel also generously comps kids up to 5 years old during family meals.

To learn more about Mayakoba, Mexico, visit: fairmont.com/mayakoba

By Paul Rubio

Beyond South Bali’s crowded shorelines, life quickly changes heading east.

Frenetic traffic gives way to isolated roads bordered by stacked rice terraces and lush jungle. Scenes of daily village life quickly usurp the fast food and motorcycle calamity. Circumventing the eastern coastline towards the traditional villages of Manggis, Cadidasa, and Tenganan, colossal vines and palm trees vie for space along dramatic cliffsides. Secluded beaches usher in the rising tides from the Straits of Lombok.

Navigating this shoreline feels like a journey back in time. Women stroll along roadsides, balancing buckets of salak (snake fruit) on their heads, and children weave delicate floral arrangements called banten canang as religious offerings for life cycle ceremonies within the village. The colors, the smiles, and the sounds – they’re all so vibrantly expressive. Many of these traditional scenes stem for the Balinese devotion to their own version of Hinduism – Agama Hindu Dharma. This fidelity has resulted in an island of “1000 temples,” none more important than east Bali’s 11th century Mother Temple of Besakih, the inspiration for every temple found in Bali’s countless villages.

Unobtrusively situated in this land of time bygone, east Bali’s most prized resort, the 34-villa Amankila (amanresorts.com) serves as an ambassador and gateway to the island’s coastal stronghold of anthropology and ecology, fostering cross-cultural interactions in near-by villages and facilitating day trips throughout the magnificent countryside. Amankila, or “peaceful hill,” is romanticized utter seclusion at its finest, tranquility in the shadow of the island’s apex, Mount Agung.

The majority of guests at Amankila strive for equilibrium between tropically breezed, unabashed pampering and immersion in Bali’s nature and traditions; and the resort offers the best of both worlds. An early morning sunrise trek to picturesque Gumang Hill or a snorkeling cruise aboard Aman XII is complemented by an afternoon of spa treatments and a beachside private candlelite dinner.

Likewise, a full afternoon of exploring villages, frolicking in renowned water palaces, and bargaining in local markets, often begins with a picnic breakfast on top of the world at either of Amankila’s romantic satellite bales and later ends with a Rijsttafel dinner, a ten course Indonesian dining extravaganza. For those wanting to simply enjoy the understated elegance and outstanding amenities of the resort, opportunities for sheer relaxation are infinite – whether in-suite, beachfront, hilltop, or hillside. Your best memories may well surface as long afternoons, sampling each level of the three-tiered infinity pool or nursing glasses of fine wine at the exclusive beach club amidst a coconut grove.

Next to Amankila, here in the rustic East, you’ll also find Alila Manggis (www.alilahotels.com/manggis) a moderately priced hotel offering exceptional value in a tremendous location. The hotel’s extensive list of activities – from treks to snorkeling trips to visits to uninhabited nearby islands – are experiential and dutifully capture the essence of east Bali.

By PAUL RUBIO

Read: The Many Sides of Bali Part I: “New Bali”

Found along the island’s east coast and deep in its interior, the area known as “Traditional Bali” captures the island’s timeless spirit, still flourishing in today’s globalized world and unwavering in its cultural foundations. It is here, far removed from the chaos of the modern world, where you’ll lose yourself in the heartfelt hospitality of daily village life, the rewarding treks through rice fields, the burgeoning indigenous arts and craft scene, the odalan ceremonies held at Bali’s “1000 temples” and the pilgrimages to reach them. This is the Bali of fairytales and coffee table books, a land of spiritual awakenings and an invitation to journey to a time bygone.

Coastal brilliance notwithstanding, the country’s rich interior is the pinnacle of the island’s aesthetic and ethnic grandeur. The city of Ubud and its proximate villages showcase the island’s living culture, where eclectic artists interpret the modernization of traditional living, where esteemed Balinese architecture abounds, where village elders trek through the gates of mountaintop luxury hotels to fetch holy water from the temples below, and where the Agung River breathes life into all who grow around her. A seamless amalgamation of alternating levels of dense forest and rice terraces – an unwavering landscape of everlasting vertical and horizontal greens – this is the Bali of legends, the realization of wanderlust and life experience.

Within this sphere of Zen, it is possible to reside either in the heart of the cultural action or on the periphery, engrossed in the natural environment. The centrally located, luxury boutique hotel, Uma Ubud (uma.ubud.como.bz), and the more lavish Amandari (amanresorts.com) lie in the epicenter of Ubud’s prolific arts scene. Both boast the full throttle Eat, Pray, LOVE Ubud experience and are a short drive from renowned yoga centers, cooking schools, and convivial villages where healers, wood carvers, and silversmiths carry on the customs of generations past. A bit further afield, the COMO Shambhala Estate (cse.como.bz) is the evergreen of Ubud inspiration and enlightenment, providing breathtaking backdrops, utter luxury, and outlets for physical stimulation, combining for an end product of unparalleled mental invigoration.

Organized as 3, 5, and 7-day wellness programs, the personal sojourn at COMO Shambhala Estate begins with a consultation from the in-house Aryuvedic doctor, who prepares a bespoke itinerary for time spent at The Estate. Days alternate between spa treatments, hilltop yoga and Pilates classes, jungle treks, and unapologetic relaxation, interspersed by guiltless indulgence in innovative organic meals and revitalizing juices. The suggested structure leaves ample time for a cathartic journey of self, where getting lost around the 23-acre estate and exploring the natural spring pools hugging the mountain’s edge, delighting in the sounds and sights of nature at the riverbank, reflecting on personal achievement, or testing physical fitness at the bonafide “jungle gym” are all options.  Accommodations are structured as five luxury “residences” and five “retreat villas,” with the full gamut of haute resort offerings showcased through individualistic motifs like fire, water, and earth. For example, Tejasuara or “Sound of Fire” is a residence where understated design flawlessly tempers the darkness of

the dominant Sumba stone and black bamboo, illuminated by the fire pit that burns beside the sparkling infinity pool.

Indeed, it seems ironic that an island celebrated for its coastal majesty boasts some of its greatest treasures inland. In fact, Bali’s fortunes are everywhere – superbly distributed over its vast volcanoes, lush mountains, and its remote and crowded beaches where timeless villages and show-stopping resorts co-exist in harmony. This multi-faceted island has evolved as a land of diverse escapism, ripe with endless opportunity for adventure, vacation, and self-reflection in the presence of living history and natural wonder.

Next week, Part III: The Rustic East

By Paul Rubio

Bordered by two of the world’s most popular GLBT cities, Hollywood, Florida, is often tossed aside as a sleepy side city, far removed from the queer Miami-Fort Lauderdale limelight. However, a burgeoning arts scene, an extreme beach overhaul, downtown gentrification and a booming restaurant scene has finally ushered in some much-deserved TLC for this underdog city. Those tired of Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s more predictable scenes will find Hollywood a breath of fresh air – a city more about tradition, community and enrichment than cheap booze or standing and posing.

Hollywood’s redux has unfolded on two main fronts – the beach and downtown. Hollywood beach continues to evolve as a more upscale destination with new construction set to unveil several trendsetting hotels in the coming years. These new hotels will delicately balance the traditional, old school throw back feel of the Broadwalk, where mom and pop ice cream shops and outdoor ethnic eateries reign supreme to commercial chains. Don’t expect Hollywood’s overly tanned old-timers to retire their 1940s clunky bicycles anytime soon. Embracing the full gamut of generations is one of Hollywood’s most charming factors. It’s the beach’s no-frills fun and frivolity that unites people of all ages, races, shapes, genders and sizes. So, it should come as no surprise that gays here do not need to confine themselves to a separate “gay” beach; singles, couples and alternative families can readily enjoy the beach’s downy sands in harmony with the French Canadian tourists, sun starved vacationers and eclectic locals.

To both the north and west of Hollywood beach, Florida’s environmental heritage has been sensationally preserved within the mangroves and virgin habitats surrounding Anne Kolb Nature Center and John U. Lloyd Beach State Park. A hop, skip and a jump from the city’s oceanfront action, old Florida awaits with endless opportunity for canoeing, kayaking, boating, picnicking and wildlife viewing. If you’re lucky, you may even spot manatees while kayaking through this pristine area. And, at John Lloyd State Park, there’s ample space for picnics, grilling or just chilling along the sugarloaf sand banks.

Heading west on Hollywood Boulevard, the circular Young Arts Park segues from beachfront bliss to downtown delights. With a sprawling mega playground, a state of the art amphitheatre hosting fabulous concerts, educational workshop spaces and lots of green space for quintessential outdoor fun, this urban park has become wildly popular with families from all parts of South Florida.

The park hosts fabulous events on a regular basis – like Food Truck Monday evenings, Friday glassblowing workshops for adults and kids alike, scheduled jewelry making classes, as well as a regular concert series which recently included gay favorites En Vogue and Expose in a free concert sponsored by the City of Hollywood.

At the western edge of Young Arts Park, Downtown Hollywood’s blossoming bar and restaurant scene commences along both Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, leading to insider favorites like Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, upscale modern French dinging at Sage Café & Oyster Bar, sensational Merlots at Harrisons Wine Bar and decadent desserts at Sweetz Chocolate & Treats Café. Those looking for exceptional originality should definitely begin their citywide gastronomy tour with the restaurant leading the city’s foodie revolution – Lola’s on Harrison. Lola’s menu teems with innovative mouth-watering dishes like short ribs (or Portobello mushroom steaks for vegetarians like me) smothered in homemade Coca Cola BBQ sauce, topped by a tower of buttermilk onion rings alongside a helping of creamed corn; fresh ricotta gnocchi in a hearty wild mushroom cream sauce that melts in your mouth as you eat it; and the best crab cakes you’ll have outside of Baltimore! Three separate drink menus complement the food experience – an awesome and enormous beer menu with several dozen American and Imported Hand Crafted Beers, an extensive affordable wine list and a book of artisanal cocktails full of muddled, fruity goodness!

Beyond a day or evening trip to dabble in Hollywood’s beach and downtown offerings, the spectacular Hollywood Westin Diplomat is idyllic for a Hollywood vacation or staycation. With everything and anything you’d want from a grand hotel, combined with jaw-dropping views, quick beach access, plenty of swimming pools, excellent restaurants and bars (including one of my South Florida favorites – the Asian-inspired Azia), stellar service, a social vibe and a central location for enjoying Hollywood, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale – the Hollywood Westin Diplomat is one of South Florida’s best and most affordable hotel options.

Oceanfront and Country Extravagance on the Dominican Republic’s Southeast Shoreline

“Casa de Campo” is a common term in Spanish, translating literally to “country house” or “cottage,” often referring to a second or third home for the Latin American bourgeoisie. However, in the Dominican Republic this term takes on a much grander meaning. Here, “Casa de Campo” is a resort, a community, a status symbol and the epitome of Caribbean luxury.

Originally a golf resort and recreation zone for the executive elite during the disco decade, Casa de Campo’s 7,000 acres have steadily developed to include over 2,500 villas, homes and hotel suites, as well as a 400-berth marina to complement the award-winning Pete Dye golf courses and the ever-growing spectacle of haute dude ranch amenities. The resort grounds are so large they’re divided into different neighborhoods, and a designated golf cart is essential for traversing the property in its entirety.

The resort is unique in that it coalesces elements of sophisticated, modern oceanfront living with estancia elegance and endless opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast. It’s not uncommon to split your days at Casa de Campo between horseback riding, sunbathing on the beach and sipping tropical cocktails; or sport shooting, kayaking, playing golf on the Caribbean’s top-rated course, “Teeth of The Dog,” and then indulging in a sumptuous spa treatment. With such ample acreage, Casa de Campo has perfected the multi-faceted vacation destination in a superbly fortunate geographic point where temperatures rarely fall below 70 or rise above 82.

The resort’s twenty restaurants, fifteen bars, shopping center, movie theater, equestrian center, five professional golf courses, expansive beaches, thirteen fast dry Har-Tru tennis courts, colossal marina and clay shooting center are so well dispersed that Casa de Campo feels like its very own vacation metropolis – no doubt a self-contained world of leisure and pleasure.

As the resort name implies, the “casa de campo” experience is one of the myriad accommodation types available for guests. The “Classic Villas,” as well as several of the “Exclusive Villas,” stand as bona fide country homes, with wooden and rustic furnishings that elicit that distinctive home-style coziness.  However, it’s the seaside stunners and the new “Elite Suites” that merit the most attention. Many contemporary “Oceanfront Villas” line the rocky coastline with open, airy floor plans, a heavy emphasis on neutral hues and Earth tones, drawing attention to the floor to ceiling windows that reveal the juxtaposition of blues between the contemporary infinity pool and the dazzling, aquamarine Atlantic. These villas offer pure private decadence – your own slice of the Caribbean – with the greater Casa de Campo amenities at your disposal.  During last year’s refurbishment of the charming, double story clusters that comprise the hotel portion of the resort, several second floor units were converted into oversized suites, adding full modern living and dining areas to the “Elite rooms.”  Beyond the more comprehensive hotel experience, these hotel suites offer close proximity to the resort’s peaceful and gregarious pool areas (a quiet one dedicated for lounging and reading, the other for a little more standing and posing, respectively), the sensational Cygalle Healing Spa, and the bustling main lobby, with Casa’s centerpiece – Minitas Beach – just a short ride away. The perfect combination of swaying palm trees, downy sands and crystal clear waters, Minitas Beach teems with unadulterated beach bliss. Sunbathers revel in the optimal rays, drink in hand from the adjacent beach bar.

Water sports enthusiasts choose from the full range of snorkeling gear, Hobie cats, kayaks and paddleboats, eager to take on the Atlantic. Spa fiends opt for the open-air massage treatments to the sounds of the crashing waves.  Foodies rejoice in a barefoot lunch of fresh salads and seafood at the Beach Club by Le Cirque.

For the modern family, Casa de Campo is an ideal tropical retreat that bridges the likes of the most diametrically opposed personalities, satisfying extreme cravings of pampering and/or activity, for each and every demographic. And for the more subdued luxury jetsetter, Casa de Campo offers the greatest breath of villas in the Caribbean, suiting all architectural and interior design tastes of the sophisticated vacation palate.

www.casadecampo.com; 1-800-877-3643