Month: December 2017

Inside the Vatican Museum – Keep Calm and Wander

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Vatican Museum in Rome - Kep Calm and Wander

My jaw dropped inside the spectacular Vatican Museum. I can’t even find the exact words on how I felt while slowly going around. It is the best museum I’ve been to and every piece seems to be priceless. Even the minutest thing of all would cost more than my life!

I reckon that no visitors at the vatican Museum left unimpressed or shocked by its grandeur. It took me time to sink in that I was in the worlds greatest museum where art and religion is its main centrepiece.

Works of Great Artists. It seems like every Renaissance artist had left a masterpiece at Vatican Museum. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s frescoes are a must-see. Don’t miss gazing at the works of Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Filippo Lippi, Giotto di Bondone, Bellini, and many more.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Rome Gay Travel Resources

Hoyt House B&B – Lesbian Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast

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Hoyt House B&B - Amelia Island

Welcome to Amelia Island’s 1905 Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast Inn, an exclusive boutique hotel that blends romantic elegance, comfort and great service.

Come spend a weekend (or a week) in our relaxing atmosphere at our beautiful Amelia Island Inn, which is set in Ferdinanda Beach’s Historic District. We’re close to a number of fantastic restaurants, wonderful shopping, and all kinds of antiques. Amelia Island is a great place to get away from your normal life, get refreshed, relaxed, and recharged.

Now’s an ideal time to visit Amelia Island and to stay at the 1905 Hoyt House B&B – we offer elegant guest rooms, and amazing gourmet breakfasts. We’re more than just a Bed & Breakfast – we’re a unique boutique hotel on a very unique island.

Hoyt House is ideal for a romantic weekend, an unforgettable honeymoon, or for celebrating a special occasion with your partner.

Hoyt House offers ten oversized guest rooms, four common area salons with original hand-tiled fireplaces, afternoon snacks, bicycles for guest use, a large video library, and relaxing, rocking porch swings where you can pass a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee and a good book.

The inn also has luxurious leather couches next to the fireplace, perfect for relaxation with a glass of your wine. Or you can listen to a piano serenade played by another guest.

Our lovely gardens include a heated pool with and jacuzzi, as well as lounge chairs, shaded tables, and a beautiful old-fashioned gazebo – the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon or evening after a day at the beach.

The garden and Gazebo can also be decorated for weddings and other special occasions hosted on the beautifully landscaped grounds of Hoyt House – we welcome weddings for gay and lesbian couples!

Our wrap-around veranda has a view of the historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, originally built in 1861, the site of many wonderful celebrations and gatherings.

If you’re looking for total relaxation, comfort and romance, come stay with us at Hoyt House on Amelia Island for your next vacation!

See the Hoyt House B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

AREA Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Lesbian Yukon – Curve

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lesbian Yukon

There really is nowhere like Yukon, also commonly called The Yukon. This wild and precious piece of Canada tucked up in the far northwestern corner is an adventurer’s delight to explore. In these especially troubled times, here is a place where you can get back to nature and see stunning scenery that revives your faith in the world—natural and cultural. The territory offers wide open spaces that are filled with unspoiled vistas, gorgeous wildlife, First Nations (indigenous) culture, loads of fun outdoor activities for all seasons and fitness levels, unique northern food, and friendly and LGBT-accepting locals.

It’s a particularly good time to visit because of the renewed and inspiring dedication to the Trans Canada Trail—also known as The Great Trail, which is thought to be the world’s longest network of recreational trails. Construction on the Great Trail began in 1992 and the Trail, with its many tributaries, stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic oceans. That’s a lot of potential exploring to do! But most remarkable about the Trail is the fact that it is maintained, developed and monitored in sections at a municipal level by local individuals, organizations, and conservation groups. Plus, there’s even a Great Trail app you can download and explore.

As remote as it may seem, it’s not that difficult to get to Yukon. All you need to do is fly into the town of Whitehorse from a major Canadian city, and you’re in the hub for accommodation and all your outbound activities. Whitehorse in itself is a charming and picturesque town, and during our visit in August, we noticed a rainbow flag painted on the main street and much cultural diversity in evidence, including LGBT flags in coffee shops. Even though you’re in Canada’s “outback,” LGBTQ rights and visibility are not overlooked because you are, after all, in ever-tolerant Canada.

By Merryn Johns – Full Story at Curve Magazine

Yukon Gay Travel Resources

The Rebirth of Manhattan – Gay Star News

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Manhattan - pixabay

New York City’s downtown and financial district is changing: As it inevitably would.

No one who witnessed them can forget the events of 9/11. Since that time, the area around the former World Trade Center towers has been scarred. Sixteen years on, that scar has gone some way to healing.

One World Trade Center

I first came to New York in 2002, just six months after 9/11. The WTC site was still a closed-off scene of devastation. I’ve returned every 2-3 years since. The development and rebirth has been dramatic, but moreso in the last couple of years.

New Yorkers know that life has to move on. The downtown financial district now stands in the shadows of another tower – the new One World Trade Center. The highest building in the Western hemisphere, since its opening in 2014 changes to the local area have picked up speed.

The residential population in Lower Manhattan has more than doubled since 9/11. Some big banking groups have moved out since the financial crash of 2008: all those new residents, and visitors, need places to eat, drink and shop.

By David Hudson – Full Story at Gay Star News

Manhattan Gay Travel Resources

Prana Rainforest Retreat – Gay Manuel Antonio Retreat

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Prana Rainforest Retreat

Welcome to Costa Rica’s Prana Rainforest Retreat, a luxurious bali-style villa in Manuel Antonio, made just for you and your partner. Come stay with us and experience expert massage therapy, yoga and exotic gourmet meals.

You can spend your whole day here, if you want, lounging together on your romantic day bed, suspended over a private tropical pool. Practice yoga on the deck by our peaceful waterfall, surrounded by a tropical forest filled with monkeys and toucans.

Our Costa Rica retreat sits on the border of Manuel Antonio National Park, just minutes away from world-famous white sand beaches.

Your hosts Mark and Jon, built the Prana Rainforest Retreat as an extension of their business, Prana Spa, in Key West. We offer our retreat as a bed and breakfast – a full breakfast is served each morning, including items such as:

  • Omelets filled with fresh homemade goat cheese and herbs from our greenhouse, made with eggs from our own chickens
  • Fresh homemade granola and yogurt served with organic fruit from our own trees
  • Almond pancakes topped with maple syrup infused with homegrown ginger and cardamom
  • Fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, and organic Costa Rican coffee.

The retreat’s Guest Villa offers 1,400 square feet of living space, and includes a king-sized bed, large living room, and a step-through “rain shower” room opening up onto the pool deck. You can look up from your shower and see a flock of toucans in the trees above!

Our Manuel Antonio villa is furnished with museum-quality furnishings collected from India, Indonesia and Thailand, and the open air design allows cool jungle breezes to pass through, or if you prefer, you can fully air condition the rooms.

Prana Rainforest Retreat was made for relaxation – lay in a hammock on your private covered deck by the waterfall, read a book on the cushioned Bali Bed suspended over your private pool, have a glass of wine in your living room, or take a nap on your comfortable antique king-sized bed.

Each of these spaces has a wonderful view into the surrounding rainforest, and there are also have trails traversing the property which you can explore while you are here.

The Prana Rainforest Retreat is a wonderful, private getaway which you’ll have all to yourself. It’s also a great base for exploring the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica – head off after breakfast each day to experience the beautiful beaches and adventure excursions that make Manuel Antonio a world-class resort destination.

See the Prana Rainforest Retreat Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Prana Rainforest Retreat Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Gay Johannesburg – Breakaway Backpacker

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Gay Johannesburg

If you’re an experienced traveler, then you understand the thrill of visiting new countries and experiencing different cultures. When that wanderlust strikes, you get the irresistible urge pack your bags and wander wherever the wind takes you. One destination that might pique your interest is Johannesburg, South Africa, where there is no shortage of culture and scenery.

Colloquially referred to by South Africans as “Jo’burg” or “Jozi,” this is a city with a rich history, and anthropologists have even discovered prehistoric sites here. Today, this South African city has many modern suburbs and business districts, with many areas completely revamped with improved public transportation and infrastructure after South Africa was selected to host the 2010 World Cup. Ranked the third largest city in Africa, this bustling city derives much of its prosperity from gold and diamond mining. Although English is most widely spoken, the country has 11 national languages, including Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa.

Johannesburg has good weather all year long, averaging about 78 degrees, because of its high elevation. However, it’s better to go in winter, May through August, then summer, October through March. Winter has an abundance of sunshine in winter, with mild weather during the day, although it does get cold at nights. Summer is less favorable because it’s the rainy season. Frequent afternoon rainstorms will limit your chances of enjoying a safari or roaming around the streets sightseeing.

Johannesburg’s Attractions

Here is a short list of things to do and places to see:

There are many recreational things to do, from restaurants to theaters, and from museums to safaris. When it comes to shopping for traditional crafts, you may want to visit Market on Main on Sunday, which is only open from 10 am to 3 pm. It’s a creative space for local makers to trade with visitors over the weekend.

By Jaime Davila – Full Story at Breakaway Backpacker

Johannesburg Gay Travel Resources

No Romance at the Spanish Steps – Keep Calm and Wander

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Spanish Steps - Keep Calm and Wander

First of all, I didn’t find romance at the Spanish Steps in Rome. Not even a wisp breath of ardour. And that’s because the place is infested with tourists, like me.

I can only imagine at night when lovers would smooch on the stairs and whisper promises only to be broken later. But surely, you’ve seen this place from the movie, “Roman Holiday” or that TV show, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” And oh, if you’re a Bob Dylan fan, you might have heard this place in his song, “When I Paint My Masterpiece.”

Why it’s called Spanish Steps? There used to be a Spanish Embassy in the area and at the bottom of the steps, you’ll find Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Plaza). Naturally its name is extended into the steps – thus, it became Spanish Steps.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Rome Gay Travel Resources