Rass Mandal – Santa Fe Gay Friendly Vacation Rental

Rass Mandal - Santa Fe Gay Friendly Vacation Rental

Rass Mandal is a unique adobe vacation residence situated on a mountain range of pine forests with spectacular views. Entering brings you to another time and presents a serene and inspiring atmosphere for all. The house and grounds of more than 10 acres offer abundant locations for quiet time. There are numerous hiking & mountain bike trails immediately accessible, some of which take you directly to the center of Santa Fe.

Rass Mandal was built by a direct descendant of the daughter of King Akbar of India, sister to Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.

It was also featured on HGTV’s House Hunter’s on Vacation with initial airing on June 22nd 2012.

Upon entering the home you encounter a large domed circular living room complete with a fireplace, eastern antique furniture and beautiful views looking out to a pool. This space is ideal for group sessions, gatherings and entertainment. Off to the left of the living room is the dining room and kitchen area. The dining table has room to accommodate 12 and is a great area for entertaining and formal meals. The kitchen is open plan and has a Moroccan style fireplace and a very comfortable breakfast nook ideal for bird watching. Behind the kitchen is a queen size bedroom and a bathroom, secluded from the rest of the house with its own private entrance.

To the right of the living room are guest quarters, each room offers views overlooking the grounds and the entire Santa Fe valley. The master bedroom is complete with a fireplace, a large meditation/work area, beautiful bathroom and sunken Jacuzzi with views. Additionally, there is a 2nd story observation deck that provides expansive views over all of Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains and beyond. The house is not air conditioned but given the cool evenings it is not actually necessary. Fans are provided should they be desired.

Heading outside, there is a large private pool with waterfall, hot tub and sauna. The pool is heated during the summer months (June 1st – September 30th) – however it is 35,000 gallons and heating is not feasible during the other times. Generally the pool water temperature will be maintained at 78 F in July and August but ranges about 74F – 76F for June and September. The hot tub is kept at 104 F. All this is surrounded by a deck and patio ideal for outdoor dining and relaxation. There is also a gas-fired Fire Pit for enjoyment during the cool evenings.

See the Rass Mandal Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Santa Fe Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

LGBT Families: Exploring Kauai With Kids – 2 Travel Dads

Kauai - 2 Travel Dads

After having gotten to explore Oahu with kids and share highlights and tips from the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands, 2TravelDads is excited to share more ideas for Hawaii! Exploring Kauai with kids is another great way to experience the islands, but at a different pace. And if you’re doing a Hawaiian holiday with smaller kids, this is perfect for you!

Exploring Kauai with kidsEach of the Hawaiian Islands is very different, and exploring Kauai with kids is a relaxed adventure. From waterfalls to natural wonders, the Garden Island is mellow and gorgeous. Perfect for a Hawaiian family vacation. 2traveldads.com
by Andy LaBadie

We were so excited to venture back to Hawaii for the chance to visit our third island, Kauai. After five days at Disney’s Aulani for a work conference and tons of family fun, we hopped a short flight from Oahu to Lihue (on Kauai) for five more days in paradise.

Nicknamed the “Garden Island” because of its lush landscape, plentiful waterfalls, and beautiful mountainous terrain, from the moment we landed, Kauai did not disappoint. While not on the beach, our hotel was very close to the water and had great views at sunset from the wall of the cliffs across the street. We even spotted several whale spouts on our last night there!

Great Beaches on Kauai with Kids

Though our hotel had several amazing pools, our kids love the beach so we were lucky to find the aptly named “Baby Beach” a short ten minute walk from the hotel. For doing Kauai with kids, the South shore beaches are great for families because many of them are protected by reefs and do not get the high surf that the north shore has this time of year (winter). The beach was fairly empty whenever we visited and the water was calm, which was great for our little water babies.

By Andy LaBadie – Full Story at 2 Travel Dads

Kauai Gay Travel Resources

Annecy: The Little Venice of France – Keep Calm and Wander

Annecy views - Keep Calm and Wander

Don’t miss the views of beautiful Annecy from the Chateau should you decide to visit it for a day from Lyon. Chateau de Annecy sits on the hill and towers above the city and Lake Annecy. After paying the entrance fee, walk all the way to the end of the castle and you’ll find a green backyard with a fort. From here, you’ll see the uninterrupted views of the charming little town.

Little Venice. Because of the presence of some canals, the town is said to be the “Little Venice of France.” Unlike Venice, this town is away from hordes of tourists that cramped the Italian water town. There are no canal tours here and no gondolas for honeymooners.

Boat Tour / Cruise. You can do a boat tour / cruise on Lake Annecy. There are few boat operators near the European Gardens, along the lake.

Enjoy the views.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

Eating Out: Sweden

Eating Out - Sweden

Some may think that Sweden goes into hibernation once the dark months hit, temperatures plummet below zero and crisp white snow blankets everything with absolute abandon.
They couldn’t be more wrong, Swedes like to eat and drink all year round, regardless of weather and as a result, there’s a long, awesome food culture that every LGBTI foodie must try. So we asked the globetrotting gourmets with a love of Sweden, the GastroGays about their favorite foodie experiences. This is what they had to say…

Dinner on Ice in Brändö, Swedish Lapland

‘Swedish Lapland is a true winter wonderland with incredible food experiences to be had in the colder months.

‘In Brändö, you can dine between the stars and sea, by eating on the ice itself. Dinner on Ice is just 30 minutes outside Luleå at Brändö Kvarnväg. Beneath a starry sky and above the water itself, leave the shore surrounded by darkness and walk towards the glow and warmth of fire and enticing smell of food.

‘The lávvu tent sent up on the ice offers a truly unique experience for all the senses that seems all kinds of wrong in theory but in practice works on every level.’

Full Story at Gay Star News

Sweden Gay Travel Resources

Masterpieces of the Louvre – Keep Calm and Wander

Masterpieces of the Louvre - Keep Calm and Wander

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum. It is renowned for Leonardo Da Vinci’s, Monalisa. If you only have limited time to spare inside, here are 10 masterpieces not to miss at Louvre Museum in Paris.

Ideally, this museum should not be seen in rush. There’s so much to see here and I’d say that spending a half day here would be great! If you’re really into arts, then spending a whole day here would be a day you won’t forget. The Louvre Museum is beyond Monalisa. There are certain rooms and galleries that have only few people – where you can be almost alone with the works of the master artists.

Tips in Visiting the Louvre Museum. I have three tips for you. First, buy the ticket online to avoid the line. Second, go early to avoid the crowd. Make it your very first thing to do in the morning. Third, get the audio guide to get the story / descriptions of each masterpiece – in your language of choice.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles – Gay Friendly Cape Charles Bed & Breakfast

Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles - Gay Friendly Cape Charles Bed & Breakfast

Looking for a bed and breakfast to completely relax and unwind? The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. On the southwest corner of the peninsula lays the bayside historic town of Cape Charles, with it’s small town charm, sandy beaches and friendly faces not to mention it’s secret weapon, the western exposure that provides the backdrop for the most spectacular sunsets. Relax with your toes in the sand, cool beverage in hand and the soothing sounds of the waves as they wash the worries of the world away.

The Inn is a beautifully restored home with great history and located in the center of town making it a perfect location. Blocks from the beach, shopping restaurants, spa and harbor/marina, with no stop light in site visitors walk, bike or golf cart around town, parking their cars for the duration of their stay. Often referred to, as the land of gentle-living the quaint laid-back town of Cape Charles is a step back in time when life was a bit simpler, our bed and breakfast is your “haven”, an escape from the urgency everyday life distractions. One of our guests said it best; “when life gets in the way of taking a minute to breathe, escape to the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles”.

The charming curb appeal of the inn and surrounding gardens, which are impeccable maintained, are just one of the views guests will enjoy from either their room window or one of the many places to enjoy the many private nooks around the property. Select a spot on the wrap-around porch with a swing, love seat or couch just calling you for a nap or perhaps enjoy a pre-sunset beverage in the adirondack chairs under “Piper” the infamous palm tree. (You have to ask innkeepers about the story behind “Piper”!).

Once inside guests will find the furnishings and elegance of the inn classic and very inviting, leaving you feeling at home as you enter the front door. The architecture of the house is intriguing with comfortable furnishings and pleasing to the eye. Meticulous detail has gone into the design and decor of each room.

There is no doubt your appetite will be fulfilled with the inn’s farm to fork approach for breakfasts, utilizing fresh produce from our gardens or utilizing bounty from the local farmers. Noted for our sweet potato ham biscuits and “Jim Bread”, innkeeper Jim’s baking is always something guests leave talking about and craving.

As innkeepers we strive to be attentive and helpful yet give you the perfect amount of privacy desired. Your satisfaction in your visit to Cape Charles and the Bay Haven Inn is our number one priority. Gracious and genuine southern hospitality is served up daily with pleasure.

See the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Is the Amazon Rainforest Icky? – Passport Magazine

Amazon rainforest - pixabay

The Amazon rainforest is a lot more than creepy crawlies and humidity. It’s incredibly lush, it features a staggering amount of wildlife (monkeys, jaguars, dolphins, macaws, etc), and most importantly – since we are gay, after all – you can travel there in luxury. ‘Cause let’s face it, it’s a lot more fun watching wild apes while holding a glass of champagne.

You don’t have to travel in 5-star style, of course. You can camp along the Amazon, sleep in a pool of sweat, bathe in bug spray and experience nature in ways both charming and terrifying. But if you’re someone who appreciates both a skiff and a steak, perhaps a company like Brand g Vacations – which offers all-gay, all-inclusive land tours and rivers cruises – is right for you.

For starters, the Amazon can be warm and humid, no doubt. But Brand g specifically operates its tours in the cooler spring months. And on these cruises, wildlife excursions occur in the very comfortable morning and evening hours. During the warmer part of the day, you can enjoy the air-conditioned luxury of the river ship. And what a ship it is (we’ll get to that).

Many people think of the creepier, scarier forms of wildlife (snakes, spiders, etc) in the rainforest, and assume any Amazon vacation will be chock full of GROSS. But there are many charming, adorable animals, as well, like turtles, the capybara (pictured below), the river dolphin, etc. The Amazon is a veritable panoply of creatures great and small, and there’s something for everyone.

Fortunately, on a Brand g trip. our expert naturalists are well-accustomed to squeamish Americans, and will get you only as up close and personal with wildlife as your own comfort level allows. So, you can swim with river dolphins and let tarantulas crawl up your sleeve, or you can just watch as somebody else does. It’s all up to you.

By Eric Poole – Full Story at Passport Magazine

Brazil Gay Travel Resources

The Broken Chair – Keep Calm and Wander

The Broken Chair

You’d never miss the monument of the broken chair at the United Nations office in Geneva. It’s on the square in front of the office where world affairs are decided. The monstrosity of the structure carries the weight of a world problem we all too familiar with – war.

Where is it? It’s in front of the Palace of Nations in Geneva. From the train station downtown, take a streetcar that goes all the way to the United Nations. Get off at the last stop.

Best Time to Visit. Wake up early to beat the crowd. The sculpture, I think, can be felt when you’re alone with it. Even without reading its description, you feel the sense of what the statue stands for.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Switzerland Gay Travel Resources

Starlight Sailing Charters – Gay US Virgin Islands Sailing Tours

Starlight Sailing Charters

Starlight Sailing Charters provides friendly and fun private sailing vacations aboard the large, modern, and luxurious sailing yacht, Starlight. Starlight sails November through May in the wonderful Virgin Islands and Eastern Caribbean.

During Summer Months, Starlight sails from Sag Harbor, New York on exquisite Hamptons day charters and sailing vacations. A Starlight vacation is wonderful for a special occasion, or a fantastic way to relax and escape in paradise. Starlight accommodates up to six guests, but is also appropriate for smaller groups and solo travelers.

Captain Toby Stull is your host for charters exploring paradise in the Virgin Islands, St Maarten and St Barths, Antigua and Lower Caribbean. With a lifetime of sailing experience and a decade chartering in the Caribbean, Capt. Toby knows exactly where to bring guests and how to tailor your experience depending on your desired activities aboard.

Our vacations can be booked as “captain-only,” on which guests eat half their lunches and dinners at local Caribbean restaurants, or “all inclusive” where a chef joins to prepare all meals. Either way, Delicious onboard meals can be suited to all types of dietary restrictions. Also, the Captain’s adorable yet unobtrusive boat dog, “Bamboo,” joins on all charters.

See the Starlight Sailing Charters Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

It’s Still Gay Key West – The Advocate

gay Key West - pixabay

They have a motto in Key West: “One Human Family.” Coined by James Thompson — an HIV-positive activist, organizer, and designer — it represents Key West, the tiny island best known for its queer inclusiveness.

“Inclusiveness is part of our heritage,” one tour guide told me when I visited last August. Its embrace of diversity and willingness to set itself apart from the Florida mainland goes back to its origins as a haven for an eclectic blend of Native Americans, Spanish, freed slaves, seafarers (including pirates), queers, and creatives. The island known as the “southernmost point in the continental U.S.” sided with the North during the Civil War and later served as home to famous writers like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Judy Blume.

The charm Key West offers is so unlike other Florida cities that many locals call it “Unflorida” and consider the island to be “more Caribbean than the United States.” Its reputation as a refuge for LGBT people has been reflected in local politics: The city was one of the first in the U.S. to elect an out gay mayor (Richard A. Heyman in 1983).

By David Artavia – Full Story at SOURCE

Key West Gay Travel Resources