Trinidad, Cuba – Globetrotter Girls

Trinidad, Cuba - Dani

The true showstopper in Cuba for me wasn’t Havana, but Trinidad, a city founded by the Spanish that dates back to 1514 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I wasn’t sure if it’d be worth the long drive to get there – the city is located pretty much in the middle of the island, halfway between Havana in the north and Santiago in the far south; around 6 hours on a bus from Havana. But I am so glad that we decided to add it to our itinerary, despite the distance from Havana and Viñales, our first two stops.

Trinidad looked like it hadn’t changed much since the Spanish founded it in the 16th century – colonial houses line cobblestone streets, there are several Spanish-colonial churches and neatly arranged plazas, and horse carts outnumber cars. When people say that a trip to Havana feels like a trip back to the 1950s (because of all the American vintage cars from that time), it’s safe to say that a trip to Trinidad feels like a trip back to the 16th century.

In Trinidad, we got to really soak up Cuban life. With four nights here, we had plenty of time to experience Cuban culture, watch people dance salsa in the town square and in the bars every night, watch locals meet for a chat or a glass of rum in one of the benches that lined all the plazas, and artists draw paintings in the many galleries.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

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Classic Cuba – Globetrotter Girls

Classic Cuba

I have so many thoughts and emotions about my Cuba trip, I am still processing everything I’ve seen and experienced on this spellbinding little island. Visiting Cuba turned out more challenging as I thought it would be, but it was so worth it. I have yet to go through the thousands of photos I took and sort my thoughts, but I’ll be sharing a number of Cuba articles shortly.

For now, let’s just say that Cuba isn’t like any other country I’ve ever visited, and yet, it felt strangely familiar. Why is that, you wonder? I grew up in East Germany, a Communist country, just like Cuba still is. In fact, Cuba was one of our socialist allies, and while with the collapse of the Communist bloc, life for me and 16 million other East Germans took a huge turn (for the better), Cubans still live so many aspects of the life that I remember from my childhood.

Before this little teaser for my upcoming Cuba content becomes too much of a ramble (I’ll be talking about this ‘walk down memory lane’, which this trip inadvertently turned into for me, in an upcoming article) – for now I just want to say that I was fascinated by the spirit of the Cuban people, the lust for life, their ability to find joy in the little things, and about seeing how life spills out into the streets everywhere.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

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Cato Jutias, Cuba – Globetrotter Girls

Cayo Jutias - Dani

Even though Cuba is a Caribbean island, whenever I thought of Cuba, a Caribbean vacation was not what I had in mind. Instead, I pictured Spanish-colonial colorful towns, lush green tobacco fields and the crumbling facades of Havana’s grand buildings. What I wasn’t thinking of were turquoise, crystal clear waters and pristine beaches fringed by palm trees. But of course, there are lots of exactly those in Cuba, and I am glad that I got to include a couple of them into my packed Cuba itinerary.

The first beach we went to, Cayo Jutias, happened to be a beach that is one of Cuba’s most stunning beaches (nearby Cayo Levisa on a tiny island off of the coast is supposedly the absolute best beach in Cuba. And yes, every beach we saw afterwards looked just.. uh.. nice.. in comparison (but those were still Caribbean beaches..!).

Cayo Jutias doesn’t have any hotels, only a couple of restaurants. Other than that, it is just miles and miles of untouched, picture-perfect beach. And the best thing? Since Cayo Jutias is fairly difficult to get to – located on the northern tip of the island, a bumpy 75-minute ride on a pothole-filled country road from the small town of Viñales – there aren’t many tourists there.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

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Rainbow Room At Sloop Jones – St. John, US Virgin Islands

Rainbow Room At Sloop Jones Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Commune with nature and art in The Rainbow Room by Sloop Jones, a quiet retreat on St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The Rainbow Room is a spacious one-bedroom with high ceilings and tons of natural light, a large bathroom with shower, a kitchenette, and a large porch with screened in area and blissful water view. Walk less than five minutes and you’re on the neighborhood’s private, secluded beach. It’s located on the same peaceful property as the famed Sloop Jones art studio and gallery, but in a separate, stand-alone guesthouse. Lush tropical grounds surround the cottage, displaying nature’s bold and sensual palette. You will enjoy vivid and fragrant tropical flora that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Visit while the jasmine or ylang ylang is in bloom, and your nose will have an ambrosial experience of a lifetime. Become friends with the silent predawn hour after the insects have stopped buzzing and before the birds begin to chirp. The Rainbow Room is located on an enchanting piece of property, yes. But even better, the island is magical in and of itself. People who love St. John will tell you it’s a treasure of an island. A jewel. About two thirds is reserved as National Park, saving the island from overdevelopment. As such, St. John’s beaches are unspoiled and high-rise free. A nature lover’s paradise with tons of trails and ample snorkeling, St. John is also a great place to relax, imbibe, and shop. So if exercising on vacay isn’t your thing… no problem. The Rainbow Room is on the remote East End of St. John, perfect for people who REALLY like to get away from it all. Quiet and sparsely populated, the East End offers scenic vistas of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Plus, a starscape that will honestly-not-just-saying-this take your breath away. And probably bring tears to your eyes. Also. There are wild donkeys and goats. For the soulful traveler who yearns for a balance of solitude and connection, serenity and stimulation, The Rainbow Room will arouse your senses and rejuvenate your spirit. And it may very well become your happy place. Amenities:

  • WIFI
  • Coffee maker
  • Toaster oven
  • Microwave
  • Small fridge
  • Screened in porch with water view
  • 5 minute walk to secluded, private beach
  • Private, off-street parking
  • Large shower
  • Queen bed
  • 15 minutes to Coral Bay – the nearest stores and restaurants
  • 30 minutes to the North Shore beaches
  • 45 minutes to Cruz Bay

See the PROPERTY Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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Floris Suite Hotel & Spa – Willemstad, Curacao

Floris Suite Hotel & Spa Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: The Floris Suite Hotel & Spa is located in Piscadera Bay, 5 minutes’ drive from downtown Willemstad, the capital of Curacao. The hotel offers the comfort of a first-class hotel with relaxing tranquility. This all suite boutique hotel features 73 units with a rich residential feel and two private beaches. The hotel is only for guests 18 years and older. It is situated in a private enclave and is known for its tranquility, comfort and style. The hotel is an active member of the International gay and lesbian travel association and therefore very welcoming to all gay guests and their friends.

See the Floris Suite Hotel & Spa Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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Gay Friendly Aruba

Gay Friendly Aruba Carl Quant and Endy Croes got married Nov. 4 in Bonaire, the Caribbean island that, together with Aruba and Curaçao, forms the ABC islands. They were both living and working in Aruba earlier this year when I visited, but Quant has since transferred within the hospitality industry to Bonaire, where same-sex weddings are allowed. Aruba is a ‘very gay-friendly’ island But still, Aruba is very gay-friendly. “I’ve had no issues whatsoever being gay (in Aruba); we don’t do anything different than any other person,” based on our sexual-orientation, said Croes. For instance, they danced together at Croes’ Christmas party last December, with about 250 attending. “We can go to any restaurant in Aruba and not feel any different just because we’re gay. We’re very open, very out (about our sexuality), and have even been featured in local media,” Croes said. “Aruba is just very gay-friendly,” Quant added. “There are gay bars (in Aruba) and gay-friendly (straight) bars. We’ve had no issues at restaurants either. Coming from a hospitality background, I pay close attention (to customer service), and we’ve never had any problems, none whatsoever. We get the same service as anyone.”

By Ross Forman – Full Story at GoPride

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GaySail: Gay Tour Operator in Amsterdam

GaySailPeriodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly tour operatorsy: At GaySail we organize about 50 gay sailing cruises a year, all over the world, for single gay men, -couples, -friends and private gay groups. We sail in Greece, Croatia, Ibiza, Virgin Islands, St. Martin & St. Barth, Bahamas, Brazil and Thailand. With our team of 22 fully licensed gay skippers and gay cooks/co-skippers we can offer you a wonderful one- or two week gay sailing vacation. We offer regular GaySail sailing cruises but also a lot GayNudeSail sailing cruises and GaySail Exclusive luxury sailing cruises, both monohull- and catamaran yachts. Cruises with gay skipper only, or skipper and cook for breakfast and lunch. Something for everyone! No sailing experience needed. If you like, you can take the wheel and learn to sail and navigate, if you just want to relax, soak up in the sun on the front deck, watch out for the dolphins, it’s your holiday! We usually sail about 6 hours a day. Most of the time we anchor for lunch and swim. At night we dock in little in local harbor and have dinner in the local restaurants of we stay overnight in a bay under the stars and have dinner on board.

See the GaySail Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Netherlands

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Sopra Mare – Gay Friendly US Virgin Islands Vacation Rental

Sopra Mare Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Sopra Mare (Above The Sea) is a stunning 1,600 sq. ft. Cliffside villa, built in 2010 on solid native rock set atop Maria Bluff in the most exclusive location in Chocolate Hole with crashing surf below. This villa offers gated privacy with a one mile level walking circuit on paved roads while you sip your morning coffee and watch iguana’s cross your path. The villa is continually cooled by a slight gentle breeze which generally assures no biting insects. Nana type doors offer expansive full ocean views from the large master and accompanying ensuite bath. Ceiling fans in all rooms and full individual frosty air conditioning in each bedroom. Laze away in the pool on colorful rafts and turn on the pool lite show when the sun goes down – If it’s the right time use the villa binoculars and watch the Rolex Sailing Cup from the balconies with a cool beverage or dolphins, turtles and the occasional whale. Sopra Mare has everything you would expect from an island home; convenience, elegance and comfort. .Other features include full laundry, digital cable, two connections for your iPod or MP3 player, wireless high-speed Internet. Bose speaker system for Bluetooth with your laptop or phone and a new 42″ flat screen TV. When you put your head down for the night you’ll experience the luxury of Ritz Carlton Pacific Coast king size pillows and heavenly bedding. Sweet dreams! We want you to enjoy the full villa experience – therefore; if just two of you, unlike other villas the second bedroom is NEVER locked off from your access. We continually upgrade all aspects of the villa to maintain the highest caliber demand and expected by our guests. My Villa Manager – will greet you dockside. Then escort you to your vehicle and your new “second home” where you’ll find a complete meal and wine awaiting. No need to shop the first night! Less than five minutes to town of Cruz Bay which offers excellent jazz at several locations on Saturday and Sunday including the famous Beach Bar – partial setting for my first book about St. John ‘Keep Left.’ Shopping and night life abound in Cruz Bay. NOTE: If you’re considering Sopra Mare make reservations six to twelve months prior to your vacation dates. WE RENT VERY FAST.

See the Sopra Mare Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands

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Villa Rainbow – Gay B&B in Pic Paradis, St. Maarten

Villa Rainbow Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Gay Bed and Breakfast on top of Peak Paradise on the French side of St. Martin. Villa Rainbow welcomes you in a charming luxurious, exclusively gay male bed and breakfast, on the French side of St.Martin/Sint Maarten. You will enjoy spacious and independant rooms, within a wonderful orchids & tropical garden, with clothing-optional mosaic-tiled swimming pool, jacuzzi and private massage deck. Villa Rainbow is located on Peak Paradise (Pic Paradis), the island’s highest point with stunning views on Caribbean sea and sunset. Our guest rooms are private, unique and large, with flat screen tv, DVD, Bose Ipod dock station, a/c, personal refrigerator, and extra large king-sized beds. reakfast is a generous buffet, served on the terrace or under the flowered patio. We offer free wifi internet access in the common areas of the B&B. We are close to many beaches, gay, nude, vibrant or deserted, between Cupecoy, Marigot, Grand Case, and the beautiful white sands of Orient Bay. We will give you all tips for a wonderful and personalized stay on the island, in terms of beaches, bars, restaurants, etc.! Our numerous repeated guests love the tranquillity of the house, our stunning views, and meeting guests from all over the world (39 countries so far!) during our sunset drinks. It is a perfect place for romantic holidays! Daytrips to nearby islands (Saba, Anguilla, St Barth, Pinel) are very easy. We are a young gay couple who have lived in the Caribbean for over fifteen years, and we can offer you an unforgettable and personalized stay.

See the Villa Rainbow Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in St. Maarten

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Dynamite Travel, LLC – Lesbian Owned Travel Agency

Dynamite Travel, LLC Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: ABOUT US Dynamite Travel, LLC was founded by Dr. Terika L. Haynes in 2008. Our goal is to assist all customers with creating unique travel experiences. Over the years Dynamite Travel’s LGBT client base has grown and with new laws being passed we are excited to work with couples not only on vacation planning but also destination wedding planning as well! Dynamite Travel is a company dedicated to creating unforgettable vacation experiences and the team at Dynamite Travel has the credentials, experience, and expertise necessary to make sure that your travel adventures are a blast! At Dynamite Travel we are committed to providing personalized service to each customer. WHAT WE PROVIDE Dynamite Travel works with clients to plan their vacation while keeping them involved in the planning process. We provide vacation planning assistance services for vacation packages, cruises, tours, destination weddings, honeymoons, group travel, and more! We also assist customers with excursion planning, dinner reservations, and anything else that will make their vacation experience unforgettable! OUR MISSION AND VISION Our mission is to provide high quality travel planning assistance to each client, ensuring that they have an unforgettable vacation experience. Our vision is to become a leading travel consultancy for clients around the world.

See the Dynamite Travel, LLC Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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