Fort Lauderdale was an unknown destination to me just
a few years ago – as I discovered more I learned of its popularity among Americans
([particularly those from the North – think New York and Chicago). On meeting
the Fort Lauderdale Tourism team I learnt it is a huge gay destination.
When I was invited to get familiar with the place how
could I say no? Florida? Summer? Sun? Gay? Hell yes!
American Airlines flies direct from London - Miami followed by a short 40-minute
taxi transfer. Delta also flies in this direction, possibly with a stopover in
New York (great for a two tiered vacation).
As the plane descends to its landing spot the sea
transcends from a deep blue to a bright azure with each ripple emitting a shine
of a 1000 stars – little different to a carpet of fairy dusting. The 8.5 hour
journey could be made more comfortable by better food and entertainment on AA
(AirFrance, British Airways and Virgin kick these guys above AA for preferred
airlines) however the service is friendly and relaxed.
Fort Lauderdale is on the south of Florida – the
weather is excellent all year round; winters can drop to a minimum of 5 degrees
while the summers average 30+ degrees. Perfect weather for the perfect beaches.
Florida is certainly not short of hotels and was
significantly affected by the recession – here in Fort Lauderdale there are
properties abandoned, left dormant while the owners wait in hope that very soon
the economy will pick up and they can reopen (or for some, open for the first
time). However it’s certainly not all gloom, some hotels have performed well
and invested in their future – among them The Royal Palms.
The Royal Palms is a boutique Hotel recently
renovated especially for the gay market with a sleek contemporary European
style meets splendour. This 62-room resort has been expanded courtesy of two
additional buildings plus a more glamorous makeover in the shape of two heated
swimming pools (one clothing-optional), a bar/grill, spa and fitness center,
all just a few blocks from gay Sebastien Beach. www.royalpalms.com
The whitewashed
buildings create a bright open fresh space becoming a suntrap. GG’s Bar and
Grill is the open-air showpiece decked in ruby-red glass tiles, misters, and a
polished deep stone bar overlooking a pool adorned with patio furniture and poolside
cabanas.
Steel, grey and
black patio furniture and stylish poolside cabanas add to the scene. A spa with
wet room and massage rooms for single or double use and a fitness center (with
Dennis Dean photo gallery for inspiration) ensure guests can get appropriately
relaxed or pumped before exploring Walton Manors, the city’s gay nightlife. Day
passes will also allow non-guests to savor the Royal Palms experience.
Fort Lauderdale is next to Miami – and Miami says it
all – here the 300 miles of coastline accompanied by predictably hot and sunny
weather, the food is fresh and ripe and the people with a heath glow.
If you’re a keen sportsman the beach is packed with
opportunities to join in team games, alternatively – like myself - you can
enjoy an early morning run along the promenade to take in the full spectacle of
the rising sun followed by a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
Fort Lauderdale is certainly an escape from the
ordinary of the hustle and bustle.
NOTE:
American Airlines – will also charge you for Wine and
Beer and you must pay by credit card, on this trip in USD. The option here is
AA save you hours in transfer as it is a direct London Miami, however I have
been assured the Sky Team are launching a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale by
Summer 2011.
