1. Kick up your heels Situated
between the Sierra Estrella and South Mountains on the Gila River Indian
Reservation, the exquisite, ultra-luxurious Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa stretches nearly 642 square miles across the Sonoran Desert. Checking in, I
was immediately in love with the landscape, scouring the desert for dust clouds
kicked up by the heels of the 1500 wild mustangs that freely roam the property.
The Gila River Indian Community is home to the Pima and Maricopa people. One of
very few tribes to live on their original ancestral lands, the Pimas and their
ancestors, the Hohokam, have lived in this spot for 2300 years. I felt like I
was a million miles away from everything – when, in fact, I was only 11 miles
away from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.
2. Rooms with a view The
resort has500 spacious rooms
and suites, 250 of which showcase Pima basket weaving and 250 of which showcase
Maricopa pottery. All rooms have warm earth hues and natural elements such as
cornices made from Saguaro cactus ribs. All rooms have a private patio or
balcony that look out over the desert, golf course, or over the Gila River
Trail.
3. Water of life Until
their river was dammed in 1887 the Pima were master farmers with a complex
system of canals throughout their lands. It took a century for the Pimas and
the Maricopas to get water back. I wandered the trail alongside the 2.5-mile
recreation of the Gila River that runs through the resort. I scoured the trail
ahead for rattlesnakes and tarantulas, but every suspicious rustle in the scrub
and bush turned out to be either a fluffy wee white-tailed jackrabbit or an
impossibly cute white-winged dove.
4. Backdropped by the past Wild Horse Pass’s incredible domed main building is painted with ten
panels that depict aspects of Pima and Maricopa Tribal culture. Set up a tour
with the resort’s charming Cultural Concierge Ginger Sunbird Martin to fully
appreciate them. A tumble of vast boulders rises from the lower level toward
the ceiling. The backdrop of the desert and the spine of the Sierra Extrella
and South Mountains create a stunning backdrop. Outside, a 111-foot waterslide
cascades down a recreation of the dramatic Casa Grande Ruins in the main
building.
5. Seed of life The
bold, AAA Five Diamond Kairestaurant,
meaning “seed,” is helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Janos Wilder and
Siletz Tribal member Jack Strong. Starring a “komath,” the traditional Gila
River cooking tool used to bake chumath flat bread, menus at the top Native
American dining destination feature delights such as Grilled Tenderloin of
Buffalo served with cholla cactus buds and saguaro blossom syrup and Lettuce
Hand-Picked by the children of Gila Crossing School. The Gila River Indian
Community provides much of the produce used by Kai with its 35,000 acres of
farms. Cultivating indigenous seeds is part of the curriculum at the school.
Restaurant Ko’sin offers Arizona
desert cuisine.
6. Treat yourself Offering
the world’s most authentic Native American Spa Services, 17,500-foot Aji
Spa has Tribal Elders and Pima and
Maricopa Cultural Caretakers on hand to look after your every need. It’s
incredibly peaceful and the combination of spa aromas and the desert sage and
shegoi is bewitching. Choose a Blue Coyote Body Wrap, a River salt Glow, a
Bluebird Facial, or one of dozens of such enticing options. After a spa lunch
of crab and watermelon salad out by the pool and a Pima Tribal Healing
Ceremony, I can honestly say I came out feeling entirely different.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa (WildHorsePassResort.com) is in Chandler, Arizona, just 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Call 888-218-8989 for details.
Here are 7 random things I loved about my visit to Boston and Provincetown this weekend.
1. The ICA. Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art relocated to its stunning new location in 2006. This multi-level art museum, library, theater and more has always been at the avant garde of Boston's art scene. This visit there were thought provoking videos exploring human emotions. That's me reflected in the mirrors installed in the ICA's entry way below. It's located next to the Provincetown ferry operated by Bay State Cruise Company, so just plan to arrive at the ferry an hour or so before the scheduled departure and enjoy a tour of the museum.
2. The ferry to Boston. There are two companies operating ferries from Boston to Provincetown, including Bay State Cruise Company located on Seaport Blvd next to the World Trade Center and Boston Harbor Cruises from Long Wharf. Both normally take 90 minutes. The minute you step foot on those ferries, you are officially on holiday. The presence of other gay and lesbian travelers drinking (yes, there's a bar on board!) and socializing guarantees a relaxed environment.
3. The arrival into Provincetown harbor. It's beautiful especially at sunset.
4. The breakwater, a manmade stretch of cut bolders from the far west end of Commercial Street (Ptown's main commercial strip) to close to the tip of Ptown's curlicue end. That's Phil on the breakwater above.
5. People watching along Commercial Street. Best place is Spiritus Pizza. You can check out their web cam before going down there to see what the scene is like.
7. Working out at Mussel Beach Health Club. Great equipment and always a sexy crowd of guys who actually work out on vacation that you haven't seen 100 times at your own gym!
Bonus round: another picture from Ptown's harbor. Cool portraits of local Portuguese women on a building on a pier in the harbor.
Story by Doug Wallace. Photos courtesy of Hotel Missoni.
The
7 Reasons I Love Hotel Missoni Edinburgh
1.
The Fabric!Known the world over for its unique,
multi-coloured knitwear and string bikinis, the Italian fashion house of
Missoni has become an icon for its luxurious, hand-crafted fabric, which is
absolutely everywhere in the brand’s first-ever hotel in the Scottish capital.
It is used to brilliant effect propping up a mostly black and white backdrop. A
kaleidoscopic feast for the eyes.
2.
The Design.This little piece of paradise is chock
full of heavy-hitters from the design world, including MarcelSandes, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobson
and Hans Wegner. In the rooms, gadgetry such as Jacob Jensen telephones and a
Bang & Olufsen TV system amp things up.
3.
The Romantic History. Ottavio and
Rosita Missoni, head of this family-run empire, first met in London when he was
competing in the 1948 Olympic Games (he also designed the Italian team’s
tracksuits) and she was studying English. (Sigh.) Their children and
grandchildren continue to contribute to the success of the business.
4.
The Gorgeous Streetscape.The thoroughly modern, six-storey
structure at The Royal Mile and Georve IV Bridge is square in the middle of
some of the most breathtaking Old Town architecture, including Edinburgh Castle, which is just a walk away.
5.
The Shopping. Multree Walk is mere minutes from the
front door, where you can indulge in all the serious retail therapy your wallet
can take.
6.
The Food.Cucina is a tiny taste of Italy occupying the whole
mezzanine, with the recipes of many dishes coming directly from the family
cookbook.
7.
The Good Company. Not only are the Scots a delight to both
listen to and hang with in this enticing town, but the list of other cities preparing for their very own Hotel Missoni
reads like a James Bond film call sheet: Kuwait City (Kuwait), Cape Town (South
Africa), Jebel Sifah (Oman) and Ilha de Cajaiba (Brazil). Rooms from $355.
Hotel
Missoni Edinburgh; 1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, U.K.; 011 44 131 220 6666;
hotelmissoni.com
Story by Sean Timberlake Photos: Courtesy Hotel Max The 7 Reasons I Love the Hotel Max, Seattle, Washington
1. Art to art. Staying at the Max is like a night at the museum -- the Museum of Modern Art, that is. The art of 39 Northwestern artists covers not only the walls of the rooms and halls, but each room's door and even the occasional window as well. So rich is the collection, no two rooms are adorned alike. If you're an art aficionado, you'll simply have to keep coming back until you've enjoyed each room's offerings. Pity.
2. Chic to chic. All art needs a good canvas, and the Max provides that in spades. Cool grey walls and strategic lighting let the art do the talking. From the minute you enter the lobby, the eye is drawn immediately to the pupil-popping high-gloss red lacquer panels of the reception desk. Pumpkin orange and hot pink accents pepper the décor and keep the eyes dancing in every room. With rooms from just $129, that's a lot of beauty for the buck.
3. You've been served. The Max's ever-smiling staff is unfailingly courteous, possibly a result of being surrounded by such gorgeous environs all day every day. No matter what your whim, they're at your beck and call -- literally: There's a "You Got It" button on the phone.
4. Move over, Gideon. Lots of hotels (the Max included) have a pillow menu, but the Max is concerned with the comfort of your spirit as well as your body. Whenever you're ready for a meditative moment, the Max's Spiritual Menu offers everything from the Bhagavad Gita to the Book of Mormon. They even have the Book of Scientology, so celebrity-spotting is not out of the question.
5. Pup with people. The Max is pet-friendly: For a $45 non-refundable fee, your best friend gets a pet bed, two bowls, treats, toy, bags, bottled water and dog food. Good boy! 6. Midnight sushi. Let's just say you've been out to Capitol Hill and need a little, um, absorption food. No problem! The Max offers 24-hour room services from Red Fin, their equally hip Asian-fusion restaurant below. They have sake, too. Just saying.
7. Gaycation! The Max is an equal-opportunity enabler of passion. Request their Gaycation! package and get a Climax Box has pink fuzzy handcuffs, pink blindfold, glow in the dark naughty dice, a tickling feather, lubricant and a mini max vibrator. Additionally, boys get an O Boy Kit; women receive a Tongue Dinger and O’My Clitoral Stimulating Gel. Cigarettes sold separately.
1. The good kind of lush.W
Atlanta-Downtown’s lobby is a thing of beauty. The hotel's incredible interiors are courtesy of Canadian interior design superstars,burdifilek. Taking its shimmering influences
from the lushness of the Peach State, sumptuous textures, eye catching
sculptural elements, and stunning installations bedeck the space. Admire
undulating, hand-carved walnut walls, a tree canopy mobile with hundreds of
metal leaves, and a custom-designed metal sphere before you even get to your
room.
2. Pods and ‘port.It’s
hard not to love a hotel with luminous check-in pods and a private heliport.
3. Haute-lanta. Sexy enclaves nestle behind bent-wood screens and curved
seating merges with planting beds in the sultryLiving Room lounge. Soothe away
the heat of the Hotlanta day by the 22-foot water feature with its metal lilies
and onyx reflecting pool. If you’re in need of more substantial sustenance,
sashay to the hotels’BLT steakhouseand tuck into Laurent Tourondel’s classic
Transatlantic fare.
4. Room to thrill. A
palette of mulberry, teal, or indigo greets you in the sultry guest rooms and
suites at theW. Rich Makassar wood and glossy acrylics create slick sleeping
quarters. Signature W beds, High Speed Internet
Access, Bliss amenities, and W’s legendary Whatever/Whenever service make every overnight a star stay.
5. Bath and beyond. When
you want to relax, choose from your sumptuous bathroom withBliss Spaamenities, the decadent, hipBliss Spa(home of a brownie buffet!), and the
gorgeous WETBAR, with its infinity edge pool, views over downtownAtlanta, and
enticing signature cocktails.
6. The perfect address. You
couldn’t get better neighbors; the W basks downtown adjacent to soaring skyscrapers, the CNN
Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Olympic Park.
1.
The décor. This striking 14-story hotel on the hem of Coal Harbour opened in
October 2008 and has got everything right. The glass, stone, and copper hotel
exterior envelops 77 lush guest rooms, a gracious restaurant, and a handsome
lobby. With an eye-catching palette that brings to mind Coal Harbour’s color
scheme on a gorgeously moody day, it’s the ideal perch for the design-savvy
visitor to Vancouver. Sink into an utterly comfortable couch and admire the
lobby’s dashing layered glass tree silhouette panels and onyx marble fireplace.
2.
The perfect address. Loden Vancouver is just an amble from the water’s edge or from the
cruise ship terminal, Helijet port, floatplane docks, and Seabus. It’s also
within walking distance of Davie Street bars and clubs, the business district,
and downtown shopping. If the weather turns on you, a luxury car service can
drop you anywhere downtown.
3.
Excellent staff. Smiling staff members are always on hand when you need them, but
simultaneously manage to be impressively unobtrusive.
4.
Thrilling rooms. Views
of the city, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore Mountains await outside the
floor to ceiling guest room windows. Rooms boast chocolate brown stone foyers
and hues of chocolate, caramel, and coral, as well as 42 inch flatscreens and
iPod docks. A clever sliding partition gives bedroom/bathroom privacy or allows
light to flood through the sexy bathroom from the bedroom’s floor to ceiling
windows. The side-filling bath is an additional thrill. Decadent Molton Brown
amenities are on hand to add to the experience.
5.
Hot dining destination. Eighty-seat restaurantVoya offers a delicious throwback to
1940’s glamour with generous booths, three spectacular chandeliers, white
lacquer top tables, and mirrored walls in an ice-blue room. Chef Marc-Andre
Choquette creates French-Asian delicacies to die for. In the lounge, star
mixologist Jay Jones muddles up marvels, such as the classic French 75.
6.
Fit for a queen. The compact BeFit Studio is open 24 hours a day and the hotel has
an intimate spa suite for body treatments.
1. Transformed from the dowdy old Portland Inn City Center
to an irresistibly hip haven, courtesy of a multi-million dollar renovation and
a transfusion of mid-century retro-modern style, Portland’s Modera opened in
June 2008 at the quieter end of downtown near Portland State University. From
the minute I sashayed into the lobby I was impressed by the décor – by the
generous chaise longues, laden with russet, and striking black and white
cushions, backdropped by glowing pebble lamps, and the bold modern art and
sculptures that grace the long, low space.
2.
It’s incredibly easy to reach by public transit. Hop on the light rail at the airport
and the Modera is a just a few blocks from Pioneer Square. From Fall 2009,
however, it will be right on the new light rail Green Line from Amtrak’s Union
Station to PSU.
3.
The courtyard’s fire pits (although somewhat subdued by an enthusiastic dose of
Oregon’s famed “liquid sunshine” during my visit), array of tables, chairs,
high stools, and benches, and unique wall of local plants, make this my top
choice for hotel outdoor space in Portland. It’s perfect for coffee on a sunny
day and a sexy spot to spend an evening.
4.
The Modera (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and sister hotel to
Seattle’s chic Hotel Andra) has free wireless, fitness passes for an adjacent
gym, a complimentary European breakfast, late checkout options, and a friendly,
down to earth staff.
5.
Restaurant Nel Centro was just about to open when I was in the Rose City. It
promises Nicoise and Genoese cuisine (and breakfast, lunch, and dinner),
courtesy of local chef David Machado of the excellent Vindalho and Lauro Kitchen.
6.
The 174 rooms boast bold faux fur throws and dashing orange and red pillows on
the bed, and unusual mirrors with convex centers for that funky funhouse
effect. The Modera wins extra points for clever design and use of space by
having a orange closet door that slides to become the bathroom door (with a
full length mirror).
7.
Rooms start at just $80.
The
Modera, 515 S.W. Clay St., Portland, Oregon; 503-484-1084; www.hotelmodera.com
The 7 Reasons I love the Nines Hotel, Portland, Oregon
1. Nine
is the lucky number. Portland,
Oregon’s deliciously decadent Nines Hoteljust swooped right to the top of my
favorite hotels list. It’s like walking in from downtown Portland and into
another world. This exquisite take on nouveau Portland is perched atop the old
Meier and Frank department store (now Macy’s), kitty corner from Portland’s
living room, Pioneer Square. The location is the best in town. The MAX light
rail from the airport stops right outside, the new MAX line (opening in
September 2009) will run from Amtrak's Union Station to the hotel, and the light
rail zips off to a host of destinations in the city, from the zoo to the
Convention Center. Every downtown delight of Portland is within easy sashaying
distance, including restaurants, bars, the waterfront, Portland Art Museum, an legendary bookstore, Powell’s.
2. Startlobbying. The Nines’ lobby is a thing of
beauty. As I sat here writing this, a tour group came through and did a
collective “ooh” on seeing the striking seven-story atrium soar up to the vast
skylight above, the elegant mannequins posed by check in, the stately sitting
areas with their white leather armchairs and couches, brown leather and marble
benches, and rich, dark wooden floors. Imposing, glass, cabana-esque structures
loom to the right and left as you sashay into the space, adding to the
impression there are open skies above. Restaurant Urban Farmer sits ahead
behind marble, wood, and glass walls and there’s a billiards room with a
fabulous antler light tucked snugly off to the left as you come in to the
lobby.
3. Work
of art. Starwood
Hotels spent $148 million on this gracious hotel and it shows. Every detail is
perfect, from the slate and silver vintage patterned wallpaper to the
assuredly patterned room and hallway carpets to the pink and powder blue
gauzy, gossamer drapes that soften window frames at each elevator bank.
4. The
rooms are perfect. There’s
just something about a room with an eight-foot, turquoise velvet chaise
longue and a 42-inch plasma TV that makes me stay in. Whether during
the day with the sun streaming in and views of the action in Pioneer Square
below, or at night once turndown had pulled the heavy drapes, turned on the
teardrop chandelier, and the room was lit by dancing motes of light, I would
quite happily have stayed in.
5.
It has enticing eateries. Two of Portland’s most decadent dining
destinations nestle within the Nines. On the eighth floor lobby level, Urban
Farmer is a thrilling place to brunch, sample hip, local, organic steakhouse
fare, or sip a moonshine punch cocktail alongside a boisterous set of pretty
but unpretentious Portlanders. Pop in for happy hours between 3 and 6 p.m. for a $5
glass of wine and some sumptuous Kobe sliders. Departures roosts on the top floor, offering Asian
fare and spectacular views of the city – and of its most decorative socialites.
6. The
Nines is 24/7. The
fitness center, business center, valet parking, and room service are all
available 24 hours a day. Other pluses you’ll find are that canine companions
are welcome at this pet-friendly address, there’s wifi in the rooms, and staff
deliver great service.
7. The
Nines gets 10 out of 10. With rooms at this magnificent address from just $126, the Nines gets top
marks.
The Nines,
525 S.W. Morrison Street; 877-229-9995; www.StarwoodHotels.com
It seemed awfully early when five hung over drag queens, an
off-duty conch shell (last seen serving flamboyant canapés at the previous
evening’s cocktail party), and I slouched onto the shuttle in Miami, a
noticeably more subdued crew than we had all been mere hours earlier.
The driver flicked on a DVD of Monster-in-Law, much to the conch’s delight, and we headed south
down the Florida Keys. Marsh cotton, yellow lilies, and dolphin-shaped
mailboxes dotted the sides of the highway. Fishermen cast lines into cartoon
blue water and unwieldy pelicans flapped out of trees. “The scenery’s getting
kinda purty, isn’t it?” said the driver.
We trundled past entertaining addresses such as Treasure Boulevard, Gumbo Limbo Avenue,
Coco Plum Drive, Fish Supper Street and left intriguing options such as
Mangrove Mama’s Restaurant, the Hungry Pelican Motel, and Curry Hammock State
Park in our wake. Forty-two bridges, 100 islands, and 126 miles later we
reached Key West and the end of the road. At least for the queens and the
conch. I had a plane to catch.
My Key West Seaplanes flight roared off and was soon a
hundred feet above the shimmering, turquoise Gulf of Mexico. It’s incredible
how shallow the water is! I could actually see vast turtles swimming in slow-mo
below. The eeriest moment of the flight was when we flew over a shipwreck – the
ship’s mast protruding above the waves, the rest a rippling skeleton
underwater.
The Dry Tortugas bask seventy miles off the tip of Key West,
a sandy cluster of islands, atolls, and shoals in the Gulf. When I bounded off
the bright yellow plane at Fort Jefferson, the island was almost deserted.
There were just eight people, half a dozen ibis, and, as I soon found out, a
number of particularly voracious mosquitoes on the island.
Fort Jefferson takes up the whole tiny island. Wandering
through the crumbling old fort, I read the info boards. The fort’s population
was much reduced in 1867 after pretty much everyone succumbed to yellow fever
carried by, um, mosquitoes. Nervous expression.
Flippers in hand, I fled the cool of the fort for an
adjacent beach. I had the entire beach to myself. Dazzling white sand, a couple
of perfect shady palms, parrots squawking overhead, and water teeming with
fish. As a motel I spotted en route down the Keys proclaimed, this really is
parrotdise.
1. It’s
the ideal address. I
was in sunny Tempe last month and popped back to the elegant Tempe Mission
Palms for another visit. It’s the perfect address for bar and
restaurant-hopping on lively Mill Avenue or for catching a Broadway show at
ASU’s Gammage Hall.
2. It’s
incredibly easy to get to. Just ten minutes from PHX Sky Harbor airport, staying at the Mission
Palms saves traffic stress and time. Hop on the half hourly hotel shuttle to
and from PHX or, if you’ve packed light, try the slick, new light rail system
that glides from the airport to two blocks away from the hotel.
3.There’s plenty of room. The 303 guestrooms are spacious,
bright, and cheerfully decorated with a southwestern palette. Even with the
ludicrous amount of luggage I brought, we still had plenty of room to move
about. The sofa and armchair were inviting and right by the window with its
views of “A” Mountain.
4. Free
wifi!
5.
I love to lounge. I loved drinking my morning coffee in the inner courtyard under
the shade of its stately 100-foot palm trees. When there’s a chill in the air,
gracious lobby areas have dozens of sofas, as well as fireplaces aplenty.
6.
Liquid lounge. We started our day at the hotel’s
Mission Grille, tucking into a tasty plate of French toast, and finished it at
the charming restaurant bar with a couple of killer cucumber margaritas. If
you’ve got time for a more leisurely brunch, make the most of the Grille’s omelet
bar.
7. Raise
the roof. The
resort hotel’s rooftop pool has a scatter of enticing cabanas and views of
downtown Phoenix. You can also opt to play the rooftop tennis court or shoot
some hoops at the basketball hoop. While all the other guests were out carousing
along Mill Avenue, we snuck back to the hotel and watched the stars and lights
of incoming flights from the Jacuzzi.
Out Traveler G.P.S offers dispatches from the ever-expanding field of gay and lesbian travel -- as soon as we know, you know. Check back frequently for updates, insider information, advice, and offers brought to you by our ever-roving band of gay travel experts and by readers just like you.
OutTraveler.com Editor in Chief Ed Salvato and his team travel the world for you. Occasionally we miss something. If you don’t see your favorite destination, tip or deal featured here, tell us about it!
Click on these icons to follow us on facebook or twitter or to receive GPS as an RSS feed.
New Zealand: Photo Gallery: Captions and photos by Jeffrey James Above: I took this shot on Mt. Coronet during this year's Gay Ski Week NZ in Queenstown. Mike Sanford and Craig Lawson host the biggest gay and lesbian alpine party in the southern hemisphere,...
Head west to see the Sistine Chapel: Story by Aefa Mulholland, photo by Berglind Hafsteinsdottir Don’t have the time or the budget to get to Rome? Head west instead. This week Seattle Art Museum opens a Michelangelo exhibit, Drawings from the Sistine Chapel -- the only place...
Stockholm, Sweden: Photo Gallery: Story and photos by Jeffrey James Keyes Above: Hey Mr. DJ StockholmThere's a reason Stockholm's Group F12 was awarded a Michelin-Star with flying colors. You can sit outside and listen to your favorite Scandinavian DJs, take in the full gastronomic...
Copenhagen, Denmark: Photo Gallery: Photos and story by Jeffrey James Keyes Above: Rosenborg Soldier - Copenhagen, Denmark What's better than day dreaming about the Crown Jewels at the Rosenborg Castle? Day dreaming about the sexy men who guard them, of course! Denmark has some...
Bali, Indonesia: Photo gallery: Photos and captions by correspondent Sydney Pfaff. Above: On the western side of the Bukit Peninsula, Balangan Beach sits quietly surrounded by cliffs with just a few bungalows, a couple of small restaurants, and a handful of warungs. Loud and...
Recent Comments