Category Archives: Gay Retreats
Lesbian and Women Travel Events 2013
EDEN Pride Weekend San
Francisco will be a smashing weekend filled with up to 12 events at
three venues and one secret location for lesbian, bisexual and
transgender individuals and their friends June 27 – 30, 2013.
EDEN Pride Events is
gearing up for EDEN’s weekend during San Francisco Pride by bringing
events back to familiar venues and adding new dance clubs.
“Each year EDEN brings
together the hottest venues in the city for our attendees. This year is
no different,” said Christine De La Rosa, founder and producer of EDEN
Pride Events. “We are bringing back the Factory and the Supperclub from
previous years while adding to the mix the Mezzanine.”
EDEN Pride Events is
committed to bringing quality events of every genre to the Bay Area, as
well as to our regional, national and international constituencies. EDEN
Pride Events believes in the idea that art, in any form, makes our
local and global communities better places to live. We challenge
ourselves into making those ideas become realities for our team, our
artists, our performers, our DJs, our vendors and our communities.
That’s why in 2013
EDEN Pride Events launched the EDEN LGBTQ Youth Foundation, where 100%
of the proceeds from this year’s EDEN Pride Events season will go toward
supporting LGBTQ youth. Eden in the Bay.
GET ALL THE DETAILS FOR EVENTS HOTELS AND MORE ONLINE
WANT FREE TICKETS??
Short Mountain Tennessee Radical Fairy Gathering
radfae.org
information: links to resources and web pages, news, information, and
pointers to other faerie lists. Our site is also available to host
various faerie projects.
Post a question there about faeries in your area, or introduce
yourself. It is our international circle of ongoing conversation. It can
be educational, inspiring, awakening, provoking. Then take a look for
faeries near you on the Local Circles page.
Wallabyway.com Releases Awesome BURNING MAN Videos
Pictured – Meet Garet and Dusty, Seattle’s adventure seeking (sometimes nudist) boyfriends who go by “The Scenic Boys”, who with a dozen friends built The Emerald City Glam Cocks camp, a 20-foot structure completely with disco ball dance club on which to survey the land …and the guys.
Watch what happens as three Aussie Burning Man virgins travel halfway around the world to take on the world’s most epic festival. This is some awesome video footage in the links below!
5 minutes Inside Burning Man
NSFW 17 minutes Welcome Home – Burning Man Adventure
WallabyWay on Facebook
Boutique and Luxury Gay Hotels for the LGBT Traveler
small B&Bs and Inns
and a handful of resorts
from Key West to Palm Springs
have labeled themselves
as “gay hotels” and/or
“gay resorts.”
In the 90’s we saw many big name hotels courting the gay travel dollar labeling themselves “gay-friendly” and providing gay perks to gay travelers. From W to Wynn, Marriott to Kimpton, major hotel chains have been targeting lesbian and gay travelers for some time now.
Some estimate that the LGBT travel market is worth an annual $63 billion in the U.S. alone. “There have always been gay inns and B&Bs,” says Lords founder Brian Gorman. “This is the time to take this concept to a far larger scale.”
When the Lords South Beach Hotel opened last month in Miami, its brightly hued decor, trio of plunge pools and Absolut Vodka–partnered bar looked much like any other higher-end Miami resort. But the 50+ room Art Deco confection, which is located a block from South Beach’s main gay beach, is billing itself as the country’s first large-scale, design-driven gay hotel. Not just gay-friendly, but gay through and through. The hotel worked with Out magazine to develop a Concierge App listing top local LGBT hot spots, asked Levi’s to custom-design its gray and white jean uniforms, and is preparing to launch its own social network.
Although the Lords may be the first, it’s not the only LGBT-focused hotel brand opening its doors in the U.S. In January, Fort Lauderdale’s Royal Palms will reopen after expanding from a 12-room gay-friendly guesthouse to a 62-room boutique hotel that caters to an all-male clientele who prefer a clothing-optional environment. With a spa, café, bar and gym, Florida’s Royal Palms Resort and Spa is marketing itself as North America’s biggest “full-service” gay retreat, but it won’t retain that title for long.
Later in 2011, Manhattan will finally usher in the Out NYC, a massive, 90,000-sq.-ft. (8,400 sq m) “urban resort” close to Times Square. This has been in the news for over a year now and quite an exciting project.
The industry trailblazer is Axel Hotels, a Spanish hospitality group with stylish, midrange LGBT-focused properties in Barcelona, Berlin and Buenos Aires. The chain is cheekily billed as “hetero-friendly,” says Axel president Juan Julia, who notes that in the off-season, upward of 30% of the guests at its properties are straight. The five-year-old company is considering additional sites in London and Paris, but first it must tackle New York City — where an estimated 7 million LGBT tourists pump $16.4 billion into the city each year. Axel will manage the 127-room hotel for the Out NYC, whose other components include an 11,000-sq.-ft. (1,000 sq m) disco, upscale restaurant and men’s spa.
Calling itself a luxury lifestyle resort collection, G Worldwide intends to launch properties in New York, Florida, California, and Las Vegas, according to its website. The hotels are described as being “uber high-tech facilities” operated by “some of the most innovative, creative people in design, food & beverage, nightlife, events, and hospitality.
Is there enough money and travelers to go around?
It appears so. Look at all the gay cruises. While many LGBT travelers do not wish to “ghettoize” themselves by staying in gay-only establishments, gay cruises have proved that there is a certain kind of gay consumer who wants to travel among a like-minded crowd. I for one, would much rather stay in an all gay hotel, than a mixed hotel where straights may roll their eyes at me as I walk by in my pink kaftan!
“These places provide a concentrated feeling of community,” said Thomas Roth, president of Community Marketing, a company in San Francisco that specializes in gay and lesbian market research. “Especially for the many people who don’t otherwise have the opportunity to be the majority.”
At a time when acceptance of gay people seems to be increasing, such resorts might seem superfluous. But Mr. Roth said his company’s research indicated a strong interest in them.
“We can’t assume there is a ‘gay customer’ anymore,” he said. There is a lot of diversity among people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, he said, and “some want all gay all the time — especially if they’re from, say, Omaha. So something like the Out NYC could be extremely successful.”
Gay Hawaii and Maui Sunseeker Resort
Gay Travel to The Hawaiian Islands!
Located in the central Pacific Ocean, are the most remote chain of islands in the world. Three hundred sixty-five days of the year, the islands of Hawaii promise magic and romance. Pleasant tropical weather year round, a laid-back Aloha attitude, and natural beauty will inspire you to keep the romance going beyond your island time.
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 729 square miles with a variety of sights and experiences. The views from atop 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala (especially popular at sunrise and sunset) are well worth the winding drive past fields of protea and other exotic flowers. The long, winding road to the village of Hana is lined with waterfalls and lush tropical foliage. The quaint old towns of Lahaina and Wailuku are fun for exploring, shopping, and dining. During the winter months, the waters surrounding Maui are ideal for whale-watching.
The gay population is second only to that on Oahu. The biggest concentration of our community is in the Kihei area of South Maui, although we’re everywhere on the island!
Most resort destinations really have two gay communities, and Maui is no different. The local community tends to socialize in their own ‘family’ in private homes, informal groups or a weekly excursion to the beach. Although the local community is typically low-key, there are fundraisers and social events happening often, and visitors are always welcome.
The other gay group on Maui is made up of vacationing singles or couples, many of whom return to the island every year. The scene on Maui isn’t focused so much on high energy or heavy cruising but more on enjoying the incredible beauty found here.
Whichever group you identify with, you’ll find lots of opportunities to have fun, participate in activities and mix with the locals. Information on current local gay activities can be found online at Maui Gay Info and Pride Maui .
Maui Sunseeker is our favorite place to stay! It is the place on Maui where you can feel free to be yourself. Welcoming all, but catering primarily to the gay and lesbian traveler. It is the largest and most known gay resort. A beautiful 17-room gay-owned and operated resort hotel located on a secluded beach in Kihei. It is a boutique hotel for adults only. The suites are spacious, many with their own kitchens, there’s a clothing-optional rooftop area complete with hot tub and massage services, you get free Internet access, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
Kihei is known for its beaches, so you’ll want to make at least one trek to the stupendous Big Beach and its neighbor, the gay- and clothing-optional-friendly Little Beach. Glassy turquoise waves, caramel-colored sand, and the best bodysurfing ever await you.
“Our location is convenient to Maui attractions such as Little Beach, the Iao Valley, Hana, Lahaina and the volcano, Haleakala. The hotel has long been a fixture in South Maui; always offering a welcoming home away from home for travelers. Acquired by the current owner in 2008, the Maui Sunseeker remains Gay owned and operated. Fostering an atmosphere of quiet elegance, acceptance and aloha, guests truly become a part of our Hawaiian ohana or family. The Wailana Inn became a part of Maui Sunseeker in September 2004. An extensive renovation of the building, guest rooms and gardens was quickly accomplished. The unification of the two diverse properties resulted in an exciting and new haven to lose all cares and feel free to be yourself. Maui Sunseeker welcomes the diversity that is our community.”
Maui Sunseeker has an amazing staff that will help you plan your stay. Their in-house concierge service will help you plan and book your activities on Maui. There is an endless list of possible activities they will coordinate for you! Everything from wine tours and cooking classes to spa tratements, and water and air activities. They will even help plan your special day,
if you’re looking to exchange vows and have a romantic honeymoon.
“As our resort is LGBT clientele and owned/operated, we wanted to find the best activity providers on the island that are either gay owned/operated or are supporters of the gay community. We have worked hard to be sure our guests feel as welcome and comfortable at any activity we refer them to, as they do at home at the Sunseeker. We promise the loving Aloha spirit of these providers will welcome all and promises a fabulous time. “
Once you stay at Maui Sunseeker, you’ll come back again and again! Everyone agrees!
“My partner and I have stayed at the Sunseeker about 6-8 times. We love the atmosphere and the hotel staff. Maui is great; but staying at the Sunseeker is the vacation.”
“I have stayed here for 15 years (half the property used to be the Wailana Inn), and it is perfect for my needs: gay friendly staff #1, comfortable rooms (I always stay in one with access to the garden lanai), hot tub on the roof, wi fi and MORE!”
“Friends recommended I stay at the Maui Sunseeker for my first trip there. Looking at prices on the internet, it was great value compared to more expensive hotel rooms and vacation rentals that have gone up a lot recently. Also, it was very easy to book online. When I arrived, the staff was very friendly and I felt very comfortable… “
Hawaii truly exudes romance and peacefullness. Beaches, sunsets, stargazing, come to Maui Sunseeker and see what you have been missing!
New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Vacations…Gay Retreats…to Belize and Egypt!
A friend asked me recently, “Why would anyone want to go on a gay retreat? That sounds like work!”
So I asked Howie Holben from Spirit Journeys to elaborate on his gay retreats…
” We are frequently asked if our gay travel retreats or gay vacations are “fun”. There are two basic answers to this question.
First, there seems to be the conception that taking a “spiritual journey” (whatever that means to you) is “work”. Nobody wants to work on a vacation! That’s why we take a vacation in the first place, to get “away from it all” for awhile, to escape. We seem to frame the concepts of spiritual and personal growth with thoughts like: “I need to do this” or “I should do that” because “it would be good for me”. With those ideas as a background, it’s no wonder that so many of us think of spiritual and personal growth as “work”. When we’re on a vacation, we want to leave all the “need to’s” and “should’s” of daily life behind us, for at least a short time.
Second, somewhere along the way, we seem to have been taught that in order to be spiritually connected to the world, the people around us and to ourselves, we must act in a “serious manner”, almost to the point of being somber, or at the very least solemn. Somehow we’ve come to believe that laughter and play are “irreverent”.
In actuality, I have found just the opposite to be true. When I am awake and aware of my surroundings, in other words “spiritually” connected, my experiences are amplified and intensified. I am able to experience more of the world around me and experience it at a deeper level. I have found that this amplified experience actually makes my adventures more “fun” because all aspects of my travel are intensified; I can play more, I can laugh more, I can relax more fully and I can even shop more!
Little children are a wonderful example of this. They are enthralled with the world around them; everything is new, everything is a wonder. Discovering and learning new things is not “work” to a child. They find joy in all that they encounter; everything is a new toy to play with.
Also, sometimes people confuse the experience of being awestruck as being serious or solemn. When I travel or vacation with conscious awareness there can be times when I will be “deeply moved” (awestruck) by something I encounter. It could be the hospitality of a family I meet; a genuine smile; the grandeur of a sunrise or simply the revelation that I am blessed to be alive. Personally, even after countless visits to Monument Valley, I am still moved tears while I am there. But these are tears of joy, humility and gratitude.”
UPCOMING RETREATS – GAY COUPLES RETREAT IN BELIZE!
The Wonders of Egypt – 2010 …Egypt and the Nile, May 02, 2010 to May 15, 2010, This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men, $4095.00.
Come experience Egypt as few people ever will as we make special arrangements to be allowed inside the Great Pyramid and to get up close and personal with the Sphinx, things that are off limits to the public and have been for many years.
– A private visit to the King’s Chamber inside the Great Pyramid…
– A private visit to the Sphinx to stand between it’s paws, to place your hands upon it…
– A private visit to the Isle of Philae and the Temple of Isis at sunrise…
– Eight days cruising the Nile on our own private dahabiya (a luxury sailing yacht)…
– A small, intimate group of fellow journeyers (a maximum of 16)…
All this, and more, make this is a very special Spirit Journey indeed, one that can truly be called “a journey of a lifetime.”
Explore the World. Explore your Self.
Rest, relax, rejuvenate and play! Spirit Journeys
New Gay Travel Guide
Spirit Journeys Attracts the Attention of GLAAD and Celebrities!
“We were actually contacted by GLAAD to be a host in the Celebrity Suite. GLAAD felt that we were unique and would bring something new to the suite, that and the fact that we were the only exclusively gay organization
in the suite!” says owner Howie Holben.
As each celebrity was brought to meet Howie Holben and his partner Chris Caramelli, the purpose of Spirit Journeys was briefly explained to the celebrity. Most visitors were quite amazed that such a service even existed for the LGBT community.
some of the comments….
Cheyenne Jackson, who recently starred in Broadway’s Xanadu and is appearing in Fox’s upcoming series Glee, was quoted as saying, “I love to travel. Maybe I can join you guys sometime.”
Bruno Tonioli of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, asked “You guys go to Thailand?! I love Thailand!”
Alec Mapa, actor, comic and plays Suzuki St. Pierre on ABC’s Ugly Betty and hosted Logo’s Transamerican Love Story, said to Howie, “My husband and I are definitely coming to Peru and Machu Picchu with you guys!”
Peter Paige who is known for his work on Queer As Folk and as a star of Logo’s Rick & Steve, said “Wow, this sounds special.”
Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives was heard to say, “This would be a great way to see the world.”
After working very hard to bring Spirit Journeys to the attention of the LGBT community, the acknowledgments and endorsements were gratefully received by Spirit Journeys! Who knows, you might be taking a vacation with a celebrity next time at Spirit Journeys!
Gay Vacations, Gay Retreats and Gay Spiritual Travel
We first became aware of SPIRIT JOURNEYS last year. And we ran a story about their gay spiritual vacations and retreats.
For nearly 20 years, they have been planning and offering opportunities for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities (and our friends) to travel together, exploring the world or to gather together in retreat environments, with the intention of adventuring into the frontiers of self-awareness, personal growth, and spirituality. Since the beginning of this new millennium, there was a shift in EVERYONE’S mindset for personal growth. So now more than ever, these types of gay vacations and retreats are becoming more popular.
They have some very exciting retreats and destinations they will be exploring in summer 2009, and I wanted to share some of them with you. They are a great way to “get away” on an exciting pilgrimage with other like minded gay people, and explore lands and traditions, while also making new friends and growing personally, and spiritually.
Tantric Tribes
Asheville, North Carolina
June 11, 2009 to June 14, 2009
This Workshop is for Gay and Bi Men
A Tantra and Yoga Workshop
Four days of rejuvenation and reawakening. The fusion of the powerful and complementary practices of Tantra and Yoga allows you to harness your sexual drive and awaken your Kundalini energy. Once harnessed, this energy is channeled into a dynamic and healing force in your life. The practice of Tantra alone is a very energizing experience, but blending the benefits and principles of yoga with tantra sexual practices transforms all aspects of your life.
In this workshop, you learn the basics of yoga and breathing practices. Using a step by step, practical approach, you integrate the essential elements of Tantric sexual techniques. Channeling your erotic energy helps unlock your creativity, transforming your sexual experiences and significantly altering all other aspects of your life. There will plenty of “down time” just to relax and connect with the others in the group. More info at Tantric Tribes.
Going Deep
Grand Canyon Rafting
July 01, 2009 to July 10, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men
An amazing adventure rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Imagine spending eight days rafting 280 miles of the Colorado River with mile high canyon walls on either side. Days filled with excitement, awe and play and nights of almost luxurious camping. Now, imagine all of this with a group of gay men, who want to experience the river and the canyon as only a Spirit Journeys can offer.
Adventure, play, meditation, campfire talks and group movement rituals are used to help open our hearts and deepen our experience of this incredible place. The more we open to what the Canyon and River offer, the more alive we become; we reawaken to our true nature of laughter, playfulness and a quest for adventure; we leave behind the cares of daily life. It is the intention to actively engage the Canyon and the River so that you come to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in the power of waterfalls.
More info at Going Deep.
17th Annual Summer Retreat
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 10, 2009 to August 16, 2009
This Retreat is for Gay and Bi Men
Spirit Journeys will be introducing new aspects to their Annual Summer Retreat this year. “One new aspect we are introducing is that we will be exploring more deeply what it means to be a gay man in today’s world, uncovering the gifts of being gay and how to offer those gifts to the world. We will still incorporate all the things that the Summer Retreat is known for: Heart Circles, Sweat Lodge, Trance Dance, Erotic Touch, etc. But this year we want the Summer Retreat to be a true celebration of the gift of being gay.”
The mountains of Northern New Mexico provides a relaxing, rejuvenating and life affirming retreat. The Summer Retreat is a chance to really “get away from it all”; to really recover from the stresses of daily life; to make new connections with other men. There is extraordinary power to be found in a community of gay men gathered together for eight days in such an intimate setting. With the loving encouragement of brothers, we are able to see ourselves more clearly and empower each other in realizing our life’s potential, taking small steps and sometimes leaps, toward living life to the fullest.
The shifting light on the red rock walls of Jemez Canyon, the sounds of the Jemez River, the natural hot springs, the new friends you will meet and the endless stars overhead, all welcome you. Here you can “unwind” to the core and go home truly renewed.
The Summer Retreat is much more than a summer vacation, focusing on activities that encourage relaxation, recovery and inner reflection. The days can consist of insightful group sessions, yoga, meditation or shamanic ceremony, and of course lots of laughter and play. There is also plenty of free time just to “chill out”. You may discover deep levels of intimate connection with other participants and lifelong friendships can be born. Greater self-acceptance and clarity of future direction often spring from this sacred time together. More info at Annual Summer Retreat.
Cherished Lands –
An American Southwest Pilgrimage…
Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon,
The Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelley & More
August 16, 2009 to August 23, 2009
This Journey is for Everyone
Explore the great American Southwest! This adventure takes you to some of the most spectacular lands in America…Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, The Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelley.
Days will be filled with outdoor activities, adventure and relaxation. As with all Spirit Journeys’ adventures, we will combine the joys and benefits of being on a vacation with a spiritually stimulating agenda that can provide opportunities for us to “look inside” and learn about ourselves. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty surrounding us.
We will make offerings to the land, sing Navajo songs and tell stories around the campfire. We will leave behind the stresses of life by rediscovering our harmonious connection with creation. In this harmony, we will find the openness to allow events and teachings to unfold; it is here that true recovery and rest can occur.
You will be able to visit the ancient sacred sites used by the Dine’ (the name the Navajo people call themselves). Like the Dine’ of long ago, and like the many who still respect the traditions today, you should bring with you on your journey a thirst for adventure, a respect for nature, a desire to widen your inner and outer horizons and a sense of playfulness. The oral traditions of the Dine’ are filled with stories of brave deeds, fierce battles with enemies, the delight and surprise of new relations, and the insistent call of nature. As you undertake your own journey, you will have ample opportunity to add meaningful personal stories to the sacred narrative of your own life. More info at Cherished Lands.
Authentic Eros
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
August 18, 2009 to August 22, 2009
This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men
Come and play in a group of erotic explorers and open up the amazing potential that lives within your erotic self. Identify and cultivate the spark that stirs inside you, trusting it to lead you to your erotic fire.
Interrupt the patterns of habit, judgment, or comparison that block your sexual freedom. Practice surrender and spontaneity. Be real. Have fun. Step fearlessly into the ecstasy that lives inside your body and soul. Can you imagine that?
At Authentic Eros, you will use breath, touch, movement, sound and sensual experience as doorways to a freer and more fulfilling sexuality. “We will work with the desires and growth of each man, emphasizing individual freedom of choice and accountability. Authentic Eros offers a safe and supportive environment for each participant to explore his own erotic development in the company of others with a similar commitment.”
Much of this exploration will be clothes off and interactive. You will work with ourselves, with partners, and with the group as a whole. No prior experience is required. However, each participant will be asked to bring a sincere willingness to go deep, to be truthful, and to play in the energies of creativity, arousal, and embodiment.
AUTHENTIC = real, spontaneous, organic, fun
EROS = sex, love, intimacy, connection
The goal of this workshop is to help you get INTO your body and get OUT of your habits
that lead to sexual boredom and dissatisfaction. More details at Authentic Eros.
Those are just some of the trips that sound good to us! Visit their website for much more. On many of the vacations, if you register early there is some savings involved. And some of them fill up fast. So check your schedule early, if you can.
A Spirit Journey has all the benefits of gay travel adventures or gay vacations, only enhanced beyond imagination!
