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I’ve already mentioned the Luxor LGBT pool party, which was the first LGBT pool party on the Strip. Mandalay Bay – often dubbed Mandalay Gay for its attraction of same sex loving clientele – has followed suit with Splash Sundays at the South Lagoon Pool. Lay back in a cabana (book two weeks in advance, they go fast) or unwind on a lounge chair with a cocktail while you listen to DJ’s and check out the other beautiful people. The party goes from noon until 6 pm, and the cost for Mandalay Bay’s LGBT pool party is $10 for hotel guests and Las Vegas locals, or $20 for tourists.

Mandalay Bay has got to be the best pool in Las Vegas. It was actually voted just that back in 2006 (TripAdvisor.com), and has a wave pool, lazy river you can float down on inner tubes, three swimming pools, and tons of real sand. Now with the Splash Sundays, there’s really no reason not to hang out poolside, is there?

Tags: mandalay bay splash sundays

July 14 was Bastille Day (called Fête Nationale in France), which celebrates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. France has long been a romantic vacation destination, and especially Paris, with attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées, and of course the quaint cafes, designer shopping spots and fabulous dining options. Continue Reading »

The Chapel Hill area in North Carolina will hold a symposium for members of the gay and lesbian travel trade from Sept. 24-27. The event will be held during North Carolina Pride Week. The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau decided to try and improve the national gay travel industry (we know that North Carolina hasn’t always been the most gay friendly tourist spot). The event attracts thousands of gay and lesbian travelers, which also features concerts, historical tours, food, and various talks and presentations. Find out all the details here.

Tags: North Carolina

This year’s Glasgay Festival in Glasgow, Scotland is an annual gay and lesbian celebration, now in its 30th year. This year the focus is on the FAMILY and FEMININE. The event features music, dance, comedy, talks and theatre, on at various locations around Glasgow. On until November 8 this year, it’s a full month of performances by top artists that attracts around 25,000 people.

The Glasgay Film Festival kicks things off from Sept. 3 until Sept. 11. WIth 12 titles, SHANK opens the films – a gritty portrayal of British youth and gangs.

Also at Glasgay will be a Halloween ceilidh and the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art’s visual arts sh[OUT} exhibition. Visit the Glasgay site to find out more.

Tags: glasgay 2009

When I start looking into a gay hotel, there are a few criteria I look at. I don’t want to write about/recommend something just because they cater to the lesbian crowd, or simply because they’re TAG approved. I look at both the facility itself and the reviews it’s gotten from travelers. I was pleasantly surprised when I found this spot as I scanned the Web for cheap Hawaii deals. Summer is almost gone here, and work is a grind, and a few weeks lying on the beach feels like a necessity these days, rather than a luxury!

I first heard about the Maui Sunseeker Resort being a good lesbian hotel in Hawaii on a message board, then started looking into it more. Located in Kihei on the south shore of Maui, it welcomes travelers of any orientation, but does cater to gays and lesbians.

The Basics:
Pacific Ocean Views (seasonal whale watching)
17 room gay owned and operated hotel
Close to beautiful Little Beach, the Iao Valley, Hana, Lahaina and the volcano, Haleakala
Clothing optional rooftop deck
Two hot tubs
Massage therapy available

From what I read, the cons some travelers mentioned were a lack of bars, shops and attractions near the hotel, so you will need to drive if you stay here. Also, there have been a few mentions of “motor lodge” type accommodations, though there are many, more that say the facilities were amazing, so I guess it depends on the type of room you opt for. Gay and lesbian single Hawaiian travelers may be disappointed, this is definitely more of a couples place.

Tags: lesbian hawaii, maui sunseeker