Gay resorts have come a long way in recent years and many now offer facilities and furnishings as good as any boutique hotel. We take a look at some of the best places to ‘stay gay’.

Apart from the usual facilities that you would expect to find in a luxury gay guesthouse - wi-fi, air conditioning, satellite television or jacuzzi bathrooms - these hotels offer something that is a cut above the rest. Exceptional service, a stunning location, beautiful décor, an exquisite ambience - or perhaps all of the above making them the perfect place for the discerning gay traveller.


Elysium Hotel, Mykonos
The Elysium has been setting the standards in European gay hotel accommodation since it opened in 1989 and it’s now the landmark superior gay residence on this legendary island. Completely refurbished in 2002, the property still maintains its status as one of the premier gay hotels in the world and continues to welcome a cosmopolitan mix of international gay visitors who come annually to enjoy the outstanding services and comfort levels on offer.

The 40 standard and superior rooms plus 2 suites are all elegantly furnished and excellently equipped; all have air-conditioning while the 22 superior deluxe rooms also feature personal computers complete with webcams [Doesn’t that rather spoil the classy tag? Ed.]. Outside the terrace and pool areas provide some magnificent views of Mykonos Town on the island and, of course it’s celebrated sunset.

In mythology Elysium is an island of the blessed and a playground of the Gods. It’s  an atmosphere which is recreated in this heavenly hotel to perfection.

Read more about this stunning island with our guide to Mykonos.


Vista Salinas, Ibiza
Located just 5 minutes drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the gay beach and gay bars of Eivissa, lies the Vista Salinas, a new guesthouse for gay travellers to the island of Ibiza. Surrounded by pine forest and lemon groves this sleek and modern villa is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation. It’s the perfect retreat from the hedonistic nightlife that has made this destination legendary or alternatively a wonderful base from which to explore the beautiful and unspoilt corners of this island.

Once you have entered the gateway of the property you can start to appreciate this secret hideaway. The villa itself is decorated in a minimalist style, muted tones and a casual elegance give the property a tranquil air and with just 5 en-suite guest suites, each with private terrace, you can always be guaranteed of some peace and quiet. Relax by the pool, enjoy a game of tennis before drinks, tapas and stunning views on the terrace in anticipation of what the night ahead may have in store.

Read all about Ibiza with our guide to the island.


East Canyon Resort and Spa, Palm Springs
East Canyon is more than just a hotel; it’s a resort and spa which excels in providing an unsurpassed experience for those lucky enough to stay in its 15 superbly appointed rooms and suites. This is a real destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate away from the stresses and strains of every day life. It’s a true jewel in the heart of the California desert town with the accent heavily on sophistication and refinement.
   
East Canyon has a reputation for having some of the most luxurious rooms in the desert. Guests can relax around the outsized heated pool with spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains complete with fog misting for those particularly warm days. If that isn’t relaxation enough though this is the only gay hotel in town to offer a full service spa on premises with a range of treatments carried out by fully qualified, personable and professional spa therapists. 

Find out more about Palm Springs with our guide to this fantastic resort.


Royal Palms, Fort Lauderdale
The Royal Palms Resort has been winning prestigious awards and accolades since 1993 and with good reason. Undoubtedly one of the finest resorts in North America, this is a jewel in the crown of the gay properties that now make the beach resort of Fort Lauderdale one of the hottest gay destinations in the world.

The focal point for the Royal Palms is the exotic and lush pool area and terrace where guests can relax and unwind in the 10 man spa, cool off in the swimming pool and enjoy complimentary breakfast and cocktails daily. Once again the rooms are luxuriously appointed, meticulously maintained and are equipped with the finest accessories and scrupulously thought out finishing touches that complete the luxurious ambience.

You can find out more about Fort Lauderdale with our guide to the town.


Brass Key Guesthouse, Province Town
To refer to Brass Key as just a guesthouse is a huge understatement. This collection of 42 air conditioned and richly appointed rooms spread throughout 9 distinctive, traditional New England properties has many of the facilities of a top class hotel with the hospitality and friendliness of a small guesthouse. This historic and charming corner of the US is well known for its hospitality and the Brass Key is no exception and proudly states that they plan everything for their guest’s pleasure.

Apart from the charismatic surrounding of this delightful property the list of facilities and services on offer is quite extraordinary. The extensive gated compound features a courtyard and gardens, heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi, twice daily housekeeping, a  complimentary wine hour and a whole host of home entertainment features throughout the property. There is even a concierge service which is provided just in case you have any questions about what to do and see should you be able to tear yourself away from this luxurious environment

Get the low-down on this fantastic resort with our guide to Provincetown.


Find out all the latest gay travel information by buying the 2007 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.