The gay-resort scene in Fort Lauderdale is constantly evolving, with
trendy new properties opening seemingly every few months, and older ones
receiving massive makeovers. A great example of the latter is the
elegant New Zealand House, which was virtually rebuilt in 2003; now its
sleek rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD players, cordless phones, and
Wi-Fi. Other highly recommended properties include the Grand Resort,
whose urbane decorative scheme contrasts markedly with the tropical
beachy ambience of Fort Lauderdale beach; it's one of the few gay
lodgings with a gym. With about 30 rooms, the Schubert Resort, fashioned
out of a retro-cool 1950s hotel compound, affords a similar level of
opulence and alluring facilities, including a cafe with a full bar.
Although it's set a short drive inland from the beach, the Coral Reef
Guest House is a worthwhile option thanks to its attractive gardens,
massage offerings, and eight cheerfully furnished, reasonably priced
rooms. One of the closest resorts to the many gay bars and restaurants
in Wilton Manors, Cabanas Guest House appeals to social butterflies,
with its 10-man Jacuzzi and eight-man aromatherapy steam room. The posh
rooms have goose-down comforters, Wi-Fi, and CD/MP3 players.
Fort Lauderdale is less about sightseeing than Miami or Orlando - people
come here to relax in the sun, socialize, and shop. This latter activity
you can enjoy at the famed Sawgrass Mills Mall, whose more than 300
designer outlets include Donna Karan, Saks, Ann Taylor, and Macy's. Or
just stroll along Las Olas, which abounds with fashion boutiques and
jewelry shops. It's also a city built on and around water, and there are
myriad opportunities for sightseeing cruises, fishing charters, sailing
trips, scuba-diving excursions, and kayak tours - many of the local
accommodations work closely with area boating and sailing outfitters.
But if you do have a hankering for a bit of culture, catch a play or
concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Museum of Art
Fort Lauderdale is also a great place to while away the occasional rainy
afternoon. It's known for its first-rate collection of works by leading
American impressionist painter William Glackens.
The city's dining scene continues to evolve. For creative contemporary
cuisine, it's hard to beat stylish Mark's Las Olas, which has a chic
decor and A-list clientele. Perhaps the hottest venue in town is Johnny
V, helmed by celeb chef Johnny Vinczencz - at this hip Las Olas
restaurant you might try ancho-cinnamon-grilled pork tenderloin or
corn-dusted yellowtail snapper with smoked-pepper relish. At the
Atlantic hotel, Trina has become a favorite for its signature Trinatini
cocktails (with vodka, lavender syrup, and pomegranate and lemon
juices), such tempting Mediterranean-inspired fare as Moroccan chicken
pizza and tagine-baked grouper with almond couscous, and the awesome
ocean views. Continue to page
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The Hunk
