or you can ask the concierge for dining rec-ommendations in the neighborhood.Many of the guests here will lounge by the

pool in the morning before going out toexplore the local attractions. On certainevenings, the resort hosts a complimentaryhappy hour with wine, Champagne, andsnacks. This is a great opportunity to get toknow the other guests from around the world. You may or may not be surprised to learn

that some of the guys you just met are goingon the same gay Caribbean cruise that you’reon! The local cruise terminal, Port Everglades,is one of the top three cruise ports in theworld. It is home to 39 cruise ships and tencruise lines that feature a variety of interna-tional destinations and itineraries.

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One of the most important con-siderations for us when plan-ning a trip is the type of accom-modations available in our pre-ferred destination. When it

comes to visiting Fort Lauderdale, there arewonderful hotel and resort choices from smallboutique hotels and large five-star resorts toclothing-optional sanctuaries for gay men. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this

year is The Grand Resort and Spa (539North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Tel: 954-630-3000. www.grandresort.net),Fort Lauderdale’s premiere gay-owned andoperated men’s resort and spa that firstopened in 1999. We stayed here on tworecent trips to Fort Lauderdale, and as soon

thesuitelifeTHE GRAND RESORT AND SPA

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA by Robert Adams

Photos Courtesy of The Grand Resort and Spa

as we checked in we felt right at home. As an all-male resort, the vibe is casual,

chic, and totally relaxing. The clothing-optional areas are tropical and fun, and allguests seem to enjoy getting to know oneanother over breakfast, evening drinks, orlate-night soaks in the hot tubs.Whether you are visiting the area for busi-

ness or pleasure, The Grand Resort and Spais a great choice in terms of the amenitiesthey provide their guests and the closeproximity to the beach, just a block and ahalf away.Every morning, as soon as we were up,

we’d take a walk along the beach or go for aswim in the ocean. Back at The Grand Resortand Spa a light continental breakfast awaits,

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For gay men planning a pre- or post-cruisestay in Fort Lauderdale, The Grand Resortand Spa is a popular choice with 33 well-appointed rooms and suites just steps fromthe beach and convenient to all of Fort Laud-erdale’s attractions and nightlife. If, like us,you appreciate the extra space and amenitiesthat a suite provides, the choices here aresure to please.

In addition to their popular Courtyard GuestRooms with one king or two queen bedsand private bath with walk-in shower that

opens onto their tropical courtyards, and thePoolside Guest Room with an oversize kingbed located on the 2nd floor overlooking thepool, there is an assortment of suites.Junior Suites are available in contempo-

rary courtyard or poolside accommodations,with a slate and marble bath and a walk-inshower. One & Two-Bedroom Suites providea spacious living room, dining area, kitchenwith workspace, and a separate king-sizebedroom and spacious slate-tiled bathroomwith walk-in shower. Some suites include aprivate patio or balcony with outdoor show-ers. These are the best choices if you like tosmoke, as all their accommodations aresmoke-free. The property also provides out-door smoking and non-smoking areas, soeveryone can relax and enjoy themselves.The One & Two-Bedroom Penthouses are

perfect for people who are looking to spreadout and enjoy their home-away-from-hometogether. The master suite has a king bed,and each bedroom has its own bath withwalk-in shower. There is also a gourmet openkitchen with four-burner glass cooktop,microwave, and refrigerator. The Two Bed-room Penthouse also features a sleeper sofa.For the ultimate in luxury, book The Grand

Penthouse on the private, secluded thirdfloor. An oversized great room is the perfectplace to entertain guests. There is also anopen kitchen featuring granite counter tops,four-burner glass cooktop, microwave, refrig-erator, coffee maker, and dining bar. The greatroom opens to an outdoor, ocean view livingroom on your private sun deck with your ownoutdoor shower and Jacuzzi. There is a mas-ter king bedroom, a second queen bedroom,and a sleeper sofa. Being able to accommo-date up to six people, this is a great choice fortwo couples, throuples, or a group of friendstraveling together.It is also the perfect suite for people cel-

ebrating a birthday, anniversary, or aromantic getaway. Pop the champers and

The Spa

The Grand Penthouse Outdoor Living Area

Junior Suite

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toast to each other under the South Floridasky filled with twinkling stars and sensualocean breezes.

If the opportunity of having an on-site spaappeals to you, then you’ve come to theright place. The Grand Resort and Spa is

Fort Lauderdale’s first gay resort with its ownfull-service day spa and hair studio. From arelaxing Swedish massage to a haircut beforeyour night on the town, the staff here canaccommodate all your needs.They offer a variety of customized and

specialty massages, facials, and wet roomtreatments, as well as manicures, pedicures,waxing, and hair styling. Spa Hours are Mon-day through Sunday, 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. Being able to stroll out of our suite and

into the spa for our appointment was truly aspecial experience. We chose their OrganicCoconut Oil and Sugar Scrub. This treat-ment is perfect for dry and dull skin. Thesugars release alpha hydroxyl acid to exfo-liate the skin, and organic coconut oil soft-ens and moisturizes the skin to a smoothpolish. The treatment is finished with a richmoisturizer application.If your skin is sensitive, try their Seaweed

Gel Therapy. This body treatment beginswith a cleansing, then the appropriate scrubis done. The massage is performed with anatural seaweed gel. It is a soothing andrefreshing treatment that supports oxygena-tion of skin tissue. It is good for dry andmature skin. Another choice for massage lovers is

the Warm Mud Massage. They use Fangomud that is a natural detoxifier to helpdraw out impurities from the skin. This is agreat treatment for normal to oily and con-gested skin. Combine any massage with a body

scrub and a facial for a relaxing half-day atthe spa. One of our favorite options here isthe Wellness Facial, a natural and organicskincare facial that stimulates the senseswith the soothing power of natural fra-grances and botanicals. Now that you are looking and feeling

your best, it’s time to explore all that thisdiverse and welcoming LGBTQ destinationhas to offer. Ask the concierge at TheGrand Resort and Spa for a list of thingsthat are happening during your stay, or visitwww.sunny.org/lgbtq-travel, and discov-er the wonderful array of culinary, cultural,and nightlife options available in GreaterFort Lauderdale.

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