By Sabrina Pirillo

We all travel for the same reason: to discover what the world has to offer outside our comfort zone. Sometimes it’s to escape and take part in dreams of where we want to go, and knock things off the proverbial bucket list. 

I was lucky enough this past fall to take London, England off my bucket list. To my surprise (which travellers love), I fell madly in love with a little place in England called Brighton. Brighton is filled with cobblestone streets, little cafés and shops, and most importantly a splendid rocky beach with a pier.

Top Things To Do In Brighton

Where to Stay

The Old Ship, a four-star Georgian Hotel, overlooks the seafront and is a short walk to all things Brighton, including the remarkable Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Pier, and the Lanes Shopping Centre. The hotel, dating over 450 years old, is rich in history and Royal connections. The signature rooms emulate the seafront with the light blue pastel colours and a comfortable room setting. Serenity, slow-paced and beautiful, The Old Ship hotel offers the perfect stay just a short tube ride from London.

Where to Eat

I’m not vegetarian, but Terre a Terre came very close to converting me. This vegetarian restaurant has been in business over 23 years and offers fantastic, colourful local foods. From their hallumi, made to resemble fish and chips, to their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower), your palette will not be disappointed. To top off your meal add their local Blackdown Silverbirch Gin, distilled seven times over, to add to your experience.

Being of Italian decent, I’m always picky when eating Italian food outside of my family’s home. Edendum lived up to grandma’s Italian culinary experience. Located in The Lanes, this café uses local and organic ingredients offering breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta, focaccia, sandwiches, panini, pastries and cakes. Don’t forget to end your meal with a fresh tiramisu.

Click Here to Watch Shaun Proulx’s Guide to Brighton.

What To Do

In 1822, gay living started in Brighton when George Wilson got arrested for inviting a man to his room. By 1988, a local newspaper deemed Brighton the gay capital of Britain.

For a detailed history of Brighton, Only in Brighton Piers & Queers walking tour will take you through this rich history, including where Vesta Tilly performed as a man in drag from 1864-1952, and where singer Dusty Springfield – the most popular performer of her era – came out as the first British Queer in 1970 just before David Bowie. In August 1964, Dusty performed alongside another band on the bill, High Numbers, who changed their name two weeks later to The Who, celebrating drummer, Keith Moon’s 17^th birthday!

Landmarks

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without seeing the newest attraction, British Airways i360, a pod that goes straight up 162 metres above sea level with a stunning aerial view of Brighton. The best part? The bar comes up with you!

The Lanes Shopping Centre is located in the city’s historic quarter in a maze of twisted alleyways. Featuring many independent shops, boutiques, and cafés all fabulously surrounded by cobblestone streets. These shops used to be fisherman’s cottages located away from the English Channel – fisherman didn’t want to have a sea-view once they were finished work for the day.

The Royal Pavillion is where King George IV, also known as Prince Regent, built this spectacular seaside pleasure palace to get away from his wife and meet his mistress.

For all things Brighton & Hove, visit www.visitbrighton.com.

What To Do In London

Where to Stay

Staying in London for a couple of days? Z SOHO is perfectly situated to get around London and close to café’s, bars, and of course, shopping. Featuring a lovely central outdoor courtyard, complimentary wine and cheese from 5-8 pm, and lavish bath products. Rooms are quaint with chic and modern amenities.

What To Do

The obvious answers to someone who’s never been to London are: The London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, and of course, Buckingham Palace.

Three of the best-kept secrets that I was glad to explore.

1) The Berkeley: Serving in Knightsbridge since the 1970s, The Berkeley is known for their legendary afternoon tea with changing delicacies every six months to follow the latest fashion trends. A posh and chic vibe with a plethora of tea and sandwiches to choose from.

My personal favourite is the desert tower that resembled different eras of fashion.

Watch Shaun’s Top Things To See In London

2) WICKED at The Apollo Theatre: For year’s I’ve been dying to see WICKED! I missed it twice in Toronto, New York, and few other cities. But I guess that was the universe’s way of telling me I was destined to see it in London at The Apollo Theatre and it did not disappoint. An incredible experience about the untold story about the Land of Oz, what it’s like to be a green girl, and two different paths taken, two different stories told.

3) The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour: A must see for any Harry Potter Fan! Only 40 minutes from London in Watford Junction, you’ll be whisked away in a HP Bus and your journey begins! The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is where all eight Harry Potter films were made. You’ll see every prop, set, and costume design from the films, which are all housed in this studio. You’ll make your grand entrance into The Great Hall, see Dumbledore’s Office, and even stop and buy some Butter Beer! You’ll feel like you’re part of the set.

For more information go to www.visitbritain.com

Follow VisitBritain on social media

@VisitBritain, @LoveGreatBritain #LoveGreatBritain

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LGBT TRAVEL :: THE SAGUARO HOTEL Magnificent Palm Springs gets an average of 354 sunny days a year. That’s practically a directive from above that one lounge poolside, enjoy god-sent food and, of course, cool, refreshing cocktails while splish-splashing.

We’re not conjuring a desert illusion – such fun can be had and in flashback 1950’s Technicolor. The Saguaro Palm Springs is the place; Iron Chef Jose Garces is there to furnish the vibrant flavours under the delicious California sunshine.

The Saguaro’s bright, magnetic colour palette is the work of architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, who took the inspiration from the indigenous flowers that grow in the local desert landscape. And the view? Take your pick: almost every room has a balcony or patio, and the Saguaro’s C-shape allows views of its Olympic-size pool and hot tubs, the San Jacinto mountains, Saguaro’s garden courtyard, or Palm Springs’ city lights.

The Saguaro Palm Springs also offers a daily yoga class, shuttle service into downtown and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Palm Springs was ranked the #1 gay friendly city in 2013 (beating out San Francisco according to NerdWallet.com) and plays home to a large gay population and very welcoming to LGBT visitors. The gay culture blends into day-to-day life in Palm Springs, with tons of attractions and gay-friendly events held year round, including Greater Palm Springs Pride, which takes place every November. The Saguaro is home-away-from-home for hundreds of beautiful LGBT people during these festivities – and plays host as official Palm Springs Pride parties light up the night.

Pride or not, The Saguaro is a property you’ll want to return to, every time you visit Palm Springs.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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LGBT TRAVEL :: The Mandala Hotel. Welcome to The Mandala Hotel, Berlin’s only independent privately managed 5-star superior hotel, offering the most spacious rooms in Berlin.

Established in 1999, The Mandala was meant to be a care facility for older people but today offers visitors 158 luxurious studios and suites ranging from the charming City Studio to the extravagant Top Of The Town Penthouse. All spaces include walk-in closets, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes and spacious bathrooms. The smell of fresh flowers fills the halls each day and we thoroughly enjoyed morning coffee on our garden-facing balcony. The Mandala is the perfect place to find serenity when you’re right smack in the center of Berlin’s hustle and bustle.

Your stay also includes daily buffet style breakfast (with miles of options to suit anyone’s taste buds) at the award-winning FACIL restaurant, located in the inner courtyard of the hotel.

The Mandala Hotel is located on Potsdamer Platz which sits on the junction between former East and West Berlin (The Berlin Wall used to run right through Potzdamer Platz) and is the ideal hotel for home base while you explore this incredible city.

Just steps from the famous Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial and Tiergarten (not to mention one of the best shopping spots in Berlin is right around the corner), the hotel is surrounded by restaurants and bars for when you need to rest your feet (and your wallet).

The Mandala Hotel is also only a two-minute walk to underground station Potzdamer Platz, the easiest metro system we’ve ever been on is also the fastest way to get around Berlin. For a more leisurely experience you can also rent a bicycle from the front desk.

The Mandala Hotel should also be noted for it’s above par service; staff are delighted to help you with your stay including currency exchange (for up to $200 EURO’s), a personal shopper and booking your theatre tickets.

LGBT-friendly, The Mandala Hotel offers freedom for guests to be themselves, whoever they are.

More on The Mandala Hotel here.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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EXPRESS THE LOVE YOU FEEL :: Ask a gay man who has been in a relationship about what can cause a breakdown and it’s likely the word communication will arise. Resolving arguments, expressing anger, under-developed listening skills, and feeling the need to “win” arguments are common challenges in intimate relationships between gay men.

Psychotherapist Dale Curd says that’s because men are taught to communicate in a very specific way.

“Men communicate by fixing things,” says Curd, a leading authority in North America on men’s mental and emotional health. “Recognizing there are more ways to communicate is key.”

Communication is particularly important when it comes to the subjects of love and appreciation, areas in which typically men have difficulty with, Curd says.

“But it’s important to say or show how you feel – today,” advises Patrick Marano, husband of GGN publisher Shaun Proulx. They couple first began dating in 2008. “Your relationship doesn’t have to be in a bad place for you to do something good for it. >Tweet this! We make a point of showing each other our love. We call it “putting on the ritz” and its amazing how a little goes a long way.”

If actions speak louder than words, this past spring, Marano pulled out major ritz to communicate his love – clearly. Married since 2011, the pair still have yet to take a honeymoon. Instead of waiting for that to happen, Marano created a mini-honeymoon that remained top-secret until the day-of. “You’ve never seen someone so thrilled as my husband when I told him to pack a weekend bag on a Friday morning,” he says.

Instead of flying off somewhere, Marano whisked his husband in an SUV to the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, just blocks from where they reside.

“The hotel is so decadent, we didn’t leave the building for two nights and three days,” Marano says. “It was an incredible way to strengthen our bond.”

He points to the exceptionally high standards of the luxury hotel as example of how-to in expressing appreciation. “They went out of their way to put thought into everything for us,” he says. “The key word being: thought. You have to put thought about the person you are in a relationship with, thought about how you can show them you care.

“When I was working with Ritz-Carlton on this surprise, they excelled at this. They took the time to find out about us. They asked, “How can we make this weekend memorable?” It mattered to them. So take the same approach with the person you love. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto wanted to know everything about our wedding day, they wanted to see pictures, they wanted to know Shaun’s favourite cocktail. Everyone should appreciate their partner the way Ritz-Carlton Toronto appreciates its guests.”

Marano elaborates, saying that from the moment they arrived until the moment they left, the hotel made them feel like superstars. “Staff knew who we were on sight; everyone had been made aware of how special this weekend was. Whenever we passed a staff member we were wished “Happy Honeymoon!”. We were whisked up to their Club Level and served glasses of champagne while we took care of check-in business. We stayed in a magnificent space called the Simcoe Suite, which is jaw-dropping. It was very easy not to leave a lake view, Italian linens, and an oversized soaking tub for three days and time like that for a relationship is invaluable.

“When you show someone you love that you are paying attention to them, it really means a lot. Ritz-Carlton had set out more champagne on ice for when we first walked into the suite, and tied to the ice bucket was a bouquet of balloons with a design that matched my Tom Ford wedding jacket. That means a staff member saw one of our wedding photos and actually sourced out balloons to match. I was so touched. It’s always the thought means the most; our partners remember how we make them feel. Our room was also filled with black calla lilies – our wedding flower – plus all the wedding photos I sent them to reference ended up in frames, all around the suite, which are now in our home.”

Shaun’s favourite drink – vodka martinis with stuffed olives – was duly noted and served in the relaxation lounge between their My Blend by Clarins facial and deep-tissue massage in the hotel’s #1 ranking spa. After a dinner at the hotel’s tribute to Toronto, TOCA, (where even 2-star Michelin Chef Oliver Glowig came by to offer the duo his warm wishes) the couple returned to their suite to find min version of their wedding cake.

“It was better than the original,” Marano says. “And yes, it was an incredible experience to be treated like kings this way, but it made me realize: isn’t that what we all want for our relationships? For them to be an incredible experience?”

If putting on the ritz means serving up The Ritz-Carlton royal treatment, it doesn’t mean  you need to express your love and appreciation with a gesture as grand as the one Marano orchestrated. However, you should be prepared to commit to a high level of communication maintenance, say Curd, who offers his clients “The Rule of 3” to help them in becoming strong communicators of their feelings:

1. Incorporate 3 acknowledgments every day between each person, making heart-felt acknowledgements, such as, “I really appreciate what a great listener you are.”
2. Ensure 3 non-sexual physical connections per week. Hold hands on a walk, cuddle while watching TV, or greet each other with a hug at the end of a day.
3. Create 3 relationship-building activities each month. Focus on figuring out how you want to spend your time together.

Advises Curd, “Explore something your partner loves:  Spend a day exploring something your partner loves to experience which may be unknown to you-or, not something you necessary would choose to do. Or spend a day consciously choosing to hold each other’s hands as often as you can. Walk, talk, dine, etc while holding hands.  Next to a kiss, it is the most intimate, non-sexual action we can enjoy.”

Follow Dale Curd on Twitter.

Tour the Ritz-Carlton:

– With reporting by Vance Hedman.

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LGBT TRAVEL WEST HOLLYWOOD :: Back when The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin would host their legendary rock ‘n’ roll blowouts at Andaz West Hollywood, it was referred to as the Riot House –  your imagination can fill in reasons why.

Today we’d say it’s more… quiet riot. The LA rock star vibe still exists at this hot spot – nestled centre-of-everything between the Hollywood Hills and the infamous Sunset Strip – but Andaz West Hollywood is now more glam urban oasis meets sexy vintage art deco lounge, while still feeling modern. So modern, that a marriage equality PSA was shot at the boutique hotel, which also drew gAy-lister Matthew Breen, editor-in-chief of iconic queer magazine The Advocate, to marry his partner, Andreas, on the rooftop.

Perhaps the Andaz West Hollywood’s best angle, the rooftop is a one-of-a-kind space offering stunning views of the hills, whether sun-soaked by day, or glittering by night. Be sure to take a dip in the pool: it’s the highest in Los Angeles.

The minimalist rooms boast killer views, too, and extra points for inventiveness with the fun lettering on all the windows, thoughts to ponder as you watch LA wake up or wind down.

Complimentary amenities include wifi, a non-alcoholic mini-bar (this is LA after all), and morning coffee and wine down in the Andaz Lounge each afternoon.

Our favourite part: checking-in in a way that makes you never want to check out. After the valet takes your car, friendly staff get you settled in a chic lounge setting, bring you a glass of wine, and sit with you and their iPad to take care of business. No lines, no standing around after a long trip… and wine.

Then to the pool.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free S.Travel Newsletter.

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A re-location of the world-famous hotel icon now sees Four Seasons Toronto soar magnificently 55 storeys above Yorkville, the heartbeat of all things chic in the city. Warm and sophisticated, the renown hotel is an immediate home you never want to leave; understated Canadian elegance personified.

D-Bar is the perfect lounge for a tête-à-tête over martinis and casual fare (just be careful: a sexy scene can erupt as evenings wear on), and we’ve enjoyed the loft-like Café Boulud and it’s global-influenced menu so many times now (including Christmas dinner) that we should have an appetizer named after us. Four Seasons’ 30,000 square foot spa is unparalleled (bearing in mind we’re spa babies who know from spas) – the Asian fusion massage remains on our list of Best 5 Massages Ever.

Top reason to stay at Four Seasons Toronto: the staff. Perhaps Four Seasons’ strongest strength – from check-in to wait staff to the gents opening your cab door as you stumble home from the revelry – each make a Four Seasons Toronto guest feel only warmly welcomed at all times.

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DESTINATION :: Say ‘Dallas’ to anyone and the iconic city brings to mind cowboys, oil rigs, a certain classic soap opera and big hair. But the city is also home to one of the largest queer populations in America, and the LGBT mega-church The Cathedral of Hope. Dallas boasts an exceptionally thriving art scene, incredible dining, and more gay bars and clubs than you can shake a stick at (should you be the type to shake sticks at bars and clubs). The city celebrates Pride late September.

GGTravel Tip ::  Dallas is a fast flight from Toronto.  We appreciate American Airlines, an industry leader with internal programs supporting diversity, partner benefits and non-discrimination policies.  They also continue to work with the LGBT community nationally, supporting local equality-based organizations such as HRC, NGLCC, GLAAD, and other equality based organizations.

Dallas is the ideal city for an easy weekend getaway.  Given the reliable Texan sun, the weather there is generally more than agreeable (though when we went, an oppressive heat wave was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced), while the people of Dallas are easily among the most friendly you’ll encounter.  While shopping at the renowned Neiman Marcus (the luxury retailer’s HQ is in the city), our twang-less accent was noted by a native of the city who was quick to say, “Welcome to Dallas, we’re so glad you’re here with us.”  Random yet typical, and highly lovely.

The Dallas Arts District :: We were surprised to find on our first visit years back that the city has a vibrant arts scene, much of which is easy to enjoy as it’s based in what’s known as the Arts District, home to the city’s leading visual and performing arts institutions, whose range and depth make Dallas a destination for those who love the arts. Our favourite is the Nasher Sculpture Centre in the Dallas Arts District and we made a return visit the first stop on our itinerary.  Across the street is the stunning Crow Collection of Asian Art, also a must.

Fine Dallas Dining :: There’s something to suit every taste when dining in Dallas.  Here are five of the finer spots worth experiencing: Si Tapas Restaurant Bar, Abacus (contemporary global with Pacific Rim influences), Stephan Pyles (new millenium southwestern cuisine in extraordinary settings), Nosh (Euro bistro) and the sexy Japanese hot spot, Nubu.

Gay Dallas :: Centred primarily around the Oak Lawn neighbourhood, the intersection of Throckmorton and Cedar Springs is the equivalent of Toronto’s Church & Wellesley crossroads. It’s extraordinary to realize that Dallas has over 30 gay bars all within reach of each other, catering to crowds ranging from hip-hop to hoe-down. The Roundup Saloon has the friendliest bartenders and the hottest cowboys, Station 4 goes after hours, and Sue Ellen’s is favoured by the ladies.  Joints from piano to pick-up abound, the challenge is in the choosing.

GGTravel Tip :: Taxis in Dallas are an exceptionally costly experience compared to the same in Canada.  We hired a limousine to take us where we wanted to be for the same price, and would recommend renting a car if planning a longer stay or a busy itinerary.

Upcoming In Dallas:

Sunday Sept 18th – Celebrate 26 years of Dallas LGBT Pride with a fabulous parade.  This year’s theme is “It Just Gets Better”.  The party starts to gather at 12:00 noon with pre-parade entertainment at 1:00 pm.  The parade steps off promptly at 2:00 pm. Cedar Springs Road.

Festival In Lee Park – Spend your Sunday of Pride Weekend in Lee Park with great food, live entertainment by Anton Shaw & her Band, Mi Diva Loca, Chaz Marie and the Band, VIP guests, trophies, awards, prizes and activities hosted by Victoria Weston. Lee Park @ Turtle Creek 11:00 am until 7:00 pm

Saturday November 12th – Dallas Ft. Worth Black Tie Dinner – The Dallas / Fort Worth Black Tie Dinner is the largest HRC seated dinner in the nation.  This year’s evening begins at 6 pm at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel with a silent auction and dinner at 8:00 pm Comedienne Caroline Rhea and actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson entertain and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin gives a keynote address. At 11:30 the AfterBlack Party kicks off.

– TheGayGuideNetwork

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Although “voulez-vouz coucher avec moi se soir?” and “merci beaucoup” are only French phrases I know, Montreal nevertheless is like a second home to me, as it is for many Torontonians. It’s like being on vacation without feeling away from home. What made this trip different though was spending more time in Old Montreal than in my typical gaybourhood hot spots. It made me appreciate a whole new world waiting to be discovered.

Its beauty and history can be found in old buildings and architecture like the historical s-travel-an-undiscovered-montrealPlace Jean-Paul-Riopelle. Riopelle was a member of the Automatisti movement and signed the “Refus Global,” (a 1948 manifesto that denounced moral and artistic conformity). “La Joute,” is the bronzed sculpted fountain, where in summer, every hour on the hour from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. its flames dance on water.

Le Westin Montreal

Staying at Le Westin Montreal, is like, how do you say in French… “tres fabulous!” Celebrating their three-year anniversary this May, Le Westin opens up onto the streets of Old Montreal.  It’s like being in Europe, with cobblestone streets, original architecture and so many attractions within walking distance, like the Notre Dame Basilica (across the street), Opera de Montreal Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montreal (1 km away), Old Port of Montreal (.5 km away) and the Montreal Convention Centre across the street. Tip: The Montreal Convention Centre (also called Le Palais de Congres) will be home once again this year to the Black and Blue Festival taking place October 3^rd-9^th. Convenience doesn’t get any better than this.

Le Grand Entrance

The beautifully built grand entrance-way makes you feel like you’re pulling up to a castle.  Its colossal pillars (top image) change color which makes the illumination at night absolutely stunning.  Hovering above the hotel’s grand entrance-way is the indoor glass bottom pool (my personal favourite feature). It’s like walking on the glass floor of The CN Tower, if it were under water.

As you set foot into the lobby the one thing that catches your eye is the giant aluminum art piece that hangs right in the centre of the room. Made from 50,000 pieces of aluminum hanging on 600 pieces of rope, this incredible beast took five days to create and was crafted by a group called “Unit Five”. It consisted of two members, one artist from Toronto and the other from Montreal.

An Oasis Of Amenities

Boasting 454 rooms and suites with spectacular views of Montreal, tranquil spa music greets you as you enter your room. Floor to ceiling windows, and décor and color schemes look corporate but yet are so comfortable. Their heavenly beds come with down and feather filled pillows and premium white goose down and features; you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud until you wake up to in-room Starbucks coffee. Other amenities include free internet usage in all public areas and rooms of the hotel. (If you’re traveling alone, the best safety feature Le Westin has is the use of your room key in order to get onto any floor in the building.) The rooms are also built around the elevators to ensure peace and quiet. And for the fitness addict, the  Westin Workout Centre is open 24 hours, with lot’s of equipment to choose from.

Bon Appetit!

Once housing the printing presses of the Gazette newspaper, gazette restaurant sits at street level with floor to ceiling windows and deep rich colors complimenting the marble counter tops and oak floors. The inspired cuisine of gazette includes the freshest local ingredients used in their popular tapas menu items.  Their community tables also make it a great spot to meet for a drink after work.

Stepping outside the my usual Montreal box offered me the gorgeous architecture of Le Westin in the heart of Old Montreal. A little piece of Europe right in our own backyard.

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