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- Newsletter 324: Palm Springs Gay Resorts, Queer Art Retreat in Spain + Athens to Barcelona Cruise & More
Newsletter 324: Palm Springs Gay Resorts, Queer Art Retreat in Spain + Athens to Barcelona Cruise & More

Find Paradise in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has been a legendary LGBTQ+ getaway for decades, dating back to the glamorous glory days of California’s film industry in the 1930s. Back then Hollywood movie stars and creative types would head to sunny Palm Springs to escape the limelight of show business and enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs. Today, that welcoming spirit and relaxed atmosphere remain and Palm Springs has evolved into a vibrantly diverse community with an abundance of gay-focused bars, dance clubs, retail businesses, hotels, and resorts. Palm Springs truly is an LGBTQ+ paradise.
With year-round warm weather and plenty of inclusive events and cool activities, there’s no better time than now to take a page out of the Hollywood stars’ book and head into the desert for a sunny vacation under the palms. When you do, why not treat yourself to a stay at one of Palm Springs’ three most exclusive resorts for gay men? Of course we’re talking about Descanso, Twin Palms, and Santiago. Whichever you choose, these top-rated, swimsuit-optional resorts are sure to bring out your inner Hollywood playboy!
SPONSORED BY SANTIAGO RESORT
This newsletter was written in collaboration with one or more travel brands or businesses. We may receive compensation when you click the links and make a purchase. Read our full advertising policy here.
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Thirty Artists, Seven Facilitators, One Palace, Infinite Expression
Expressing yourself through art is the ultimate therapy. So is the connection made through community. Oh, and staying in a gorgeous Moorish palace up in the Spanish mountains does wonders to lift the spirits, too! Experience all of this from January 11–17, 2026, at Glainne Retreat in Andalusia, where thirty budding gay artists will gather in southern Spain for a full week of creative expression.
Under the tutelage of seven renowned queer artists and scholars—including the likes of art historian and queer curator Jonathan D. Katz, writer Alim Kheraj, flamenco choreographer Fernando López, singer David McAlmont and performance artist Colin Seymour (also known as Drag Race superstar Crystal)—you’ll spend a week immersed in a marvelous myriad of workshops, thought-provoking discussions, Spanish cultural events, and enriching activities looked at through a queer lens and designed to gently guide you towards inspiration.
Don’t edit your queer excellence, embellish it at Glainne Retreat in Andalusia.
SPONSORED BY GLAINNE ANDALUSIA RETREAT
Naked Together in Clothing-Optional Villa. The Naked Thai Villa in Phuket is where comfort, camaraderie, and naked experiences are celebrated with fellow men. Meet like-minded men from January 28 - February 3, 2026. BOOK NOW |

From Athens to Barcelona with Love!
Our philosophy is that on a cruise, both the destination and the journey should matter. Nowhere is that more true than on our 7 Days in Greece, Italy & Spain cruise with Virgin Voyages. You’ll visit some of our favorite places in Europe while getting the VIP treatment as part of our gay group—with group dinners, cutting-edge entertainment, shore excursions, themed parties, and more.
Join us October 4-11, 2026, as we sail out from the birthplace of democracy itself, Athens, heading straight to the legendary gay hotspot of Mykonos, where iconic windmills and cobblestone streets overlook nonstop beach parties. Next, we’ll dip into Catania, the sultry heart of Sicily, before cruising up the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast to sunny Salerno. And because no Italian adventure is complete without a touch of history, we’ll stop in Civitavecchia, your gateway to the eternal city of Rome, before finally arriving in our home country of Spain, with a grand finale in Barcelona.
SPECIAL OFFERS!
For solo travelers: join for just $2,240 for a private cabin. Only 4 cabins left.
For couples & friends: Book a Sea Terrace cabin by December 4 and get a free $150 Bar Tab plus save 10%. That’s just $1,787 per person. Terms apply.
Tokyo is Delicious. IGLTA member Arigato Travel offers world-class food tours across the city—from eel sushi to wagashi, you’ll eat like a local at the most authentic restaurants. Also check out their personalized itineraries and VIP services throughout Japan. Use ‘LGBTsushi’ for 10% off food tours! EXPLORE TOKYO |

Backpacks, Beaches & Boys – The Best LGBTQ+ Hostels & Budget Stays in South America
South America is the perfect continent to embark on a queer backpacking adventure. From Bogotá to Buenos Aires, all the big cities have gay (or at least LGBTQ+-friendly) hostels and budget stays that serve as base camps when venturing out into the proverbial wilds. This is a guide to the best of the bunch — places that are secure, comfortable, and leave you with extra cash to splash on the experiences that count: eating in Argentina’s salacious steak restaurants, taking guided hiking trips along the Inca Trail, splurging on an extra mojito at the Copacabana, or losing yourself during a wild night out at Bogotá’s infamous gay superclub, Teatrón.
Italian Vistas to Spanish Sunsets. After three amazing years cruising the Med with our partners-in-crime Virgin Voyages, we're back for more! Join us June 21-28, 2026, for 7 days in Spain, France & Italy—stopping in Rome, Tuscany, Cannes, and Ibiza. SPECIAL OFFER! Solo travelers pay just $2,065 for a private cabin. CRUISE WITH US |

Bad Tourists to the Bone in Barcelona and Sitges 2026
Calling all gays for our 7 Days in Spain group trip in 2026! After the successes of the last four years, from May 13-19, 2026, we’re heading back to Barcelona and Sitges for the fifth time. Barcelona is a stunning city beautifully sandwiched between mountains and sea - with all year-round sunshine, hunk-filled beaches, instantly recognizable monuments with stunning architecture (like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral), vibrant gay nightlife within areas such as Eixample (or Gaixample as the locals call it) and fabulous restaurants serving delicious tapas realness. On our trip we’ll see all this and more on a dynamic range of tours. Then there’s Sitges, the seaside town with a lot of personality, where the gays go to unwind. Together we’ll explore its restaurant/bar filled cobblestone streets, seafront promenade and gorgeous beaches – including a cheeky nudist one! O and they’ll be wine, lots of wine.
SPECIAL OFFER (EXTENDED)!
Book by November 30 and get:
For solos: get a private room & pay no single supplements!
For couples & friends: Save $100 per person.
This is the final extension of the offer; prices will increase on December 1.
Find Love Under the Puglian Sun ☀️ Single & ready to mingle? Join Italy Gay Travels in stunning Puglia August 22-28, 2026. Meet like-minded gay singles from around the world—your soulmate might be here! Book by November 30 with code TWOBAD for €100 off. BOOK NOW |

Gay Travel Guide to Fort Lauderdale
Miami might be trendy, hip, and fashionable—but Fort Lauderdale, just 30 minutes north, is its more laid-back, hippy, gay cousin. Fort Lauderdale has never tried to match the fast-paced glitz of Miami, nor should it. The city more than holds its own with 23 miles of turquoise-watered beaches, at least 50 LGBTQ+-friendly establishments (not to mention the iconic Wilton Manors), and the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ couples in the U.S. So, if you’re looking for a warm-weather destination with beaches and gay activities galore that won't bleed your bank account dry, then Fort Lauderdale might just be your ticket to the perfect Florida gaycation.
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