Gay Holiday: Boutique Resorts for Men

Housed in an Italianate mansion built in the 1800s by one of Napoleon's generals, this gay and men-only bed and breakfast offers six self-catering, luxury suites - preserving the original colorful tile, wooden beams, exposed stonework and adding rain showers, Nespresso machines and satellite television, as well as Ayurvedic, in-pool, hot hamman and tantric massage. The lavender-filled terraces and pergola-covered lounge provide ample space and amenities for attentively hosted pool parties and garden dinners.

The Island House is a clothing optional, award-winning gay resort in a relaxed - and relaxing - tropical setting. Within the compound is a spa, sauna, heated pool, Jacuzzi, erotic video lounge, fitness center - all focused on profound relaxation. Nightly happy hour is free and free-flowing, and food is conveniently served poolside from a breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight menu. Rates vary drastically according to season and the room. Day passes are available to non-hotel guests.

The gay-owned and -operated Casa Cúpula started in 2002 as a luxury guesthouse for gay men and their friends and has grown into a complete, self-contained resort tucked into a hillside overlooking Puerto Vallarta. Just a 10-minute walk from town, it has sprawling grounds, a gourmet restaurant, multiple pools and weekly brunches and parties. The 15 rooms and 6 suites (including a two-story penthouse) are decorated in a variety of styles with many having large terraces. Its gym Pump is a good place to keep up workouts while on vacation.

In the gay-popular Warm Springs neighborhood, The Hacienda is a clothing optional resort that prides itself on its staff-to-guestroom ratio and greeting each guest with a basket of goodies. The all-suite resort is in a lush tropical setting with two swimming pools, misting systems, a Japanese pond and a multi-tiered Spanish fountain. Guests gather poolside on for sunning, complimentary breakfast and lunch and a Monday night wine and snacks. It offers a three-night honeymoon package with rose petals.

Close to many gay bars and clubs, Casa Condesa is a gay-owned boutique bed and breakfast decorated in a festive Thai-Balinese style. A block from the beach, this three-story paradise is light, breezy, and filled with greenery. Relax by the pool with a margarita, lounge in a hammock on the sunny rooftop terrace, or enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower. The complimentary breakfast is made to order, and drinks and snacks are available 24 hours.

Just a 10-minute drive from Stellenbosch and 30 minutes from Cape Town, the men-only Pink Rose Guesthouse & Spa has four stylish rooms, a sun terrace, sauna, Jacuzzi, clothing optional pool, relaxation area and professional masseur - all of which encourage relaxation. German hosts Lars and Detlef are more than happy to direct to area activities including wine tours, whale watching, world-class golf courses, shopping and sandy beaches.

In the heart of Phnom Penh, Arthur and Paul (named after the French poet lovers) is men-only with 10 spacious rooms that also go by first name, a spa with sauna, massage and hot tub, a pool, tropical garden, bar and restaurant. Within easy reach or tuk tuk is the shopping and dining of Pasteur Street, the Central Market, National Museum and Royal Palace.

Lugar Gay is an 18-and-over, men-only bed and breakfast in hip San Telmo, created as an alternative to gay-friendly lodging options. Accommodations range from shared quadruple and double rooms to individual singles and doubles, including rooms for leathers and bears. Without outdoor signage, look for the green door at 1120 Defensa Street.

Near the beautiful village of Montclus, this men-only guest house is a short drive or day trip to South of France attractions like roman aqueducts, caves, medieval towns, gay beaches, vineyards and canoeing. The grounds and pool are secluded and clothing optional with sun lounges and hammocks, surrounded by an eight-acre (4 ha) garden of summer lavender, shade trees, colorful flowers and butterflies. Accommodations are housed in a country collection of stone-walled studios, a garden chalet and a main house with double rooms. Open from late spring to late summer, minimum stays apply during high season.

The clothing-optional Hotel Lush Royale is lushly landscaped with two heated pools, a Buddha head in the garden and a brick patio. It is a tranquil spot, away from the hubbub of the beach but only only a 4-minute walk to the main beach and a half mile to the gay beach. Its 28 rooms and suites are well appointed with a choice of king or queen bed. Guests can use the spa and mini-gym nearby at Royal Palms, a sister hotel.