The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa offers weekly specials at their Men’s Day Spa. This week (4/10), treatment specials include:  

• Special 60 minute massage for $70
• Microdermabrasion for $95

The massage price without the special is $85 and the microdermabrasion is normally $125…For more information or general questions call The Men’s Day Spa.

This comedy-drama is based on a true story and, like some true stories, it is not only stranger than fiction, but also less believable. Yet it actually happened.

Steven Russell was a police officer in Georgia, an organist at a conservative church and, according to his wife, “a devoted Christian family man.” In addition, he was gay and deeply closeted until a near-fatal car accident convinced him he should be true to himself. The problem is that he was also a consummate conartist whose insurance fraud…. Read More at Wilton Drive Online

The appeals court struck down the state law which prohibits the adoption of children by gays and lesbians on the grounds that gay and lesbian citizens are afforded equal protection under law.

The ruling is considered a victory for Florida Gov.Charlie Crist who announced recently that the state would refrain from enforcing the ban. Crist said that he is very pleased with the ruling, although he was a supporter of the legislation earlier on in his career.

The spokesman for the Department of Children and Families Joe Follick stated “As of now, this decision does stand as the law in Florida, and we are currently not enforcing the ban.”

The Department of Children and Families has 30 days to decide on an appeal, “but we will make a decision sooner than that” said Follick.
It’s pleasing to finally be able to say that after 33 long years, the Florida Ban on gay adoption is finally headed for the history archives.  Overall, the ruling is a major win for gay and lesbian activists, gay and lesbian families and the GLBT rights movement in general.

FORT LAUDERDALE: By Word of Mouth • Cafe Vico • The Capital Grille • China Grill at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina • Coco Asian Bistro & Bar • da Campo Osteria by Todd English at il Lugano • 15th Street Fisheries • Grille 66 & Bar Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six • Hi-Life Cafe • Himmarshee Bar & Grille • ilios at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort • Johnny V • Mai-Kai Restaurant and Show • The Melting Pot • Morton’s The Steakhouse • North Ocean Grille at the Pelican Grand • Primavera • Ruth’s Chris Steak House • Sea Level Restaurant & Ocean Bar at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa • Shula’s on the Beach at the Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale • SoLita Las Olas • Sunfish Grill • 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa • Tokyo Blue • Trina at The Atlantic Hotel • Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab House • Via Luna at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

HALLANDALE BEACH: Cantina Laredo Gourmet Mexican Food • Links Restaurant & Lounge at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa • III Forks Steak & Seafood

HOLLYWOOD: Aizia at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa • Lola’s on Harrison

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA: Blue Moon Fish Co.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT: Le Bistro

POMPANO BEACH: Cafe Maxx

WESTON: East City Grill • Ireland’s Steakhouse at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure

WILTON MANORS: Galanga Thai Kitchen & Sushi Bar

Watch video clip

Within recent years, Fort Lauderdale itself has grown into what may seem to be no less than one giant gay resort. Fort Lauderdale’s gay scene, or as many call it Gay Fort Lauderdale, is flourishing with gay-friendly everything – from bars and nightclubs to shopping, fine dinning and resorts – many specifically tailored to the gay lifestyle. Even those which are not specifically “gay oriented” often boast themelves as “welcoming all lifestyles” as in Fort Lauderdale there seems to be no “norm”.

The neighboring city of Wilton Manors (the gayborhood) is about 2 miles from the beach and loaded with a concentration of LGBT focused businesses and venues. A quick trip through Wilton Manors on any given weekend may leave you with the impression that you’ve slipped into a gay-only fantasy world, often one which may cause you to cringe at the simple thought of leaving, and for good reason. Did you forget to pack swim trunks in your suitcase?? No probem, you can always stop at Gay Mart and pick up another pair. Got munchies after a long night of clubbing at RamRod or other gay bars along the strip? Stop at Humpy’s Pizza at 1:45a.m. for great Pizza & Panini. And the list goes on and on.

It’s quite shocking, not to mention very satisfying to discover a whole culture of LGBT couples and individuals, all gathered into one beautiful area…. Have you died and gone to heaven?? No, you’re just gay in Fort Lauderdale.

Having been informed of a few things that Gay Fort Lauderdale has to offer, let’s talk about where to stay. There’s an abundance of gay hotels and resorts in the Fort Lauderdale area, however none quite as appealing as The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa. Located just blocks from Wilton Manors on its own privately enclosed paradise rests The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa. Bordered on 2 sides by a quaint yet refreshing waterway padded with lush tropical landscape, The Cabanas is an award-winning clothing-optional resort and a definite favorite of those who are “in the know”.

Since opening in 2001, The Cabanas excellent scenery, prime location, generous amenities and superior customer service have yielded a loyal following of gay travelers from literally around the world. When you stay at The Cabanas, it’s more than just a hotel room to sleep in – It’s the experience of a lifetime. It’s an opportunnity to meet great people and enjoy great company. It’s the freedom to walk, swim or sun-bathe in the nude. It’s the chance to make lifelong friends with whom you can create memories that will never be forgotten. It’s the luxury of being who YOU want to be, because unlike the other gay resorts, The Cabanas is all about YOU.

Indulge in yourself, indulge in your relationship, indulge in the real gay lifestyle. The ultimate gay vacation begins at The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa of beautiful Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors. Don’t believe the hype??? View our (over 70 and counting) reviews on TripAdvisor.com, one of the most trusted and respected traveler review sites in the world. The words of our loyal and satisfied visitors say it all.

Visit us now at www.thecabanasguesthouse.com for more information on rates, availability and to make reservations. We’ll see you soon!

“Nice big rooms, friendly staff. Great pools and 24 hour jacuzzi. Good atmosphere.”

“We have stayed at other resorts in Fort Lauderdale but none come close the experience you get at the Cabanas.”

“This was the third time I have stayed at The Cabanas. In between, I’ve stayed at a lot of guest houses in FL. I like to try everywhere, but I always seem to end up back here.”

“I have already booked another trip and a few friends have done so as well. I can’t say enough about this place!!! STAY HERE for sure!!!!”

“Definately will be coming back and definately highly recommed this place, and believe me we are not easily impressed!”

“I love Fort Lauderdale. I love this staff. I love The Cabanas. John, Bill, David – I feel like they have, over the years, evolved from owners/staff to friends. A great feeling that is, too.”

“I’ve stayed in a few other guesthouses since my first time here, but ended up back here again…I think this one is my favorite.”

“The service, standards and whole experience was completely superb!”

“Every time we go we meet interesting people from all over the country and end up spending hours by the pool with new friends. Trust me and stay here – you’ll thank yourself. We’ll be back next year!”

“They made my partner and me feel at home. Any requests were taken care of gladly. It was our first trip to South Florida. It won’t be our last. We have been to other guest houses. This was by far the best experience we have had. The people were friendly and NO ATTITUDE. It seemed like everyone was having fun.
Thank you to John and David Our Hosts. We will definately be back.”

“When we think of planning a vacation to FTL, our first thought is The Cabanas.”

“Once you stay at the Cabanas in Wilton Manors, I guarantee you will never want to stay anywhere else in Fort Lauderdale!”

“The Cabanas is to be highly recommended to the discerning gay traveller. John and his staff run a great ship and take wonderful care of their guests and their comfort.”

“There will be no question as to where I stay on my next visit to Fort Lauderdale — I can’t wait!”

Non-sexual nudity in public dining and entertainment places is booming. According to the July 21, 2008 article titled, Clothing Optional Restaurants, Yoga Studios Where? NYC, “nude dining and yoga exercise are becoming the new rags within the clothing optional community.” There are plenty of photos of nude diners at that site. Also see the New York Post article of July 21, 2008 titled, The Naked City, by Adam Nichols.

Not only are there nude city restaurants, nude eateries inside yoga clubs, but there’s also a “midtown stand-up comedy joint,” according to the NY Post article titled, “The Naked City.” The article reports, “They’re served by regular restaurant staff – forced by city laws to keep their clothes on.”

According to another article, Nude dining in NYC – natural and healthy or kinky exhibitionism? published July 26, 2008, “There are 50 members of the Optional Diners club.”  This article also notes, “Their motto is ‘No Hot Soup.’” None of the restaurants they’ve approached to rent have turned them down, nor has wait staff batted an eye – which may be a telling commentary of their usual customers.

Then there’s the Naked Comedy Showcase, whose team of nude stand-up comics, male and female, perform a naked stand-up comedy show once a month at the People’s Improv Theater in Chelsea. For nude dining and comedy researchers, the NY Post article names the midtown Manhattan Yoga club where people show up to eat in the nude as well as work out the yoga exercises naked.

According to the Naked Comedy Showcase, site, it’s the creation of Andy Ofiesh, a stand-up comedian from Boston, Massachusetts. “For years Andy has organized hosted naked comedy shows featuring Boston area comics doing stand-up in the nude.”

Andy’s first naked comedy show in a public venue was at Improv Boston. He also played in the nude at the Edinburgh Fringe. “Encouraged by the success of the shows at Improv Boston and at The Fringe in Edinburgh, Andy organized an ongoing monthly naked comedy show at Improv Boston.”

Some people feel more natural without clothing. Psychologically, performing on stage in the nude in a comedy club or eating in the buff in front of clothed food servers are two ways of becoming more vulnerable to the lonely crowd when in public. Imagine how difficult it is to recruit stand-up comics to perform naked at a comedy club.

There’s a long history of people performing in the nude. But the new attraction is the audience arriving in the nude in a public setting to eat and to be entertained.

If your idea of fun is relaxing poolside at a Fort Lauderdale clothing optional gay resort, then look no further than The Cabanas Guesthouse. The Cabanas is the ultimate gay resort, located just steps away from the heart of Wilton Manors.  Book your reservations today at The Cabanas!