Originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue #21: #Proud2BMe
Written & photos by: David Duran Ok, so it might not be the most expensive, but it’s up there on the list for sure. The difference here is that I really wouldn’t consider this place to be in the same category as restaurants, only because it’s so much more than that. I knew when I was headed to Ibiza that I was going to indulge. I mean, the parties, the yachts, the people…the options were limitless. What I didn’t think I would be doing was carving out a chunk of my evening to be a part of a dining experience so exclusive that it requires reservations well in advance. So you are probably wondering where this place is and why it’s so over the top, right? If you’ve ever been to Ibiza, and were fortunate enough to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, you know that the cloth wristbands there are pretty much everything. They identify you to hotel staff but most importantly, differentiate you from other hotel guests, I mean, if you have the VIP one that is. You might have noticed that some guests had a special one on their wrist but weren’t really sure what it said or meant. Sublimotion. That’s what’s printed on that very special wristband, and that’s the most coveted souvenir on Ibiza. Hidden inside the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is Sublimotion, an experiential dining option that seat 12 guests each night. It truly is a production from start to finish beginning with a cocktail at renowned Chef Paco Roncero Estado Puro restaurant, located within the hotel. Chef Roncero is also the mastermind behind Sublimotion so it’s only fitting you begin at his more accessible Spanish cuisine restaurant. Guests are then escorted to the front entrance, where a fleet of Range Rovers with drivers is parked out front to take guests to the next part of the evening. It’s quite a show and a very mysterious one for onlookers to witness as the Sublimotion branded Range Rovers almost demand envious looks. When we arrived to the private entrance, it mostly looked like the exit of a stage door at a Broadway theater or something. It was bizarre but in retrospect, fit perfectly into the evening of theatrics that would ensue. When the group entered, we were greeted with a personal invitation of sorts, a ticket sealed inside an envelope. When we were instructed to eat said ticket, as that was our first official course, I knew I was in for something I could have never imagined.
After years of research into the world of emotions in fine dining, 2 Michelin star Chef Paco Roncero presented Sublimotion to the world. The unique space he and his team created is a combination of culinary art and technological innovation coming together to create a complete and unprecedented emotional experience.
Guests are left clueless as to the experience unless they have heard details from previous diners. Going in blind was the way to do it and although you might see these images and think, “oh, I’ve seen what it is now,” take it from someone who once felt that way, you haven’t.
Each of the many, many courses is a complete set redesign and costume change. The table looks different, the visuals on the walls transport you to someplace else, and your wait staff take on a whole new persona. From underwater adventures to Italian pastures to a carnival course that had me so confused, in the best way possible, beyond what you see and feel…what you taste will pretty much blow your mind when combined with this incredible setting that was purposely created to do just that.
The reality is, yes, it’s expensive, but you are paying for a lot more than just a meal. When I try to explain to friends what this place is all about, I find myself lost in my thoughts and memories. I have flashbacks of farming for my own vegetables, massive balloons leading me to Ferris wheels placed on the table, a disco party and a virtual reality course that still has me confused as to how it actually worked… among other memories.
It’s something that just can’t be unseen. It’s a dining experience that can’t really set a new standard for dining because there really is nothing else out there that comes close to being like it. Sublimotion 2017 from Sublimotion on Vimeo.
Originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue #21: #Proud2BMe
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 © Simon Winnall/London and Partners - VisitLondon.com The UK’s capital city is gearing up for a day of celebration this Saturday 19 May when Prince Harry and his American actress fiancée, Meghan Markle take on their biggest starring roles yet. And thanks to our friends at Visit London, we are able to give you The 5 Top FREE places to witness the celebrations and some that are not too expensive. Big screens will be set up in venues across London for those not lucky enough to secure an invite to the special day at Windsor Castle. From Greenwich to Westminster, residents and visitors alike can watch the wedding while enjoying a classic British knees-up. To inspire, Visit London has rounded up a few screening highlights that will rival any official regal reception. Free Royal Wedding Screenings: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich 10am – 3pm FREE (food and drink not included) Watch the wedding of the year in the beautiful surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Harry and Meghan tie the knot on a giant screen on the lawns of the National Maritime Museum. Bring a picnic, or delicious food, snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. Royal fancy dress encouraged. Discover more here Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea 11am – 6pm FREE (food and drink not included) Entrance to the garden is free to honour the special day, with a self-led 'Royal' mystery trail. Watch the ceremony on the outdoor screen and treat yourself to delicious food and incredible desserts. Sip on a 'Minty Markle' cocktail, learn how to make a flower crown with Bloomologie and enter the best hat competition. Discover more here Skylight Rooftop, Wapping 12noon onwards FREE (food and drink not included) Guests are invited to enjoy quintessentially British lawn games while sipping on a cocktail and indulging in the venue’s street food offering from Greek trader Yiro. With seating areas a-plenty, viewers can relax on the upper lounge bar, grab a bench under the pergola or pitch up picnic-style on the grass. Skylight will be serving a delicious seasonal cocktail menu, spritzes, pitchers, bubbly and a selection of Royal Wedding specials. Discover more here The Gun, Canary Wharf 11am onwards FREE (food and drink not included) Having just completed a redevelopment, this is the first event at this venue which boasts amazing views across the Thames to the O2 Arena. Celebrate the royal marriage at this unique screening while sitting by London's famous river with a glass of your favourite tipple. Expect the Prosecco to flow, Pimm’s to pour and the G&Ts to be in abundance. Families are welcome. Discover more here South Place Hotel, City of London 12noon onwards FREE (food and drink not included) 3Bar at the hotel will be screening the wedding and to coordinate with the royal nuptials, the bar will also be serving a special wedding-themed cocktail called ‘The Invitation’. The cocktail has been created in partnership with the Cotswold Gin Distillery and will be served, in typical British fashion, with a slice of delectable sounding lemon and elderflower cake (Meghan and Harry’s chosen flavours) for £10. Discover more here Here are some not too expensive places (from least to most): The Book Club, Shoreditch 10am – 5pm £5 (entry only) Pimms, prosecco, drag queens, markets and live music. What more do you need to celebrate the Royal Wedding East London style? Play wedding bingo with a ‘Spice Girl’ and watch the big event on screens set up so you don't miss a minute. Other entertainment includes a book, vintage, flower market pop-up, music, ‘Best of British’ Brunch and classic British party games. Tickets available here One Marylebone Church, Westminster 11am-5pm £25 Sip on champagne while watching the live screening set to the beautiful backdrop of the Grade II listed church. Guests can also make bouquets and corsages, decorate wedding cakes, learn how to make the ultimate Bloody Mary, partake in traditional British games and discover weird and wonderful facts about the Royal Family! Be sure to stay on for an after party with a difference. Discover more here Bluebird, Chelsea 12noon onwards £25 (inc. glass of fizz) A favourite haunt of the Duchess of Cambridge, the Bluebird Café and Courtyard will be dressed and decked with bunting for the day of celebrations, starting with a full screening of the wedding, duly followed by a live DJ from 4pm and accompanying BBQ throughout the day. Tickets can be bought here Covent Garden Hotel, Westminster 12noon onwards £27 (inc. Royal Afternoon Tea) The Brasserie Max in the hotel will be screening the wedding in its luxury cinema alongside a special Royal Wedding Afternoon Tea including finger sandwiches, berry tartlet, Victoria sponge, Banoffee pie, Champagne and peach Bellini jelly with custard and scones with clotted cream and preserves. To book, please call Brasserie Max on 020 7806 1007 or email max@firmdale.com Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, West End 12.30pm onwards £55 or £85 (for bottomless brunch) Guests can feast on an outstanding selection of food while enjoying a live screening at The Montagu, the hotel’s contemporary British restaurant. Entrees including fresh seafood, fresh salads, charcuterie and British farm house cheeses, followed by a wide choice of mains including a live carving station with two traditional roasts, fresh fish and sumptuous desserts as well as freshly cut seasonal fruits. Reservations can be made here Fortnum & Mason, Westminster 11am – 2pm £85 (inc. champagne afternoon tea) Called a “A Right Royal Celebration”, the event includes: champagne on arrival, a full afternoon tea, delicate finger sandwiches and home-baked scones, plus cakes and patisseries. Customers will be able to enjoy coverage of the wedding in the elegant surroundings of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon with a special Wedding Breakfast tea to take away. Discover more here While you are visiting, you may want to read the "5 Free/Cheap Things To Do in London!"
 A BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION IN BEAUTIFUL BARCELONA By: Ross Christianson Originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue 19: Travel Lite Beautiful Barcelona is a European city that combines the old with the new in a stunning array of architecture, museums, parks, markets, beaches, and more. Visiting this city should be on everyone’s bucket lists who wish to see the greatest cities of the world. Whether you want to experience the art, enjoy the food and drinks, soak up the sun, or witness the majestic spirituality the city has to offer, you will leave as a satisfied traveler. BUT WAIT? How can you afford such a trip? This is the question that resounds in the minds of many people of various backgrounds with big dreams. The stigma is that any European excursion has to cost thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars. This can be true, but it is not the rule. There are afew factors you must keep in mind when trying to save money on a fabulous world vacation. First, you must ask yourself when you will experience your next adventure. Time of the year really makes a difference in many ways, and you must ask yourself what your budget is and what you are looking to get out of yourtrip. Finding the right-priced flight is another way to either save hundreds or break the bank, and we provide you with different venues to stretch your dollar, along with other great ideas or what to do and where to go in Barcelona! READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE – CONNEXTIONS MAGAZINE ISSUE 19: TRAVEL LITE Follow our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Travel Stories! Connextions Magazine, the Travel & Lifestyle Magazine for the LGBTQ Traveler, is your trusted resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel destinations, vacation ideas, fun travel videos, LGBTQ travel guides and the latest news relevant to our entire rainbow community. Connextions Magazine focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ Traveler providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer travel, our LGBTQ culture, the diverse style of our rainbow community, adventures, gay romance, tips for Lesbian Moms, Gay Dads, Bisexual, Transgender Parents and families.
 THE LURE OF LONDON: 5 THINGS TO DO FOR FREE OR CHEAP! Originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue 19: Travel Lite London is the capital and most populous city of England. Standing on the River Thames, London is a leading global city, and some consider it to be a cultural mecca. It is among the top of the world’s most-visited cities. Among London’s most famous landmarks are Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben (here pictured). Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. It is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. The tower was completed in 1858 and has become one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom, often featured in films and pictures. London can be an expensive city to visit, but, here’s a list of 5 free or very cheap things to do while on a gay London trip!
By: Sarah Stanley-Evans
Our first wedding anniversary trip was completely different to any other trip we had been on, and was something Lauren had always wanted to do - a road trip in America. With so many different destinations it also required a lot of planning, more than we’d ever done before! We flew into Las Vegas where we stayed at the Bellagio. We explored the strip, saw Cirque Du Soleil and went to the Stratosphere Restaurant. We then rented a car and drove via Bakersfield to Yosemite, where we stayed in a lodge in Yosemite National Park. It’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. We then drove to San Francisco, where we stayed in the quirky Haight/Ashbury area, and visited Alcatraz, Fisherman's wharf, and the cable cars. On our first wedding anniversary we stayed at the top of the Mandarin Oriental, the 3rd tallest building in San Francisco - as our wedding date is 4th July it was amazing to watch the independence day fireworks from our room! From there we drove to Monterey, a beautiful fishing village that we both adored, we were lucky enough to go on a boat trip where we were feet away from humpback whales. We also visited Carmel by the Sea and Cambria, until driving on to Los Angeles. We stayed in Beverley Hills, near to West Hollywood, and completely fell in love with the place! We loved the relaxed, fun atmosphere, the food, the sunshine, and the people. We explored Beverley Hills, the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Park Observatory. Our last destination was San Diego, where we stayed in the beautiful seaside town of La Jolla. We enjoyed the trip so much we plan to return to America, and would definitely do driving tours of other destinations, we saw so many amazing sights, sometimes pulling over on the side of the road to take pictures - all you need is a GPS, snacks, music, and good company! The amazing memories we have from traveling are one of our most prized possessions - they say travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, and it’s true. We hope we never stop exploring together - we have an enormous list of places we want to see! As we are now planning for a family, our future travel plans will have to incorporate this. We can’t wait to show this amazing world to our little ones, and we hope they inherit our desire to enjoy different places, cultures and experiences. To follow Sarah & Lauren's story, please visit their blog.  LGBT GOLFERS AND TRAVELERS WANTED! The South of France is known throughout the world. Still the top global destination. From Hollywood stars to Michelin stars. There have been visitors coming here since time began. We operate in - Languedoc, Provence & Cote D'Azur. And we now offer tours to Paris as well! We will build you a personalized itinerary! This is all delivered by a personal concierge/driver so no worries about transport etc. Connextions Exclusive discount of 10% off all pricing! Use code: AP01 Click here to learn more and download the free brochure. 
    Story & Photos by David Duran Originally and exclusively published in Connextions Magazine Issue 13. Arriving to Brussels on a direct flight from NYC via Brussels Airlines was a welcomed change from the typical connection at London Heathrow. The 6.5 hour overnight flight was quick and painless, and over saturated with attentive service, something the larger domestic carriers are missing nowadays. This was my first trip to Belgium and all I knew was that I was tasked with buying lots of chocolate. After clearing immigration, I headed to the basement where there was a clearly marked train to Antwerp. I had pre-paid for my ticket weeks in advance so I was overly prepared for the short 30-minute trip. What I didn’t know in advance was that nobody checks for train tickets in Belgium. I would validate that later in my trip when a group of locals were laughing at me as I struggled to purchase a metro ticket before the train arrived to the station. Better safe than sorry though, right? After that moment of embarrassment, I learned to just buy the cheapest ticket and play the innocent tourist card. Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, but upon my arrival, I could have been fooled to think it was the gay capital of all of Europe. I happened to arrive during two mega events in the small city; gay pride and the World Out Games. Well, Antwerp must have found every gay pride flag around, because they were proudly displayed all over the city. In the main town square; Grote Markt, there was even a massive flag, draping the side of a building. It was a bit of a shock for me to see so much support, in what I thought to be a small European city. Even the Vice-Mayor of Antwerp along with other high-ranking government officials are very supportive of the LGBTQ community, and ensure that their city is always welcoming to all. Discovering the small cobblestone streets of Antwerp in the older parts was reminiscent of old world European cities. Small shops line the streets and delightful aroma’s fill the air. My friends who have visited many times before, instructed me to eat the waffles. To me, Belgium waffles were just really thick Egg-O waffles that my step-dad would make at home from time to time when I was a kid. Not being much of a carb-loader, I opted to pass on the famous waffles, until one night after hours of partying, I purchased a pre-packaged one in my hotel gift shop to cure my late night cravings. After biting into the petite preserved waffle, I discovered it was filled with grains of sugar. Now this brought Belgium waffles up to a whole new level for me. Did my step-dad just secretly leave out that main ingredient at home, or were we just clueless as to how to make a true waffle? Needless to say, the consumption of waffles for the remainder of the trip became natural. Since I was already on a permanent sugar high from the waffles, I spent a lot of my time in Antwerp discovering the chocolatiers. Good chocolate is expensive, and expensive chocolate shops have an abundance of samples. It wasn’t before long that I learned to buy something small at the most expensive shop and proudly walk into other shops, showing off my bag. Chocolatiers are proud people, and when they see you’ve made a purchase elsewhere, they happily indulge you with their best. If you are kind enough to purchase fine chocolate as a gift, plan on spending $20-25 for a very small sampling. In addition to gaining five pounds and predisposing myself to diabetes, Antwerp opened up a whole new world to me with their fashion. Diamond and chocolate aside, fashion is written all over Antwerp, and is proved by the Antwerp 6, a group of influential avant garde fashion designers who graduated from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts between 1980-81. The fashion collective changed European fashion radically in the 80’s and established Antwerp as a fashion capital. Walking past small boutiques, it’s easy to spot which locations belong to or were inspired by the Antwerp 6. I decided to have a shopping day with one fabulous new friend from Vienna. She was my guide to finding the right things, and pushing me to recklessly use my PayPower Visa travel card, a pre-paid Visa that I only use while traveling overseas. While on a city tour earlier in the trip, we passed by a massive street, jam packed with mega brands and stores. Being a huge fan of good deals on relatively good-quality clothing, I was excited to hit up the H&M’s of Antwerp, but my fashionista friend had other places in mind. I was taken to smaller, side streets, avoiding the large tourist areas. What we discovered were many high-end boutiques, offering anything and everything, but at a price, a “high quality price.” What’s that expression? “When in Rome…” Well, it wasn’t hard for me to get into the spirit and begin to buy. It’s a good thing we avoided the diamond district! We ended our shopping day with a stroll through the red light district where I wanted to pull out my phone and instagram all the women in the windows, but I was quickly scolded for my brilliant idea. It was rather a sad sight as all who were cruising the streets were older businessmen, and the women in the windows obviously were the day crew, as they were hardly attractive, or even sexual. What I saw was just women standing there, bored and most likely hungry, not for sex, but for waffles. The Gays It’s possible that the bars and clubs were extra sardine-like due to pride and the Out games, but regardless, there are plenty of places to stop in for a drink when in Antwerp. The options are endless, and there are bars for everyone, even dark, dirty bars catering to the dark and dirty clientele. (Oink Oink Bar) Antwerp is just like any gay metropolis; it’s filled with an abundance of men and women with various differences and likes. If Latin drag queens are your thing, they have you covered with Que Pasa. Popi Café caters to a more silver crowd and is filled with tables; so don’t expect a dance party. For the oldest gay bar in Antwerp, visit Café Strange, but know that most who patron this establishment are also of an older generation. Antwerp gays also party, and party hard. Some of the massive nightclubs have weekly gay parties. Some of these parties will rival any big city circuit party. Then there is Red & Blue, a mix of hard beats, androgynous sexuality on stage, massive shirtless crowds and dark rooms where anything goes. Antwerp parties go long, and usually fizzle out when the sun comes up. I was ultimately surprised by what I found in Antwerp, as I didn’t experience such a welcoming community in neighboring Brussels. To be completely honest, Antwerp was never on my travel radar, but I am glad that the World Out Games brought us together. With all the sexy men, the sugary waffles, and the ultimate in shopping experiences; Antwerp had won me over.
 Burschik’s Vermouth If you enjoy the sweeter things in life, as I do, make sure to indulge in Viennese Vermouth. A common ingredient in the popular martini, Vermouth is a liquor made from wine, with several added herbs for flavoring. I savored “the taste of the third millennium” during a visit to Burschik’s, the first Austrian Vermouth winery. I was intrigued to learn that Vermouth isn’t just an ingredient that becomes a mixed cocktail, it can be sipped like wine, and is offered in red or white. White being the sweeter of the two, I opted for this choice! http://www.burschik.com/ Experiencing Viennese Vermouth is on the list of the "10 Reasons To Put Vienna on Your Bucket List." To see the complete list, click here. Click any photo below for a slideshow view: |
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