By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
If you've had your fill of hectic nightlife, frantic traffic, smog and stress, book some R&R time at one of these gay-popular destinations. Breathe the cleanest air, stretch out on the most unspoiled sands, swim in the clearest waters and rejuvenate at the most relaxing spas.
1. HONOLULU Not only does laid-back Honolulu make the list of the top three U.S. cities with the cleanest air, according to the American Lung Association, you also can combine your trip to the Hawaiian hotspot with sunning and surfing opportunities at a trio of Blue Flag winning beaches on the Big Island: Keauhou Landing and Halape Shelter in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Ka' aha Beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Seashore.
Stay healthy Delicious, new, upscale boutique haven Hotel Renew (129 Paokalani Ave.; 808-687-7700; from $185) is quite a departure from the cliched Waikiki tiki touches and torches that usually feature this close to the beach. Renew is a refreshingly chic, understated designer gem.
2. SANTA FE In the top three cities for cleanest air in the U.S., the progressive, gay-friendly beacon of Santa Fe lures creative, spiritual and outdoorsy types.
Stay healthy Cool off at Ten Thousand Waves (3451 Hyde Park Rd; 505-982-9304), a Japanese-inspired spa retreat with serene hot tubs. To continue the indulgence, Inn of the Anasazi (113 Washington Ave; 505-988-3030; from $459) is a gorgeous, intimate adobe hotel just steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza.
3. SCOTTSDALE The Spa Capital of the World is a fantastic health-conscious choice for a vacation. Not only do you have some of the world's most decadent spas from which to choose, but the humidity-free desert air and 300-plus days of sunshine are sure to help you relax and recharge.
Stay healthy Spend the entire day at Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch (7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.; 480-483-5558). Avania guests progress through 16 carefully chosen moods and tempos of music en route to the changing facilities. Massages are also synchronized to the energy of the time of day, with music to match. Spa visitors can take restorative dips in the co-ed French mineral pool, sip iced mint ginger water under palm trees and enjoy separate women's and men's eucalyptus rooms, rain and relaxation lounges.
4. VANCOUVER Head north and join those fitness-conscious Vancouverites as they pelt the trails round Stanley Park, trek up the infamous Ground Grind up Grouse Mountain and hop into kayaks in False Creek. This fit city is always on the go.
Stay healthy As glitteringly beautiful as Vancouver itself, the Opus Hotel (322 Davie St; 604-642-6787; from $239) adds boutique hotel chic to already hip Yaletown, mere steps from downtown shopping and the gay West End. The 97-room hotel is just feet from the Seawall and has mountain bikes for guests to use.
5. FIRE ISLAND Feel healthy as you splash at the two Fire Island National Seashore beaches that can proudly wave blue flags this summer (Sunken Forest Beach and Watch Hill Beach).
Stay healthy Cherry Grove Beach Hotel (631-597-6600; from $75) is a bit more respectable than some of its competition, though it is part of the Ice Palace, the Grove's entertainment complex -- and therefore also party central.
