Where are the best places to workout?
Four Seasons Spa has everything you need for a work out. We have three floors, two with equipment and one with our two-lane heated saltwater lap pool and hot tub. We can accommodate most of your fitness needs. Just call and we will set you up with one of our fitness experts.
Check out BodySmith (1630 14th Street, Tel: 202-772-0001. www.bodysmithgym.com) if you want to work with a personal trainer. This 14th Street location is well situated and staffed with some of the best workout specialists in DC.
If someone is looking for a full-service spa, where do you send them?
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC has a full-service spa for pure indulgence of the body with many types of customized treatments (of various time durations), including something for the jet-lagged traveler or the mom-to-be. Our tranquil spa is the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
The Mandarin Oriental D.C. (1330 Maryland Avenue, Tel: 202-787-6100. www.mandarinoriental.com) has a beautiful spot across town near the Jefferson Memorial and they also provide a broad array of treatments in a lovely Asian inspired setting. Enjoy their Zen like ambiance of neutral colors.
Indoor Pool at The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Photo: Four Seaons Hotels and Resorts
Designer labels for less—do you have any suggestions for the smart shopper?
We have tons of shopping! The smart shopper can start right in DC just about a mile from the hotel with either Nordstrom Rack (1800 L Street, Tel: 202-627-3650 www.stores.nordstromrack.com/us/dc/washington) or Saks Off Fifth (555 12th Street, Tel: 202-499-3444 www.locations.saksoff5th.com/en/washington-dc). Should you want to take a short ride to National Harbor, you will find the open-air Tanger Outlets (6800 Oxon Hill Road, Tel: 301-567-3880. www.nationalharbor.com) a sprawling complex with many boutiques.
What are the best gay/lesbian bars in the city?
The majority of our gay bars are centered in the downtown area. The scene, style, and décor are all different; some with outside or open-air spaces. If you don’t particularly care for one place, just move on. In Dupont Circle, you will find bars with some of the most longevity.
My favorite is JR’s for Showtune Monday (1519 17th Street, Tel: 202-328-0090. www.jrsbar-dc.com). You can sing to your heart’s content with some of DC’s finest voices. I have seen many stage performers there on their off night, enjoying the times, tunes, and tonics. I’m always down for an iced vodka martini.
Number Nine (1435 P Street, Tel: 202-986- 1094. www.numberninedc.com) in Logan Circle is an upscale club with a great, outside lounge-y area. The two floors play different music and the upper floor certainly has a more thumping beat. It goes from quiet afternoon lounge to rocking party as the evening becomes morning. At Number Nine, I enjoy the sweet flavors of a caipirinha or a mojito.
I also recommend The Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, Tel: 202-347-4533 www.greenlanterndc.com/,) which is nestled into a cozy back alley in our Metro Center area.
Stay tuned for Kiki (915-917 U Street, no phone. www.dcwannahaveakiki.com), a new gay bar opening in the Shaw area. Everyone’s been talking about it.
