This one's a bit graphic, but it is amazing. The video comes to us from an elephant sanctuary in Bali (quite a distance from South Africa, the frequent destination for our gay tours) and was brought to our attention by a savyv journalist friend. While there are quite a few videos of Mama Elephants giving birth, this one is particularly moving, and shows us the struggle to bring a newborn to life.

In honor of our friends, the pachyderms, for all Savvy Navigator tour bookings made in November and December 2009, Savvy Navigator will donate 5% of all profits to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant Orphans Project. 

Take a look!

Long-time Savvy Pal Doug Roberts, himself one of the savviest navigators around, answered my recent question about tips for Santa Fe for the upscale gay traveler. While the Savvy Navigator does not yet offer any gay tours to this fabulous destination, he's happy to send his gay honeymooners and other small, independent group travelers to this wonderful city of kindred spirits.

Here are Doug's comments, verbatim, about what he loves and generally knows about Santa Fe: 

La Posada de Santa Fe -- Operated by RockResorts; great location right in town and one of the few places that offers a "resort"-type experience right in Santa Fe. They have a pool, restaurant/bar, spa/fitness center. Multiple buildings and nice grounds. We've stayed here three or four times and always liked it, but there were a few detractors on TripAdvisor.

Inn of the Anasazi -- We've had dinner and drinks here on multiple locations but never stayed. Great location, very high-end; but more of an inn than a resort.

Encantado -- Opened in the last year or so; located a bit out of town but supposedly over the top deluxe, full resort, and has gotten good write-ups. I haven't even seen it, so can't give a firsthand recommendation. But it's a "Leading Hotel of the World," and looks very nice on the website.

Inn of the Turquoise Bear -- Historic, old building; a gay-owned B&B in a very good location near town. I've stayed here. It's rustic and oozing with character, but not someplace one would find fluffy white towels or pinpoint halogens. I liked it, but I place a high value on the local authenticity factor.

Inn of the Five Grace -- Small inn / B&B in town. Always gets great write-ups. Obscenely expensive. Have not stayed here.

Besides lodging, a dinner at Geronimo and a visit to the Ten Thousand Waves spa are on the "must do" list.

So here ya have it! Great tips for the savvy gay traveler to a fabulous destination, contributed by someone who makes the trek to Santa Fe (with his glam husband) at least once a year.

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