What I've come to realize (embrace?) with Fort Lauderdale's clothing optional, gay resorts is that each resort has its own pros & cons, and that no one place may be perfect. One resort may be beautiful, but have a small pool... Another resort may have a large pool, but rude hosts... etc.

Having stayed at many of these resorts, over the past 6 or 7 years, I'm happy to say that I've now added the New Zealand House to my list of Top 4 resorts in Fort Lauderdale. My list (alphabetically): Cabanas, Coral Reef, New Zealand House, and the Schubert resorts - all favored for different reasons. I honestly feel that if you go with any of these four resorts, you can't go wrong. They are all wonderful places for gay travellers.

Yes - the rooms at the New Zealand House are great - well appointed, with clean, terrific bathrooms. The pool is large - water temp is wonderful. The beverages are amazing. The clientele friendly - and all ages/types - no attitude detected from anyone. Clothing optional, for sure - with "optional" being the key word. There is no pressure to be naked - there is no pressure to be anything other than whatever/whoever you are.

But what REALLY makes the New Zealand House special are the hosts/owners - Ric & Warren.

It's actually sort of awesome to see them taking care of everything themselves - they prepare the breakfasts... they served the drinks... they did the housecleaning... they handled the incoming phone calls/reservations... etc. Ric & Warren work hard on this property - and they work hard to make sure you've got everything you need/want. Funny & warm hosts.

Watching Ric & Warren taking care of everything like they did made me feel like I was actually a part of someone's home (in a good way, too). I felt like this just isn't a business for them, it's a labor of love - and my stay was included in this labor of love. It was a very unique feeling - and a welcomed one, to be sure.

My only regret is that they have no hot tub - which would've been terrific on one of those chillier nights - but all things considered, the New Zealand House has so much going for it, it wasn't a real big deal.

Another interesting note: I'd split up my 10 day stay between 2 resorts, w. New Zealand House being the 2nd half of the stay. The New Zealand House's landscape looked like it needed watering - and I have to admit the landscaping was a bit disappointing for that reason. Then I overheard Warren telling someone about the water-shortage in Florida, and how everyone's been mandated to NOT water their plants during this time of crisis. Suddenly made sense. Then I remembered the previous resort, during my first 5 days in Fort Lauderdale, wildly watering their trees, plants, flowers... hosing down the patios... etc., and my respect for the New Zealand House went even higher.

Totally recommend the New Zealand House.

I travel a LOT on business, and I have stayed at numerous hotels in the Ft Lauderdale area. I have never been impressed enough with any hotel to want to stay there again. However, the New Zealand House is the exception! It was absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to go back!!! The rooms are exceptionally clean and very well maintained. It truly is the best and nicest place I have stayed in Ft Lauderdale! I honestly cannot begin to rate this place high enough!!! I am already working on my schedule so I can make time to go back!

This was first time ever for me to stay in a all-male resort. I did not know what to expect before I arrived. Yet I have to say it was a pleasant stay for me. Both resort owners - Warren & Ric were very friendly and helpful, though they were only on the property for certain hours during the day. Warren was a terrific drink maker and I enjoyed what he made for house guests. The property itself was kept clean and comfortable. House guests were friendly as well. Due to the small size of the hotel (8 rooms only), it was easy to get to know other guests in a fairly short amount of time. If you enjoy a nice, quiet and comfortable all-male resort, New Zealand House would be a great choice.

I visit gay resorts so that I can enjoy clothing-optional settings with other men and release some of the everyday stress. "Hooking up" is never the prime reason, but is great if it happens. New Zealand House is a great atmosphere for what I enjoy. The clientele is very pleasant - at least it was last weekend - and Warren did everything possible to make sure I was comfortable, including pouring some wonderful drinks. I recommend this property to those who want a clean, safe place to stay without having to pay a fortune.