Name: Michael Lucas, CEO, Lucas Entertainment
Home: New York, NY
Hails from: Moscow, Russia
Relationship Status: Married
Favorite City: New York City
Best Hood: Chelsea
Spotted on a typical New York Saturday Night: At a movie and then dinner with friends. Then I’m into bed before midnight.
Next Project: Exclusive Tour to Israel
Hey Michael! It’s great to reconnect with you. We hear you’re off to Israel again. When is the trip?
Hi there and thanks! The trip departs on May 11, 2011.
I know you’ve said in the past that you go to Israel twice a year. What ultimately draws you there?
My Jewish roots, of course, and the many friends I have in Israel keep me coming back. There are so many amazing things about the country. It is warm, English is commonly spoken, and the people are friendly. It has beautiful beaches with clear water on four seas all within forty-five minutes of each other and resorts like in Eilat on the Red Sea, where you can swim with the dolphins. There are amazing restaurants serving fresh organic food. Great shopping is everywhere. The nightlife is diverse, exciting and wild, catering to every taste and the men are hot. Gorgeous architecture is everywhere you look. It is easy to get around and inexpensive when compared to other resort destinations. It’s a country of contrasts, from modern to ancient. After only 40 minutes by car from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem you are in a completely different world.
Where do you prefer to stay while you’re in town?
I always stay with the group in one of my favorite boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, Alexander Suites Hotel, which is right by the gay beach.
What will make this trip different from last years?
We will have an extra day at the Dead Sea, because people really loved it and wanted more of that unbelievable experience. You can lie on the surface of the water and never sink because of the minerals and salt, which are also great for the skin.
I hear you’re going to wine country
Last time we went to a wine tasting center, but we have found an even better old traditional winery to visit this time.
You guys must have had a lot of fun last year. What was the group like?
Very diverse. Ages ranged from thirty-five to sixty-five years old, though I am always happy to welcome those who are older and younger. There was a misconception that this is only a trip for youngsters, but there are plenty of young gorgeous guys already there in Tel Aviv.
Your trip is such a great way for you to be able to connect with some of your biggest fans. How did you come up with this idea?
I have travelled to Israel for at least the last 8 years. I am in love with the country and it is a great, undiscovered gay tourist destination. After the success of my movies Men of Israel and Inside Israel, many people were asking for advice on gay travel there and so I decided to travel with a gay tour myself and share the experiences I’ve had.
Will you be filming anything while you’re there?
No. I will be dedicating myself entirely to the tour.
Tel Aviv is one of the more gay-friendly cities in the Middle East, a place where there are almost none. Why do you think it’s such a gay destination?
Israel is actually the only gay friendly country in the Middle East. There is no other Middle Eastern country where homosexuality is not punished by law through a jail or death sentence. In Israel, gay people enjoy the same rights as straight people. In fact, it is more advanced in gay issues than the US and many European countries. The list of benefits afforded gays, including being able to serve in the army, gay adoption, Israeli recognition of marriages performed abroad and civil unions, is impressive. So it’s not a matter of being gay friendly, rather it’s a matter of being free to be openly gay at all. The city of Tel Aviv is as openly gay as New York City or Paris. Gays can walk hand in hand out in the open and there are many gay restaurants, clubs and beaches including one is right in the center of Tel Aviv and another nude gay beach which is a fifteen minute drive away.
Why do you think so many guys have a huge fantasy about Israeli military guys?
All Israeli men have to go into the army, which is very tough, and makes them quite strong. However, this is, unfortunately, the only image of Israeli men that we see represented in the media. Their attractiveness is often associated with their military service, but Israeli men in general are very sexy both in and out of uniform.
Do you get recognized a lot out there?
I do get recognized often since it’s a small country and I started going there a long time ago. I get recognized from doing numerous shows in gay discos and clubs and giving interviews about the movies I have made and trips to Israel.
What are some of your favorite bars/clubs in Tel Aviv?
I love Evita and TLV. But every time I go there are hot new clubs and parties.
What do you recommend the guys checking out while they have a little free time in town?
There are so many things. It all boils down to what your particular interests are. There is a great arts scene, which includes museums, dance groups, theaters, and exhibitions. Or you can shop till you drop. Middle Eastern food is fantastic. And of course there is a lot of sex. It is quite a wild scene. You can easily meet guys at the beach or at any club or disco.
Where else are you going?
The extension on the trip will include time on the shores of the Dead Sea, visits to Masada and Eilat and an optional tour to Petra in Jordan, just across the bridge over the Red Sea.
What are you guys working on next for the next few months?
We produce two movies a month. With that much output, we are constantly in production. We just came back from Berlin where we shot a fantastic new movie called Trapped in the Game and in two weeks we are coming out with a new line of films called “Gentlemen.” It will be all about businessmen-type guys wearing classic suits, which is, of course, a common fantasy.
Photos credit: Lucas Entertainment
