While winter is upon us, our thoughts drift towards sunny island life. We all dream about what it would be like to pack up our bags and go live on an island somewhere - especially now when there is so much uncertainty all around us. So when you want to get away from it all, GayTravel.com has 10 recommended welcoming islands for you to explore plus one for good luck (listed alphabetically below):
- Aruba
- Bermuda
- Bonaire
- Cancún
- Cozumel
- Hawaiian Islands
- Maldives
- St. Thomas
- Turks & Caicos
- Puerto Rico
- Yap
Aruba
Photo Credit: Rabih Shasha on Unsplash
Aruba is part of the "ABC" islands along with Bonaire and Curacao in the Caribbean and is among the most gay-friendly. The ABCs are part of the Netherland Antilles which is one reason why the culture is so open and accepting.
Where to Stay in Aruba?
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
This GayTravel Award Winner in the "Casino" category is currently offering their Pride in Paradise package, a relaxing and romantic getaway for two which includes a sunset sail, a private dinner at Atardi, a bottle of champagne, and much more when you use the promo code 8LG.
Another fabulous choice in Aruba is the Courtyard Aruba Resort which is located in the heart of Palm Beach and close to everything including the California Lighthouse, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, and of course, the exquisite surf and sand.
Renaissance Aruba Wind Creek Resort
The location is on a 40-acre private island, making it a perfect LGBTQ+ island holiday. You can choose to stay at either the Adults only hotel or the Renaissance Ocean Suites. If you are thinking about a beach wedding experience, then the stunning shores of Coral Beach are the quintessential place to say "I do" next to "something blue."
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the two-mile Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is a GayTravel Approved® Luxury property beyond compare!
Bonaire
Photo Credit: Klein Bonaire by Stephan Van de Schootbrugge on Unsplash
Bonaire is a special municipality of The Netherlands and is also part of the "ABC" islands along with Aruba and Curacao in the Caribbean. It is about the most gay-friendly island there is! The inclusive culture is very open and accepting, and you can feel free to be yourself. This is a tropical paradise for those looking to connect with nature, scuba dive, and unplug from our hectic world.
Where to Stay on Bonaire?
We can offer no higher recommendation than Red Palm Village, a 2021 Gay Travel Awards Nominee in the "Fan Favorite" category. Red Palm Village is very special indeed. The owners are from The Netherlands and will welcome you in their inimitable style of warmth and graciousness. Not only will you feel at home at Red Palm Village, but the moment you arrive, a sense of relaxation and ease will come over you. You'll continue to unwind and get more in touch with yourself the longer you stay -- all the while soaking up the beauty all around you including beautiful gardens, birds, and nature. It's easy to see why Red Palm Village is a "fan favorite" because it's the kind of place you will want to return to again and again.
Cancún, Mexico
Isla Cancún is a favorite spot in Mexico and is located adjacent to the city of Cancún on the Yucatán Penninsula on an L-shaped spit of land that runs along the Caribbean Sea with "Isla Cancún" situated off of it. The resort area is also known as "Quintana Roo." Cancún is considered the gateway to Mayan archeological treasures! You'll discover there are pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife to keep you happy!
Where to Stay in Cancun?
A Gay Travel AwardsSM Winner in the "Spa & Wellness" category, the gay-friendly JW Marriott is just what the doctor ordered! With their "Love is Love" package which runs through May 31, 2022, you'll be able to try out the award-winning spa using the 25% discount that comes with the package along with some other perks to make your stay memorable.
You'll find lots of healing power at this resort too! Be sure to take advantage of their "Love is Love" package through May 31, 2022, which includes round-trip transportation to/from the airport, an upgrade to the next category level, a $50 daily resort credit, free internet, and a lovely bottle of wine to enjoy at one of the resort restaurants.
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina
This resort is a GayTravel AwardsSM Winner in the "Beach Category" which puts it high on our list of must-stays! In fact, you can STAY LONGER when you use the promo code: LTS valid through July 31, 2022.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is a dream come true for those who want a luxurious experience embued with the local flavors and heritage. The cerulean blue waters and white sandy beaches, along with exceptional gay-friendly service will have you feeling relaxed and pampered in no time!
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is located on the second largest coral reef in the world! It's called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the largest coral reef in the world is The Great Barrier Reef).
Where to Stay in Cozumel?
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Enjoy incredible discounts when you book a minimum of 5 nights at Presidente InterContinental® Cozumel Resort & Spa. Their scuba diving packages are also available from 3 nights onwards.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Photo Credit: Karl Callwood on Unsplash
St. Thomas is one of three main islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) that make up the US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is considered the "Gateway Isle" to the USVI in the Caribbean.
Where to Stay in St. Thomas?
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is a two-time GayTravel Awards WinnerSM in the "Beach Hotel" category. It's exceptionally picturesque and elegant making it an idyllic spot for a wedding or memorable celebration.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is an all-inclusive experience with plenty to keep you active and entertained. You will also experience a laid-back vibe that will stay with you even after you return home (that's always a sign of a true vacation)!
The Maldives
The Maldives is an independent country made up of 1,200 tiny coral islands and sandbanks located in the Indian Ocean. Only 200 islands are actually inhabited. When you think about "island life", the Maldives is as magnificent as you imagine.
Where to Stay in the Maldives?
The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is a mere 15-minutes from the airport, but you will feel a world away when you arrive at its gorgeous spot in the Emboodhoo Lagoon. Of course, you'll be treated like Rock Royalty! You'll also have easy access to The Marina @CROSSROADS Maldives, which offers restaurants, entertainment, boutique shopping, and more.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton
It doesn't get more romantic than SAii Lagoon Maldives, the 2021 Gay Travel Awards® Winner in the "Honeymoon" category. The overwater villas are the way to go with their gorgeous seaside views, private pool, and stylish accommodations.
The Hawaiian Islands
Photo Credit: Alexandra Tran on Unsplash
"Aloha Island Life!" is what you'll say when you arrive in The Hawaiian Islands. There are eight volcanic islands: Hawai'i, Maui, Koho'olawe, Moloka'i, Lana'i, O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Ni'ihau. Kauai is known as the "Garden" Isle and is also the oldest one. The main island of Hawaii or "Big Island" is the youngest and the biggest island in the United States! The island culture is very inclusive and welcoming, and you'll feel at ease wherever you go.
Where to Stay on Kauai - "The Garden Isle"
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is a back-to-back Gay Travel Awards® Winner in the "Wedding" category. There couldn't be a more spectacular backdrop for a wedding, special occasion, or any type of memorable island getaway. Of course, when you book the newly renovated Royal Suite, you'll have your own beachfront oasis. Or book their premier suite accommodations, the newly renovated Presidential Suite, and it simply cannot get more "over-the-rainbow" fantastic!
Grand Hyatt Kauai is located in Poipu, which is on the sunny side of the island and where the "garden isle" truly shows off its glorious colors and natural beauty. With optimal growing conditions, the Resort gets its “hyper-local” greens for salads at its restaurants & events from the hydroponic garden. They grow many types of lettuce, micro-greens, Hawaiian chili peppers, and more. Tours are Tuesday & Thursday @ 9:30 am or just swing by the garden anytime, located adjacent to the tennis courts (one tennis court was converted into the hydroponic garden).
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
The GayTravel Approved® Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is another inclusive and welcoming spot on Kauai that will transform you upon arrival. The gentle breezes and warm, tropical air will wash over you, and you'll instantly feel happy to be there. The beachfront property has everything you need, and when you want to explore the island, you'll find it's the perfect home base location. You'll be in proximity to the Sleeping Giant trailhead, where you can hike and get in your exercise while taking in the natural beauty. You'll also be able to see plenty of waterfalls at Opaekaa Falls and at Wailua River State Park, where you'll find the famous Wailua Falls.
Where to Stay on Maui - "The Valley Isle"
When you're looking for something special, we highly recommend this GayTravel Approved® gem set on 15-acres of beachfront bliss. You'll have all the luxuries you could need as you immerse yourself in the island of Maui spirit.
Another way to go is to choose your own vacation rental on Maui. This will allow you to select from among nearly 300 properties that best suit your needs.
Where to stay on Oahu - "The Gathering Place"
You'll feel like royalty at Prince Waikiki with its oceanview accommodations. Hurry because they have a special offer through March 2022 for 15% off the best available rates, plus waived resort fees, free parking, and free internet.
The Equus is located on the "Upper East Side" of Waikiki. It's the only remaining family-owned property in the area, and you'll feel the warmth and inclusiveness immediately. They have several special offers to check out right now.
Need transportation to/from the airport? Count on "Fly Shuttle" - the best transportation company on the island! You can grab one of their shuttles or book a private car - they'll greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel or accommodations in clean and comfortable vehicles that follow all CDC guidelines to help protect your health and wellness.
GayTravel Approved® Fly Shuttle & Tours also has unique experiences you can try such as "Savor the Flavor" which is a coffee and chocolate extravaganza that will take you around the island. Another tour that is a real treat? How about "Ultimate Circle Island: Beauty and the Feast" which offers a tour and taste of Oahu!
The Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are in the British West Indies and are made up of two groups of islands located to the southeast of the Bahamas.
Where to Stay in The Turks and Caicos Islands?
The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
This 2021 Gay Travel AwardsSM Winner has all you'd imagine in a tropical paradise - the powdery white sand, the turquoise waters of Grace Bay, and gorgeous sunsets. Their expert staff will make your dreams come true! If you're thinking about island nuptials, this is the spot to do it.
Bermuda
Photo Credit: Reilly Durfy on Unsplash
Bermuda is part of an archipelago of 7 main islands as well as 170 islets and rocks located in the Atlantic Ocean, 650 miles East of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina.
Where to Stay in Bermuda?
Pack your Bermuda shorts and head to this GayTravel Approved® Luxury resort that has us tickled pink! You'll be welcomed by their delightful staff, enamored with the Bermudaful island, and ensconced in the splendor that is The St. Regis Bermuda.
Puerto Rico
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic, Puerto Rico is the 2021 Gay Travel Awards Winner in the "Island" category because it has it all! This inclusive and gay-friendly island is a tropical paradise, a fun and adventurous place, and a thriving LGBTQ+ community.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Lampel on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico?
Aloft breaks with the traditional, and you'll enjoy the loft-style rooms and modern amenities that are well-aligned with the needs of today's gay travelers.
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
A back-to-back winner of The Gay Travel AwardsSM in the "Spa and Wellness" category, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a "stand out" on all fronts.
Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
You'll feel at home at this hotel and casino, where you can relax and unwind while having access to everything in Caguas (known as the "Center and Heart of Puerto Rico). In the city of Caguas, you'll find the beautiful Jardin Botanico and Cultural de Caguas.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The GayTravel Awards Winner in the "Casino" category will impress you with its 24-7 onsite casino and beachfront location. You'll find it's the perfect blend of fun in the sun!
Old San Juan is one of our favorite places to be. With Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel as your home base, you can explore the historic area with its cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and landmark buildings, world-class shopping, gourmet restaurants, and more!
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
If you want to be in the heart of San Juan, nearby the Marina, close to Old San Juan and the beaches, then this is where to be!
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
We can't say enough good things about The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort because it's so welcoming and unforgettable. The staff is unparalleled and will take care of your every need to make your vacation memorable. If you're planning a wedding, this is your perfect spot!
Yap Main Islands
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Yap which is part of Micronesia. This is a "bucket list" place for divers and those who wish to discover a beautiful part of the world and the marvels of its extraordinary sea life.
Where to Stay in Yap?
Because of concerns with COVID in Micronesia, they are currently closed. However, we look forward to traveling there when it's a safer time!
"Join the Conversation" below and let us know your favorite islands and places to stay! As always, take pictures and tag @gaytravel when you travel!
