We know you can't wait to get back to traveling the world, and we're right there with you! Some GOOD news? One of the most popular destinations - The Caribbean - is open! Here's an island-by-island update as of November 2020.
Aruba
Aruba awaits! All visitors are required to complete an embarkation/disembarkation form. A valid passport and email address are also required.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
"Get on your 007" at this beautiful oceanfront resort and casino. With a little luck, you could win enough money to pay for your entire trip! With all the winnings in your pocket, why not splurge for tropical drinks, gourmet meals, and rejuvenating treatments at Mandara Spa? Doesn't that sound like a dream come true, and just what you could use right now?
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Pretty as a picture, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, is situated on a spectacular white-sand beach that kisses the sea. This luxurious hotel gives a whole new meaning to the words, "your table is ready!"
There's truly something for everyone, with plenty to choose from to keep you entertained. Recreational watersports, horse-back riding, shopping, island tours, casino gaming, sunset dining, and the spa are just some of the terrific choices at your fingertips when you stay at this luxurious hotel.
Bonaire
Bonaire is back! A valid passport is required.
As a whole, we consider Bonaire to be one of the most gay-friendly, open, and welcoming islands in the Caribbean. The forward-thinking culture and warm and fun people make it a pleasure to visit, especially if you're a diver or nature-lover. This is a low-key island that allows you to unplug, unwind, and always be yourself!
Where to stay?
Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort
You'll immediately appreciate the multi-colored buildings that resemble an LGBTQ rainbow! It's the kind of place that makes you happy, and isn't that what a vacation is all about? If you're a diver, you're in for a special treat as Bonaire boasts some of the most spectacular diving in the Caribbean, and people come from far-and-wide to see its splendor. Even if you don't SCUBA, you can always try snorkeling. We highly recommend that you schedule a sailboat/snorkel trip with Woodwind Bonaire - they're the best!
Red Palm Village
One of our most favorite vacations was at Red Palm Village on Bonaire. It's truly a very special place, and its appeal is hard to adequately capture with words. You simply have to experience it for yourself. Red Palm Village is owned by the most charming Dutch couple who will make you feel like you're in their home (they live in their own lodge on the property). You'll be treated to the warmest of hospitality, the most delicious food and cocktails on the island, and a lifestyle you'll want to adopt for the rest of your life.
The resort takes the idea of "glamping" to a new level. Instead of a tent, you'll have your own private lodge that offers plenty of privacy. The lodges are beautifully and simply designed to blend into the environment. You'll feel super comfortable and perfectly equipped even if you want to cook your own meals. When it's time to go home, you leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and recharged...and you'll remain in that state of mind for a long time after you've left. This and many other reasons is why this property is most-deserving of its designation of GayTravel Approved®.
Cancun
Cancun, Mexico, was the first destination to be granted the "Safe Travels" certificate by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and they have done an exemplary job balancing safety and health precautions with the ability of travelers to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to a passport and head over to the Mexican side of the Caribbean. Miles of beautiful Cancun beaches await your arrival!
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Did you always dream of saying your wedding vows on the beach? Then, "New Beginnings Await" at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa! Let the resort's superb catering team and wedding planners design the perfect day for you. You'll be able to say your "I do's" under the oceanfront gazebo in the warm sunshine or under the cool moonbeams. The setting, the private balconies with views of the ocean, and the tropical breezes will whisk your cares away, letting you truly unwind and be yourself.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
There is nothing like The Ritz-Carlton, Canun, for an exceptional experience and truly memorable moments throughout your stay. Your wellness is always a priority, but especially now, as the hotel has elevated practices for maintaining the highest cleanliness standards and its luxury service. That means your vacation can be everything and anything you want it to be. Try a mixology class by the pool or lounge under your own private palapa on the beach. You can't go wrong at this five-star, stunningly beautiful GayTravel Award winner!
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina
You'll arrive at a scenic haven at the Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina, where the yachts sail by on the bay. With a fantastic location close to everything, you can easily get to all shops, restaurants, and local attractions. This new luxurious and modern hotel has all the conveniences and style to make your vacation pleasant and relaxing. Sip a refreshing cocktail poolside or take a dip while overlooking the bay.
Marriott Cancun Resort
Marriott Cancun Resort isn't just pretty on the outside; it's beautiful on the inside too! With a gay-friendly and cheerful staff, you'll feel so happy to be there. What's not to love about their "Love is Love" offer, which includes roundtrip transportation to/from the airport, an upgrade to the next available room category, USD 50 resort credit, internet access, a bottle of wine at any of their restaurants, and a 25% discount on spa treatments.
Puerto Rico
A U.S. Territory and no passport required.
All flights to Puerto Rico are currently being routed via one airport: San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Flights have not been restricted on or off the island, and most of the hotels have remained open. Travelers are required to wear face masks in public and maintain social distancing. You will need to complete a form provided by the Puerto Rico Health Department and provide proof of negative molecular tests (nasal and throat swabs) within 72 hours. No other forms of testing will be accepted. If you do not wish to complete the form and comply with testing, you must quarantine for 14 days. Perhaps it goes without saying that the government does not encourage you to visit if you will not follow the safety protocols.
Which gay-friendly hotels are open?
Aloft San Juan
Apropos to its name, Aloft, this vibrant new boutique hotel features a loft-inspired design that appeals to the modern traveler. Aloft San Juan is conveniently located near Miramar and Old San Juan, making it an easy and quick getaway for those who want to head somewhere amazing for Thanksgiving! Be sure to order their crafted special cocktail “Pumpkin Spice Old Fashion” -- a delicious combination of Reserve Rum, Pumpkin Syrup, Angostura, Salt Rim, and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds. Rum has never been so yum!
St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Two miles of secluded beach is conducive to social distancing, and the unforgettable setting is ideal for celebrating life's milestones and special occasions. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is offering special experiences as part of their "Winter Palm Series," and you don't want to miss out on this. For example, they'll cater a private, special event for 6 - 15 people privately on Astor Terrace or on the lawns, including lighting and holiday decor to set the mood. Or, bring the magic to your room for an experience that includes an "in-room tree" and holiday fixings for self-decorating along with traditional Puerto Rican coquito. The tropical beauty that abounds, the luxurious accommodations, the warm and inviting staff, along with all of the experiences as part of the "Winter Palm Series" will make it hard ever to leave.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
You might say you've hit the jackpot! Located in the heart of San Juan and just steps from the beach. You can stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan or salsa and sail along the bay. Everything is at your fingertips, giving you plenty of choices for a full-on vacation!
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Hop off your flight and head straight for this beachfront estate where you feel like you stepped onto your own private estate in paradise. To set the stage for your vacation, the first thing you should do is book an appointment at Spa Botanico. As a back-to-back winner of the GayTravel Awards in the "spa" category, you won't want to miss the special treatments that await. Hug the 90-year-old tree that greets you outside the spa. When you do, you'll understand why this is the kind of place that generation upon generation visits year after year.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Want an easy and fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Then plan an extended weekend and enjoy the special “Thanksgiving Balcony Concert Weekend” at San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. This Gay Travel Award-winning Resort & Casino is serving up Thanksgiving dinner accompanied by live music that you can enjoy either from your hotel balcony or from around the pool. To get you in the Caribbean holiday spirit, be sure to try a scoop of Pumpkin Gelato at Gelato & Co.
And if you're lucky enough to live in Puerto Rico and looking to celebrate at home with your loved ones (but without spending all day cooking), La Panaderia will serve up their famous "Turkey to Go," serving 4-6 people and complimented with delicious sides like stuffing or delicious pumpkin and sweet potato mash.
U.S. Virgin Islands
A U.S. Territory and no passport required.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is one of the prettiest of places in the Caribbean. The 30-acre tropical estate is an idyllic location for an intimate wedding or special occasion, and the privacy of the property also makes it very conducive to social distancing. With newly designed island-inspired accommodations, it is hard to leave this paradise. But you must peel yourself away long enough to do a little island hopping aboard Lady Lynsey II, a luxury catamaran replete with your very own captain!
Sand Castle on the Beach - St. Croix
Looking for the best-kept secret on St. Croix? Sand Castle on the beach is your quintessential Caribbean boutique hotel. Always LGBTQ-friendly. Always warm and inviting. Always hard to leave once you've experienced the golden sun and azure waters of this beachfront paradise. Sand Castle on the Beach is your antidote to winter blues!
In summary, this year has been something else, and we cannot wait until we can travel again without a care in the world! First stop? The Caribbean!
Share this with your friends and family, and a Happy and Healthy Holidays 2020 to all!
