"All You Need is Love" Vespa in Italy. Cover Photo by Davide Ragusa.
This year might be a little different than what we're used to, but sometimes, that can be a good thing! What always remains the same is at GayTravel.com, today we celebrate LOVE. So whether you're single or in a relationship, in honor of GayTravel.com's love for YOU, here are our top six picks for the most romantic destinations.
- Puerto Rico, The 2021 Gay Travel Awards Winner in the "Island" Category
- Thailand
- Europe
- Hawaii
- Maldives
- Punta de Mita Mexico
Raise the Puerto Rico Flag for Romance
If You Haven't Already, You Need to Discover It!
Photo Credit: Brighton Pereira
Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean and is in the Atlantic Time Zone, making it one hour earlier than Miami or New York. It is the third-largest island in the United States, measuring 3,515 square miles.
While Puerto Rico is not a state of the United States, it is an unincorporated territory of the US, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015 due to the SCOTUS decision in Obergefell v. Hodges on July 17, 2015. The latest exciting Puerto Rico news? PR is the winner of the 2020 Gay Travel Awards for the best "Wedding Destination."
Why You'll Love Puerto Rico:
- It's the home of @Ricky_Martin
- It's an easy trip to the Caribbean, and you can fly to San Juan International Airport (Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport) from anywhere in the world.
- Old San Juan is one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico, as romantic as it gets, which you'll find as you stroll its streets and bridges (Old San Juan is connected to the mainland of Puerto Rico by three bridges).
Romantic Puerto Rico Resorts:
- Aloft San Juan
- Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve (2-time Gay Travel Award Winner in the "Spa & Wellness" category)
- San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (Gay Travel Award Winner in the "Casino" category)
- Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
- Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
- The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
- Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
"The Land of Smiles" Thailand Captures Our Hearts
Thailand has long been on our list of top romantic destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, and Bangkok is its capital.
If you haven't already experienced the serenity of a blissful Thai massage or the excitement of its ultramodern capital, Bangkok, Thailand, is a must-do.
Whenever we plan our gay Thailand travel itinerary, we think about why there are so many gay people in Thailand and what makes it such an LGBTQ+ hot spot?
The answer surely lies in the fact that the people are known to be "Thai friendly," which is a high standard to follow. A Thailand vacation is a lifetime experience you'll treasure forever.
Why You'll Love Thailand:
- Its people are incredibly welcoming, warm, and positive
- The beautiful beaches are among the best in the world
- The combination of fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, fun nightlife, and at the same time, the opportunity to unwind and restore makes Thailand a unique place to visit
Romantic Thailand Resorts:
Sri panwa, Phuket (back-to-back Gay Travel Award Winner in the "Honeymoon" category)
European Romance is Epic
One of the reasons Europe is a perennial romantic destination is its beauty. Whether you see the natural beauty of its light such as the cast of pink in Gay Paris; or the inner beauty of its people who sing from their balconies to bring comfort in hard times; or the beauty of its architecture, art, and culture that we admire, Europe is always a top romantic travel destination.
If you plan a destination wedding or honeymoon in Italy, we suggest you contact none other than Fantastica Italia. They will help you with everything -- whether you're interested in taking cooking classes or touring around -- their personal touch will make everything perfect for you.
HE Travel has a Lake Como tour coming up this Fall. You'll enjoy fine dining with local wine in beautiful, secluded settings - who knows, you may even run into George Clooney!
Some European Highlights:
- The Netherlands was the first European country to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2001
- We all celebrated "Love IS GREAT" when Parliament passed the legalization of same-sex marriage in Great Britain in 2013, with the first same-sex marriage taking place in 2014
- Gay-Friendly Vienna was the Gay Travel Award winner in 2017
- Paris became the first Gay Travel Approved destination in Europe in 2018
Top Recommended Romantic European Hotels:
- Castlehotel Schöenburg (2017 Gay Travel Award Winner "Romantic" category)
- La Casas de la Juderia de Cordoba Hotel
- The Omnia Mountain Lodge
- The Ritz-Carlton Abama
- Manon les Suites
- Bryggen Guldsmeden
- Axel Guldsmeden
- Steel House Copenhagen
Tennis Anyone? Now that's something unique and oh so romantic! Show your LOVE by treating your partner to Tennis Camp in Sicily, Italy! Voyemo, The 2021 Gay Travel Award Winner in the "tour" category, has two 7-day options for you in April and October. Treat your tennis partner to the trip of a lifetime!
Say "Aloha" to Romance on the Island of Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the world's most romantic destinations. It's no wonder that The Garden Isle of Kauai was named The 2021 Gay Travel Awards Winner in the "Destination Wedding" category. Oahu also took the title in the "Destination Family" category. We love Maui, which is known for its world-famous beaches,, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.
Once you arrive on "Hawaiian Time," - you may never want to leave these enchanting islands. Let's go...
Photo Credit: Mariah Krafft on Unsplash
Top Recommended Hotels on Hawaii:
For the "Hopeless Romantic" - The Magnificent Maldive Islands Are the Vacation for You
The Maldives are located in Southeast Asia, and they are worth the effort to get there. The destination is exceptional for those planning an over-the-top honeymoon. The 2021 Gay Travel Award winner in the "Honeymoon" category goes to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. This is a place where dreams come true! Another fun choice in the Maldives is Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
Photo Credit: Nattu Adnan on Unsplash
Punta de Mita, Mexico is the Perfect Place for a Romantic Getaway.
Punta de Mita is located north of Puerto Vallarta on a private, 1500-acre peninsula. The 2021 Gay Travel Award Winner in the "Wedding" category is non-other than W Punta de Mita.
Another previous Gay Travel Award Winner in the "Beach Category" is the GayTravel Approved® Luxury St. Regis Punta Mita.
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