Gay Friendly Resorts of the Caribbean
Just as you can always find an oasis in a desert, you can always find a gay friendly resort in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean may not be known for its progressive attitudes when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights as a whole, but – representing different colonies from around the world – some of the Caribbean islands can be surprisingly gay friendly when it comes to attracting some of those diverse visitors. As such, you can always find resorts catering to the budding LGBTQ+ traveler with just that little bit of research. IGLTA (The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) membership always shows that not only is a place gay friendly, but they´ve also gone the extra mile to make it welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community.
So, whether you want to just lay back and listen to the lapping of the waves or dive right into a personalized Caribbean adventure, here are five of the best gay-friendly resorts found on the smaller islands out there in the Caribbean – with varying levels of luxury and affordability – for those who like a touch of sassiness with their sun and sand.
Zemi Beach House – Anguilla
Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, the British colony of Anguilla is certainly easy on the eye and is encircled by unbelievably gorgeous turquoise waters. Anguilla has a few resorts that are IGLTA members, but Zemi Beach House in Anguilla stands out as being one of the most luxurious.
The resort is nestled on one of Anguilla´s best beaches, Shoal Bay, with its fine qualities being further amplified by the resort’s beach hut vibes, whilst still gushing with opulence. Their guestrooms, suites and penthouses all offer picturesque views over either the beach or tropical gardens from private balconies and terraces. Zemi Beach House has a wealth of restaurants and bars serving international cuisine with a Caribbean focus and you´ll find an infinity pool and a private spa – within a 300-year-old Thai house imported directly from Thailand. There’s even a “Rhum Room” – a space dedicated to drinking copious amounts of rum. Would a trip to the Caribbean be complete without rum?!
Thuishaven Gay Boutique Resort – Curacao
Curacao is famous for being one of the most gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean. The Netherlands has a reputation for being open and inclusive and this mentality extends to its island territories. Curacao is a melting pot of over 55 different cultures, proving all are welcome and it goes far beyond simply being tolerant. It even has the most hotels and attractions with IGLTA memberships in all the Caribbean. One of the best is Thuishaven Gay Boutique Resort in Wi, which is a small, yet well situated by all the best beaches, adults only resort. Whilst sold as a gay resort, all genders and sexualities are welcome – they do however have men only weeks in March and April.
The resort straddles the line between being a collection of luxury apartments and a guest house by having gorgeous little shared gardens between the apartments, which offer the opportunity to meet other guests – or some late-night flirting. Furthermore, to end those pesky tan lines, there’s a clothing-optional pool with attached bar and lounge areas.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – Aruba
Aruba – like Curacao – is one of the islands that is part of the “Dutch Caribbean”. Also, like Curacao, it is ravishingly beautiful and brimming with jaw dropping beaches. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is a family-owned business found on one such beach, which shows its alliance with the LGBTQ+ community both by flying a pride flag, posting positive social media during Pride and – appealing to our own hearts – by serving a Passions Rainbow cocktail at their main bar.
The building is inspired by Dutch Baroque architecture and the hotel is clean, ultra-modern and highly renovated. There´s rooms, suites and studios which offer comfort at an affordable price and free access to sun loungers to either while away the day at their pool, or on the characteristically beautiful Caribbean beach in front of the resort. Amsterdam Manor Beach resort is a true Caribbean oasis on Aruba and an ideal secure base to explore the rest of the island.
Rosewood Le Guanahani – St. Barths
Saint Barth is an island simply drenched in luxury and European sophistication. The French Caribbean Island is a land of high-class bars, restaurants, cafes and designer stores overlooking perfect white sandy beaches with yachts bobbing on crystal clear waters. There are no gay hotels per se, but same sex marriage is legal and it is extremely popular with gay celebrities such as Calvin Klein and Ricky Martin. Rosewood Le Guanahani Resort capitalizes on this and recently hosted the honeymoon of power couple Simon Huck (founder of Command Entertainment group) and Phil Riportella (cofounder of Snif fragrance brand).
Rosewood Le Guanahani stretches over its own peninsula over 18 tropical acres along Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-sac Lagoon, which is as beautiful as it sounds. They are a real study in luxury with a grand pool, multiple bars and restaurants serving Mediterranean themed cuisine. You can even splash out on your own private suite complete with your own private pool should you be lucky enough to have the funds.
Sand Castle on the Beach – St.Croix
Saint Croix is the biggest of the United States Virgin Islands. For such a big island it is not as popular with tourists, which is surprising given how drop-dead gorgeous it is. Sand Castle on the Beach is a cute and quietly stylish resort in St. Croix that is not only gay-owned but its owners have also been key players in the push for LGBTQ+ rights across the Caribbean islands.
Sand Castle on the Beach is aptly named as it melds effortlessly into the beach in front of it. The whole resort has a tranquil tropical environment and is perfectly placed to help you just relax and take in the beauty around you. It also sports not one but two freshwater pools – including an adult only clothing optional pool. For the adventurous they also offer complimentary kayaks, snorkeling gear, and on-site scuba diving classes. So, dive right in . . . or don’t. It’s really up to you.
Content Courtesy of Two Bad Tourists
