Archive for month: December, 2014

The Caribbean is THE place to go for couples in love. There is such a wide array of activities to experience as well as gorgeous beaches, amazing hotels, friendly people, not to mention the food and music.

Islands vary considerably and although there has been an amount of homophobia on some islands in the past, gay couples can now generally visit most Caribbean Islands without any worries.

Islands vary considerably and although there has been an amount of homophobia on some islands in the past, gay couples can now generally visit most Caribbean Islands without any worries.

The most gay- friendly islands are said to be the Dutch and French Islands such as Aruba, Curacao, Saba and Bonaire. Dutch St Maarten and French St Martin have long had a gay-friendly reputation and there are many beaches and bars where gay and straight couples coexist peacefully.

The exclusive French Island of St Barts has been called one of the most gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean with its gorgeous beaches and high end dining.

The island of Curacao has been very public in its embrace of gay travellers with its many gay friendly hotels and attractions. It “encourages gay and lesbian travellers to visit its island and experience its “live and let live” atmosphere for themselves” say the Curacao Tourist Board. They have a dedicated website – www.gaycuracao.com which lists gay-friendly weekend hot spots.

The US Virgin Islands offer a friendly and tolerant attitude throughout the islands. St Croix, in particular, has become a mecca for gay travellers.

Cancun in Mexico has earned its reputation as an LGBT party hotspot particularly during the Cancun International Gay Festival held each May. Playa Del Carmen is also just a 45 minute drive away with its gay friendly beach clubs, bars and shopping malls. Mexico’s hottest gay resort, however, is Puerto Vallarta, a charming town with excellent facilities and beautiful beaches, known as the gay capital of Mexico!

Although there aren’t many places in the Caribbean where same-sex couples can legally marry, there are many destinations where you can hold symbolic ceremonies. In particular, the Secrets resorts in Mexico are more than happy to arrange same-sex symbolic ceremonies as well as The Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the soon to open Hard Rock Hotel In Aruba.

Occidental Hotels & Resorts offers same-sex wedding ceremonies at its resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica and Aruba.

Wedding packages are available at all Allegro, Occidental Grand and Royal Hideaway properties and can be customized to suit the couple’s requirements.

So if you are thinking of a holiday for any reason in the Caribbean and want some expert advice give us a call 0845 313 3101 and ask for Lisa, your Caribbean expert.