LGBTQ pride is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and equality for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It's a powerful movement that honors the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ community, highlighting their contributions to society while advocating for their rights and freedoms. Pride events, parades, and gatherings serve as vibrant showcases of love, solidarity, and empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and visibility for LGBTQ individuals and allies worldwide. Beyond the rainbow flags and colorful festivities, LGBTQ pride represents a continuous journey towards creating a more inclusive and affirming world where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Here are some destinations welcoming LGBTQ visitors this summer.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa / Cancun, Mexico
Warm, friendly hospitality with international cuisine, tequila, and beachside views: just a few of the many reasons to visit the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Located in the heart of Zona Hotelería, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is the ideal home base for LGBTQ+ travelers. The resort is close to local LGBTQ+ nightlife like 11:11 and Laser Hot Bar, but during these times you might just want to grab a private beachfront cabana or Bali-style day bed to spend the day basking in the sun with a brunch basket and beer buckets. In the afternoon, guests can take advantage of a Mayan-inspired 50-minute spa treatment, before retreating to the JW Lobby Bar to shake things up with its 150 Margaritas Menu, influenced by the rich culture of Mexico.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa / Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Known for being one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the world, Puerto Vallarta guarantees fun in the sun south of the border. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, located nearby downtown's favorite Zona Romantica offers the quintessential resort experience. Nestled on a beautiful, pristine, sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, the welcoming mountain-meets-ocean resort is the ideal place to stay in this renowned LGBTQ-friendly destination. Couples can dive right into Puerto Vallarta's largest infinity pool along with a stunning swim-up bar, or indulge in a tequila tasting with the resort’s own tequila sommelier. Lovebirds can also opt for the Pride & Joy Couples Package which includes breakfast for two, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, free internet access, a discount in room rate up to 25%, and lastly, an exquisite massage experience at Ohtli Spa for two. This offer is the perfect way to celebrate pride month as the package is valid from May 01, 2024 through October 31, 2024. Access with promotional code: 4LG.
Casa Palopó / Guatemala
This hidden gem is ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a secluded getaway boasting rich culture. Casa Palopó is perched on the hills that surround Guatemala's spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three majestic volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms and suites, adorned with bright walls, Latin American artwork, and locally handwoven textiles — all perfectly complemented by its invigorating views. Cultural experiences include Mayan shaman blessings on property, tours through Lake Atitlan’s villages, and visits to local artisans - as well as voluntourism opportunities via Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo. Casa Palopó is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an experience as exclusive as it is unique.
Caribe Hilton / San Juan, Puerto Rico
One of the most LGBTQ+-friendly islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico feels like an international vacation with all the perks of staying close to home (no passport required). From the vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife of San Juan to remote, white-sand beaches surrounded by palm trees - whether you want adventure or some R&R, Puerto Rico offers the perfect spot for you to let your rainbow flag fly high and proud. Centrally located just minutes from the heart of historic Old San Juan, Caribe Hilton is a beachfront oasis where LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy a tropical escape just a short plane ride from most major US cities. Famous for being the birthplace of the piña colada, guests can dine at any of their eleven on-site dining options, opt for poolside mofongo-making (a traditional Puerto Rican dish), or unwind by the secluded beach and oceanfront swimming pools. Guests can also venture out to experience San Juan’s hottest restaurants & bars, rainforest excursions, local food & rum tours, and additional activities that showcase the island’s rich culture. The destination is brimming with LGBTQ+ inclusive events including annual Pride events and art festivals that largely take place in the heart of historic Old San Juan. Every June, Puerto Rico hosts a San Juan Pride parade from Parque del Indio to Parque del Tercer Milenio with rainbow-colored floats, people on stilts and roller-skates, go-go dancers, drag personalities, and live entertainment.
The Florida Keys - Playa Largo Resort & Spa and Southernmost Beach Resort
The Florida Keys are a notoriously gay-friendly and favored destination for queer travelers, offering a welcoming and inviting atmosphere throughout the entire region. Beginning with the Upper Florida Keys, just a 1.5 hour drive from Miami, gay travelers seeking a tranquil and relaxing experience can kick back in Key Largo, where they’ll be able to experience the area’s signature offers, like fresh seafood, outdoor and nature-based activities, without the hustle and bustle of other locales. For tranquil gay travelers, no other resort is as great of a fit as Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection by Marriott resort. The award-winning luxury resort offers travelers a pristine pool lined with cabanas, one of the area’s only pristine white sand beaches with calm waters, multiple restaurants, a spa, and accommodation options to fit all group sizes, from solo travelers and couples, to large groups who can stay at one of the newly unveiled Ocean Residences luxury homes.
Meanwhile, those looking to paint the town will find exactly what they’re looking for in iconic Key West. Considered one of the ‘Gay Mecca’s’ of the country, there's no shortage of fun happenings on the famed Duval Street, especially during PRIDE month. Reminiscent of Nashville's southern charm, but with a hint of Las Vegas swagger, queer travelers can enjoy decadent drag queen brunches, beach bonfire parties, bar crawls, a colorful PRIDE parade and more while staying in Key West. Your gateway to all of the action: Southernmost Beach Resort. Situated along the southernmost limit of Duval Street, the resort boasts three palm-fringed pools, a tanning pier, private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas, signature restaurant and two bars. Near all of the action, but in a world of its own, this luxe oceanfront oasis will leave you longing to stay.
Curaçao, A Colorful Caribbean Destination:
Recognized for its diverse cultural heritage, rich history, colorful architecture, pristine ocean life and a “Live and Let Live” motto, Curaçao is one of the best and most welcoming destinations in the Caribbean for LGBTQ travelers. Though the island certainly caters to tourists with its phenomenal diving and great museums, the island is made up of a tight-knit but welcoming community. Boasting the highest member rate in the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, home to an annual week-long PRIDE festival, and a friendly, “dushi” atmosphere, as well as LGBTQ-friendly hotels, restaurants and nightlife, the Southern Caribbean island is a premier choice for an off-the-beaten path, adventurous, and idyllic vacation. Visitors can wind-up with aqua-excursions and diving at one of the island’s 65+ distinct sites, explore downtown Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the rich history and culture, or enjoy arts and culinary experiences led by colorful island natives. When all else fails, hit the beach with over 70+ cove like options that stretch for miles. Endless fun abounds on the island – with offerings for families, couples or solo adventurers who plan to treat themselves.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club / Cape Cod, MA
Brewster is a fabulous destination for an idyllic LGBTQ getaway in the Cape and for Pride Month, the 429-acre Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is showing off a collection of picturesque rainbow adirondack chairs on the massive front lawn. Settle in for a refreshing pause to make some new friends in this dreamy New England backdrop, making up for time lost during lockdown. The QR codes on the arms of the chairs will link to stories of instrumental LGBTQ activists, power players and changemakers to celebrate and salute to, including Harvey Milk, RuPaul Charles, MJ Rodriguez and more. By telling their stories and understanding our past, we progress into the future. The chairs will be open to the public to enjoy throughout the month on the Front Lawn, where locals and travelers can also enjoy the summer-exclusive Front Lawn experience with sail tents, live music on select dates, food, local beers and more. Treat yourself to this summer season’s oyster bed tours right off of the resort’s private Bay Pines Beach and inhale the joy of being outdoors with meandering days paddleboarding and kayaking on Blueberry Pond. Be sure to pack for the myriad of summer activities under the sun with the property’s six pickleball courts along with two tennis compounds, the Cape’s only Nicklaus Design golf course, private beach and five on-site pools. Indulge in the bounty of the ocean with savory lobster rolls and refreshing cocktails on multiple on-site restaurants and waterfront Beach Bar. The standout feature is the resort’s spacious accommodations for couples, or grab the whole crew for a Pride-filled staycation in one of the one- to three-bedroom villas.
Hyatt Centric Las Olas | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Celebrate pride month with some South Florida fun in the sun. Opt for a visit to Sunny Fort Lauderdale, which offers a laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of nearby Miami and is known as one of the nation’s most progressive destinations. Stay in the heart of the city’s vibrant entertainment district at Hyatt Centric Las Olas, offering close proximity to the area’s best beaches, museums, galleries and cultural institutions. Guests can spend their days cooling off at Elev8, the property’s sleek 8th floor pool and bar where skyline views and larger than life murals await or head out to see the best of Fort Lauderdale — explore Wilton Manors, ranked the ’Second Gayest City’ in the US, get to know the city’s creative side with a stroll through FAT Village, or relax and unwind at Sebastian Street Beach, known as a lively epicenter for LGBTQ+ sun seekers. When hunger strikes, enjoy a bite at the hotel’s restaurant Harborwood Urban Kitchen & Bar with doors that open directly onto Las Olas Boulevard. For a night-cap post-dinner, head over to the hotel’s guest room turned speakeasy, 901, which evokes pre-Prohibition vibes, transporting guests to the roaring 1920s and features whimsical cocktails like ’Smoke and Mirrors’ alongside a full gourmet menu.
W Punta De Mita
LGBTQ+ travelers in search of a cultural and relaxing getaway while being treated like royalty should visit W Punta de Mita -- a chic, indigenous-inspired resort located on one of Mexico’s best surf breaks with an amazing beach, incredible surfing program, and amenities for days. When they’re not practicing their hang-ten, guests can unwind in oceanfront suites with private plunge pools and bathrooms that feel like you’re showering in the outdoors, relax with locally inspired treatments at the resort’s AWAY Spa (agave + tequila facial? Yes, please!), or indulge at restaurants ranging from Jean Georges’ renowned Spice Market to a vintage 1950’s Chevy truck that’s been converted into a beachside ceviche bar, and reserve the incredibly romantic Mesa1 -- an ultra-exclusive al fresco dining setting that offers just one nightly seating for a private chef’s dinner under the stars. During Pride Month, guests can take advantage of W Punta De Mita’s "Celebrate Love Your Way" package which includes a daily buffet breakfast for two, a delectable dinner, a yoga class, a mixology class and a soothing spa treatment at the AWAY Spa. For more information or to book, please visit https://hotel-deals.marriott.com/celebrate-love-your-way/ and enter code LVU.