Celebrate Pride Month 2022 at These LGBTQ-friendly Destinations

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. www.casapalopo.com

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. www.caribehilton.com

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 perfect quintessential resort experience.. Nestled on a beautiful, pristine, sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, the mountain-meets-ocean, welcoming resort is the ideal place to stay in this renowned LGBTQ-friendly destination— not to mention, all the staff have had LGBTQ sensitivity training. Dive right into Puerto Vallarta’s largest infinity pool along with a new swim-up bar, and indulge in a tequila tasting with the resort’s own tequila sommelier. Take advantage of the Suite Celebration offer and enjoy a discounted rate on a suite (max of 4 people), a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival. For more information, visit Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa reservations and book the special suite deal using code: HDK.

For those LGBTQ travelers who prefer something a little more quiet and off the beaten path, the relaxing fishing village of  Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, just north of the more bustling Ixtapa, offers the perfect option. Made famous in the movie Shawshank Redemption, Zihuatanejo has long been a hideaway for creatives like Andy Warhol and Betsy Johnson. Thompson Zihuatanejo is inviting eager travelers to make up for what has been a couple lost years, with the ‘Redemption Package’, where guests can eat and drink like kings and queens and “get busy living” in a big way. Guests will be greeted with tequila and pozole (a weekly culinary tradition in Zihua) upon arrival. The experience also includes a cooking class with Chef Javier Cerrillo, a master of smoke and fire, right on La Playa Ropa beach, a private yacht trip to the iconic La Saladita beach, as well as a session at the resort’s spa for two. Guests will have access to a personal activities concierge to wait on them hand and foot and will find a daily lux array of wellness treasures awaiting them in their suite, complete with a private plunge pool where a bucket of fittingly named Dufresne beers will be delivered to them daily at happy hour. Redemption travelers can relax on their private terrace, cold one in hand with the “sun on their shoulders” and feel like free men or “normal again, at least for a short while”. The ‘Redemption Package’ is available for booking now.

LGBTQ+ travelers will find a welcoming home base on the ‘One Happy Island’ at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The 414-room beachfront resort is IGLTA certified and is a quick jaunt to many nearby LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. This June the hotel will be celebrating Pride month and it will be nothing short of eventful with bright, iridescent rainbow lights projected upon the palm trees at the hotel entrance and Pride Gelato popsicles available at Gelato & Co. Additionally, a specialty Pride celebration will take place on Friday, June 17. The resort will transform its quarterly Night Brunch experience into a Pride Night Brunch with live performances by local drag queens, themed cocktails, and unlimited Prosecco. The a la carte menu will serve up classic morning favorites along with other savory bites such as signature Dutch Style Pancakes, Sous Vide Eggs and classic Chicken & Waffles, to Red Snapper, Prosciutto Ham bites, Panzanella and fresh Pizza. Additionally, the resort offers its “Pride in Paradise Package” year-round which includes luxe accommodations in Tradewinds Club, the resort’s adults-only hotel-within-a-hotel, a romantic dinner for two at the toes-in–the-sand restaurant Atardi, a reserved cabana at the H2Oasis adults-only pool, a sunset sail for two, and other exclusive amenities which can be booked using promo code: 8LG. Between the beaches, restaurants and hotel, Aruba is the ideal travel destination for a vacation in paradise to celebrate the LGBTQ community while promoting diversity and creating an inclusive environment.

For an LGBTQ-friendly getaway visit Panama and get a taste of its local culture, rich history, and natural beauty! The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a sprawling oasis in the heart of pulsing Panama City, one of Latin America’s most cosmopolitan cities and a welcoming melting pot of diverse cultures and backgrounds. The property is located inside the coveted Santa Maria Golf & Country Club, offering guests access to state-of-the-art sports facilities that include the city’s only 18-hole, 72-Par Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Watch ships cross through the Panama Canal, take bicycles for a spin on the Amador Causeway, explore the bars and restaurants of Casco Viejo or take an adventure through the rainforest. For those wanting to indulge in some luxury, The Santa Maria is offering “A Little Lux”, which includes deluxe accommodations for two, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a cheese board, breakfast at Mestizo Restaurant, and valet parking. However you spend the weekend, you’ll feel like you’re a world away! Direct flights from most major US cities including NYC, ATL, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Boston and more.

The Florida Keys are a notoriously gay-friendly and favorited 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.

There’s an authenticity about Curaçao that can be rare in the Caribbean. 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. From pride parades to the Carnival festival, Curaçao is refreshingly real and accepting. Offering a unique look and feel that differs greatly from the dense, lush tropical landscapes found on most Caribbean islands, Curacao’s landscapes include coral rock formations, cacti, succulents, and crystal clear blue water. From snapping fun portraits in front of the colorful Handelskade backdrop of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – to exploring life below the sea on a personal Aquafari craft, Curaçao is a hidden gem only fully appreciated and understood by travelers who take the opportunity to visit.

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. 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.

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.

Warm, friendly hospitality, and a platinum global partnership with the IGLTA: just three of many reasons to visit Marriott Cancun Resort, to say nothing of the food, tequila, and beach palapas. Located in the heart of Zona Hotelería, Marriott Cancun Resort is the ideal home base for LGBTQ+ travelers. The resort is close to local LGBTQ+ nightlife like 11:11 and Laser Hot Bar, or travelers can opt to recline in the hammocks or swinging bar stools at SacBé Beach Bar, a laid-back lounge right on the warm white sands serving up authentic Mexican street food, Insta-worthy cocktails, hanging bar stools, local artwork and live DJ sets sure to put guests in a good mood.  And with eleven international restaurants shared with next door neighbor and sister property JW Marriott Cancun, there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge.

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.