Destination gay

There’s nothing quite like relaxing to the sounds of nature and the gentle warmth that the area is so famous for while knowing that you’re surrounded by like-minded people and a space specially tailored towards catering to queer people.

The rural surroundings of the Villa Bacchus are the perfect spot for a resort, and this excellent location makes the ideal accompaniment to the Villa Bacchus’ excellent food, outdoor pool, in-room hot tubs, and excellent sitting areas.

The sleek rooms have light-wood walls and floors, and premium suites have balconies and views of the sea.

Medellin, Colombia

The second-largest city in Colombia sits nearly a mile high in a lush, forested valley, and it's home to one of Latin America's most dynamic LGBTQIA+ communities.

It was the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and trans people can change their gender here since 2003. Although this hotel is just about as gay-orientated and trendy as a location of accommodation can get, there is also a certain traditional aspect to it that makes it impossible to forget exactly how amazing and unique its surroundings are.

This location is nothing short of aristocratic in appearance, and this fact continues to be true for just about every other aspect of how it handles itself.

Not only is this location adults-only, which means that it is guaranteed to be relaxing, couples-friendly, and a breath away from it all in general but it is also decked out with a full five stars and a deep connection to what makes successful accommodation and resort living work.

This delightful Caribbean retreat, nestled on the US-owned Virgin Island of St. Croix, combines affordability with exceptional quality, much like the best books with bisexual main characters that blend richness in storytelling with authentic representation.

This resort stands out for its accessibility and English-speaking environment, making it a breeze for travelers.

The capital, Madrid, offers a wealth of things to do and see if you’re a part of the community, and Chueca is considered one of the most vibrant ‘gaybourhoods’ in Europe.

There’s a massive social sitting area and a swim-up bar with in-pool bar stools, which is an incredible and relaxing experience. Up the hill from downtown, the grassy lawns of the five-sided Halifax Citadel National Historic Site provide a glorious vantage point for taking in the city and surrounding waters.

Where to stay

Sitting the edge of downtown and near the diverse cafe culture of the city’s North End, the hip but reasonably priced Moxy Halifax Downtown (rates start at $210 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) offers 160 compact but artfully appointed rooms, including several studios with kitchens.

Parts of the all-inclusive parcel this hotel has put together include amazing daily breakfasts, unlimited beverage and food supplies throughout the day and several beautiful eateries and restaurants within its walls. Athens has plenty going for it — particularly in the LGBTQ+ neighbourhood of Gazi — and the queer arts, drag, and fashion scenes are always growing.

The Mala is the main restaurant for the hotel and is included in the hotel’s all-inclusive package deals, which makes it an absolute steal when one considers how exclusive, luxurious, and diverse its dining experience is.

[THUIS]HAVEN Boutique Resort

There are a lot of culturally strong and interesting locations on this list, but there are none quite so unique as Thuishaven Boutique Resort.

The town of Maspalomas is one of the best gay hotspots in the world, and this location takes a position of pride above even that high standard by being known by many as being one of the best, if not the absolute best, out of all the island’s varied gay hotel offerings.

The Beach Boys Boutique is a clothing-optional, adults-only environment designed especially for fun, social getaways, and general queer relaxation.

This resort is armed to the teeth when it comes to relaxation and bringing a solid punch to all-inclusive, wielding a fully functional and attended spa facility, a fitness center for those looking to keep up their energy and workouts while on holiday, and free airport shuttles to ferry guests to and fro from the nearby international airport without having to worry about arranging particulars for a single second.

On top of all these other convenient, popular factors, the Keemala is also well-known for its wide range of authentic dining options and Thai cuisine inlets, thanks to the resort’s in-house restaurant and the wide amount of nearby street food vendors and other restaurants.

The city center features shady parks, festive cafes, boutiques and galleries, making this town feel sophisticated and relaxed.

Served by an efficient airport that offers direct flights from the U.S., Merida is about a three-hour drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Back in 2020, nearly 10% of its Parliament identified as LGBTQ+, and the majority of Kiwis support equal rights and same-sex marriage.

This is especially true when it comes to the Royalton CHIC Punta Cana – a five-star resort that displays its prestige with pride and purpose, employing top-of-the-line design and a firm dedication to welcoming and inclusive accommodation mentalities to paint a picture of relaxation, excitement, and exotic satisfaction.

If you’re looking for somewhere to experience the glam and glimmer of Vegas-style living and partying while maintaining an exotic, tropical location that is sure to take you on a journey unlike any other, then this could very well be the perfect place for you.

Guests can dine in the hotel's first-rate Chinese and Italian restaurants, book a couples massage in Quan Spa and soak up views of the Doi Suthep Mountains from the infinity-edge pool.

Queenstown, New Zealand

One of the world's greatest destinations for adrenaline-fueled adventures, ranging from snowboarding to tandem skydiving to bungee jumping, this small but fast-growing city on Lake Wakatipu has also blossomed into a bona fide LGBTQIA+ vacation hub.

Near the southern end of New Zealand's spectacular South Island, Queenstown hosts a phenomenally popular Winter Pride celebration over 11 days in mid-August.

Amsterdam also plays host to the iconic Canal Parade — a floating LGBTQ+ celebration unlike any other where over 80 decorated boats sail through the city adorned in glitter and rainbows.

Rotterdam is also a great place to visit if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Latin America, and has progressive laws, a strong queer rights movement, and a generally supportive social climate — particularly in major cities and towns.

Party-loving Buenos Aires — or ‘BA’ as it’s often called — is arguably the queer capital of Latin America.

Although it is located slightly north of Venezuela amidst the waters of the Caribbean Sea, the island nation of Curaçao is a constituent nation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and this amazing mix of South American and European cultures is exactly what makes the Thuishaven Boutique Resort so exciting and unique.

In fact, Leo Varadkar, who served as the country's taoiseach (prime minister) until 2024, is openly gay.

Dublin offers plenty of ways for LGBTQIA+ visitors to enjoy themselves, from hobnobbing in the friendly gay cafes and pubs of the Temple Bar district to catching a play at one of the many acclaimed theaters. Add in excellent cuisine and friendly local people, and you can see why we love it.

It’s also one of the most progressive countries in the Balkans, and while traditional values still influence some areas, the country has made real progress in LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance — particularly in the last decade.

If you’re a fan of calm, light, and sunny southern French culture and colors, then the design and atmosphere of the Villa Bacchus are certain to be the perfect fit for you.