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| The Floris Suite Hotel & Spa in Curacao is widely considered the most LGBT-welcoming hotel in the Caribbean. |
By no means are these the only LGBT-welcoming hotels in the Caribbean, but we were told by most LGBT experts Travel Agent spoke to that this selection should be a solid start for agents looking to break into this market.
Floris Suite Hotel & Spa Curacao
Known by many as the most LGBT-friendly hotel on the island, this 72-suite hotel is the site of the annual Curacao Pride festival celebrating the Caribbean LGBT community. General Manager Frank Holtslag is also the president of Curacao Gay Pro, which works to organize LGBT events on the island.
Floris Suite has a brand new fitness center with steam room, a sauna and new fitness equipment and the courtyard has a private pool, and it is the only hotel on island that caters to guests 18 and older.
Another great feature for LGBT clients is the hotel’s “Out and About” list, which is a list given to the concierge that details LGBT friendly activities throughout the island.
"Staff training is so important," says Hotslag. "Our guests are comfortable enough to hold hands and kiss around the pool and snuggle in the ocean without anyone giggling or giving them strange looks. LGBT clients feel comfortable, but also all guests here feel comfortable because there is a very accepting vibe here."
Visit www.florissuitehotel.com
Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa (Curacao)
The 4.5 star Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, GHL Hotel offers a boutique village experience in the center of Willemstad, Curacao's capitol city, 20 minutes from the airport and walking distance to prime shopping, diverse cuisine, nightlife and more.
It's one of the many island hotels that is an International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) member. It's centrally located on island, within walking distance to downtown Willemstad and the Queen Emma Bridge, restaurants and night life.
None of the rooms are alike and many feature unique architectural elements that could appeal to the LGBT traveler, especially the art enthusiast.
Spread over an eight-block area, the resort village includes two pools, multiple restaurants and bars, shops, a world-acclaimed anthropological museum, spa, courtyards, and gardens.
Visit www.kurahulanda.com/en/sonesta-kura-hulanda-village-a-spa
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao
Formerly known as Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao opened under the new name in January of 2013.
As the latest installment to join the Benchmark Hospitality International family, a partner of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the resort is the focal point of the 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation community.
Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao is also an IGLTA member. It's perfect for LGBT travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Willemstad and relax on the serene East side of the island. The 350-room property also has one of the best spas (Abatei) on island.
All spa suites include a personal vanity, rain shower, and outdoor relaxation patio. LGBT clients may also enjoy the co-ed relaxation lounge where the hotel provides complimentary refreshments and light snacks.
Visit www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com
Queens Gardens Resort (Saba)
Located in the hills of Saba is another all-time favorite amongst LGBT experts for two reasons: the seclusion and the food. The small, yet attentive, staff is very hands-on at the Queens Gardens Resort, catering to every guest’s individual needs.
The outstanding Caribbean cuisine is prepared by Chef Kevin Hollans while the hotel also houses a robust selection of rums from Martinique and Guadeloupe. The kicker, however, is that every room has its own open-air Jacuzzi facing the valley below. Think Jade Mountain in St. Lucia but for way cheaper.
Visit www.queensaba.com
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
At the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, LGBT clients can enjoy luxurious Aruba accommodations that feature spacious guest rooms, upscale bedding and bathrooms, high-tech amenities and some of the largest balconies in Aruba. LGBT clients will love the relaxing H2Oasis Adult Pool or the more exciting Stellaris Casino. The hotel culinary offerings are lead by the always-popular Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Visit www.marriott.com
Gran Melia Puerto Rico
This 486 all-suite hotel is located in the tropics of the El Yunque rainforest, allowing ample privacy for LGBT clients, although they can still feel comfortable walking the streets of the surrounding neighborhood, as this area of Puerto Rico is deemed extremely LGBT welcoming.
The hotel is scattered over 20 two-story bungalows, a YHI Spa and the Trump International Golf Club, with two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by PGA pro Tom Kite.
Visit www.melia.com
Sand Castle on the Beach Resort (St. Croix)
You just need to read visit the hotel’s website to get how LGBT-welcoming the Sand Castle on the Beach Resort on St. Croix is. From photos of gay couples kissing on the beach to a proclamation that “We Celebrate Inclusion and Diversity. We do not Discriminate,” the Sand Castle on the Beach is pretty open about including everyone at their hotel.
The hotel offers LGBT clients seven room types from beachfront villas to economical studios. All accommodations are air-conditioned, have private baths, overhead fans, cable TV and a beach cooler.
All of the Suites and Beachfront Villas are equipped with kitchens, separate living areas, and a sleeper sofa.
Visit www.sandcastleonthebeach.com
Le Guanahani (St. Bart’s)
Although it is not IGLTA certified, Le Guanahani, St. Bart’s private enclave, invites the LGBT community to experience the luxurious, secluded, tropical escape that is St. Bart’s. The newly renovated, five-star hotel is located on a private 16-acre peninsula between Marigot Bay and Grand Cul de Sac.
LGBT travelers can enjoy two beaches, two pools, a restorative Spa by Clarins, a full suite of water sports, two restaurants with al fresco settings, a fitness center, flood-lit tennis courts, and engaging children’s programs.
The hotel and staff are very LGBT-friendly and inclusive, whether it’s hosting LGBT couples or planning a symbolic LGBT wedding or honeymoon.
Visit www.leguanahani.com
Belmond La Samanna (St. Martin)
This IGLTA certified hotel is located in the LGBT-welcoming destination of St. Martin and is arguably the best hotel in general on the island. The Belmond company as a whole is very LGBT-welcoming and is actively marketing toward this clientele.
In fact, Belmond, a global collection of 46 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises, appointed Tom Alderink back in May as the company's first director of LGBT sales.
The property offers all the amenities one would expect from a five-star hotel from swanky beach cabanas to a 15-foot-long infinity pool. This is also a great spot for LGBT clients with families as the hotel also offers its unique Camp La Samanna, which provides such activities as treasure hunts for children.
Visit www.belmond.com/lasamanna
Julianana‘s Hotel (Saba)
LGBT clients not looking for all the bells and whistles of a five-star hotel will be satisfied with this hotel. Julianana‘s Hotel is for the budget-conscious LGBT. For those LGBT clients looking for more luxurious accommodations, Juliana’s Hotel offers a fully equipped apartment or a choice of three private Saban cottages.
Visit www.julianas-hotel.com
The Cottage Club Hotel (Saba)
This hotel also appeals to the budget conscious LGBT traveler. Although we were told by experts we spoke to that the hotel is in need of some minor touch-ups, we were also told that these rooms provide some of the best views in all of Saba. LGBT clients will feel at home in one of the hotel’s 10 cottages. They all feature full kitchens and its own private balcony facing the sea.
Visit www.cottage-club.com
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