Even if love and marriage are the best gifts, the amazing honeymoon comes right after those treasured vows and joyous toasts. The honeymoon is a private dessert for two, unlike the wedding itself. It is the first chapter of a romantic tale. It’s the couple’s first opportunity to travel together in marital bliss. Planning a romantic honeymoon for LGBTQ+ couples involves fundamental decisions like beach or city, resort or bed and breakfast, adventure or light recreation, and concerns about safety and inclusivity.
After all, same-sex marriage is only permitted in 34 nations. Chile, Cuba, Estonia, and Slovenia have lately joined the love-is-love train, The Most LGBT-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations but the list is still expanding. Furthermore, even in countries where marriage equality has not yet been achieved, queer couples are often enthusiastic tourists who are keen to promote the local LGBTQ+ community, according to the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). Here are seven amazing locations calling out to LGBTQ+ honeymooners, regardless of whether the happy newlyweds are going classic with a twist or traveling even fa away.
.Vallarta, Puerto
In Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta’s home state, marriage equality has been allowed since 2016, but it was made legal throughout Mexico in 2022. This is evidence of the long-standing inclusiveness that has contributed to Puerto Vallarta’s popularVallarta’snewlyweds and same-sex couples. From beach relaxation, waterfall hikes, and ocean excursions to food tours, malecon (boardwalk) strolls, and sexy Zona Romantica nights at places like The Palm Cabaret and lesbian-owned Elixir Mixology Bar, there are plenty of romantic opportunities.
Stay: Almar Resort provides the only upscale LGBTQ+ beachfront experience in Puerto Vallarta, despite the city’s abundance ocity’shotels and beach clubs. The resort’s flirtatioresort’smar Beach Club is open all day, and newlyweds may enjoy spacious suites in its low—and high-rise towers, just a short distance from the gay-focused Los Muertos beach.
The Big Easy
What’s your pleasure, neWhat’ss? Food, music, culture, and nightlife are all part of the New Orleans experience. Couples from the LGBTQ+ community can begin their adventure in the French Quarter, known for its renowned dining and cocktail scene and vibrant live music venues. No matter how oppressive the heat of New Orleans gets, the parties on Bourbon and St. Ann streets never take a break.
This is where the most active group of gay bars can be found. (Many more can be found in and beyond the Marigny neighborhood.) It’s worth exploring more of the citIt’s a romantic ride on the St. Charles streetcar, as you roll beneath the massive oak trees toward the charming Garden District and the exceptional eateries of Uptown.
Stay here: Book a room at the brand-new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans in 2021 for ultimate luxury with a view. One of the few hotel towers in the area, it features a magnificent spa, an observation deck, a glamorous rooftop pool, and multiple dining options. The Chandelier Bar serves sparkling cocktails every night.
Hawaii, Oahu
With its remote and unique atmosphere, the Aloha State is an ideal destination for honeymooners looking to leave reality behind. The LGBTQ+ community cherishes it for establishing marriage equality as early as 2013. The question is: which island should you choose for a spectacular honeymoon in Hawaii? While any answer is acceptable, queer travelers will undoubtedly value the diverse offerings of urban,
alpine, and coastal amusement that Oahu provides. As the state’s capital, Honolulu boasts a vibrantstate’se and excellent museums, upscale restaurants, and popular gay bars such as Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand and Bacchus WaikikiHula’sScarlet for drag shows and dancing on the weekend. For tropical escapes, check out the gay beach in Kapiolani Park, tackle some vigorous hikes at Diamond Head, and head to the North Shore for surfing and relaxed al fresco meals.
Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach is right in the heart of everything, just off Hare Koa Beach. It is a luxurious hotel with two towers and unparalleled ocean views. From the attentive concierge staff to the fine meals and lomilomi spa treatments, same-sex newlyweds feel well-cared for.
Malta
Other gorgeous honeymoon spots on the Mediterranean Sea exist, but Malta has begun overtaking LGBTQ-friendly locations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Nice. After legalizing marriage equality in 2017, the island nation became a popular location for same-sex honeymoons and weddings. But what keeps romantically minded tourists returning are the glittering beaches, fascinating history, variety of Mediterranean-rim food and culture, and more than 300 days of sunlight annually.
Stay: Iniala Harbour House stays are described as “magical.” In 2021, the boutique hotel on “he water”ront in Valetta brought a new level of opulence and sophisticated design to the capital. Couples can hide in a balcony suite with a view of Grand Harbour, eat at the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, or indulge in underground Essensi Spa treatments.
Provincetown
Provincetown is a significant destination for same-sex honeymooners yearning for romantic freedom because it is one of the few communities that genuinely embraces the LGBTQ+ population. With its ancient fishing port, colorful cottages converted into B&Bs, and folkloric galleries showcasing local artwork, the Village near the extremity of CVillage also exudes an air of old-world romance. Singing along at cabarets and drag shows, dancing the night away at clubs down Commercial Street, and enjoying sunset meals and beach picnics may all make newlyweds fall even more in love.
Stay: While there aren’t many honeymoon suites specifically aren’twn, tiny, adults-only luxury hotels like Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa offer unique packages, “pier-to-plate” dining at the Pointe Resta”rant, and couples’ treatments at the on-site Shui Spcouples’p romance in full swing.
Montreal
LGBTQ+ newlyweds will love Montreal’s culture, food, and overall charMontreal’se thriving Gay Village transforming St. Catherine Street East into an actual nightly street fair dotted with eateries, shops, and discos, the city is well-known for its LGBT tolerance. The city’s eateries, from Brasserie Harricana city’stle Italy to Chez Melisse in Old Montreal, sparkle with bold tastes and recipes. The McCord Stewart Museum, PHI Foundation, and other prestigious institutions often feature the creations and displays of a wide range of artists, offer a comparable sense of inventiveness. Honeymooners should also plan for a day of rest, maybe a couple’s experience at Bota-Bota, the charcouple’sating spa in Montreal’s Old Port. There is a lot to explore.
Remain here: The newly opened Hyatt Place Montreal in the Village is a hotel located in the Village, offering elevated views. However, Hotel William Gray provides stylish lodgings in a historic structure just off Place Jacques Cartier. The rooms are designed with artistry and are surprisingly modern given the historic nature of the buildings; couples can relax in the solarium living room or on the rooftop terrace, and enjoy a lavish meal at chic Maggie Oakes.
A Cruise for LGBTQ+ People
For newlyweds who enjoy traveling by sea, cruises provide a sense of classic romanticism. Although several cruise lines offer LGBTQ+ cruises, VACAYA is the only central travel agency dedicated to providing services to the whole community on each trip. It provides honeymoon packages for various types of travel, including upcoming luxury vacations to the Adriatic Sea, Polynesia, and the Galapagos and small-ship cruises. Brand G Vacations, Olivia, Source Journeys, and Celebrity Cruises also provide enticing LGBTQ+ cruise itineraries for honeymooners.
Cruise here: For an extravagant honeymoon treat, adventurous couples can take a gay-friendly cruise to Antarctica with Scenic. The luxury cruise line, which offers all-inclusive services, is making reservations for multiple expeditions in 2024 from South America to Antarctica on its opulent Scenic Eclipse. This discovery yacht features two helicopters and a compact submarine.