Top Gay-Friendly Caribbean Resorts for an Inclusive Escape

Finding truly gay-friendly Caribbean resorts can feel like searching for hidden treasure. While turquoise waters and soft sands are everywhere, genuine inclusivity isn’t. Many islands claim to be welcoming, but only a few deliver authentic warmth and visible LGBTQ+ acceptance. For more inspiration on inclusive escapes beyond the Caribbean, explore our Gay Holidays to Japan: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Wide Awake Holidays believes every traveller deserves to relax, connect, and celebrate who they are — without hesitation. That’s why we’ve curated the Caribbean’s most affirming resorts where same-sex couples can stroll hand in hand, join sunset dinners, and feel right at home.

Before you pack the sunscreen, which island offers the most inclusive vibe?

Aruba: The Caribbean’s Brightest LGBTQ+ Star

Few destinations match Aruba’s effortless blend of beauty, safety, and acceptance. Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba is proudly ahead of its neighbours in LGBTQ+ inclusion. Same-sex marriage is recognised, Pride events thrive each year, and local tourism boards actively promote equality. If romance is your goal, our Romantic Gay Holidays: Escape to the World’s Most Loving Destinations

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Nestled on Eagle Beach, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is often named the most romantic adults-only resort in the Caribbean — and for good reason. Staff are TAG-approved and trained in inclusive hospitality. Couples can enjoy private beachfront dining or sunset yoga sessions knowing they’ll be treated with respect, not curiosity.

The resort’s serene, eco-luxury setting makes it ideal for honeymooners or travellers seeking peace. There’s no loud nightlife — just calm, connection, and Caribbean sunsets that last forever.

How Gay-Friendly Is Aruba?

Aruba is one of the few Caribbean islands where same-sex couples can hold hands openly without second glances. You’ll find rainbow flags in bars, drag brunches in Oranjestad, and a supportive local community. According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA).

Looking for a livelier scene? Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort offers a private island with flamingos — and yes, same-sex couples are welcome to snap all the selfies they like.

Curaçao: Colourful, Cultural, and Comfortably Inclusive

Curaçao is often described as the “hidden gem” of gay Caribbean travel. While less polished than Aruba, it’s just as open-hearted — and arguably even more fun. The island’s slogan, “Biba i laga biba” (Live and let live), perfectly sums up its attitude.

Floris Suite Hotel – Spa & Beach Club

This adults-only boutique resort was one of the Caribbean’s first to openly market itself as gay-friendly. Guests love its stylish retro design, lush gardens, and proximity to Moomba Beach — home to lively weekend parties.

Every September, Curaçao Pride turns the island into a rainbow parade, and Floris is at the centre of the celebrations. Expect pool parties, beach barbecues, and a crowd that welcomes everyone.

How Gay-Friendly Is Curaçao?

Curaçao has long been one of the most progressive islands in the region. Local laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the tourist board supports LGBTQ+ initiatives. While public displays of affection may still draw attention in rural areas, the resort zones are relaxed and accepting. Travellers who love festival energy might also enjoy our feature on Worldwide LGBT Festivals

If you want a mix of culture and coastal bliss, Curaçao delivers. Willemstad’s pastel buildings, museums, and vibrant nightlife make it a perfect all-rounder.

St. Martin: Dual-Island Energy with a European Twist

Few islands offer the same blend of sophistication and celebration as St. Martin. Split between the French and Dutch sides, this island has long welcomed travellers of every kind. Here, Caribbean rhythms meet continental charm — think café culture, couture shopping, and crystalline coves.

St. Martin’s LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant yet relaxed, drawing couples who want to unwind by day and dance by night. The French side (Saint-Martin) is known for its open-mindedness, topless beaches, and delicious cuisine. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) adds casinos, beach clubs, and a livelier nightlife vibe.

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel



Set above Baie Longue, La Samanna is pure Caribbean indulgence. Whitewashed villas overlook turquoise water, and the service is flawless — yet never pretentious. What makes it shine for LGBTQ+ guests is its warmth: staff are discreetly trained to ensure inclusivity, from welcome drinks to romantic dinner setups.

Couples can book private wine tastings in the cellar, or sunset cruises across the lagoon. The hotel frequently hosts queer weddings and commitment ceremonies, offering legal guidance through Wide Awake Holidays’ trusted partners.

How Gay-Friendly Is St. Martin?

St. Martin’s openness comes largely from its French influence, where equality laws and cultural norms extend naturally to the island. Same-sex couples can share affection without issue, and most beach clubs actively welcome queer travellers.

The annual SXM Festival attracts a diverse crowd, and several venues — including Blue Bitch Bar and Tantra Nightclub — feature themed LGBTQ+ nights.

For a more intimate stay, Hotel L’Esplanade in Grand Case offers boutique comfort, ocean views, and personal service that feels like visiting friends.

St. Croix: Caribbean Culture with a Queer Heart

Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is the Caribbean’s quiet achiever — a destination where history, pride, and community intersect. While many islands only recently began embracing LGBTQ+ travellers, St. Croix has been doing it for decades. Its Pride celebrations date back to the 1990s, and its community spirit is woven into everyday life.

Sand Castle on the Beach

Owned by a same-sex couple, Sand Castle on the Beach is an iconic LGBTQ+ resort directly on Frederiksted’s golden sands. It’s intimate, colourful, and proudly inclusive — a place where you can sip cocktails with locals or join spontaneous beach weddings that often end with everyone dancing barefoot by the sea.

Guests praise its welcoming atmosphere, where staff remember names and partners, and the owners themselves often mingle with guests at sunset. There’s a sense of belonging that’s rare even in the most polished resorts.

How Gay-Friendly Is St. Croix?

As part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix benefits from American legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage is legal, and public attitudes are progressive by regional standards.

The island’s Pride events — including the annual Frederiksted Pride Parade — showcase local art, music, and advocacy. Several nearby guesthouses, like The Fred and Feather Leaf Inn, also promote inclusive stays with island charm.

Beyond the beach, visitors can dive at the famous Cane Bay Wall, explore Christiansted’s colonial streets, or visit local distilleries for rum tastings — all without worrying about judgment or exclusion.

Puerto Rico: Bold, Beautiful, and Unapologetically Queer

Puerto Rico doesn’t just welcome LGBTQ+ travellers — it celebrates them. From rainbow crosswalks in San Juan to drag brunches on Condado Beach, this island radiates openness. For travellers wanting Caribbean warmth with a distinctly urban edge, Puerto Rico hits the sweet spot.

It’s a place where salsa beats blend with street art, and queer culture pulses through every corner. English and Spanish mix easily, and as a U.S. territory, same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections are firmly in place.

O:live Boutique Hotel, Condado

In San Juan’s stylish Condado district, O:live Boutique Hotel is where design meets desire. Its Mediterranean aesthetic — rustic woods, rooftop pools, and candle-lit terraces — creates the perfect setting for romantic escapes. Staff are welcoming, discreet, and LGBTQ+ trained, ensuring couples feel free to be themselves.

The rooftop bar, O:LV Fifty Five, is a local hotspot for queer travellers and allies. From here, sunsets spill gold across the lagoon, and nights often end with live DJs or spontaneous salsa dancing.

How Gay-Friendly Is Puerto Rico?

Very. Puerto Rico boasts the region’s most active queer nightlife, especially in San Juan. Bars like Circo, Tía María Liquor Store, and Tavü host themed nights, drag performances, and Pride after-parties year-round.

Pride Month in June transforms the Condado area into a rainbow carnival, complete with parades, beach events, and community marches. Even outside festival season, same-sex couples can expect smiles, not stares.

Beyond the city, Puerto Rico offers hiking in El Yunque Rainforest, bioluminescent bays, and surf towns like Rincón that embrace travellers from every walk of life.

Booking Protections and Peace of Mind

Every journey should begin with confidence. At Wide Awake Holidays, we know that LGBTQ+ travellers often worry not just about destinations, but about the booking process itself. Who’s protecting your payment? What happens if a flight gets cancelled? And how do you ensure the resort genuinely welcomes you, not just your money?

Here’s how we safeguard your trip from start to finish:

ATOL-Protected Packages

All our Caribbean holidays are fully ATOL-protected, meaning your flights and accommodation are covered if the airline or supplier fails. It’s your financial safety net — because peace of mind should be standard, not a bonus. Learn more about how we keep your holidays secure in our detailed Travel Protections guide

Vetted, Verified Resorts

We don’t just rely on labels like “LGBTQ+ friendly.” Every resort we feature is personally reviewed by our team or verified through trusted equality accreditation such as TAG Approval or IGLTA Membership.

If a destination’s culture feels mixed, we only work with partners that go beyond lip service — ones that train staff, adapt policies, and show a proven record of welcoming queer guests.

Personalised, Protected Service

Wide Awake Holidays is proudly gay-owned and community-driven. Our travellers know they’re booking through people who understand what inclusion really looks like. From destination advice to special requests, you’ll always speak to a human who gets it.

Jamie Says:

"We built Wide Awake Holidays to give LGBTQ+ travellers something simple — trust. When you book with us, you’re not just safe, you’re seen.”

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Start Planning Your Inclusive Caribbean Escape

Choosing from so many gay-friendly Caribbean resorts can feel overwhelming — but that’s where we come in. Whether you’re dreaming of Aruba’s tranquil beaches, Curaçao’s rainbow-lit nightlife, or Puerto Rico’s culture and rhythm, every journey we design begins with one goal: making you feel completely at home.

When you book through Wide Awake Holidays, you’re not just reserving a room — you’re securing a travel experience built around you. Every stay is vetted for genuine inclusivity, every flight is ATOL-protected, and every detail is handled by people who share your values.

Ready to turn that dream into a real holiday?

📞 Call 01495 400947 or visit wideawakeholidays.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions