A guide to planning your LGBTQ+ honeymoon – iNews
Antigua has become the latest country to decriminalise gay sex, joining a swelling group of mostly ex-colonial nations that are ditching the archaic anti-LGBTQ+ laws they inherited in the days of Empire – including, recently, Angola, Botswana and India. For LGBTQ+ travellers, this means the pool of potential honeymoon destinations is also growing – alongside the anxiety that goes with planning one. These are some of the basics to keep in mind when planning your big trip.
Don’t beat around the bush
Shame is so 50s. You’re LGBTQ+ and proud, so don’t hold back. If there’s any disrespect, move on and give your money and kudos to someone else. If they don’t want a slice of a £185bn* industry, more fool them.
Make sure it’s adults only
Don’t go anywhere where there are children. This is grown-up time, and the atmosphere – and irritability levels – of family resorts aren’t conducive to romance. You don’t want an adolescent dive-bomb with that vodka martini.
Choose your own level of romance Maybe you like the rose-petals-in-the-shape-of-a-heart thing, but many cringe at such clichés. Don’t be afraid of asking for exactly what you want – and that includes an upgrade.
Familiarity can breed contempt
Remember this is probably not the first time you’ve been alone together so don’t think of it as necessarily different from a regular holiday: if you’re an active person, you’ll want something to do beyond gazing into each other’s eyes.
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A resort of one’s own
The problem – and, for some, the joy – of destinations like the Maldives is that you’re pretty much cut off from the outside world. Your resort is the island. Yes, there will be other people there, but it’ll be you, your new other half, and whatever the hotel has to offer.
Never compromise
“Ask an expert with first-hand knowledge of the destinations you’re interested in,” says Paul Beacall, founder of travel agent Eden Luxury Travel. “Hold several options so you have flights and hotels locked in, then settle for the one that has everything you want.”
If there is a hint of doubt
Your honeymoon is supposed to be a celebration, and you don’t want to go around walking on eggshells. I am curious about visiting Dubai, mostly so I can be the judge of its anti-gay/ anti-PDA reputation, but my honeymoon is not the time. There are 60 countries in the world where it is illegal to be gay, meaning there are 135 where it isn’t.
The practicalities
Tickets, money, passport… research. Heaven forbid there is a medical emergency, but imagine the medical emergency in a nation that doesn’t recognise your other half. It’s unlikely this will be an issue, but it’s all about peace of mind when you’re supposed to be having the time of your life. Let alone if your
partner is barred from being by your hospital bedside.
Also bear in mind cultural mores; just because it’s legal to be gay in a country, that doesn’t mean they are used to seeing same-sex hand-holding or kissing, so use your finely honed nous to figure out what is going to be an issue.
Stonewall, gov.uk and the official travel association for LGBTQs – IGLTA – are great resources for researching the pitfalls of potential destinations; the latter in particular focuses on LGBTQ+ safety levels across the globe, including handy trans and marriage equality guides (iglta.org/lgbtq-travel-guides).
Tulum, Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean coast isn’t short on ostentatious options, but Hotel Esencia (below) stands out for all the right reasons. Once the private home of Italian duchess Rosa de Ferrari, since 2014 it has been owned by gay Hollywood producer Kevin Wendle, whose majestic zhuzh has turned it into arguably the most chic destination on the Mayan Riviera. Fashion designer Jason Wu married his husband, Gustavo Rangel, here.
hotelesencia.com
Mykonos, Greece
LGBTQ+ travellers, especially the Gs, have spiritual ownership of this Cycladic island. As such, superlative venues are through the roof – the Santa Marina and Kalesma among them. But the just-opened Cali is taking this year’s crown for glamour and exclusivity. Located in the quieter northern part of the island, seclusion is guaranteed. Though, if you are craving the bright lights of Mykonos Town or Jackie O’ Beach Club over on Super Paradise, Cali can arrange transfers by chauffeur, boat or helicopter. calimykonos.com
Jamaica
Jamaica’s anti-LGBTQ+ reputation is deserved, but not that deserved. “They like to exaggerate about Jamaica’s homophobia,” says Josef Forstmayr who, with his husband, runs the Round Hill estate in Montego Bay and whose LGBTQ+ guests and allies have included Noël Coward, Boy George and Princess Margaret. “We’ve created a culture of respect for gay guests, for everyone.”
roundhill.com
Sydney, Australia
From 17 February until 5 March 2023, all LGBTQ+ eyes will be on Sydney. As 2023’s host of World Pride, the city is taking its annual Mardi Gras, pumping it with all the right protein shakes, and turning it into three weeks of love-is-love celebrations. So what better time to honeymoon among your own people in Australia’s party capital? Perhaps taking in the new Ace, W and Capella hotels while you’re there.
sydneyworldpride.com
Israel
The most LGBTQ+-friendly destination in the Middle East – same-sex relationships decriminalised in 1988, serving openly in the military legalised in 1992, Tel Aviv’s Pride is the biggest in continental Asia – Israel is a vibrant and forward-thinking place. For all-out glitz, double-dip with the John Pawson-designed The Jaffa in Tel Aviv’s old town followed by the other-worldly Six Senses Shaharut in the Negev Desert. marriott.com, sixsenses.com