With so many places to chose from, picking the right sun destination for you can sometimes be pretty challenging. Is price more important or gay friendliness? Nightlife or quiet, relaxing beaches?
There are no gay beaches. There are many, small secluded ones in addition to the more popular ones like Elbow Beach.
Nighlife
Bermuda has a hopping nightlife - for straight folks. Discretion is key here if you don't want to provoke a negative response.
Best For
Those looking for a golf vacation or who enjoy warm (rather than hot) temperatures on a mid-winter holiday.
Tips
>
Air Canada provides daily service to Bermuda, so packages of more (or less) than 7 days are always available. Call us for details and pricing.
>
Bermuda has earned a somewhat negative reputation thanks to anti-gay campaigning of local religious leaders. Despite this, Bermuda's government continues to take the position that gay and lesbian visitors are welcome.
>
Bermuda is in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, so winter temperatures are moderate rather than hot.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
>
Surf Side: Simple, basic accommodation on a reasonable beach.
>
Grotto Bay and Fairmont Southampton: Luxury options.
Playa Santa Lucia has soft beautiful white sand but no particular gay vibe about it.
Nighlife
Nightlife, whatever there is, will be at your hotel.
Best For
Those looking a quiet, relaxing time on an excellent beach.
Tips
>
If you're hunting for a deal, keep an eye on Camaguey. Packages here (particularly off peak periods of the winter season) are often ridiculously cheap.
>
Although you fly into Camaguey, a city in the centre of Cuba, all resort packages are on Playa Santa Lucia on the north coast.
>
There's really very little to do here other than relax and enjoy the beach. If you're looking for a more active Cuban destination, consider Varadero.
>
Take a day to do a trip into Camaguey which is rich in history and culture.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
>
Oasis Brisas Santa Lucia: Directly on the beach and probably the best resort in the area.
>
Club Amigo Caracol: A well designed moderate property. Not a good choice if you're fussy about your food.
Playa Delfines (also called Playa del Rey) at the south end of the hotel zone is popular with both locals and visitors.
Nighlife
There are a handful of gay bars in downtown Cancun, about 15 minutes by cab from the hotel zone.
Best For
Those looking for good beaches combined with lots of shopping and activity. Cancun is also close to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.
Tips
>
You can often snag deals at moderate (2 and 3 star) resorts at the north end near downtown Cancun.
>
Cancun is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination (particularly on Sunday departures) and can be especially busy with families at major holidays.
>
If you're looking to vacation in a less touristy destination with a nice gay vibe consider heading just south of Cancun to the Mayan Riviera, particularly around Playa del Carmen.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
>
RIU Cancun, RIU Caribe and RIU Palace las Americas: All are top notch properties which consistently get good reviews.
>
Oasis Palm Beach and Oasis Viva Beach: Solid 4 star resorts.
No gay beach; however the beaches of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are some of the best (and uncrowded) in the Caribbean.
Nighlife
Nightlife is pretty much confined to the bars and discos of the resorts in the area.
Best For
Those looking for a relaxing vacation on excellent beaches in a less developed setting.
Tips
>
Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are islands, side by side just off the coast. They have only been developed in the last 15 years so they still retain their natural beauty and a sense of isolation.
>
Cayo Coco is an ideal destination for bargain hunters. Last minute deals are fabulous and even regular prices are exceptionally good value. If "gayness" isn't particularly important to you, Cayo Coco has the perfect combination of excellent beaches, good quality and unbeatable prices.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
>
Melia Cayo Coco: Probably the best resort in the area with the added bonus of being adults only.
>
Sol Cayo Coco: Excellent value.
>
Iberostar Daiquiri and Melia Cayo Guillermo: Well known for their service and the best options on Cayo Guillermo.