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 is no gay beach in the area; however, Bayahibe is one of the nicest beaches in the area.
Nighlife
There are no gay clubs or bars and most nightlife is centred on the resort.
Best For
Those who are looking for excellent beaches, good value and are content to spend all their time on the resort.
Tips
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Because the airport at La Romana is also relatively close to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, tour companies that fly into La Romana offer resorts in all three locations. So if you want to be in La Romana, check to ensure your resort is actually located there rather than Santo Domingo or Punta Cana.
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If you're desperate for a gay fix, there are clubs in Santo Domingo - about 90 minutes away.
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There aren't heaps of interesting day trip options, but if you're looking to get off the resort consider checking out Altos de Chavón or the beaches at Catalina.
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If you're looking for more day trip options or don't want to spend all your time on the beach, consider Santo Domingo as an alternative. If you want luxury resort options, choose Punta Cana.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Viva Wyndham Palace: Good mid-range, good value resorts on excellent beaches.
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Gran Bahia Principe La Romana: A new 4 star resort with nice beaches, relatively isolated.
Photo: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Beaches
It's all about the fabulous hotel pools here. Try the pools at the Blue Moon (the gay resort), as well as the Venetian, the Mandalay Bay, the Mirage and Caesar's Palace (the last two of which are adults only).
Nighlife
The Fruit Loop area (off the Strip) has a cluster of gay bars. Western-themed gay bars are also popular. Alternative clubs with a mixed crowd can be found right on the Strip.
Best For
Those looking for hectic holiday filled with shopping, gambling, great restaurants, people watching and great shows.
Tips
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You can often get much better prices if you're willing to do an evening flight to Las Vegas and return home on an "red eye" (overnight) flight.
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Three day packages over the weekend are most popular (and more pricey). Consider going from Monday to Thursday if you're looking for a deal.
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Pictures give the impression that everything is compact and walkable. But the scale of Vegas is enormous, so be prepared to do some serious walking when you're moving from hotel to hotel along the Strip.
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Check out the beautiful surroundings of Las Vegas by taking a day trip from companies like Pink Jeep Tours to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon.
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Stop by the huge fountain at the Bellagio to catch the water, sound and light show.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Paris Las Vegas: Probably the most gay-friendly of the big resort, right on the Strip.
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The Bellagio and Caesar's Palace: In-your-face, over-the-top Vegas-style luxury, also on the Strip
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Imperial Palace: A great budget choice on the Strip, right at home among its ritzier neighbours.
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The Wynne, Manadalay Bay, Mirage, The Venetian and The Palazzo: Excellent luxury choices, all somewhat understated (relatively speaking - this is Vegas after all).
No gay beach. Beaches are smaller and some are best known for surfing.
Nighlife
Nightlife is limited and straight.
Best For
Those looking for beach holiday with many non-beach activities to keep you occupied.
Tips
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If you are looking for "gay" Costa Rica, chose San Jose, not Liberia.
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Liberia is surrounded by excellent national parks, so eco-touring is a must do here.
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Because of the type of coastline, many resorts are very close to but not directly on the beach.
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Liberia is a great gay family destination. Many resorts have good kids programs, there are plenty of activities and touring options and Costa Rica's gay-friendliness makes for a comfortable environment.
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There are a number of excellent 7 day ecotouring packages, perfect for those who want to combine some sun and beach with some active exploring.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Occidental Grand Papagayo: An excellent beachfront resort that gets consistently good reviews from our clients.
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Paradisus Playa Conchal: Pricey, high end golf and spa resort.
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Occidental Allegro Papagayo and Cala Luna: Good quality resorts that are often available at reduced prices.
No gay beach. Compared to Varadero, beaches are modest and uncrowded.
Nighlife
The limited nightlife at the resort is about as good as it gets.
Best For
Those looking for quieter, off-the-beaten-track sun vacation at excellent prices.
Tips
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Resorts here are very basic - you get what you pay for.
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This destination is all about deals. It's possible to get an all-inclusive package here for under $600 per person (based on double occupancy) including taxes. You won't find a cheaper place in the Caribbean.
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If you're the least bit fussy, stop right now and move on to another destination.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Club Amigo Marea del Portillo: Interesting for black volcanic sand.
No gay beach, but Audienca, San Pedrito and Las Brisas are good swimming beaches.
Nighlife
There are a couple of small gay bars (with mostly a local crowd) in downtown Manzanillo, about 15 minutes by cab from the hotel zone.
Best For
Those looking for nice beaches as well as activities like golfing, diving and fishing.
Tips
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Most of the resorts are on the Santiago Peninsula which is north of the commercial area of Manzanillo.
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The resort area is quite distinct from the rest of the town. If you want local colour, you'll need to get out of the hotel zone. Try the main square on the waterfront.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Blue Bay Club Los Angeles Locos: Inexpensive, but about 90 minutes from town.
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Barcelo Karmina Palace and Las Hadas: Two excellent luxury resorts on the exclusive Santiago Peninsula.
