Online Gay Club Travel
Five gay-friendly Caribbean hot spots
By David Kaufman
From the Winter 2006 issue of The Out Traveler
The Caribbean's proximity to the United States makes it an easy tropical escape. Though the region on the whole has a less-than-perfect reputation among gay and lesbian travelers, a number of standout destinations -- many boasting lavish new restaurants, resorts and spas -- are making the gay-friendly grade.
Dominican Republic
The appeal
The Dominican Republic may be Latin and Catholic, but the vibe is refreshingly relaxed and tolerant. Most of the gay action is centered in the capital, Santo Domingo, where a clutch of bars and discos cater to travelers of both genders. But the real lure is the city itself. One of the Caribbean's largest, it was founded by Columbus' brother in 1496, and it's the oldest colonial city in the Americas.
Why go now?
The country has taken big leaps toward high-end tourism with the arrival of several new high-style resorts, including Tortuga Bay (011-809-959-2262), a 50-suite retreat designed by Oscar de la Renta as part of the well-established Punta Cana Resort and Club. About an hour away is the 55-suite Sivory Punta Cana (011-809-552-0500), with an elegant spa, private beach, and 10,000-bottle wine cellar ready for pairing with its French, Mediterranean and Asian restaurants.
Martinique
The appeal
The second-largest island in the French Caribbean, volcanic Martinique is known for its culture (Paul Gauguin briefly lived here), gorgeous beaches and rum, the island's main product. You can sample the spirit from the source at estates such as St. James Distillery. Visit during harvest season -- February to June -- to witness fresh sugarcane go from field to bottle. Like fellow Frenchie St. Barts, Martinique boasts a similar laissez-faire attitude to gay and lesbian travelers as well as a small scene in the capital, Fort-de-France.
Why go now?
Tiny Martinique has come one step closer to the United States with the launch of Delta's new daily nonstop from Atlanta -- the first from the U.S. mainland. The 50-suite Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa (011-5-96-54-8080) is the island's luxury leader, with two tiny beaches, a Guerlain spa, and a pair of inventive restaurants--one focused on seafood, the other Asian fusion. For a more all-inclusive experience, the 55-acre Club Med Buccaneer's Creek Resort (800-258-2633) had a $60 million makeover last year, with 293 new rooms, a motorized 5,000-square-foot infinity-edge swimming pool, and a pavilion for yoga meditation and Pilates.
Aruba and Curacao
The appeal
Forced to recognize the recent marriage of two local lesbians, Aruba -- like the rest of the Dutch Antilles -- leads the Caribbean in LGBT-friendliness. Neighboring Curacao recognizes domestic partners, and both islands actively court and welcome the gay market.
Why go now?
Along with new daily JetBlue service between New York City and Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean welcomes a trio of key hotel developments this winter. On Aruba, the 478-room Westin Aruba Spa and Casino debuts in December as the island's largest resort, just moments from the historical capital of Oranjestad. Over on Curacao, the ultracool Hotel Kura Hulanda (011-599-9-434-7700) has launched a new spa and opened the new Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, a 74-villa beachfront sister property next to a dive-perfect coral reef. Also on Curacao, the historic Avila Hotel (011-599-9-461-4377) has added its thoroughly contemporary new Octagon Wing with 68 modern-design rooms, including a massive 1,500-square-foot penthouse.
Puerto Rico
The appeal
Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, is the Caribbean made easy. It has direct air links to every major U.S. city and an American-style gay scene, at least in San Juan. Stick close to San Juan's grand resorts or head to the tiny islet of Vieques, a vestige of tropical Caribbean purity where wild horses run along crystal-clear bays and gay-owned inns welcome off-the-beaten-pathers.
Why go now?
Puerto Rico is in the midst of a restaurant invasion that's turning the island into the Caribbean's culinary headquarters. At the Ritz-Carlton San Juan (787-253-1700), outposts of New York City's famed Italian Il Mulino and the meaty BLT Steak open this fall, while the massive El Conquistador (866-317-8932) resort debuts a branch of celeb-favorite the Strip House. Nearby, the El San Juan Hotel and Casino (866-317-8935) will open a David Rockwell-designed branch of China Grill by spring.
Mayan Riviera
The appeal
The region just north and south of Cancun is rapidly emerging as a gay-friendly, luxurious, low-key eco-focused alternative to that perennially crowded spring-break favorite.
Why go now?
Cancun became JetBlue's latest destination in late November with the launch of daily service from New York City to the Mayan Riviera's main entry point. Check into youthful Playa del Carmen's newish 15-room Hotel Basico (011-52-984-879-4448), the cheap and chic newcomer from the folks behind Mexico City's Condesa DF. Deeper-pocketed travelers should head for Hotel Esencia (877-528-3490), just south of Cancun in boho fave Tulum.
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