3 South-of-the-Border Spots to Celebrate Pride Anytime of Year
After the parade passes by in San Francisco and New York City this weekend, you may be craving more Pride revelry. EDGE has curated three LGBT-friendly destinations that are rolling out the rainbow carpet for guests and also making strides for inclusiveness in their business practices all year round.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Aruba
A proud IGLTA-certified hotel, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers LGBT travelers an exciting, tropical getaway for Pride while overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Whether travelers want sporting events, adventurous excursions, a carefree island vibe, or nightlife including gay bars, Jimmy's and La Vie, there's something for everyone on the One Happy Island.
For the ultimate LGBT retreat, the resort's Pride in Paradise Package includes luxe accommodations in Tradewinds Club, the resort's adults-only, hotel-within-a-hotel, a private catered balcony dinner, a reserved cabana at the H2Oasis adults-only pool and palapas on the beach, a sunset sail for two, and exclusive amenities.
Starting Rate / How to book: The 'Pride in Paradise' package starts at $623 per night and is valid through December 17, 2017. To book, visit www.arubamarriott.com using promo code 8LG.
LGBT Community Involvement: The hotel hosts an annual LGBT Queen Election during Carnival in February and also has sponsored the Miss Gay Aruba event for many years, which most recently took place in February.
Floris Suite Hotel & Spa, Cura�ao
As Cura�ao's most LGBT-friendly hotel by far, Floris Suite Hotel & Spa is a member of IGLTA and is TAG-approved.
The moment guests arrive at the adults-only, boutique hotel overlooking Piscadera Bay, they're welcomed by the breezy, open-air lobby, complete with chic, yet minimalistic d�cor.
The property's newly renovated oversized suites open out onto lush balconies, while the pool area, with its modern lounge chairs and geometric design, gives guests privacy and creates the ultimate feeling of paradise.
On Fridays, the hotel's Rainbow Lounge, created especially for LGBT guests, comes alive as travelers of all races, backgrounds, and sexualities come together to mix, mingle and make new friends while enjoying signature cocktails and small bites.
This fall, LGBT travelers can escape to Cura�ao's PRIDE Festival, the annual celebration of love and acceptance, taking place at Floris Sept. 27 - Oct. 1. Additionally, with the Two More Nights Free package, guests will receive two free nights when staying for five or more.
Starting Rate / How to book: The 'Two More Nights Free' package starts at $89 per night and is valid through December 31, 2017. To book, visit www.florissuitehotel.com.
LGBT Community Involvement: They're the host hotel of Cura�ao PRIDE Festival, taking place at Floris September 27 - October 1.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Puerto Rico
For the LGBT culture-seeker, art aficionado, or foodie, the IGLTA-certified San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a perfect jumping off point to explore the gay-friendly playground of Puerto Rico.
In the trendy neighborhood of Condado, the resort's in a prime spot in between the beach and city with Old San Juan, authentic eats, wildlife, music and dancing, and stunning beaches all within minutes of the hotel.
Gay travelers can spend the day lounging at the resort's beach and pool with a Puerto Rican rum mojito (from the nearby Bacardi Distillery), bike or stroll through colorful street scenes and historic forts in Old San Juan, then, if adventure calls -- head out to bioluminescent bays for kayaking, rainforests for hiking, rappelling and ziplining, or the Pork Highway in the mountains. To end the night, salsa dance the night away at the resort's Red Coral Lounge followed by drinks at La Placita, an open-air square of lively bars and restaurants.
Catering to LGBT travelers looking for a lavish experience, San Juan Marriott's Pride and Joy Package includes an upgrade to a pool view room, wine and cheese amenity, VIP transfers to and from the airport, and daily breakfast for two at La Vista Latin Grill's gourmet buffet.
Starting Rate / How to Book: The 'Pride and Joy' package rates start at $295 per night and is valid through December 22, 2017 (with a two-night minimum required). To book, visit www.marriottsanjuan.com with promo code 4LG.
LGBT Community Involvement: The resort is supporting and volunteering at The March NYC Pride parade on June 25.