mauritius gay travel

Mauritius Gay Travel

A luxury gay-friendly travel in mauritius guide, lgbtq travel + destinations.

A Luxury Gay-friendly Travel in Mauritius Guide, LGBTQ + Destinations. Everything you need to know about your Luxury Gay-Friendly Travel in Mauritius, LGBTQ+, Lesbian Travel Holidays . Contact The Bespoke African Safari Co. for expert advice and let’s start planning your visit to Mauritius today!

Thinking of a “honeymoon” makes you think of Mauritius. As soon as they step into the powdered beaches of this island of love, they will be captivated. This tropical paradise will win your heart when you’ve seen its underwater wonders as well.

Peak Time : July – Sept, Best Time To Go : Year-round, Famous For : Year-round Sunny Weather, Price Per day : $500 – $3,700, Home Of Beaches and Snorkeling

Why you’ll love it

The honeymoon destination.

As a picture-perfect island, Mauritius is the ideal honeymoon spot . Every single day will be absolutely ideal, beginning with the second you open your eyes in the morning and ending with the sun setting over the ocean.

There is a wide variety of activities available, such as snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, visiting botanical gardens and volcanoes, or even visiting local crocodile farms. Although same-sex marriage is not legally recognized on the island, LGBTQ+ residents do have some protections against discrimination, such as in the workplace. The islanders are slowly but surely opening their hearts and homes to the LGBTQ+ community .

All your Mauritius Gay Travel burning questions answered

How gay-friendly is mauritius.

Marriages between people of the same sex are not legal and homosexuality is punishable by law in Mauritius . Nonetheless, certain anti-discrimination safeguards are in existence, such as in the workplace. But tourist hotspots are, and always have been, incredibly welcoming to the LGBT community .

Is Mauritius Safe For Gay Couples?

Of course! Despite the fact that homosexuality is illegal in the area, the approved tourist spots are incredibly welcoming to the LGBT community . You should be respectful and refrain from public displays of affection when you arrive and when you go out in public with the locals. Everything changes, though, the moment you return to your five-star resort.

Which Gay-Friendly Destinations Should I Pair With Mauritius?

The Maldives, Seychelles, and Mozambique are all great options for island hopping. No one, gay or straight, should ever pass up the opportunity to visit South Africa! It is sure to satisfy even the pickiest tourist thanks to its abundance of various attractions and Cape Town , the gay capital of Africa. The vacation of your dreams can become a reality with the addition of a luxury Big 5 safari via Botswana and Kruger National Park and a layover in Victoria Falls.

What Are The Best Gay-Friendly Experiences In Mauritius?

Feel free to choose between land and ocean! You can split up into smaller groups and do things like cultural tours, quad biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or hiking if your friends have different interests. If you are really in need of some relaxation, you can spend the entire day lounging on the beach while receiving an unlimited stream of piña coladas.

What Are The Gay-Friendly Accommodation Options In Mauritius?

Just pick one of the many stunning, ultra-luxurious hotels in Mauritius . With the all-inclusive tariff offered by most resorts, you’re free to splurge all you want!

Tropical island escape

About mauritius.

Whatever your vacation style is—cram as much as you can into each day or take it easy (it is, after all, a vacation, my darling!), Mauritius will accommodate you.

Depending on your mood, you can choose between quad biking, long walks on the endless beaches, or going up mountains. Forts, towers, sugar cane fields, and unidentified shipwrecks abound on the island, sure to pique your interest in history and culture. There is more than enough to do on land, but you shouldn’t neglect what’s happening underwater, either. With its ethereal beauty, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear blue waters, this place is a surreal snorkeling and diving destination.

Our Most Popular Mauritius Gay Travel Safaris

If you think 'honeymoon', you think Mauritius. This island of love will steal anyone's heart as soon as they set foot on the powdery beaches. And once you've explored the underwater world too, you'll be full-blown in love with this tropical paradise.

July - Sept

Best Time To Go

Year-round Sunny Weather

Price Per Day

$400 - $2,800

Beaches and Snorkelling

• Why you'll love it
• About Mauritius

The Honeymoon Destination

The postcard destination for a honeymoon, Mauritius is an island of sheer perfection. From the moment you open your eyes in the morning to watching the sunset over the ocean’s horizon, each day will be delightfully perfect.   From kicking back on the beach to exploring the rain forests, local crocodile farms, botanical gardens and volcanoes, or snorkelling, there is plenty to do. The island does not recognise same-sex marriage in the court of law, but LGBTQ+ residents are protected against discrimination in some cases, such as employment. The island’s population is becoming more and more welcoming towards LGBTQ+ people.

Tropical Island Escape

Whether you want to pack your days with action or you want to do as little as possible (just keep the cocktails coming, it's a holiday after all, dah-ling!), Mauritius will deliver and then some. Long walks on the endless beaches, quad biking, or hiking up mountains, you can take your pick depending on your mood. If you are fascinated by all things cultural and historical, the island's forts, towers, sugar production farms, and mysterious shipwrecks will all tickle your fancy. Although everything on land is already more than enough to keep you busy, you should not ignore the world underwater. Offering some of the most magical snorkelling and diving experiences, the clear, azure water and kaleidoscope of fish and coral calling it home is out-of-this-world beautiful.

Our Most Popular Mauritius Tour

The rolls-royce of honeymoons: ultra-luxurious safari and beach tour, 14 days in south africa and mauritius.

Ooh la la, it's Africa! This unbelievably romantic and luxurious safari and beach honeymoon tour is the stuff dreams are made of. We've taken all of o...

Starting from $6,900 per person sharing

Homosexuality is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised in Mauritius. However, there is some discrimination protection in place, for example in employment. Tourist areas are and have been very gay-friendly for many years now, however.

Yes! Even though local legislation criminalises homosexuality, the designated tourist areas are very gay-friendly. Upon arrival and when venturing out in public among the lcoals, you should avoid public displays of affection and be respectful. However, as soon as you set foot back in your luxury resort, anything goes!

If you want to island-hop, you can choose The Maldives, Seychelles and Mozambique. Whether you are gay or straight, no person should ever skip a trip to South Africa! Home to Cape Town, Africa's gay capital and its incredibly diverse offerings, it will please even the most discerning traveller. Add a luxury Big 5 safari in Kruger National Park and Botswana, as well as a stopover in Victoria Falls, and you've got yourself the holiday of your wildest, wildest dreams!

On land and underwater, you can take your pick! If you have a group with different preferences, you can all go off on your own adventures, be it cultural tours, quad biking, snorkelling, diving or hiking. If you are in serious need of some downtime, you can lie on the beach all day with an endless supply of piña coladas coming your way.

Mauritius has a host of breathtaking, ultra-luxurious accommodation, so you can take your pick! Most resorts offer an all-inclusive rate, so you can overindulge as much as you want!

All Your Burning Questions Answered

How gay-friendly is mauritius, is mauritius safe for gay couples, which gay-friendly destinations should i pair with mauritius, what are the best gay-friendly experiences in mauritius, what are the gay-friendly accommodation options in mauritius, we are very discerning only partner with the best.

Unless we have been there, slept in the beds and chatted up the owners, we simply won't sell it.

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LGBT Rights In Mauritius: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit! 🇲🇺

LGBT rights in Mauritius have come a long way, but they still face a number of challenges. Despite being one of the more LGBT-friendly countries …

Why LGBTQIA+ Travelers Should Be Cautious About Visiting Progressive Mauritius

While ‘gay life’ in Mauritius still remains fairly discreet, mainly existing on the internet, in private, and at occasional private parties and events, the resorts are welcoming and non-discriminatory to all. Mauritius is not known for its nightlife, so there aren’t even many straight clubs and bars on the island. While the number of LGBTQIA+ bars or clubs on the island is slim to none, there have been reports of monthly underground club nights organized by text message. La Mariposa, close to Tamarin, is the only place that openly advertises itself as gay-friendly.

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Kyle Jackson

Kyle Jackson is an educator, writer and actor currently spending the bulk of his time between New York, New York and London, England. He is an active member of both the bear and leather communities and is a proud member of the MidAtlantic Chapter of ONYX.

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COUNTRY GUIDE

Eastern Africa

(square kilometers)

SURROUNDING OCEAN(S)

Indian ocean.

Name in other languages

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• There are currently no known issues or armed conflicts taking place within this country. It is advised that you consult your country's foreign or overseas department before you travel. Your government's ministry will provide you with the latest information and guidance as to whether it is safe to travel to this country (or to parts of it)
• LGBTQIA+ travel discretion is advised. It is illegal to identify as LGBTQIA+ or engage in same-sex relationships. The country has laws whereby you could be prosecuted, and the maximum penalty could be life imprisonment . It is always recommended that you carry out independent research before travelling
• GENDER IDENTITY/EXPRESSION | The country does not have any laws in place regarding gender identity and expression
• LGBTQIA+ ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS | This country has laws in place that bans all forms of discrimination . Laws that protect those community members living or visiting from discrimination

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Sydney is home to the largest population on the continent and is considered one of the most gay-friendly cities in Australia and the rest of the world

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C.34.3 thousand.

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C.222 million.

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Yes (extensive laws in place).

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Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Mauritius (2024 Updated)

Mauritius is considered to be one of the most  friendliest destination for gay tourism in Africa along with other former colonies , tourist don’t feel the threat if they act normally and most of the hotels chains in the capital are gay friendly hotels Mauritius.

Mauritius  is considered to be one of Africa’s most  LGBT – friendly  countries, though  LGBT  people still face discrimination due to conservatives attitudes among the population.  LGBT  people may face discrimination, notably in public hospitals and bullying in schools.

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens .

Top attractions to visit in Mauritius

Table of Contents

• Ile aux Cerfs
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Chamarel Waterfall
• Pereybere Beach
• Ganga Talao – Grand Bassin

Best Day Trips in Mauritius

• Ilot Gabriel Catamaran Cruise in Mauritius
• Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching
• Speedboat full day trip from Blue Bay to Ile aux Cerfs
• Catamaran Cruise
• Luxury Private Catamaran Cruises to Ile aux Benitiers

See all Day Trips in Mauritius on GetYourGuide.

1. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius

Situated between a sheltered lagoon and the Indian Ocean, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius offers accommodation on a private peninsula.

Offering ocean, beach or lagoon views, each room and suite at One&Only Le Saint Géran features island-inspired decor and a furnished outdoor living space. They each have spacious, marble-lined bathrooms with a dressing area and a separate bath and shower.

Some suites boast a private pool and 24-hour butler service.

One&Only Le Saint Géran is surrounded by coral reefs and clear waters, and includes a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand beach.

Sparkling in warm Indian Ocean, on a private peninsula wrapped in ribbons of sand, One&Only Le Saint Geran is a vibrant tropical playground where the marvels of Mauritius are revealed in ultimate style. Holistic health among blooming gardens. Epic adventures through colourful towns , coral reefs, and wild parks. And an array of enchanting dining, over sparkling waters or feet submerged in sand.

This was our second visit to St Geran. Overall we had a wonderful time. The staff generally are really friendly and helpful and this level of service really defines the hotel . We were recognised by name almost all everywhere. This made us feel at home and at ease. A rare art form.

This was our first re-visit since the refurbishment. We had the same suite which we loved. The new decor and fittings were just great.

We enjoyed our Cabaña on the beach, a really good addition to the stay. The beach has been substantially widened since our first visit. This made it feel far less strip like and with the wonderful backdrop of Palm Trees the views really are very special.

We thought the quality of food in La Terasse had improved since last time. The selection for breakfast is exceptionally good and we enjoyed the food station approach for dinner. Neither of us are particularly keen on buffets, the ability to end up with a plate full of things that really shouldn’t go together is endless. However, the focus of the food stations on a specific cuisine meant we enjoyed all of our meals. The Chinese selection was excellent.

I will review Prime and Tapasake separately. Suffice it to say we ate in both and loved the food and service.

The bar and entertainment is a really unique facility at St Geran. Live music is always welcomed and we met and chatted to lots of people in the bar. If I had one observation though it would be that reading the audience could improve. When everyone seems to be up for it pump up that volume and get people dancing, but when it is obvious (which it was on two or three nights) that people want a quieter evening please think about turning the volume down.

La Pointe is a really great addition for lunch. We thought the catch of the day was wonderful every time we ate it. The fish was perfectly cooked every time and combined with a glass or two of Rosé made for very pleasant lunches. We enjoyed a sundowner listening to the DJ. We loved his laid back modern music . Keep it going I say even if the numbers listening were low. Our disappointment really was that La Pointe isn’t used for dinner.

We’d specifically like to mention Michel The Sommelier who is really knowledgeable and such a friendly man. Thank you for helping us spend on some really good wines!

One&Only is one of a kind. We stayed there twice within a month’s time.

The  beachfront   suite  is amazing; two bathrooms with a large living room and a beautiful bedroom. O&O is a kid-friendly resort, we came with two babies, and in-room amenities were provided to make our stay comfortable.

The restaurant La Terrasse is serving a la carte for both breakfast and dinner. We did enjoy our meal there for the first visit, thanks to Khemraj Luximon who was very accomodating, he tried his best to satisfy us with different dishes.

The second time, we tried The Prime restaurant, not to our liking even though the Restaurant Manager tried his best to serve us something different from the menu. What I mean is that we did not like the little servings on large plates (the so-called “Haute gastronomie”), the dishes they served there is not enough for big eaters.

Thanks to Soomary from the housekeeping who cleaned and replenished the bathroom amenities during the day while asking if we needed more towels before checking out.

The spa therapists were amazing, we loved both the massage and the foot treatment which were out of this world.

It was an incredible experience, the staffs are amazing who themselves make this a 6* resort. We shall be back soon when they start to serve buffet-style dining.

How much does a room costs at One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius  ?

Prices start 151 $/night for Lagoon room . The Ocean Balcony Suite is  2604 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This air-conditioned suite features a city view and a spacious lounge area. It comes equipped with a minibar, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen satellite TV.

Where to book online – One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best hotels deals in Mauritius during Cavadee  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or  Trip.com  or Hotelscombined.com   and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius

Situated on a beach in Grand Bay, this 4-star Beachcomber resort offers bright rooms with views of the garden or sea. It features 2 restaurants and a pool bar surrounded by 2 infinity pools.

Relaxing treatments can be enjoyed at the wellness centre, which includes a modern gym and a sauna. There are 3 flood-lit tennis courts and a volleyball court. Guests can also make use of the facilities at Beachcomber Le Canonnier.

A variety of trips, including glass-bottom boat tours and diving can be arranged. Bike rentals are also available.

The air-conditioned rooms and suites at Le Mauricia are set in Mediterranean-style buildings. Each includes a seating area with a satellite TV. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are in the modern bathrooms.

A FOUR-STAR RESORT IN THE HEART OF GRAND BAIE Located on the sun-drenched northern coast of Mauritius, Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa, a four-star Beachcomber hotel, is cosmopolitan and relaxed, simple yet cosy. Comfort and simplicity take centre stage. The hotel’s architecture evokes the traditional Mediterranean style.

All has been done to provide sweeping views of the bay from the public areas. The resort is within walking distance of the lively village of Grand Baie, one of Mauritius’ main tourists’ hubs, providing guests with a choice of restaurants, bars, discotheques and boutiques during their holiday in Mauritius.

1/ LOCATION. We liked being near the town as we didn’t feel isolated, and could easily get to a supermarket, cocktail bar etc. Also the bay is beautiful and there is always some activity with boats coming and going whilst still remaining quiet and tranquil.

2/ ACTIVITIES . We chose this hotel based on the water sports activities on offer, particularly Laser dinghies. However these were pretty much unassailable unfortunately. The condition of the boats is good, however they are very oddly rigged, particularly the lack of a tiller extension and the inflexible gooseneck on the mast. This was a shame. We did however enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding in particular. The water sports centre also closes for lunch every day. We couldn’t really understand why they couldn’t work on a shift system so that the activities were available all day for guests. We used the gym every morning which was good (especially for a hotel gym), and I also attended a few of the aqua exercise classes which were great fun.

3/ ACCOMMODATION The hotel is a nice 4 star hotel. The rooms were nice, light and airy, and kept very clean by the hardworking staff. The pool area was also lovely and clean, as was the bar area.

4/ FOOD We stayed on a half board basis. The restaurant is large and busy, but head on down to the back of the restaurant where there is an outdoor balcony area overlooking the beach, and this was lovely, quiet and perfect to sit and sip those extra breakfast coffees. There was plenty of choice on the food front and I don’t eat meat (I do eat fish) and found there was plenty of choice. Dinner (buffet style) was also very well run and supplied, and again, the outside beach balcony area was the perfect place to sit. We did eat in the restaurant a couple of times too and the food was lovely, but the menu didn’t change in the 10 days we visited. The homemade coffee flavoured ice cream was our particular favourite!

5/ DRINKS We found alcoholic drinks in the bar to be very expensive. However there are 2 nearby supermarkets where all of our favourite spirits and mixers were easily found.There are also a couple of bars with great beach views in town (a 10 minute walk along the beach), which did happy hours in time for the sunset. We found the first bar in particular was a perfect place to get a ring side seat whilst sipping a sundowner, and watching the ever changing sky, a favourite early evening activity.

All in all, we had a lovely relaxing holiday. We also visited the  Beachcomber  Le Victoria  resort . This for us, would’ve felt more isolated. The beach also looked out on to open sea and wasn’t protected like the bay offers at Mauritia, making it more pleasant for activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking. We watched people trying to sail the Laser dinghies, but as it was windier here, made them even more difficult to sail just resulting in many capsizes and they just gave you.

The  room  was pretty and had little luxuries like chocolates and fizzy drinks in the little bar fridge, a mask and gloves to answer the door. It felt like I had checked into a hotel rather than the unsavoury thought of quarantine and little things like providing a menu to choose from, uncapped internet and a TV bouquet made it easier to bare the confines of four walls! The bed was well made and had lovely bedding and the pillows were very comfy.

The room  looked like it has been refurbished but not the bathroom. The bed was really comfy but the bedsheets, quilt and pillows need to be updated as they were really old and worn out. Having a balcony is a plus while being in quarantine and loved the pool view.

Food was amazing!!! The chef Wesley did a really good job. The bread, the pastries and the desserts were so delicious. Everything was really good and the Chef was so nice…he even called to check if I was happy with the menu selection. If I was not he would change the food to my liking. I felt so special and had royal treatment.

All the staffs were amazingly friendly and ready to help when they can. Hats off to Yuven who brought my food everyday and always checked if the food was ok for me. He even helped me carry my suitcases up to the front gate on the day that we got to leave the hotel.

For a 4 star hotel, the service was definitely 5 star!!

How much does a room costs at Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa  ?

Prices start 315 $/night for Standard Double Room . The Superior Beachfront Room is  358 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

Where to book online – Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best hotels deals in Mauritius during Cavadee  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or  Hotels.com  or Hotelscombined.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

3. Resort Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius

Located along the white sand, palm-fringed beach of Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is set in a tropical garden and offers a spa and wellness centre, 18-hole golf course and outdoor pools.

The sophisticated rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. They are each equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, sofa and tea-and-coffee-making facilities.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa resort features an extensive range of culinary options. Five restaurants and three bars provide a lively yet sophisticated offering, including Le Bazar restaurant, a dynamic food theatre featuring dishes from around the world, Safran, the internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant, Kushi a Japanese restaurant with sensational sea views and Yakiniku grills, and Republik Beach Club & Grill, a trendy beach club serving Mediterranean cuisine and barbecue grills.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa also features a private island, Ilot Mangenie, which is open exclusively to Shangri-La’s guests and features a trendy beach club and on-island butlers. Guests have access to a second golf course, the Anahita Golf Club with complimentary transfers.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa merges the very best of chic Mauritian style and Le Touessrok’s legendary history, with the classic and renowned luxury hospitality of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Located on the untouched Eastern coast of the island nation, the resort is a private hideaway offering luxury surroundings and stunning Indian Ocean scenery. Embodying sophistication and style, all the rooms and suites overlook the sparkling turquoise waters of the ocean.

With its secluded private island, extensive beach, and trendy restaurants and bars, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok is the Mauritian hot spot. Just off the luxury property’s shores, Ile aux Cerfs is home to the 18-hole championship golf course designed by the famous pro-golfer Bernhard Langer. Guests can also tee off on Ernie Els’ designed 18-hole championship course, Anahita Golf Club. From water sports to on-land activities the resort offers a wide range of active experiences that can be custom designed to meet all interests. Relish in renowned traditions, bespoke gastronomic experiences, and holistic wellness.

This hotel is on the east coast of Mauritius, spread over several private beaches, and its own private island.

The service was second to none, and we were well looked after during our stay. Our suite opened on to a small private  beach , with only a handful of other guests having direct  beach   access  too. The views were wonderful, and the sea an incredible turquoise.

All staff were incredibly attentive, and nothing was ever too much trouble. This is why the Shangri La is, for us, the best hotel group to stay with.

It is expensive – Mauritius is an expensive place to visit – but worth it.

The main  beach  is lovely and the  beach  service is wonderful.The private island (Ilot Mangenie) which you can get a shuttle to from the hotel is worth a visit, it takes minutes to get there. We went there on our penultimate day and chose to hire a cabana for the day and have lunch on the  beach , it felt very exclusive and private with just us on a small stretch of  beach . Beautiful soft sand and clear water, pure paradise!

Trips to private islands were a real highlight for us both Ilot Mangenie & the private  beach  at the golf club at Ile aux Cerfs both  accessed  by a short boat trip & well worth the visit plus turtle island in the hotel’s gardens where there were 3 giant tortoises.

. It is a beautiful resort right on the  beach  and we booked into a lovely Frangipani  Beach   Access  room, with a  beach  immediately outside our veranda. We loved the Ilot Mangenie private island, just 10 minutes boat ride across the crystal clear sea. We had the seafood platter there and were really well looked after by the charming Ponnen and helpful Jauhan.

We enjoyed the high-class Indian meals at Safran restaurant in the hotel and Pravin was an excellent waiter and host. The Chi spa was lovely and we enjoyed several massages there. Thanks to all the staff and we look forward to returning.

The forty-minute drive from the airport, on the scenic east coast road, provided beautiful view of the sea, broken by the undulating landscape of sugarcane plantations and sight of Long Mountain in Pamplemousses District. The route was relatively quiet and made for a pleasant journey to the hotel.

Our junior suite Frangipani  Beach   Access  provided a panoramic view of a sandy white  beach  and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It is not surprising such a sight evokes sentimental language.

The exclusive tennis court size room is located in the premier Frangipani Wing and, for privacy, only accessible by bridge. The suite boasts sober decor, voguish furniture and dedicated butler service that lend to classy living. Our personal butler, Bhartee, was a highly skilled professional who walked the extra mile to ensure we had a memorable stay. A complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, daily supply of fresh fruit and a complimentary mini bar for the entire duration of our visit added value to our choice of the Frangipani suite.

It would take a very thirsty and hungry person to drink and eat their way through the generous contents of the mini bar. As occupants of junior suite Frangipani Beach   Access , we enjoyed complimentary drinks during Happy Hour at Republik bar from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm. The bar staff who warrant special mention for providing us with exceptional service are Vikram, Vishesh, Vicky and Randhir. Other exceptional staff include Benedict, Ricardo, chef Raj and concierge Laura.

There is no need for guests to carry sun lotion or mosquito repellent on the trip as these are provided in the room. Shangri La has dispensed with the provision of toiletries in small containers and, instead, adopted an environmentally friendly practice of providing the lotions and potions in large refillable pump-action bottles.

We had choice of ala carte breakfast at Republik  Beach  Club or buffet arrangement at Le Bazar restaurant. We chose the latter for its extensive international menu and informal atmosphere. I had several enthralling conversations with the Executive Chef, Alex Giruad, whose background in classic French cuisine and intercontinental experience influences the composition of a varied menu designed to satisfy diverse palates and discerning tastes.

The resort offers a choice of five restaurants and three bars, serving Japanese, Indian, seafood and international cuisine. Take a free boat shuttle from the hotel jetty to Ilot Mangene, the nearby private island, and enjoy unsurpassed beauty of fine sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and delicious seafood.

For sheer indulgence and privacy, we booked number 5  beach  cabana, which comprised of a sizeable day bed, dining table and two sun loungers. A dedicated butler was on hand to serve chilled rose wine, signature truffle pizza and fresh leaf salad.

For golfing enthusiasts, Shangri La offers exclusive facilities on its second private island, which is also accessible by a free boat shuttle.

For the energetic types, the hotel provides an extensive activity and entertainment programme, encompassing boating, tennis, electro biking, music and food extravaganza evenings. Anyone homesick for news from their home country can always pick a free copy of a newsletter, updated daily, on a stand next to the concierge’s desk.

The discerning traveller, who has lofty expectations regarding personal comfort, ambience, variety of food, privacy, natural beauty and ultimate relaxation, will not go amiss in unhesitatingly crossing the threshold into Shangri La Le Touessrok Resort and Spa, Mauritius. .

In his best selling adventure novel, ‘Lost Horizon’, James Hilton associated Tibet with the hidden valley of Shangri La (paradise).

I would contend Shangri La Le Touessrok Resort and Spa, Mauritius, is the not-so-hidden paradise ready to be discovered and enjoyed by all.

How much does a room costs at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa  ?

Prices start 650 $/night for Deluxe Coral Ocean View King . The Frangipani One-Bedroom Suite is  1100 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

Bathed in natural light, the Deluxe Suites are situated on a secluded islet accessible via a bridge and guests have access to an exclusive swimming pool.

Guests receive an exceptional level of personalised service, including an in-room check-in, Champagne on arrival, a daily à la carte breakfast at Republik Beach Club & Grill, daily sunset cocktails and a complimentary mini-bar that is restocked daily with selected beverages. Some suites interconnect with an adjacent Junior Suite Frangipani.

Where to book online – Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa – Gay Friendly Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best hotels deals in Mauritius during Cavadee  which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or  Expedia.com  or Hotelscombined.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.

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WATCH: Gay, Black entrepreneur turns plantation-style house into his dream home in this new show

A trailer just dropped for a new home renovation show with a difference. Breaking New Ground will follow the journey of Robert Hartwell, a gay, Broadway performer, choreographer and entrepreneur, as he renovates an old house in Massachusetts. 

However, it’s a house with a history.

“This is a renovation story 200 years in the making,” Hartwell says in the trailer.

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“When I bought this house, it struck a nerve because here was a gay Black man owning a plantation-style home, saying that we can include ourselves where they have worked so hard to exclude us,” he explains.

Although Massachusetts moved to abolish slavery in 1783, at the time this house was built in 1820, “slavery was still legal in many U.S. states” says Hartwell.  

The Emancipation Proclamation followed in  1865. It wasn’t until June 19 that year that the last remaining previously legally enslaved people learned they were free in Texas. That’s why June 19 is now commemorated as Juneteenth each year.

“There are rooms in this home that I wouldn’t be able to step into. How beautiful that we actually get to wake up in this space. That’s life to me.” 

Hartwell says he wanted to turn the house into something beautiful, both for himself and to honor his ancestors. 

Watch the trailer below. 

“I’ve never been prouder to be a black man”

Hartwell has appeared on Broadway in the shows Memphis: The Musical, Cinderella, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Motown: The Musical , and the Tony Award-winning revival of Hello, Dolly! As an entrepreneur, he is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Broadway Collective. Its mission is to train the next generation of Broadway stars. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by robert hartwell (@sirroberttakespics)

In 2020, he went viral with a social media posting revealing he had bought the Massachusetts house. 

“3 weeks ago I found this house online. I said ‘This is my house’. I called the seller and was told it was a cash-only offer and that ‘I’m sure that takes you off the table’. Don’t you ever underestimate a hard working black man. 

“I saw the house last week and when I walked in I knew I was home. The house was built in 1820 for the Russell family who owned the cotton mill in town. Slavery was still legal. When the agent asked me why I wanted such a large house I said it was ‘a generational move’. I know this house is bigger than me. I wish I could’ve told my ancestors when they were breaking their backs in 1820 to build this house that 200 years later a free gay black man was going to own it and fill it with love and find a way to say their name even when 200 years later they still thought I would be ‘off the table’. We are building our own tables. 

“I’ve never been prouder to be a black man. Come to my White House any time. I can’t wait to have you! Glory to God in the highest. I’m a homeowner.”

Related* PHOTOS: Jeremy Pope, Don Lemon, Law Roach & all the Black queer excellence at the 2024 Native Son Awards The 2024 Native Son Awards brought out the stars in all their red carpet finery. On Juneteenth, travel with Colman Domingo to the places where he found his voice as a Black, gay artist The actor, writer, and all-around Renaissance man takes a trip through his past in a new travel memoir series.

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Travel | san jose oks new protections for tens of thousands of mobile home park residents, travel | from jamaica to morocco, some iconic travel destinations criminalize homosexuality. lgbtq travelers are split on whether they should visit.

When Emma-Jane Nutbrown went on a family vacation to Jamaica last year, she did so with one condition: that everyone donated to an LGBTQ charity once they got there.

Nutbrown felt uncomfortable with her parents’ choice of destination. Same-sex sexual activity between men is against the law in Jamaica and carries a maximum jail term of 10 years with hard labor. Both Nutbrown and her brother, Simon – whose 40th birthday the family was celebrating on that trip – are gay.

“It made Simon uneasy going there, but most people like to travel for the place, not the politics behind it, so we couldn’t really hold my parents accountable,” says Nutbrown, founder of Queer Edge , which creates safe spaces for the community in London. “I won’t refuse to travel somewhere with family, but I will raise it. So instead of us refusing to go, Simon made everyone donate to a charity out there as his birthday present.”

Nutbrown and her brother are some of the millions worldwide who have an extra layer to consider when booking a vacation: Will they be safe in the destination, and how are local members of the LGBTQ community treated?

“I’m predominantly against it [travel to destinations where homosexuality is banned], but I’m pragmatic. It’s not as easy as ‘Don’t go,’ ” she says. “If there was a shared consensus across the planet [to boycott destinations] then it would work, but I think it’s a lot more complex.”

There are 62 countries worldwide that still criminalize (or de facto criminalize) homosexuality, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association ( ILGA ), which counts UN member states. The Human Dignity Trust counts 64.

Of these, 12 could potentially impose the death penalty for same-sex activity, including tourist favorite the United Arab Emirates; Qatar, whose airline was this week deemed the best in the world ; Nigeria, which welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May; and Saudi Arabia, which last year claimed that it welcomed LGBTQ travelers.

Many people – even those outside the LGBTQ community – simply will not travel to countries where homosexuality is illegal. Corey O’Neill, an office manager from London, is one.

“Safety is at the forefront of anyone’s mind when traveling,” he says. “Even if you’re not visibly queer, there’s an innate danger that how you act might be perceived as gay, which entails not only formal punishments, but police brutality, hate crimes, the general atmosphere. I don’t want to have that in my mind on vacation.”

O’Neill’s stance means that unless laws change, he will never see the pyramids (Egypt has de-facto criminalized homosexuality with jail-term punishment); sleep overwater in the Maldives (up to eight years jail-time plus 100 lashes); take a Kenyan safari (maximum 14 years imprisonment); see Red Square (Russia designates the LGBTQ movement – even displaying a rainbow flag – as ‘extremist’ with up to 12-year sentences); or stop over in Qatar (up to 10 years in prison, with “no legal certainty” over a potential death penalty).

But he’s OK with that. “Why would I give money to a country that doesn’t want me to exist? Even if $10 went towards a tax that actively harmed people, that’d be my money I gave them.”

It’s not just LGBTQ people who feel this way.

Members and allies of the community are currently in their 10th year of boycotting the Dorchester Collection hotels, owned by the Brunei Investment Agency (part of the Ministry of Finance and Economy), since the country introduced laws authorizing the stoning to death of LGBTQ people, as well as the public flogging of women for adultery. In 2019, George Clooney wrote of the importance of boycotting.

But while a boycott may be possible against a business, some feel that swerving an entire country harms the local community even more.

“It can cause a very visceral reaction in people, but there are 50 shades of discrimination, and the challenge is where you draw the line,” says Darren Burn, founder of inclusive travel companies Out of Office and TravelGay .

“Would you go somewhere you can’t get married, or can’t go into the army? The reality is there are loads of places where, even if it’s not illegal to be gay, there are challenges. I totally respect that some people don’t want to support an economy where [homosexuality] is illegal. But the other side is that I want to go, and by going, I’m helping to change mindsets. Every country has gay people. We hear from staff members and locals in destinations, who say, ‘Please come.’ ”

Burn never planned to enter the travel industry. He was a journalist when he went on holiday to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

“I was in my early 20s, and I was a bit naïve. It was Sharm – a tourist haven,” he says.

“I was traveling with my ex, and we weren’t allowed to check in. We had to go to another hotel. I thought, that shouldn’t happen to anyone, ever.” In 2016, he founded Out of Office, building a contact book of “welcoming suppliers and tour guides.”

‘Do you need two beds?’

In recent years, destination marketers have become more vociferous in attracting LGBTQ clients. There’s usually a financial reason behind it, says Burn. Travelers from the community “are less likely to have children and more likely to have disposable income. They’re loyal customers and trust word-of-mouth referrals.”

Sherwin Banda, president of luxury safari provider African Travel Inc says that the LGBTQ community has “the largest disposable income of any other niche market.”

“A destination’s reputation as being LGBT-friendly is a primary motivation for us,” he says.

A 2021 report from nonprofit Open for Business showed that Caribbean nations outlawing homosexuality saw their GDP hit by up to 5.7% and lost the tourist industry $423 million to $689 million annually.

In Jamaica,  tourism officials  have tried to downplay the impact of the island nation’s laws against homosexuality.

In 2022, legislation was repealed in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Trinidad and Tobago had already decriminalized same-sex relations in 2018; in April 2024, Dominica followed suit .

“The Caribbean is moving quite quickly,” says Burn, who adds that the anti-homosexuality laws in many Caribbean and African countries were established under European colonialism.

Banda, who is South African, agrees. “Colonial laws combined with stringent religious beliefs have prolonged a stigma attached to homosexuality across Africa,” he says.

However, he is still comfortable arranging safaris for LGBTQ travelers.

“Once we know travelers are from the community, we take great care to ensure guides, hotels, all the touchpoints throughout the journey are safe for them, but also inclusive,” he says.

“Nobody will say, ‘Do you need two beds?’ We ensure our clients don’t have to come out again to everyone they meet in Africa.”

‘Tolerance is practiced not preached’

The experience on the ground is often different from the letter of the law. As Burn says, “It’s also illegal to drink alcohol in the Maldives, but all resorts have it.” (He advises not holding hands at the airport, however.)

In 2020, Bilal El Hammoumy and Rania Chentouf launched Inclusive Morocco , the first LGBT-founded tour operator in a country that punishes same-sex activity with up to three years in jail.

“Being members of the community, we felt we would understand better how to approach it,” says El Hammoumy. “Morocco is a country where tolerance is practiced but not preached.

“We could understand clients’ fears, but on the other hand, it was important to create a space where the local LGBT community can be involved in training programs and hiring opportunities.”

El Hammoumy says that in Morocco , “the reality is a bit different from the law.”

In the early 20th century, cities such as Tangier were “gay heavens” for creatives escaping conservative Western countries. One of Marrakech’s main sights is the Majorelle Garden, where the ashes of former owner Yves Saint Laurent were scattered by his former partner, Pierre Bergé.

El Hammoumy says that Moroccan hotels are generally accepting of same-sex couples, but those they work with have extra training to ensure travelers are comfortable. Some guides have opted not to work with them when they explain their clientele, he says.

However, he says that visiting destinations can change mindsets.

“A lot of anti-LGBT feelings come from prejudice and a lack of education, and direct contact can change preconceived ideas about the community,” he says. Burn agrees.

There’s the economic incentive, too. Banda, who grew up under apartheid, believes that South Africa would not have changed without economic pressure from the wider world.

“Travel does something no other industry can do,” he says. “Africa is heavily dependent on tourism dollars. We can advocate for inclusivity with partners who are prepared to actively welcome our guests. If we stay away, we lose that opportunity to use our voice.”

Travel can ‘bring change’

Uganda is another sticking point – its 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act legalized the targeting of the LGBTQ community in myriad ways and even carries the death sentence.

“As a company, you need to stand for something, and Uganda advocates for brutal violent acts against gay people. We cannot in good conscience send people there,” says Banda.

Michael Kajubi has a different perspective. In 2013 he founded McBern Tours , curating Uganda tours, after being fired from his previous job because of “suspicions” that he was gay.

“I had to start a company to employ myself and people like me who could not get jobs because of who they are,” he says. The majority of McBern staff are LGBTQ, and all profits go to the McBern Foundation, which supports elderly Ugandans and marginalized youths.

Kajubi – who left Uganda four years ago because of his activism – says that he is still comfortable sending LGBTQ travelers there, as long as they “respect the laws – don’t wave their rainbow flag all over the place.”

All the hotels that McBern uses – even for straight guests – have been carefully vetted as LGBTQ-friendly, says Kajubi. He believes travelers should still visit these destinations but be vigilant where their money is going. He suggests looking for tour operators affiliated to the IGLTA , so that you can be sure you’re not funding inequality.

Boycotting leaves the local community stranded, he argues. Companies that have stopped working with McBern because of Uganda’s anti-gay legislation “have a valid point, but supporting local companies can bring change. You’re paying salaries for people who wouldn’t otherwise be employed.

“If people don’t come we can’t support [Foundation] beneficiaries with healthcare, tuition and basic needs.”

‘Discrimination all over the place’

Of course, discrimination isn’t confined to countries where homosexuality is illegal.

For starters, over 500 anti-LGBTQ laws were introduced in US state legislatures last year alone. In May, the US State Department issued a worldwide alert about potential attacks on LGBTQ+ people and events.

In 2014, Matthieu Jost founded MisterB&B , an LGBTQ travel community with 1.3 million members, after an Airbnb host in Barcelona made it clear that he and his partner were unwelcome. Previously, a French hotel had refused him and his then-boyfriend a double bed.

“This kind of discrimination is all over the place, even in 2024,” says Jost, who won’t even hold hands with his partner in Paris. Banda won’t do that in Los Angeles, either.

For Jost, traveling to a country where homosexuality is banned means abiding by local rules. MisterB&B users are not allowed to book travel in a country with the death penalty for same-sex behavior. In a destination where it’s illegal, users are flagged before booking.

“We warn travelers they need to be cautious. Ask for separate beds, don’t show personal gestures, let family know where they’re traveling and have the embassy contact,” he says.

“If you really want to go there, you need to respect the laws and religion of these countries and play the game.” Burn adds that booking with a specialist is essential – his staff have mystery-shopped mainstream tour operators and found them lacking in knowledge, he says.

For O’Neill, and many like him, it’s not enough.

“I know it limits where I can go – I’ll probably never see the pyramids or go on safari. But there are so many beautiful places in the world that support queer people. That sounds like a much nicer vacation to me.”

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These LGBTQIA+ travel agencies can help you plan the perfect cruise

Travel is one of the best ways to experience the world and learn about cultures that are different from your own. But when you're traveling as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be comforting to venture out with a group of like-minded people.

Thinking about a cruise? Looking for gay travel agents or agencies that cater specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community? These travel companies can help you plan the perfect voyage. They mainly specialize in partial- or full-ship charters, where a large number of cabins (if not all of them) is reserved for your group. Read on to see which of these gay travel agencies might be a good fit for your LGBTQIA+-focused cruise .

Note: The information was accurate at the time of publication. Sailings are subject to availability and may be changed or canceled without notice. New voyages may also be added without notice. Check each agency's website for the most up-to-date information.

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Atlantis Events

Established in 1991, Atlantis specializes in LGBTQIA+ travel but mostly caters to the gay male community. Although it does offer chartered experiences at a handful of land-based resorts, most of its events are cruise ship charters.

The agency books trips for more than 25,000 travelers each year, nearly half of whom are solo travelers . In addition to raucous parties and handpicked entertainment, Atlantis provides luxury, camaraderie and adventure in some of the world's most beautiful locations.

These trips are ideal for gay travelers looking to mingle and party, as well as couples who want to get away with others in the gay community.

Related: 3 ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month

Brand g Vacations

Brand g has been a premier operator of luxury river cruises and land tours for more than a decade. Lines Brand g has partnered with include Amadeus River Cruises and Uniworld River Cruises, among others. Available options take passengers along the Rhine, Danube, Mekong, Moselle, Ganges and more.

Because the company specializes in river cruises with a few exceptions, you'll travel with between 40 and 200 passengers in an intimate full-charter setting that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community and its straight allies.

Brand g packages include upscale amenities such as luxury small-group airport transfers and pre-cruise hotel stays and tours. The company also includes alcohol and shore excursions in its fares.

Dreams Unlimited Travel

Dreams Unlimited Travel is a gay-owned and -operated travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations — Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney and, of course, Disney cruises — for all travelers, not just those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

In business for more than two decades, it sells a range of Disney Cruise Line voyages, as well as sailings from Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises .

Although they don't necessarily offer chartered cruises, the staff is equipped to assist LGBTQIA+ travelers in finding the perfect trip for them. This means that a wider selection of voyages is available because they aren't limited to just charters or group sailings.

Netherlands-based GaySail organizes small-group gay charter voyages aboard sailing yachts. Each boat carries between 10 and 16 passengers, with one to three vessels sailing together for a group of anywhere from 10 to 30 men. GaySail's nude cruise arm, GayNudeSail, offers similar sailings with a clothing-optional atmosphere.

Destination options for group sailings might include Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and Tahiti. Passengers can also opt for a private charter in other areas of the world. All cruises, whether group or private, include the services of a skipper and cook, as well as breakfast and lunch, with dinner organized in port and paid for via a group fund called a "kitty."

The voyages are for gay men only, with a passenger makeup of about 30% to 40% couples and 60% to 70% singles. Guests come from all across the globe, but the official language spoken on board is English. Ages generally range from about 30 to 50, but the cruises see men from all stages of life as long as they're fit enough to sail. (Sailing experience is not required. Passengers can choose to learn from the crew or simply relax and enjoy the trip.)

The main difference in atmosphere between a GaySail cruise and a gay cruise on a large cruise ship is that the former has more of a laid-back vibe, meaning no raucous parties, all-day entertainment or daily housekeeping services.

Olivia Travel

Originally founded as Olivia Records with the aim of helping women launch their own music careers, Olivia Travel has planned trips for more than 350,000 lesbians and other LGBTQIA+ women since it switched its focus four decades ago.

Specializing in women-only travel for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Olivia offers full-charter vacations, many of them cruises. Because of its musical roots, Olivia has called on big-name talent, such as the Indigo Girls and Cris Williamson, to perform on some of its sailings.

In addition to ocean cruises, the company sometimes offers river sailings.

Out Adventures

This Canada-based company focuses on gay travel for smaller groups, offering a more upscale and intimate experience. Travelers can either join existing land-based tours of no more than 16 people or plan their own tour, with the agency tailoring the experience to client preferences.

Cruises sponsored by Out Adventures max out at 40 people, ensuring you'll feel like more than just a number. This can also present a chance for singles to meet others in a more tight-knit setting. The company's average vacationer is 40 to 55 years old, making these trips ideal for anyone who's no longer in the "party phase."

Additionally, Out Adventures' trips focus on boutique experiences in port while striving to give back to global LGBTQIA+ communities — $50 from each passenger's booking is donated to Rainbow Railroad — while helping to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time with regard to local customs and attitudes.

Pied Piper Travel

In business for more than 30 years, Pied Piper Travel offers gay and lesbian group sailings on several cruises each year. The company's lines of choice in the past have included Azamara , Cunard Line and Celebrity , featuring destinations like Alaska , the Holy Land, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Australia and New Zealand .

Passengers tend to be mostly gay men of all ages, but lesbians and non-gay or -lesbian friends and family members are also welcome to join.

Although it isn't possible to know how big your group will be ahead of time, past trips have hosted between 15 and 900 passengers. As long as a group minimum of 10 people is met, Pied Piper will assign an onboard host to lead group gatherings, shore excursions and more.

R Family Vacations

Founded in 2003 by Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter (former partner of Rosie O'Donnell, who was previously affiliated with the brand), R Family Vacations is unique in the LGBTQIA+ travel space in that its specialty is vacations for families with children.

Since O'Donnell and Carpenter parted ways in 2007, the agency has expanded a bit, venturing into the realm of adults-only LGBTQIA+ travel and personal travel.

However, a large part of its customer base still relies on the R Family name for family-friendly cruise bookings that are not full charters.

Related: LGBTQIA+ family travel tips to keep you safe and sane

RSVP Vacations

Offering gay and lesbian travel since 1985, RSVP Vacations charters entire ships for its cruises. The charters tend to be on some of the newest and largest vessels afloat, promising lots of ways for travelers to have fun on board.

In terms of entertainment, the RSVP team schedules themed parties, where costumes are highly encouraged; showcases the latest films, both gay and mainstream; and highlights performances by gay-positive singers, dancers and comedians.

Although it was acquired by Atlantis Events in 2007, RSVP — which has helped more than 100,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community travel together — does not offer land-based trips. Like Atlantis, RSVP caters to travel for gay men, but its clientele is about 10% lesbian on each sailing.

Saltyboys Sailing Cruises

Like GaySail, Saltyboys is a Netherlands-based travel company that specializes in small-group gay-men-only cruises on sailing ships. The main difference is that while GaySail offers cruises for passengers who don't feel comfortable going au naturel, all of Saltyboys' voyages are designated as either clothing-optional or nudist cruises .

The Saltyboys clientele generally ranges in age from 20 to 50, but there are always exceptions.

Each vessel carries about 10 passengers in addition to the crew, and boats might sail in a flotilla of more than one vessel, meaning your group could join up with others while in port. All voyages include the services of a skipper and crew. Although no sailing experience is required, if you don't wish to learn how to help with anchoring or do your own grocery shopping or cooking, Saltyboys also offers luxury sailings where your fare includes a cook, so everything will be handled for you.

Source Journeys

For two decades, Source Journeys has offered all-gay luxury travel that balances adventure with class. It caters equally to singles and couples in groups ranging from 15 to 300 people. The company also donates a portion of all proceeds to LGBTQIA+ charities.

Besides land vacations and individually customized trips, Source promotes full charters of small, intimate cruise ships from lines like Windstar and Atlas Ocean Voyages . You won't find wild parties or scandalous shenanigans, but you will enjoy an upscale experience that's perfect for meeting other gay travelers with discerning tastes.

Source Journeys also runs partial gay charters aboard larger ships (think: vessels from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line), but those are generally specific Pride sailings that are shorter in duration and to less exotic destinations. Most of what the company touts are voyages to places like the Black Sea, the Dalmatian Coast, Tahiti, the Greek Isles and Antarctica .

Related: LGBTQ+ people of color now have a way to find inclusive businesses when traveling

Toto Tours is the oldest LGBTQIA+-focused travel company that has had the same management throughout its tenure. Opened in 1990, the agency helps gays, lesbians and their friends and family members travel in comfort and safety.

Most of Toto's business comes from land-based trips and tours, including customized ones, but it does occasionally add cruises to its repertoire.

Related: From Medellin to Taipei: 12 underrated LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations to visit

Vacaya prides itself on serving the entire LGBTQIA+ community and its allies rather than focusing heavily on just gay men. The company provides fully chartered access to all-inclusive, land-based resorts, but where it really shines is with its cruises.

Often offering both river and ocean cruise options, this travel agency mixes fun with adventure and learning on ships both large and small, allowing you to find a sailing that meets your preferences.

Although Vacaya is a fledgling company, having launched in 2019 with its first season of trips, it offers a solid product.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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I Just Got Back From This Famous Island Nation That's Suddenly the Hottest LGBTQ Destination in the Caribbean

Long considered a no-go for gay travelers, Cuba is now one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic LGBTQ destinations.

From left: Brandon Rosenblum/Getty Images; Courtesy of Verano Forever Travel

It was late one night in Havana, and the popular queer party El Divino de Cuba was heating up. Audience members, all dressed to impress, were ascending stairs to the stage to pay homage to a performing drag queen with a dramatic beso on each cheek and a fistful of pesos folded into fake cleavage.

Truthfully, Cuba had never been high on my list. Friends had told me that the food was disappointing and the LGBTQ scene basically nonexistent. But when I finally visited the island, together with 12 other gay men, on an educational group tour organized by Verano Forever Travel , we found a place full of wonderful food and fun parties with drag queens.

That’s proof of how much has changed in recent years, explained Carlos Gonzalez, the founder of Travel the Artist Way and one of our guides for the week. Two decades ago, he continued, events like El Divino would have been held secretly to avoid police raids.

Today, El Divino is on Instagram — and LGBTQ Cubans can legally marry, adopt children, and access free gender-affirming care. Rather than deport LGBTQ foreigners, as Fidel Castro once did the American poet Allen Ginsberg, the government now operates two hotels specifically marketed to queer visitors. 

The country’s struggles are also driving change. In 2021, Cuba erupted in some of the largest protests since the revolution, as a result of persisting economic hardships. In response, the government relaxed rules on private enterprise, leading to the opening of more bars, clubs, and other small businesses, explained Alejandro Almaguer, Verano’s founder.

LGBTQ bars in Havana, including PaZillo and XY , regularly host queer parties that last until the wee hours. Then there are mixed venues such as King Bar , which on a crowded Friday night featured a saxophonist jumping on the tabletops while playing along with the DJ’s salsa tracks. 

Not that we were focused solely on nightlife. One afternoon we had a private viewing of work by Alejandro Cañer, an up-and-coming queer digital artist. “You won’t find his stuff at official galleries here,” Gonzalez told us. Entering the pop-up, in a small studio in a residential building, it became apparent why. 

“I’d describe my work as sexually deviant propaganda,” Cañer explained, as I admired a piece depicting a flexing Che Guevara wearing a harlequin-print thong. “I like to manipulate the history of my country, play with the symbols and concepts that accompany it, and make it scandalous.”

We also had a chance to explore beyond Havana. In Viñales, our group took a short horseback ride through the countryside before arriving at a private tobacco farm, where we learned to make fresh sugarcane juice and puffed on cigars. Lunch was a farm-to-table feast at Restaurante El Cuajaní , which serves dishes such as bruschetta and fresh pumpkin soup.

Toward the end of our week, Gonzalez surprised us with a pig roast in the countryside outside Havana. The ground still wet from rain, we danced barefoot in the mud alongside our hosts until a drag show began. During a Lady Gaga medley, a queen named Salma de Armas hoisted me in the air — an impressive feat considering all the pork, tostones, and yuca I’d just eaten. 

“Come with a sense of adventure,” Gonzalez said, “and you’ll have a good time.”

What to Know Before You Go

U.S. citizens can legally visit Cuba as long as they adhere to authorized travel categories, such as “educational activities” and “support for the Cuban people,” established by the Department of the Treasury. Tours such as those from Verano Forever Travel qualify, as do other organized programs that emphasize cultural exchange.

Americans also need to purchase a visa — available from airlines or Cuba Travel Services — and complete a digital form, D’Viajeros, within three days of arrival. Americans are prohibited from spending money at government-run establishments; the Department of State maintains a list of “restricted entities.” U.S. credit cards typically don’t work on the island, so bring plenty of cash.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "The New Frontier."

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5 Places to Visit for Pride in New York

Check out the new Stonewall visitors’ center, bask on a queer-friendly beach, see works by a pioneering lesbian photographer and revel in L.G.B.T.Q. history in every borough.

The Manhattan skyline is lit up in rainbow colors for Pride Month. But in all five boroughs, visitors and locals alike can enjoy L.G.B.T.Q.-linked attractions, many of them free. Credit...

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By Ainara Tiefenthäler

Photographs by Hiroko Masuike

• Published June 17, 2024 Updated June 18, 2024

For decades, visitors flocking to New York for Pride every June found plenty of packed bars and jubilant parties but no easy way to engage with the city’s rich L.G.B.T.Q. history.

Even the area around Sheridan Square, the center of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising that catalyzed the gay liberation movement, had little to see for anyone interested in the queer past.

“The guest experience when they got there was a bar, a bench and a park,” said Ross Levi, the executive director of the New York State Division of Tourism . “That isn’t terribly helpful for somebody who comes during the day when the bar is closed. It’s not terribly helpful if you have kids that you want to bring and learn about the history of the area.”

That’s about to change with a new visitors’ center at Stonewall National Monument , in Greenwich Village, set to open on June 28, the 55th anniversary of the night in 1969 when a police raid set off several days of riots. The center will serve as a focal point of the eight-year-old, 7.7-acre monument , which includes Christopher Park and several surrounding streets.

The building that houses the new center sits next door to the current Stonewall Inn bar (which opened in the early 1990s). But back in the late 1960s, an earlier bar of the same name occupied both spaces, which were connected by an interior doorway. Not long after the riots , the original Stonewall Inn went out of business, and the connecting doorway was bricked up.

The storefront next to the current Stonewall Inn stood empty in 2022, when Diana Rodriguez, the chief executive of Pride Live , an L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy group, took over the space. Nail salon chairs from the previous tenant still lined the walls.

Ms. Rodriguez raised more than $3 million, much of it from corporate donors, to build the visitors’ center, which her organization will manage. The center will offer National Park Service rangers working at the monument a much-needed roof over their heads (they currently have to use local businesses’ restrooms) and give visitors of all ages a place to share in the monument’s history through a number of exhibits (free admission).

“My hope is that people come in, learn more about Stonewall,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “And then, at the end of their time here, that they feel compelled to take action.”

The new visitors’ center in Manhattan is just one site that offers a glimpse into New York City’s queer history. Here are four more, one in each other borough.

Staten Island

The Alice Austen House Museum

In 1994, the activist group Lesbian Avengers marched to a charming white cottage on Staten Island’s eastern waterfront chanting, “Alice was a lesbian, and a lesbian she’ll always be.” That house, originally built in 1690, once belonged to Alice Austen, a groundbreaking documentary photographer who captured a quickly changing New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It became a museum after her death in 1952.

What the Avengers were protesting was the institution’s unwillingness to acknowledge that Austen lived there for 30 years with her partner, Gertrude Tate, and used the property as a studio for the many pictures she took of the couple’s nontraditional friend group.

“I felt like it was incredibly important for the house to have a lesbian leading the interpretation,” said Victoria Munro, who took over the museum’s direction in 2017 and has been spearheading the effort to bring to light Austen’s contributions to L.G.B.T.Q. history.

Now, visitors ($5 suggested admission) can admire more than 7,000 of Austen’s works, including photos challenging norms of gender and sexuality, as well as rotating photo exhibitions, often by queer artists, and a garden celebrating the gender fluidity of plants . Lesbian Avengers are back, too: The photographer Saskia Scheffer ’s images of the 1994 protest are being exhibited on the house’s lawn for at least the rest of the summer.

The ‘People’s Beach’ at Jacob Riis Park

For decades, the People’s Beach , a slice of Jacob Riis Park on the Rockaway Peninsula, has been the spot where queer New Yorkers can shed layers and inhibitions without unwelcome stares, piling up so close to one another that it’s sometimes hard to see sand between the colorful towels and sunshades (free admission; $20 daily parking fee).

“It’s very warm, and it’s a real community,” said Timothy Leonard, the Northeast program manager for the advocacy group National Parks Conservation Association , who learned to ride his bike on the boardwalk at Riis and, later, as a teenager grappling with his gay identity, found a sense of belonging on the beach. “It’s just a place of celebration.”

In recent years, the beach, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, has been undergoing some major transformations.

The 1932 Jacob Riis Bathhouse, which was shuttered for decades, is scheduled to reopen next summer, after the completion of an ambitious $50 million development project . The exterior of the Art Deco building and interior tile work are being restored, and new amenities will include hotel rooms, a bar, a courtyard pool and lounge area, and a rooftop restaurant.

Severe erosion has closed some areas of the beach this summer, but that’s unlikely to dampen the queer-friendly spirit, even if the party has to shift down the sand.

Marsha P. Johnson State Park

Marsha P. Johnson, an activist and transgender icon who died in 1992, is not known to have spent time on the Williamsburg waterfront. Yet she made history there, when in 2020 the seven-acre East River State Park was renamed for her — the first New York state park to honor an openly L.G.B.T.Q. person.

“The renaming opened the door to reimagine the park,” said Leslie Wright, the state parks regional director for New York City. The park was remodeled not only to be more resilient against climate change, but also to honor Johnson’s legacy, with input from the local and L.G.B.T.Q. communities, Johnson’s family, and public art consultants.

The park’s entrance is now marked by a colorful ornamental gateway reminiscent of the flower crowns Johnson wore, along with the phrase “Pay it no mind” — her favorite retort, including to a judge who asked her what her middle initial stood for. Signs dedicated to transgender history and awareness line the pathways.

Aside from offering a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline Marsha P. Johnson State Park hosts the popular Brooklyn open-air food festival Smorgasburg (Saturdays) as well as a range of L.G.B.T.Q.-centric events for Pride Month.

Woodlawn Cemetery

Among the many prominent New Yorkers buried in the 400 acres of rolling hills at Woodlawn Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, are those who contributed to L.G.B.T.Q. history, such as the poet Countee Cullen , a teacher of the openly gay writer James Baldwin ; Herman Melville , whose works like “Moby Dick” and “Billy Budd” are suffused with homoeroticism; and the suffragists Carrie Chapman Catt and Mary Garrett Hay , life partners for decades, who are buried side by side.

“It’s moving to know that there were people who lived these lives very bravely, heroically in the past,” said Ken Lustbader, a co-founder of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project . “Without the support systems that exist today, but paving the way for the visibility and allies that we have today through their actions.”

Each year for Pride, his organization offers a trolley tour of the cemetery, highlighting the stories behind some of the burial sites and making them more visible by placing rainbow flags next to them.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ainara Tiefenthäler is a video journalist with the Visual Investigations team. She was among the recipients of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting for The Times's coverage of the vast civilian toll of U.S.-led airstrikes. More about Ainara Tiefenthäler

Hiroko Masuike is a New York-based photographer and photo editor for The Times. More about Hiroko Masuike

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?

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