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Islands: those magical slices of paradise cut off from the chaos of the mainland. With their breezy vibes, jaw-dropping scenery, and a flair for embracing all walks of life (especially the rainbow-coloured ones), they’re the ultimate destination for anyone looking to relax, recharge, and maybe get a little wild.
Whether you’re lounging on beaches kissed by turquoise waves or soaking up the nightlife with your squad, these nine island getaways serve up everything you need for a fabulous escape. So ditch your car, grab your glitter (and sunscreen), and let’s sail away to some ocean-bound queer utopias.
O‘ahu, Hawaii: Aloha, Darling! 🌺
Hawaii’s third-largest island is a tropical cocktail of history, culture, and LGBTQ+ pride. Honolulu’s queer roots go way back—pre-colonization, honey! With terms like aikāne for same-gender relationships and māhū for a third gender, this island’s got inclusivity baked into its DNA. Plus, with warm weather and warmer welcomes, you’ll be living your best life from Waikiki to Queens Beach.
Must-dos:
Scarlet Honolulu: Drag queens, dancing, and more sparkle than a disco ball.
Queens Beach: For sun, sand, and a royal vibe—named after Queen Lili‘uokalani, not the gay ones (but they’ve certainly claimed it).
Gran Canaria, Spain: Viva la Vida! 🇪🇸
Pack your speedos, because this Canary Island is Europe’s gay playground. Maspalomas, the sunny southern hotspot, boasts golden dunes, epic nightlife, and not one but three Prides (summer, winter, and fetish, oh my!). The Yumbo Centrum is basically gay Disneyland, complete with drag bars, fetish clubs, and more hot spots than you can handle.
Must-dos:
Bar Strand-Apo-Theke: Sip cocktails with ocean views.
The Dunes: Nature, cruising, and a beach full of beautiful boys. Enough said.
Fire Island, New York: Serve It Up Stateside 🔥
For decades, Fire Island has been the East Coast’s queer haven. Artists, celebrities, and all the gays flock to this long, narrow strip of paradise to sunbathe, party, and throw shade. The Pines is where the action is—summer is lit, but things get gloriously quiet in the off-season if you’re into cozy vibes.
Must-dos:
Low Tea at Blue Whale: Iconic daytime dances with campy energy galore.
The Meat Rack: A legendary woodland trail where you might find…friends.
Phuket, Thailand: Paradise, But Make It Gay 🏝️
Phuket is Thailand’s gay capital, and the scene at Paradise Complex is everything. Think drag shows, exotic dancers, and neon-lit nightlife that spills into the streets. Patong Beach keeps the party alive year-round, while serene spots like Kata Beach offer a softer, gayer vibe.
Must-dos:
Zag Club: Drag, dance, and divas—this place has it all.
Melia Phuket Mai Khao: For a luxe escape with private villas and Instagram-perfect sunsets.
Mykonos, Greece: Chic, Sunny, and So Gay 🇬🇷
Chic vibes? Check. Stunning beaches? Double check. Mykonos has been the queer hotspot since Jackie O and her entourage turned it into a glam getaway in the ’70s. The island is buzzing during high season, but spring and fall offer quieter, romantic escapes.
Must-dos:
JackieO’ Beach Club: Where the drinks flow and the vibes are immaculate.
Elias Beach: Nudist-friendly with a wild side.
Puerto Rico: Sun, Salsa, and Sass 💃
Skip the passport drama and head to Puerto Rico, where the beaches are stunning, the nightlife is electric, and the queer community is thriving. San Juan is the heart of the action, with drag shows, beach parties, and all the Latinx heat you can handle.
Must-dos:
Oceano: A chic beachfront bar for cocktails and mingling.
The Condado Beach Scene: Where the boys (and the fun) are.
Florianópolis, Brazil: Carnival Fever 🇧🇷
Known as “Floripa,” this island brings a mix of laid-back beach vibes and Carnival-level energy. Praia Mole is the epicenter of LGBTQ+ life, but with over 40 beaches to explore, you’ll never run out of options.
Must-dos:
Bar do Deca: Party on the sand by day, dancefloor by night.
Praia da Galheta: An unofficial gay nudist beach tucked away in nature.
Curaçao: Dutch Caribbean Delight 🌈
Curaçao may be small, but it’s big on charm. The island is making strides in LGBTQ+ rights, and its laid-back vibe paired with Dutch hospitality makes it a fabulous Caribbean escape.
Must-dos:
Wet and Wild Beach Club: Sunday happy hours turn into all-night fiestas.
Floris Suite Hotel: Adults-only, gay-friendly, and oh-so-fabulous.
Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Dreams with a Dash of Caution 🌴
Bali’s lush temples and vibrant culture make it a dream destination, but LGBTQ+ travellers should be mindful of local laws. Stick to the gay-friendly areas around Seminyak, where you’ll find beachside bars, buzzing nightlife, and a welcoming vibe.
Must-dos:
Bali Joe Bar: The beating heart of Seminyak’s gay scene.
W Retreat & Spa: For luxury, cocktails, and Insta-worthy poolside moments.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket, slay that suitcase, and let these islands work their magic. Because life’s too short not to sashay into paradise. 🌈✈️ Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.
departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt BC Tour registration #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.
Where do you want to go? Click here to contact me.
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