Five of the best luxury honeymoon destinations for LGBT+ couples

Although more and more countries are opening up to the LGBT+ community, it’s still challenging for many gay couples to plan their honeymoon.

In fact, to this day, there are only 29 countries around the world that have recognized same-sex marriage legally. This unsettling statistic serves as a reminder of just how limited the destinations are when traveling as a gay couple.

As many LGBT+ couples can relate, one of the worst things is to be in your post-nuptial bliss and not feel welcomed in your chosen honeymoon destination. For this reason, most gay couples would prefer to visit gay-friendly places despite being there so many times before.

And while these destinations have a certain kind of allure for LGBT+, it would be great to see something new when celebrating your life as newlyweds. 

To help you find the perfect honeymoon destination, here are five of the loveliest places for LGBT+ couples.

1) The Maldives 

A honeymoon to the Maldives is definitely on top of many couples’ bucket lists, and rightfully so. It’s home to the most luxurious resorts on the planet, stunning beaches, and has a laidback atmosphere that can make for a truly relaxing getaway. And with its tropical climate, the Maldives enjoy warm weather all year round, with temperatures rarely going below 20°C.

But before planning your luxury getaway to the Maldives, it’s important to know that being a predominantly Muslim country, it’s still illegal to be a gay or lesbian in the Maldives. The islands follow the Sharia Law, and public display of affection among LGBT couples can land you in prison. But do not let this discourage you. You can still enjoy a blissful honeymoon in the Maldives, but you have to keep your relationship a bit discreet. A way around this is to go sailing and enjoy the surroundings in a private setting. 

The key to enjoying your honeymoon in the Maldives is to book your stay at some gay-friendly resorts, and there are plenty of them. Since these resorts are privately-owned, the Sharia Law does not apply here. Some of the best gay-friendly resorts in the Maldives include the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Furaveri Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

2) The Amalfi Coast

Although Italy is somewhat lagging behind the rest of Europe when it comes to implementing LGBTQ rights, mainly because of the influence of the Catholic Church, the Amalfi Coast is different. It’s very open and welcoming regardless of your gender. Therefore, LGBT+ couples can honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast with no problems. 

While the Amalfi Coast is stunningly beautiful and can make for a perfect destination for a relaxing honeymoon, this place is not cheap. Therefore, you must plan your trip well. If you can, try to schedule your visit outside the peak season to get a good deal at some hotels.

When it comes to hotels, there are tons of gay-friendly hotels on the Amalfi Coast, especially on Capri Island. Some of the best ones are Hotel Caesar Augustus and Hotel La Floridiana. There are so few hotels in the Positano area popular among the LGBTQ community, such as the Hotel Villa Franca and Hotel Poseidon.

3) The Amazon River 

Brazil is more tolerant of the LGBTQ community than many other Latin American countries, so a honeymoon to the Amazon River would be perfect. The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and consists of several unique ecosystems with various vegetation types. A gay honeymoon cruise alongthe Amazon River could mean waking up to the breathtaking Amazon sunrise and ending the day staring at the romantic starry night sky. Indeed, the Amazon River offers the most amazing picture-perfect honeymoon moments.

The best way to spend your honeymoon in the Amazon is to stay at a luxurious treehouse. Fitted with luxurious comforts that you won’t expect to find in the middle of the jungle, such as comfortable beds, showers, and toilets, spending a night or two at the treehouse is the best way to celebrate your life as newlyweds. During your stay, you could be lucky enough to spot different species of dolphins, monkeys, toucans, macaws, parrots, and even a jaguar!

4) Sydney

Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world, and LGBTQ travellers in Sydney do not need to take extra precautions when it comes to public displays of affection in this very progressive and tolerant city. In fact, the city will sometimes host the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, which is an important event for the LGBT+ community. During the event, LGBT+ members will gather around to celebrate one of the most colourful events of the year.  

Given the wealth of activities to do for honeymooners in Sydney, your honeymoon will leave you with lasting memories. Explore hand in hand by the Sydney Harbour and marvel at the iconic Opera House or book a cruise of the Harbour and witness the romantic sunsets from the comfort of your boat. Spend your days frolicking at the famous Bondi Beach, and get your hands on some fun water sports activities, including surfing. Take a romantic walk from Coogee to Bondi and sip an authentic Australian wine in Hunter Valley.

5) Bora Bora

Home to the softest sands and the clearest waters, Bora Bora is one of the most popular destinations for a luxury honeymoon. The best part is, Bora Bora is incredibly accepting of the LGBT+ community, so you are free to explore the island with confidence. A honeymoon in Bora Bora usually includes staying at luxurious overwater bungalows and doing fun, romantic activities.

If you and your spouse love diving, Bora Bora has plenty to offer. Here, you can dive with stingrays and sharks and even come across incredible shipwrecks and stunning underwater landscapes. Island hopping is also a fantastic activity here. During your excursion, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful islands in the world and indulge in some fun activities.

If you prefer to enjoy your honeymoon at a more relaxing pace, there are several luxury resorts and world-class spas on the island to cater to your need. These resorts are popular among lovers seeking to drop off the grid and enjoy a sensual tranquillity in an island oasis.