“Yes, it’s included” is the theme that has drawn couples to the adult-only suites of the 15 Sandals resorts scattered throughout the Caribbean for the last several decades. Each year, millions of couples travel to Sandals to get married, go on their honeymoon, and reconnect with their partner.
The brand has had a rocky history of welcoming the LGBTQ community. This changed in 2004 after the UK banned the brand from advertising in public spaces because of the discriminatory policies. In response, Sandals changed its policies to welcome all couples.
The Caribbean is a beautiful destination with a diverse set of islands to match every taste of travel. With this diversity comes differing views and beliefs that have made travel to the area more difficult for the LGBTQ community than other parts of the world. Members of our community often visit the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Curaçao, and other welcoming islands.
Sandals resorts operate on more conservative islands, such as Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. On these islands, while the general attitude has shifted to being more accepting over the last few decades, anti-sodomy laws are still in place. This adds additional barriers for members of our community who wish to vacation on their islands.
Much like travel to other conservative countries, an LGBTQ traveler's actual experience will vary based on their specific travel style and expectations. The islands are still an option for LGBTQ travelers if they plan to blend in or go to a resort property like Sandals. For a resort-style vacation, these islands offer some of the best beaches in the world.
A resort getaway is precisely the area that Sandals excels! The time spent with the local population can be minimized, and while on the resort, we are free to express our love for our partner. This freedom is shared by all couples, regardless of sexuality. While at a Sandals resort, you’ll experience all that it has to offer and includes unlimited drinks and meals, luxurious rooms and suites, 24-hour pools, and other activities.
If you’ve followed my blog, you’ll know that at the end of 2020, Sandals announced plans to build their first resort on Curaçao. The Curaçao resort's announcement is both exciting and monumental as it’s the first Sandals island that fully welcomes LGBTQ couples. The new resort is an existing property, and it will be “Sandalized” with an expected grand opening later this year.
Later this month, I will be at the Sandals St. Lucia Grande to tour the property and provide a first-hand experience as a gay traveler to the resort. I’ll be doing a Facebook Live event with the resort management to discuss how the Sandals makes everyone feel welcome. This isn’t something you’ll want to miss, be sure to register for the event.
At Sandals, love really is love. The resorts have come a long way over the last several decades to make all couples feel welcomed. The brand continuously strives to ensure that all couples have the time of their lives regardless of who they love. The policy shifts made by Sandals to welcome all is why Rainbow Getaways partners with the brand.
Rainbow Getaways is a full-service travel concierge that specializes in travel for the LGBTQ community and our allies. I work with travel partners worldwide to ensure that all our travelers are welcomed and create great memories year after year. Each trip is meticulously planned to ensure you have a fabulous time. Schedule your free consultation today.
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