- LGBT travel inspiration – 7 days in Florida Keys - 11 March, 2023
- LGBT travel inspiration – 5 days in Florida Keys - 9 March, 2023
- LGBT travel inspiration – 4 days in Key West - 7 March, 2023
2017 has seen Germany, Malta and a handful of UK overseas states welcome same-sex marriages. With this total of countries allowing same-sex marriage continually growing (currently around 24), there is an increasing acceptance of honeymoons for same-sex couples also. Partnering up with Health and Fitness Travel, we at Vada Magazine produce our top 5 LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK. They focus on offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives. Their LGBT friendly fitness retreats will help honeymoon couples begin their happily-ever-after feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Thailand: Phuket Cleanse Detox & Fitness
Considered one of the most tolerant countries in Asia, Thailand’s Ministry of Justice has recently announced plans to formally legalise gay rights, making it an even better choice for LGBT travellers. Phuket, with its diverse collection of LGBT friendly luxury hotels, stunning beaches and eclectic nightlife, should be on the top of every discerning LGBT traveller’s list. Venture to the inspiring atmosphere of Phuket Cleanse, ideal for newly-weds seeking a transformational fitness experience, matched with sun-kissed beaches, organic food and a blissful salt-water pool. Work up a sweat together with a series of fitness activities, including kickboxing, beach bootcamps and TRX training, and enjoy delicious cuisine to begin married life in prime condition. Be warned though that there’s no alcohol available at the resort.
8 nights at Phuket Cleanse costs from £2,240pp, which includes full board, an 8-day wellness program, and return shared transfers. For more information visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
Spain: The Body Camp
Ranked 13th in the world on the Gay Travel Index, the majority of the population is welcoming of homosexuality, a fact we confirmed when researching for our recent LGBT travel guide to Barcelona. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005, so is well-placed as an LGBT friendly honeymoon destination. The Body Camp on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza makes for a fabulous choice. This go-to celebrity hotspot will satisfy your workout wanderlust as you and your new spouse shape up in the great outdoors with a variety of fun fitness activities, from beach circuit training to ocean swimming and yoga.
7 nights at The Body Camp costs from £1,815pp, which includes full board, return flights and transfers. For more information visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
New Zealand: Aro Ha Wellness Adventure
Several of New Zealand’s Members of Parliament are openly LGBT, with gay rights protected by the New Zealand Human Rights Act. No surprise therefore that LGBT friendly tourism options in New Zealand are plentiful, with a cohesive network of LGBT friendly accommodation and other tourism services widely available across both islands. For newlyweds who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, reconnect with nature during an adventurous honeymoon at Aro Ha. Embrace this stunning setting as you embark on breath-taking sub-alpine hikes to world heritage sites, practice yoga overlooking the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and support each other during TRX strength training in incredible eco-friendly studios.
4 nights at Aro Ha is priced from £3,485pp, which is all-inclusive, includes an adventure wellness programme, return flights and transfers. For more information visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
Portugal: Palacio Estoril Fusion Fitness
LGBT rights in Portugal are considered particularly mature with legal same-sex marriages and a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. If you are looking for a healthy LGBT friendly honeymoon with added magic, this enchanting historical retreat on the Estoril coastline of Portugal is an excellent choice. Famed for its connection to royalty, revel with your loved one in the romance of enchanting gardens and outstanding views over the Bay of Cascais. Work up a sweat together with beach circuits and resistance training, before indulging in a selection of relaxing spa treatments to begin married life rejuvenated.
7 nights at Palacio Estoril costs from £1,180pp, which includes daily breakfast, return flights and transfers. For more information visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
Malta: Kempinski San Lawrenz Optimal Wellness
The tiny island of Malta is considered Europe’s most gay-friendly nation. It was the first European country to criminalise conversion therapy, and has strict anti-discrimination laws in place. For an LGBT friendly honeymoon boasting five-star luxury, Kempinski San Lawrenz has it all. Set in idyllic surroundings on the most northern island of the Maltese archipelago, kick-start your post-wedding body as you enjoy a game of tennis with your new spouse, before winding down with private yoga and meditation sessions. Shed any tension from months of wedding planning in the luxury spa, with therapeutic Ayurvedic therapies that will leave you both feeling renewed.
7 nights at Kempinski San Lawrenz from £1,130pp, which includes daily breakfast, return flights and transfers. For more information visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
For any further information about Health and Fitness Travel holidays, visit healthandfitnesstravel.com.
