Every family, including same sex families, looks for vacations where everyone feels welcomed. Gay couples with kids, however, have an added dilemma. Same sex parents must choose between gay-friendly destinations and more traditional family resorts to determine where children will be most comfortable.
Today, there are many options for same sex couples and gay travelers as the travel industry strives to be more inclusive. But which of the so-called “family-friendly resorts” is right for same sex families?
Fortunately, the team at GayTravel.com is on the case. They have provided travel recommendations for LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, hotels, tours, cruises, events and more for the past 20 years. In 2021, the Gay Travel Awards sought nominations from readers for the top resorts welcoming same sex families and same sex couples with kids.
“Family Travel Forum readers will appreciate these inclusive hotels as each has its own special charm and appeal for families,” says Victoria Prisco, International Liaison for the 2021 Gay Travel Awards. Here is more information about the eight finalists, listed alphabetically, in the category.
Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaii
Andaz Maui is popular for its 15 acres on the beautiful Wailea beach. Same sex families who prefer the pool have three pools to choose from: with waterfalls, a lagoon style pool and a more tranquil, adults-only pool. In addition to 321 guestrooms and suites, there are 11 private villas to accommodate multigenerational groups. Good-for-family perks include free non-alcoholic beverages on property and a choice of foodie dining venues. Families like the Bumbye Beach Bar by the lagoon pool and the Mokapu Market for snacks and drinks. In addition to the Mokapu Luau featuring Hawaiian specialties and a cultural program, there is terrific Japanese fare at Morimoto Maui. This resort is convenient to golf, snorkeling and Haleakala National Park for volcano hikes.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Florida
This very comfortable Hyatt Regency has spacious rooms and suites for same sex families and their pets. In Lake Buena Vista, it is convenient to the theme parks and other Orlando attractions. Spend the day at this very large property to enjoy rock climbing, golf, swimming and kayaking. The many activities make it a good place to take a day off from the theme parks. Relax at day’s end at the big pools and the several dining venues. Note that there’s a Marilyn Monroe-themed spa your teens will enjoy.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, California
Surf’s always up at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach because there are many local instructors and equipment rental places nearby. And, since Huntington Beach is the self-proclaimed “Surf City” on the Pacific, surf shops and a small museum make it a fun destination for guests interested in learning the sport. The resort’s appealing laidback SoCal style extends to the pools and casual dining venues. Because this is a larger resort, there’s also a spa with a variety of wellness treatments. Families like the big sunny rooms stocked with bathrobes and extra amenities. Check out the active Hyatt Kids Club, offered for a fee.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, New Mexico
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, a past winner of FTF’s Top Resorts for Family Togetherness award, is owned by the people of the Pueblo of Santa Ana and managed by the Hyatt Corporation. The property’s rich cultural heritage makes it a great choice with school-age children. This luxury resort has combined the pueblo’s Native American traditions, décor and style with 550 acres of rustic New Mexico landscape. The result is a quiet place that encourages families to hot air balloon, horseback ride and learn about Native American culture together.
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, Mexico
The JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa is a great international choice for West coast same sex families because of the easy access to the Los Cabos Airport 16 miles away. A large and luxurious facility, it has rooms and suites in four-story wings with their own private balconies. Chic modern guestrooms overlook the extensive swimming pools and lounging areas. On arrival, adults should head straight to the spa’s pre-Hispanic Temazcal, a traditional Mayan sweat lodge used to promote health and overall well-being. The next day, tour Cabo’s desert terrain, find more gentle surf at Santa Maria Beach, or tee off on the award-wining golf course nearby.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, California
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is a top GayTravel.com nominee because it’s LGBTQ+ friendly as well as a good choice for families wanting to sample all that San Diego offers. The four-star resort is on a marina with a waterfront walkway. Spacious rooms with city views allow you to easily orient the kids to the city. Explore Balboa Park on a family outing to the San Diego Zoo. With older kids, do a drive-through at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. At dusk, roam the Gaslamp Quarter and select one of the city’s many fine restaurants for dinner. This Marriott Marquis also has a firepit and tequila bar for those chilly San Diego winter nights.
Orlando World Center Marriott, Florida
The Orlando World Center Marriott is spread across 200 lushly landscaped acres, making a stroll through the grounds of this central Orlando resort an activity by itself. Take advantage of the resort’s extensive recreation facilities and programs to save a day on theme park tickets. All families and same sex families really enjoy their swimming pools and waterpark features. The new River Falls Water Park and its nearly 600-foot-long lazy river open March 16, 2022. There’s space for sandcastle building, volleyball and scheduled activities like hula hoop contests. At night, the resort does a poolside laser show, BBQs, movie nights and fireworks over the holidays.
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Florida
Feel right at home in the one and two-bedroom residential style suites at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa. This condo complex is well located for families, no matter the interest. If your children are into horses, the town of Wellington and its famous Palm Beach International Equestrian Center are nearby. Swimmers will like the pristine beach outside the pool area. Try the two swimming pools, borrow loaner bikes to sightsee and recover at the quiet, casual Tiki Bar. Another plus; the on-site SiSpa staff are trained in cancer-care wellness in addition to a wide range of treatment modalities.
Which One is the Best Same Sex Family Resort of 2021?
We researched the Gay Travel Award nominees in the family-friendly category for this story. All have a lot to offer families, whatever their makeup.
The Gay Travel Award Winners were recently announced, judged according to the site, on criteria “surrounding the acceptance and inclusiveness of LGBTQ+ travelers, as well as service levels, amenities, and overall guest experience.” The 2021 winner in the Destination, Family category is Oahu, Hawaii. The winner in this category, Hotel, Family, is the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida. Perhaps their hotly anticipated water park and myriad facilities gave them an edge.
For any parent, the choice of best family resort still depends on location, budget and vacation preferences. We are confident your family will feel welcomed at all of the nominated choices above.
For a complete list of the 2021 Gay Travel Award winners in every category, and more commentary about each of these properties, please visit the Gay Travel Awards site.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.