With so many places to chose from, picking the right sun destination for you can sometimes be pretty challenging. Is price more important or gay friendliness? Nightlife or quiet, relaxing beaches?
The conxGuide: Sun Destinations helps make that choice easier. The Guide rates all the destinations available through the major Canadian tour companies in terms of their gay friendliness and summarizes the gay beach and nightlife scene. We also offer tips on what to do there, how to score a deal and our recommendations for where to stay. And use the yellow icons to find the destinations which are best for beaches, gay nightlife, value, history and culture as well as activities such as diving, golfing or exploring.
The Guide is connected right into our booking system so you can easily check the latest prices and availability - and if you're ready you can book online. Or call us at 800.387.1240 for more information or to book over the phone.
And try the Deal Finder to see the specials and sell-offs from your city.
Condesa Beach (between Beto's and the Condesa Hotel) is downtown, along the centre of Acapulco Bay
Nighlife
There are a number of gay bars and clubs, but they come and go so check before you head out.
Best For
Those looking a very gay-friendly environment in a big, urban setting.
Tips
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Before the rise of Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco was the favourite gay destination in Mexico. While there are still plenty of visitors, the scene here has a much more local flavour.
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Rightly or wrongly, Acapulco bars have developed a reputation for sleaziness. So be on your toes when you go out.
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Acapulco is on of the few sun destinations where good deals are usually available throughout the winter season.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Las Torres Gemelas: Rooms have kitchenettes and a usually very well priced. Close to the gay beach.
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Fairmon Pierre Marques and Fairmont Acapulco Princess: Excellent luxury options when price isn't a consideration.
Manchebo Beach is probably the most relaxed of Aruba's beaches and, as a result, is popular with gay visitors.
Nighlife
There is a small gay bar but many of the bars are friendly and some even show a rainbow flag.
Best For
Those looking for sandy beaches, good diving and a welcoming atmosphere.
Tips
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The more expensive resorts are located on famous Palm Beach but gay visitors may want to choose resorts on either Eagle or Manchebo beaches.
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Aruba, along with Curacao, is a Dutch heritage island and has a relaxed, open attitude to gay and lesbian visitors. Head to Curacao if you're looking for a more active gay scene.
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Aruba is an favourite destination for divers and is considered to have some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Divi Aruba Beach: A basic resort that's a good choice for the budget conscious.
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Renaissance Aruba Beach: Good if you want to be in the town of Oranjestad, close to casinos and nightlife.
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Bucati Beach Resort, Manchebo Beach Resort and Amsterdam Manor Beach: All located on beaches most popular with gay travellers and reasonably priced.
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Marriott Aruba Resort, Radisson Aruba and Hyatt Regency Aruba: Excellent, top end hotels along Palm Beach with top end prices.
There are no gay beaches but try the ones around Holetown.
Nighlife
Overt gay life is non-existent. You should be comfortable with "playing straight" if you want to go out to clubs or discos.
Best For
Those looking for pink sand beaches and a little bit of England in the Caribbean.
Tips
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Resorts on the eastern (quieter) side of the island (with the wilder Atlantic waters) are generally less expensive.
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While disretion is probably a good idea when visiting Barbados, the island doesn't seem to have developed the homophobia common at other English-heritage islands like Jamaica.
Recommended ReSorts & Hotels
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Blue Horizons and Time Out At The Gap: Good basic, economical choices if you comfortable holidaying around families with kids.
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Accra Beach: Often very affordable. Good value for money.
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Hilton, Mango Bay and Bouganvillea Beach: Well reviewed, good quality choices.
