4 LGBTQ-Friendly Hotels For Sunny Escapes This Winter

Queer travelers looking to trade in their Canada Goose jacket for a bathing suit should consider flying south for warmth this winter. Our fall collaboration with Hotels Above Par, where we highlight our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and destinations, continues below with these sunny escapes.

Hotel Capitán Suizo
Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

LGBTQ+ travelers should look into traveling to the Central American nation of Costa Rica, which recently solidified its support for the queer community and legalized same-sex marriage. Hugging the country's Pacific Ocean coastline, the laid-back beach town of Tamarindo hosts boutiques, restaurants, and gay bars. Hotel Capitán Suizo's beachfront setting offers 35 rooms, an ambrosial restaurant and spa.

AxelBeach Miami
Miami Beach, Florida

The only U.S. location of LGBTQ+-travel-focused group Axel Hotels, this Art Deco, boutique-style property in Miami's South Beach neighborhood is just minutes from queer-friendly nightlife, cultural landmarks and dreamy beaches. The outdoor pool and bar make for the perfect place to tan and sip cocktails.

Hotel Alaia
Pichilemu, Chile

Chile is the latest South American country to legalize same-sex marriage. In celebration of this milestone, consider booking a trip to the surfing town of Punta de Lobos on Chile's northern coastline. Check into the12-key Hotel Alaia, where a slate-tiled pool, hammocks, and wood-fired hot tubs with ocean views await. Adventurers can get their surf on with a lesson from one of the hotel's instructors.

The Branson Estate, Moskito Island
Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands

Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands is Sir Richard Branson's newest private island retreat and member of Virgin Limited Edition, his collection of luxury retreats and hotels. Seclusion is the name of the game at the stunning Branson Estate, where a private beach and elevated wooden walkways connect ocean-facing master suites and Balinese-style villas. So, why does Moskito Island make our list? Branson is a huge supporter of the queer community, receiving OUTstanding Ally and British LGBT awards for his work supporting LGBTQ+ issues worldwide.