Detour

The Caribbean is for lovers: Three destinations for romance

The colorful, eclectic streets of the Dutch island Curaçao bring tourists from all-over. Curaçao is also known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The colorful, eclectic streets of the Dutch island Curaçao bring tourists from all-over. Curaçao is also known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community. Shutterstock

As late summer sunsets inspire romance and ignite a lust for the ocean, couples looking to get away are setting their sights on the best Caribbean destination. Tropical flora, white-sand beaches, fresh seafood and salty air refresh the connection between couples who have been caught up in the trappings of daily life. Whether you’re pursuing adventure, luxury or freedom, the following destinations invite joy and tranquility into your relationship.

For Luxuriant Couples

Spa services, private pools and seaside mountain views bring a new level of rejuvenation and focus to the pair who seek an unmatched opportunity to treat themselves.

For those looking for a refined, indulgent and sensual experience, the island of St. Lucia is hard to beat with its wide range of boutique hotels, villas and resorts that all offer excellent service, opulent amenities and views of breathtaking natural vistas. Whether a couple seeks to be pampered by the pool, watch sunsets from a secluded patio or sup on locally made, top-quality cuisine, the perfect setting is right at one’s fingertips on this tropical mountain island.

For Queer Couples

For queer couples, celebrating love is done best in a welcoming and safe atmosphere under the summer sun. Although cultural norms can present barriers to queer couples’ safety and accessibility while traveling, some Caribbean islands, including Turks and Caicos and St. Martin, embrace queer couples and offer an oasis of amenities catered to making their visit the perfect opportunity to create loving memories on the beach.

Curaçao

Famous for its six-day, street-shaking Pride parades, Curaçao has an accepting energy reflective of the Netherlands, its ruling colonial power. The island takes strides to cater to its LGBTQ+ travelers by being a part of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. A number of spots like bars and beach clubs cater to gay patrons on the island, including the Cabana Beach Club, Wet and Wild Beach Club, Moomba Beach, Flora Suite hotel.

For Adventurous Couples

As the saying goes, adrenaline makes the heart grow fonder. Couples who strive to reach new heights together through shared outdoor experiences will find more than enough options with this selection of activities fitting for a tropical getaway.

Costa Rica

The possibilities for adventure never cease in Costa Rica. From climbing volcanoes, rafting the rivers and snorkeling off the coast to stretching out in the hot springs, the lush forests and pristine beaches create the perfect backdrop for romantic connection. The island boasts ATVs, zip lines and waterfall-studded hiking trails, and with the right guidance, wildlife observation opportunities round out a full itinerary. Despite only covering .03% of the world’s surface area, Costa Rica contains 6% of the world’s biodiversity, so there is plenty to experience within this island oasis.

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This story was originally published August 17, 2022 at 9:00 AM.

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