Top 5 LGBTQ-friendly destinations to whisk away your Boo this February
The abundance of roses, candy hearts and Hershey kisses can only mean one thing, the day of love is almost here. And while we all know February 14th is a Hallmark-invented holiday, it’s a great time to celebrate all type of love, because #LoveIsLove. Of course, your darling will want to be whisked away and showered with romance. Sure, roses are lovely, but why not use the upcoming “holiday” as an excuse for a romantic getaway.
Booking.com, the world leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of places to stay, has found some of the best destinations to get away if you’re an LGBTQ couple. So, should Cupid's arrow strike, here’s a round-up of where you can heat up your Valentine’s Day.
Who doesn’t want to go to Hollywood? Home to so many celebs and one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the world, the sophisticated lifestyle and glitz and glam of this metropolis is sure to impress your sweetheart. Who knows, you might even bump into a few A-List lovebirds, like Modern Family’s, Jesse Ferguson and Justin Mikita or our favourite daytime host, Ellen Degeneres and her wife, Portia De Rossi. With endless rooftop bars, spectacular coastal sunsets, and candlelit dinners, you’ll find romance in every corner of the City of Angels. Cozy up at Palihouse West Hollywood, and retreat into a luxury urban oasis and upscale comfort. This residential-style property offers an oversized loft-style suite, a rooftop 'Sunset Cocktail Lounge' and a luxurious lobby lounge, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
We’re almost positive that if you looked up the synonym for romance, Hawaii would be it. Its sun kissed beaches, exotic landscapes and majestic mountains are perhaps the most quintessential backdrop for igniting passion. Of the six islands, Kauai is where to go for an intimate and secluded escape for two. Less developed than the other islands, Kauai offers visitors an authentic and unspoiled glimpse of paradise. Its sharp rugged cliffs and lush valleys will leave you and your partner in complete awe. For the best views of the island, book a helicopter tour and fly through the colorful Waimea Canyon, the remote valleys of the Napali Coast and into the Waialeale Crater where waterfalls will surround you. And if that isn’t enough, Hawaii passed the marriage equality act in 2013, so if you want to seal the deal this Valentine’s Day, this might be the place to do it. Book a room at the five-star, St. Regis Princeville Resort for incredible views, access to a 5,000-square-foot infinity pool and the on-site Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant. By the time you have to leave, you’ll be begging bae to stay for just one more day.
Dazzle your Valentine with a getaway to an icy winter wonderland where the world’s first openly gay head of state was elected in 2009. Dotted with sparkling glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls and volcanoes, Iceland is a land full of natural wonder. Offering miles of undiscovered whimsy and dramatic landscapes, you and your boo are in for an epic adventure. Forget about the freezing temperatures as you snuggle up close to one another and marvel the spectacular Northern Lights. To really get your heart racing, head to one of the most picturesque wonders of the world – the Blue Lagoon. Nestled around a black lava landscape, relax, and soak up the tranquil environment at this natural geothermal spa. After an eventful day, head back to the country’s capital and make the luxurious Alda Hotel Reykjavík your basecamp. Ideally situated by the city’s main shopping hub, Laugavegur, and close to dozens of bars and restaurants, you’ll be walking distance to just about anything you choose to do.
Forget about the grey skies, this trendy and progressive city is impossible to resist. It’s vibrant art scene, pulsing nightlife and accepting attitude makes it a wonderful escape for LGBTQ lovebirds. The bohemian centre has something for any type of duo. Foodies get excited, you’ll have a field day scrolling through Opentable and discovering some of the best farm-to-table dining options. Beer enthusiasts you’re in luck as Portland is home to more craft breweries than any other city in North America. Finally, those looking to embrace the outdoors can take full advantage of the countless hiking and biking trails just moments outside of the downtown core. Unwind at the quirky century-old Crystal Hotel which features 51 guest rooms each decorated with inspiration from a song or performance from one of Portland’s premier music venues, the Crystal Ballroom.
Woo your loved one and take them on a Scottish adventure they’ll never forget. Named the best European country for LGBTQ protection, the charming and historic capital city of Edinburgh has an intoxicating and welcoming atmosphere the two of you will love. Surrounded by century old castles, the locale offers everything from art and literature, to music and theater and of course that warm Celtic hospitality. Don’t miss the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and the National Museum of Scotland. Consider a stay at the Witchery by the Castle, because what could be more romantic than sleeping in a castle? The sixteenth century building, offers a range of opulent suites and promises a memorable and magical stay.
