Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Each year over 4 million travelers visit the third largest island in the Caribbean. With perfect beaches, lush forests, and easy flights from the United States, it’s no surprise how famous Jamaica is for those looking to escape to paradise.
As a destination, Jamaica has earned a reputation for being unwelcoming to members of the LGBTQ community. This reputation is becoming less warranted as the younger generations slowly turn the tide.
To better understand LGBTQ tourism to Jamaica, I spoke with Issia, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Round Hill Hotel and Villas, about if Jamaica is gay-friendly. We talked about the overall general progress of Jamaica and what Round Hill does to support our community. Plus, we took a deep dive into why Round Hill is one of the best resorts in the world.
Keep reading to find out if being a gay tourist in Jamaica is right for you and your family.
Perhaps the most exciting information from my conversation with Issia was that Jamaicans generally don’t care about a person’s sexuality. The island remains conservative, but opinions about personal relationships have greatly improved over the last several years. Couples within the LGBTQ community live fulfilled lives with their partners on the island, and Round Hill and other resorts welcome LGBTQ travelers.
As you would expect in any destination, personal views are personal. Some individuals are still homophobic, but they are becoming the minority. LGBTQ travelers being present help support the local economies that we visit, and as Pride reminds us every year, visibility matters.
Round Hill Hotels and Villas fully supports the LGBTQ community and is a leading sponsor of MoBay Pride. Round Hill hosts the kick-off party each year in their director’s mansion with a cocktail party and giving everyone a place to feel welcomed. The rest of the year, Round Hill supports the community by openly welcoming community members to their staff, allowing them to work in a welcoming environment.
LGBTQ travelers who are guests at Round Hill will have an unsurpassed experience by any other resort on the island, quite the accomplishment given how many luxury resorts dot Jamaican shores. The staff members of Round Hill take great pride in their resort, with many having decades of tenure and even multiple generations choosing it as their employer.
Round Hill is a boutique resort with just 36 hotel rooms (all oceanfront) and 26 private villas that range from two to six bedrooms. Ralph Lauren tastefully designed the hotel rooms focused on the romantic destination. Each of the villas is privately owned and managed by Round Hill, giving access to unique villas to luxury travelers with their own private dedicated staff that care for the villa year-round.
Since the resort opened in 1953, Round Hill has hosted presidents, celebrities, and industry tycoons. The staff welcomes every traveler with the same open arms regardless of their background. The concierge will arrange a wide array of personal experiences, even setting up a custom itinerary for those looking to escape the resort to explore the island’s forests, waterfalls, and towns.
Round Hill is an ideal destination for LGBTQ travelers looking to celebrate a special occasion. Whether traveling to celebrate a birthday, your anniversary, college graduation, or any other exciting milestone, Round Hill will work with the best local vendors to ensure your party is one for the books.
LGBTQ travelers looking for the perfect place to pop the question or even have a symbolic wedding will find no better alternative on the island. Round Hill has a dedicated team that will work with you and your travel concierge to make sure everything goes perfectly working up to and on your big day.
Staying inclusive in Jamaica doesn’t have to mean all-inclusive with watered-down drinks and mass-produced food. Round Hill Hotel and Villas brings the true meaning of inclusivity to ensure that every guest has the experience of a lifetime with their partner, family, and friends. Round Hill commits to excellence with farm-to-table meals prepared for you (and with 90% of produce grown on their farm), customized experiences, and views that will leave you daydreaming about your vacation once you’re back in the office.
Want to learn more about LGBTQ travel to Jamaica and Round Hill Hotel and Villas? Schedule a time to chat, I’ll answer all your questions, and we can start making your next vacation a reality.
Rainbow Getaways proudly help travelers of the LGBTQ community (and our allies) research, plan, and book incredible vacations where you feel confident and comfortable enjoying and exploring your destination. We plan each vacation to meet your specific needs, so you'll have an experience just as unique as you.