As travelers increasingly prioritize both physical and mental well-being, more companies and organizations are promoting wellness options tailored to LGBTQ travelers.
“There has been a steady increase in the number of LGBTQ clients looking for wellness retreats,” said Darren Burn, founder and managing director of Out of Office, a London-based travel company. “As more people pay attention to their health, mindfulness and yoga have become very attractive, and hotels and suppliers are responding. We offer gay group yoga and mindfulness retreats, and we also sell trips that combine surfing and yoga, since many clients want to improve their fitness.”
Mike Heflin, senior vice president of hotels at Travel Leaders Group, a travel agent network, noted that mainstream wellness-oriented hotels are increasingly welcoming LGBTQ travelers. “We have some excellent properties in our Travel Leaders Select Wellness program that are LGBT-friendly,” he said, naming Belmond Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland, and Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico’s Riviera Maya as popular wellness-focused options.
There are also gay-specific wellness getaways. The Gay Men’s Spiritual Retreat hosts an annual retreat every June at Camp Stevens, a summer camp in Southern California. Frog Meadow, a bed-and-breakfast in southern Vermont, offers wellness workshops and retreats specifically for gay men.
Many destinations and properties add wellness elements to broader LGBTQ packages. El Paseo Hotel in Miami, for example, offers an LGBTQ bachelor/bachelorette package that includes complimentary detox yoga classes. The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta leverages its location in a well-known LGBTQ vacation spot by promoting its Vita Mar Spa for travelers seeking relaxation. Purist Villas & Spa Bali, an LGBTQ-owned property, provides a free massage for guests who book directly with the hotel.
So what do LGBTQ travelers want from wellness travel? “Our clients like a mix of activities,” Burn explained. “People don’t necessarily want to spend an entire week doing only yoga or mindfulness. They prefer combining wellness practices with culture and excellent food. That said, there are still too few dedicated products in the market. Destinations should consider investing more in wellness options designed for LGBTQ travelers.”