LGBTQ+ travelers are an important subset of the greater travel community. Post-covid, LGBTQ+ travelers were some of the first to bounce back and begin their revenge travel. A 2018 study by OutNow found that LGBTQ+ travelers spend over $218 billion annually each year in travel. Unfortunately, despite having these attributes, there are still destinations around the world where there is an unfavorable stigma for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Jamaica has had a long history of not favoring the LGBTQ+ community. Jamaica has harsh anti-sodomy laws, and same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by imprisonment. Public displays of affection (“PDA”) between LGBTQ individuals can be met with disapproval, harassment, or sometimes even violence. Most of the island doesn't have a strong LGBTQ nightlife or community presence.
I recently took a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, spending five days on the island to see if change is on the horizon and if any travel and hospitality organizations are working to change the narrative. I’ve been to the island at least a dozen times, but always as a solo traveler for obvious reasons. With this being the first time visiting the destination as an LGBTQ+ couple, there was a level of risk to this trip that I couldn’t ignore. However, it was one that I was willing to take for the LGBTQ+ travel community. I went in with no expectations, but hoping for the best. I feel charged to share my experience so that it can broaden awareness for LGBTQ+ travelers and the travel industry.
First Impression: Airport Arrival and Departure - Club Mobay
First impressions can be everything. As such, ensuring your arrival is seamless and safe is key, especially as an LGBTQ+ traveler in Jamaica. My partner and I used the Club Mobay service at the MBJ airport. This service provides you with a personal guide that helps you to navigate expeditiously throughout the airport. At the conclusion of the immigration and customs process you also gain access to the private Club Mobay lounge where you can wait safely for your transportation to arrive, use the restroom facilities, and have a snack/drink while you wait.
Club Mobay can be especially helpful for LGBTQ+ travelers who may have fears about being stared at or judged during the arrival process or being harassed while waiting for transportation. With our friendly guide from Club Mobay, we were able to have an easy immigration and customs experience. The Club Mobay guide also escorted us to the lounge and we had drinks while we waited for our transportation.
The Club Mobay lounge staff were extremely warm and made sure that we were comfortable during our wait. When speaking with a representative from Club Mobay, I was reassured that Club Mobay and Club Kingston do not discriminate and that all clients are welcome to use their services. I left the Club Mobay lounge feeling convinced that LGBTQ+ travelers can feel at ease when using Club Mobay for their arrival and departure needs.
Transportation
For transportation needs, LGBTQ+ travelers should always opt for private transportation in Jamaica. This will help to not only make the experience more private, it also reduces the likelihood of any possible harassment. My partner and I had a private driver that was pre-arranged by our hotel.
As we prepared to start our airport transfer, the hotel concierge from the airport desk escorted us to the vehicle and also accompanied us on our transfer which was an outstanding service gesture and it added an extra layer of comfort and reassurance. As a female LGBTQ+ traveler, I was relieved to have a female accompanying us along with the driver. Throughout the transfer, our driver was friendly and respectful and made us excited about our resort stay as he shared various facts with us about the property.
If LGBTQ+ travelers have a good experience with their private driver, I highly recommend that they request the same driver back to the airport as I did with mine. This helps to take the guesswork out of wondering what type of transportation experience you will have. During my stay, I learned that at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, guests can request the same driver for their airport transportation as well as select guided tours and activities. My transportation experience was great, and I would highly recommend that LGBTQ+ travelers pre-book and vet the driver and transportation company prior to arrival to help ensure that the ride will be safe and comfortable.
Pool view from Round Hill Villa 21. (Photo Credit: Dr. Terika L. Haynes)
Accommodations
Accommodations are an integral component of the vacation experience and this is especially true for LGBTQ+ travelers in Jamaica. Because the area is not always approving of public displays of affection (“PDA”), having accommodations that feel comfortable and safe are a top priority since most LGBTQ+ travelers will probably spend the majority of their vacation onsite.
Hotel
My partner and I decided on Round Hill Hotel and Villas (“Round Hill”) for our accommodations. The layout at Round Hill includes rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms are closest to the water giving guests amazing oceanfront views. The suites are more spacious than the rooms and include private plunge pools. The villas are the largest and most private option for guests. Each of the room types offer a level of privacy giving LGBTQ+ travelers the opportunity to comfortably unwind and discretely enjoy their romantic partners.
During my stay, I learned that Round Hill has been working to become one of the top sought-after properties for LGBTQ+ solo travelers, couples, and families because of their non-discriminatory practices, extraordinary suites and villas, and their personalized service.
In conversations with management throughout my stay, it was evident that service excellence and respect are top goals. Led by Managing Director Josef Forstmayr and General Manager Jeremy Zuber, the team at Round Hill is dedicated to making each guest feel welcome at their historic property that has hosted many dignitaries over the past 70 years.
Ocean view from Round Hill Villa 16. (Photo Credit: Dr. Terika L. Haynes)
Privation Vacation Home
For LGBTQ+ travelers who want to forgo a resort experience and prefer a private homestay, there are also a select number of private vacation homeowners who are welcoming to all travelers.
During my time in Jamaica, I learned about Casa de Vacaciones who welcomes all travelers and assures that their home can be a safe space.
Activities
I was not able to confirm any companies offering tours and activities that identified as LGBTQ+ friendly. As such, my partner and I stayed on the property for the duration of our stay. Luckily Round Hill offers a number of activities onsite which include glass-bottom boat rides, yoga classes, fitness center, spa, and more. I was able to stay busy with the resort activity offerings.
However, some travelers may want to visit some of the popular tourist attractions that Jamaica has to offer. Without being able to confirm any LGBTQ+-friendly companies, I would suggest that LGBTQ+ travelers do research and book with caution for any activities that are outside of their resort in Jamaica.
Closing Thoughts
While I wasn’t discriminated against during my trip, and overall my partner and I had a great vacation, I do think that Jamaica has more work to do. The airport service and transportation were respectful. The accommodations were hospitable.
Captivating sunset at Round Hill Beach. (Photo Credit: Dr. Terika L. Haynes)
My experience in Jamaica moved me to remind the travel industry that there is a difference between being tolerant and being welcoming. I’d love to see Jamaica continue to evolve and move forward from being tolerant to welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. I realize that this is a tall ask considering that this would mean transforming years of culture and tradition.
However, I do think that it is possible with the right mindset and leadership. During my stay at Round Hill I learned that several members of the management team are members and supporters of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (“IGLTA”), which is a great step in the right direction.
Right now many LGBTQ+ travelers skip over Jamaica as a vacation destination because of fear of how they will be treated. One day I hope that LGBTQ+ travelers can visit the destination and experience excitement rather than anxiety.
I commend Club Mobay and Round Hill for being trailblazers in this initiative and I hope that Jamaica will use them as champions to continue changing the narrative.
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