Sandals question...

[Heidi]

I heard a while ago (like years ago) that Sandals does not allow same-sex couples to stay there. So, I've never considered supporting them financially or any other way. Today, I heard some people at work talking about Sandals and it got me wondering if they still have that policy?

Does anyone know? I tried some internet searching that gave me mixed results. Just wondering!

Gracias!

[Tammy Host]

they aren't a gay friendly but they do allow same sex...at least last i heard. jamaica in general is very non gay friendly. there have been alot of beatings etc. i do not recommend it for my gay clients.

[Heidi]

wow, that's just terrible!!!! gosh, it just blows my mind how closed-minded people still are out there...
And actually, if I knew that about Jamaica I probably would have picked somewhere else. geesh!

[KarmaB]

Sorry, I wish I had the answer to your question because I would love to know. My hotel is owned by Sandals and I haven't heard anything like this before. If this is true though, I will be really disappointed with them and this policy.

Steve has a family member who is in a same sex relationship and they are planning on staying at the Sandals Grande in O.R. and they hadn't mentioned it.

I'll find out if they have booked yet or not and let you know if I find anything out.

[carly]

That's funny that this question came up today. My co-worker and I went to lunch and she told me that Jamaica is very non-gay. I never knew. And honestly, I never would've thought it. Interesting question though, Heidi.

[TA Jennifer]

Sandals does allow same sex couples couples. It used to not allow it but changed the policy a couple of years ago.

Jamaica is not terribly gay friendly. In tourist areas people should be fine as long as they are not overly amourous as that is frowned upon. There are a few resorts that have gay groups go to Jamaica regularly such as Hedonism. The violence is primarily directed at gay Jamaicans. For such a beautiful island it's a really horrible thing.

Acutually, many Caribbean islands are not gay friendly to varying degrees- I remember hearing about a cruise ship that was chartered by a gay group that was turned away in Grand Cayman a few years ago.

Hope that helps!

TA Jennifer

[ErinB]

that was one of my biggest concerns in finding a resort. FI has lesbian family members and I have a few gay friends coming. Also, there are a few singles who are planning to room together.

Good to know Sandals changed their policy. At the time I booked I was told no, they wouldn't allow same sex so that is a big reason I chose Couples.

[Lizz]

My FI and his friend went to a wedding a few years ago and were allowed to stay together at Sandals in Ocho Rios.

I have a gay couple coming to my wedding. They are the ones that told me how unfriendly Jamaica is towards gays. They jumped at the chance to come to my wedding because they always wanted to go to Jamaica and they think it will be less noticeable to the locals if they are there as part of a large group (rather than just the 2 of them on vacation).

[Stormsong]

Hi there

We asked our TA this question too...as we have gay uncles in our party. Sandals Cuba allows gay couples, though it is looked upon by locals as strange. But, Cuba is even considering allowed gay marriages...so they aren't that far behind. The Sandals told us that our gay uncles can come to the wedding.


Now if only I can get Sandals Cuba to let us know if we have rooms booked. Seems Cuba...does things at their OWN time.

[KarmaB]

Wow, I'm so disappointed with Jamaica. I guess I always felt that every one was so laid back and non biased.

Example: "One Love" By Bob Marley

Too bad everyone doesn't share the same feelings of unity.