Hey, I just learned of a new gay-owned French restaurant in Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin.
That got me wondering about other gay-owned businesses in the Caribbean, a region that's not known for being espeically gay-friendly. Since my company books small-group gay cruises, we'd love to support more "family" businesses in the places we visit.
So what about it? Has anyone stumbled across any gay-owned shops/restaurants/tour companies in your Caribbean travels? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Ive been to St. Martin a few times I wish I knew about that, I usally go to the nude beach in St. Martin and I all ways run into other gay folks. I know in St. Thomas they used to have Black Beards Castle but I think its been sold and is now a B & B, in San Juan there are gay bars and a bath house.
Thanks, Rob, I'm not familiar with Blackbeard's Castle. What is/was that?
Re: the nude beach on St. Maarten, which one is that? I've been to both Orient Beach and Cupecoy Beach, but I heard that Cupecoy has been all but washed away by recent storms. Too bad if that's true ... it was one of my favorite spots in the Caribbean.
As for the restaurant in Marigot, it's brand new--just opened Oct. 1. The chef/owner is a gay French guy, so I'm sure it will be a hot spot. Can't wait to try it later this month!
I'm sure he's not alone. There must be dozens of gay-owned businesses scattered around the region that aren't necessarily bars or clubs. I just wish there were some kind of directory, because I'm sure gay cruisers would like to patronize those places.
In St. Maarten I would go to Orient Beach, the firts time I went I was walking down the beach and stop at this little hut to grab a beer and a bite to eat. I sat down and this british couple came up, both where nude and asked if they could sit at my table, lol to say the least I wasnt in "kansas" anymore.
As far as a guide there is the Damron guide but it does tend to gear it self to gay bars and bath houses and cruisey areas. It would be nice to have a gay yellow pages that was more diverse.
The French islands all have avery laisser faire attitude towards gays. St. Barth's is a wonderful place because there's none of that evil eye you get on some islands--mostly British by the way.
I hate to stereotype .... but ... ask one of the boy dancers in the shows: even if they know that there is no bar, just go where they go and you'll be sure to be in a gay bar.
BTW - there used to be a gay bar in Cozumel, where the nice Tequilla bar is now. Now the gay crew usually ends up at Carlos and Charlie's.
Thanks, T-Rex. I do like to meet up with gay crew members on shore. Last time we cruised, we played beach volleyball with some of the entertainers, then had a cookout. Cool day.
Never heard of Carlos & Charlies, so I appreciate the heads-up. We'll be in Cozumel during our Jan. 12 cruise, and we'll be sure to check it out.
Hi,
Yes there are now many gay places in St Martin
- Cupecoy : Gay beach
- David's Bar : Very gay friendly bar at Marina Royale in Marigot
- Villa Rainbow : exclusively gay guesthouse in a stunning place !
and many other nice gay friendly places / restaurants.
Last time we were in St. Martin, Cupecoy was come and go depending on the tide, but they were in the process of bulding houses there, so I'm not sure what access there will be in the future. We were so glad to find Happy Beach! It's a hike over the hill from Friar's Bay (go to the end of the parking lot behing the restaurant and you'll see a path going up hill), but it's very secluded, never very crowded, and always seemed to only have locals or "family"! Boris and Michael just closed the only gay hotel we knew of, Delphina. Now there is just Villa Rainbow, but it only has 3 rooms. Orient Beach is great for nude sunbathing, and you even run into a few gay groups here & there.
We ate at a wonderful restaurant in Grand Case because they had a rainbow sticker in the menu case. Can't remember the name, but do remember there was alot of red to it and it was on the beach side of the avenue. Food was wonderful, and the service impeccable.
Gay-friendly Caribbean ports?
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