Miami Beach Welcomes All Visitors to Celebrate Pride With New Experiences

As one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world, Miami Beach is set to welcome all travelers to celebrate Miami Beach Pride. This year, visitors will be treated to a variety of activities and experiences, all in honor of Miami Beach Pride's 16th year on Miami Beach, a testament to the support of the LGBTQ+ community from the city and surrounding areas. From rooftop cinema screenings to the signature Sunday Parade with Grand Marshal and Headliner Billy Porter, Grand Marshal Lisa Rinna and Anchor Max Fenning, Miami Beach is prepared to share the love and celebrate the remarkable journey of Miami Beach and its reputation as a destination that embraces the LGBTQ+ community and equality.

"Miami Beach Pride has a storied history on Miami Beach and we are ready to welcome the community with open arms to mark the 16th anniversary of this positive, inclusive and celebratory weekend," says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "Our support of the LBGT+ community is a year-round effort with dedicated programming, offers and experiences hand-crafted to cater to traveler needs.

To mark the occasion, a variety of activities and special events are planned in the month leading up to the Miami Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, April 14, including a Social Justice, Health and Wellness Evening at O Cinema South Beach on April 10, the VIP Beach Affair on April 12 at Lummus Park and two days of Festival Celebrations for the community to connect and enjoy star-studded performances. A full list of Miami Beach Pride programming can be found at www.miamibeachpride.com

Miami Beach Is Buzzing With Deals And Activities For Gay Travelers

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Long the fun, high-end destination for gay travelers around the country and all over the world, this fall Miami Beach has lots of events, activities and deals for stimulating and exciting fall travel. From unique packages at several hotels to the one-of-a-kind White Party, one of the largest fundraisers in the country for HIV/AIDS, Miami Beach is buzzing with a calendar stuffed with experiences and happenings.

Global LGBT spending on travel is estimated to be more than $200 billion per year with millions of those dollars spent in South Florida. "Miami Beach has always been a haven for the LGBT community," notes Peggy Benua, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "With each passing year, however, our hotels, cultural and social venues really turn up the heat on the quality of offerings available to this community. That's what makes our city so exciting to visit, the unpredictable but endless variety of lodging and entertainment that's accessible here."

The Gaythering, Miami Beach's only hotel exclusively built to accommodate the LGBT traveler, is a 3-minute walk from Lincoln Road and one mile from the beach. Gay travelers are treated to a steam room, a cedar sauna, a hot tub and a hammam and mud lounge. A low-key bar offers craft beers and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. There's also a library lounge and a coffee shop.

The Dream Hotel-South Beach on Miami Beach's Collins Avenue, directly behind the former Versace Mansion and two blocks from the beach, is offering a Same Sex in City package which includes complimentary "his & his" or "hers & hers" monogrammed beach towels, bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival. VIP entry and premium bottle service for one evening at Twist LGBT lounge; custom-curated itinerary of recommended cultural events, activities and experiences as well as personal concierge services; early check in/late check out and a waived resort fee.

"Miami Beach competes with Madrid, Prague and Amsterdam for the gay travel dollar, among other top-notch international destinations, and that's why our lodging, activity and event options are so superb and exceptional," says Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA. "Miami Beach strives to be a world-class LGBT city of choice at all times."

The city tries to make visitors feel comfortable in every way starting with the LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach, at 1130 Washington Avenue. Opening its doors to thousands of tourists from around the globe each year, the center is located in the historic Old City Hall building and provides information and resources as well as weekly support groups. The Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of Miami Beach is offered by the Miami Design Preservation League. The tours, start at the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive and take place the second Saturday of each month. The tour highlights the contributions of gays and lesbians to the history of Miami Beach.

One of the largest LGBT events of the year is White Party Week. It's an unparalleled week of fundraising parties and events culminating with the legendary White Party. Now more than 25 years old, White Party is the preeminent LGBT event of the season. More than 15,000 party-goers enjoy six days and nights of nonstop entertainment, all while raising awareness and money for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Can't make White Party week? Then there's a host of LGBT focused and friendly places to hang out during a Miami Beach visit including the Palace Bar with its infamous Brunchic on Sundays. Each week this Drag Brunch showcases performances and bottomless mimosas for $39.95 per person. You can also enjoy their Saturday brunch, Sabado Gigantes. Twist lounge and bar is the longest running gay nightlife venue in South Florida. A South Beach "must-do", it has continuously redefined itself in the past 18 years. Visitors can also check out Score nightclub and relax and soak up some sun in the daytime at 12th Street Beach or Haulover Beach Park.

Vacation Like the A-List: Where Rihanna, The Clooneys, And The Kardashians Go

Taking inspiration from celebrity travel destinations this year, Quintessentially Travel brings you the A-list of hotels and villas from around the world. Feel like a total VIP and get a taste of celebrity life while you are waited on hand and foot in the highest of luxury.

Jennifer Aniston, Bora Bora (pictured above)

This romantic destination is so good even the celebs are trying to keep it secret! Follow in Jen and Justin’s footsteps and take a loved one to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. This is where you can ease into the relaxed beach lifestyle, never far from immaculate white beaches or a cheeky cocktail. Dive into the crystal clear water and explore the diverse underwater wildlife, or even take advantage of the Lagoon Spa to feel like a totally pampered celeb.

Anne Hathaway, Ibiza

Ibiza has become the hot spot for many celebs and even Anne Hathaway was spotted here enjoying the Spanish sea. Follow in celebrity footsteps and stay in the 4 bed Villa Muralla, located in Can Furnet near Ibiza town. The villa offers tranquility and privacy with a large infinity pool and panoramic views overlooking the town. However you are never far from the excitement of the Ibiza clubs just down the hill or you could even throw your own VIP party using your own DJ area and bar!

Rihanna, Barbados 

Discover why Rihanna is so in love with her home country of Barbados by staying at Sandy Lane, renowned for being one of the world’s more luxurious and elegant retreats. Like Rihanna, take advantage of the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle and visit the best beaches in the area, unwind with a round of golf or have a knock around of tennis in the sunshine. This is a place where you will feel completely welcome with warm Barbadian hospitality and never want to go home!

George and Amal Clooney, Lake Como, Italy 

Feel the love at Lake Como like George and Amal Clooney did earlier this summer and stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo where luxury is king. Located in the heart of Lake Como with unparalleled views of the stunning Grigne mountains you will really feel the love and romantic qualities that this hotel brings to your stay. This iconic hotel provides complete exclusivity and luxury that every celebrity expects, and now you have the chance to dive into this world of opulence and romance by the lake.

Alessandra Ambrosio, Mykonos

Follow Alessandra Ambrosio down the catwalk and all the way to Grace Mykonos where everyone is treated like a Greek goddess. Discover the beauty of Mykonos that Alessandra fell in love with this year and revel in the relaxed Grecian atmosphere while overlooking the emerald sea to completely unwind. However if you’re after some excitement after a long day in the sun and spa, you can head out to Mykonos Town and dip into its buzzing nightlife where everyone has the chance to let their hair down.

Sam Smith, Miami Beach

The Setai is the perfect place to enjoy Miami and its beaches in style. Discover why Sam Smith enjoyed his Miami stay while soaking up the sun in one of the 3 pools or your private day bed. The Setai is a haven in the buzzing city of Miami and South Beach while creating an oasis of relaxation and serenity; there is plenty to do to get the adrenaline pumping. You can discover the famous Miami nightlife or even try your hand at jet skis on the open ocean. Here, you can relax like a VIP and party like a celeb!

Mariah Carey, Sardinia

Go and see what Maria Carey loves so much about Sardinia. We love the complete exclusivity and privacy ofVilla Ada, yet is just a stones throw away from the chic resorts of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. Get ready to be waited on hand and foot with the highly experienced concierge service, personal chef and butler to get a taste of life as a celebrity. There is even a private jetty and a yacht charter on offer for those who like the sound of popping champagne bottles as sun sets.. and who doesn’t?

Kylie Minogue, Portofino

Centrally located by the Piazzetta, Belmond Splendido Mare offers its guests a chance to explore local cuisine and culture that Kylie was spotted discovering for herself. With only 16 rooms and suites it also offers the privacy and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel, however also shares amenities with the larger Splendido so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Be spoilt in the spa, yoga classes and restaurants to totally unwind from the stresses of home and live the Italian dream.

The Kardashians, St Barths

Party like the rockstar you are at Villa Rockstar at Eden Rock, St Barths that comprises of 4 suites and 3 cabins. Whether you are celebrating an occasion or life itself, you will feel like a true VIP staying here. Villa Rockstar proves strong competition to the Kardashian’s luxurious holiday; being described as ‘a hundred million dollar yacht on land’ it’s sure to make any celeb jealous! With a recording studio, cinema, private spa, swimming pool and direct beach access you are never going to be short of things to do.

For more information please contact, quintessentiallytravel.com / info@quintessentiallytravel.com

From www.luxurytravelmagazine.com