These ‘Proud Certified’ luxury hotels in Thailand are perfect for your honeymoon
As LGBTQ+ travellers, finding a hotel that truly makes us feel safe and welcome can often feel like navigating a maze. Sure, the glossy photos of infinity pools and happy guests sipping cocktails are enticing, but will the staff be friendly? Is the hotel genuinely as inclusive as it claims, or is it just another case of ‘pinkwashing’? Luckily, Booking.com’s Travel Proud initiative has made the search a lot simpler. Since 2021, the program has been offering free hospitality training to help accommodations better understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers, equipping them with the knowledge to create a more inclusive environment. Hotels that successfully complete the training earn a ‘Proud Certified’ badge, which is then displayed on their listings for all travellers to see.
With same-sex marriage now legal in Thailand, a honeymoon rush is soon to follow, meaning plenty of couples will be on the hunt for romantic hotels to stay in. But with so many of them now Proud Certified, how do you even begin to make a decision? To make things easier for you, we’ve narrowed down eight of our favourite Proud Certified luxury hotels in Thailand that are simply perfect for your honeymoon!
W Bangkok Hotel
Perched in the gay-popular Silom neighbourhood, this stylish five-star hotel is a plum choice for those who want to dive into Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife or explore its many cultural sights, all while having a swanky base to return to. Its rooftop swimming pool, fabulous spa, and stylish interiors – which have earned it accolades like the “Best Design Hotel Worldwide 2015” by Hotel of the Year Awards – give you everything you need to unwind after a day of exploring without ever feeling far from the action.
The Sukhothai Bangkok
This opulent urban retreat is the perfect bolthole for newlyweds to revel in their first days of forever. Its stylish rooms and suites, tranquil gardens, and lotus ponds will make you feel a world away from the city buzz despite being just steps away from the business and entertainment districts. Did we also mention it has a fabulous on-site spa with seven treatment rooms (including rooms for couples) and a 25-meter infinity pool?
InterContinental Phuket Resort, an IHG Hotel
The InterContinental Phuket Resort has all the ingredients for the perfect honeymoon hideaway – sumptuous private pool villas, Michelin-starred dining, and a spa you’ll find impossible to leave. The jaw-dropping resort occupies a prime spot along the soft, powdery sands of Kamala Beach, which is known for its serene and laid-back atmosphere. When the mood shifts to something livelier, you’ll be stoked to know that the vibrant queer nightlife of Patong Beach is just a 13-minute drive away! As far as luxury hotels in Thailand go, it doesn’t get much better than this.
The Nai Harn
Located on the southern tip of Phuket, this five-star hotel is a favourite among travellers seeking a blend of natural beauty, exceptional Thai hospitality, and modern luxury. It also happens to overlook one of the most gay-popular beaches on the island, so you can gather why we just had to include it on this list. Spend your days here lounging on that very beach or exploring nearby islands, then cuddle up on your private terrace daybed to watch the sunset.
Outrigger Surin Beach Resort
This relaxed yet upscale surf-inspired resort offers 60 spacious rooms and suites with easy access to one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. Honeymooners here can enjoy two swimming pools, a fitness studio, and massage treatment rooms. Dining highlights include the Nalu Bar & Grill, where global flavours meet modern open-flame BBQ, and a cosy rooftop bar with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
No matter how busy Chiang Mai’s streets may become, you’ll find yourself worlds away from the chaos at Aleenta Retreat, a peaceful sanctuary nestled at the foothills of the Doi Suthep mountains. The rural resort’s tranquil location, holistic wellness offerings, distinct, eco-friendly design, and Proud Certified status make it one of the best luxury hotels in Thailand for your LGBTQ+ honeymoon.
Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai
If you’re looking for a chic and intimate stay in Chiang Mai, Hotel Sensai Nimman won’t disappoint. The hotel’s sleek, minimalist design provides a calm, quiet space for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Situated in the buzzing Nimman area, this boutique gem offers a balance of convenience and calm – allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s fervent energy, and then retreat to a peaceful, adult-focused space at the end of the day.
Melia Koh Samui
Your honeymoon should feel as extraordinary as your love, and Meliá Koh Samui delivers just that. Overlooking Choeng Mon Beach on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, this sumptuous resort offers a relaxed and luxurious honeymoon experience with indulgent amenities like lagoon pools, a rejuvenating spa, and romantic dining by the sea. When you’re ready for adventure, Koh Samui’s small but vibrant queer nightlife scene is just around the corner.