Sandals --bigoted!?!?!?

I am going to Sandals Royal Bahamas and I am so excited. JMO: I knew about this for a very long time and it hasn't stopped me. Sorry

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Posted by WinterBride2005

FYI: There are resorts only for gay couples too. Not to say, that's fair for heterosexuals, but it is what it is.

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There is a hotel in Vegas that is for gay people only that I know of and I am sure there are many more out there too.

If you are looking for an ADULTS ONLY all inclusive, try the Grand Lido hotels in Jamaica or Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana.

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Posted by bxgell2

Marymoon - I agree with you, I think it's an outrage and despicable and I don't think you should stop thinking about it... it's disgusting, not just what it is.

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I definitely second that!! I agree with both you of you!

This is wrong on so many levels and I am extremely disgusted!

Like someone else said, life isnt fair BUT its 2004 people!!!!

Thanks for bringing this to our attention....I cant believe it.

Just to clarify for the Sandals that are in the Caribbean.

In most of the West Indies Homosexuality is not openly accepted. In fact in countries like Jamaica Homosexuals hide in fear of their lives because most locals do not think it is right.
I know because I am from Barbados and my FH is Jamaican/Irish.

The vlaues in the US are a little more liberal and by stating that on their website is not an an insult in my opinion but letting you beware of what they condone and what their beliefs are..thus the buyer is aware.

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Posted by Bebalina

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Posted by marymoon

Calling them right now...1-800 SANDALS..


She said it was because it was 'Created as a traditonal honeymoon place. But we have amde exceptions and other arrangements'

I said 'Like what?'

She said 'Well, Beaches resorts allow same sex couples, singles and families, but Sandals does not'

Me: 'Why not?'

Her: 'That's the wya it ahs always been and it has not changed. If we allowed everyone, we would not have created Beaches at all'


That was no answer at all!

ETA: The wya I understand it, Sandals is COuples Only, Beaches is Not. There's no deal attached. I doubt that Sanda;s is cheaper than beaches b/c its a couples resort. And to say 'well they cna go to Beaches' It's like, separate but equal..only..umm not.. How would you feel about a place that said 'White couples only' I think there'd be an uproar...and I think there should be one about this, too.

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It makes sense to me...

don't let this change ur decision about it...its' a great place...really is!

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ditto!

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Posted by myasmom

Just to clarify for the Sandals that are in the Caribbean.

In most of the West Indies Homosexuality is not openly accepted. In fact in countries like Jamaica Homosexuals hide in fear of their lives because most locals do not think it is right.
I know because I am from Barbados and my FH is Jamaican/Irish.

The vlaues in the US are a little more liberal and by stating that on their website is not an an insult in my opinion but letting you beware of what they condone and what their beliefs are..thus the buyer is aware.

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Thank you for clarifying this

Nov2004bride,
I just wanted to make sure that it was clear how strong this countries belief are on this subject. There are homosexuals in Jamaica and they do have visitors that are.....but I can bet they have to be very careful about PDA. Even resorts such as Hedonism get flack fro all the nudity...the hotels try hard to hide this little bit of info.
Public opinion is strong and they are NOT afraid to let you know how they feel. Especially the elderly. They will talk your ear off on this subject.

I am not surprised that Sandals's is not open to gays - look at their ads! I can't imagine any gay person I know wanting to vacation there But seriously, I do think its horrible and I'd rather give my $ to another, 'inclusive' inclusive resort.

If you do not agree with the Hotel's policy, you should not compromise yourself. There are plenty of all-inclusives that are not part of this chain. Go with someone you feel comfortable giving your business to.

Personally, I will not hire any vendor who bad-mouths another vendor. That has happened with a DJ and with a cake vendor. Crossed both off my list immediately, I don't care if they are better or cheaper or what. We must have our own priorities and stick to them.

I understand where you're coming form with the 'it's the culture of the caribbean' thing. However, gay couples ARE allowed at beaches Resorts. If it were a matter of safety, or culture, they wouldn't be allowed anywhere, or it would be a warning, and not a restriction. And at 'Couples' Resorts, gay couples are allowed at the resort that allows singles and does not allow nude bathing... So it' can;t be a cultural thing....

ALSO the Sandals person herself said nothing about culture, just that it's a 'Traditional honeymoon getaway.' Which, I think, means that they feel gay couples would make their straight couples, who are most of thier business, uncomfortable.

I've heard all of the opinions, I think it's bigoted. Now I'm looking for somewhere else to spend my $$

[ALSO the Sandals person herself said nothing about culture, just that it's a 'Traditional honeymoon getaway.' Which, I think, means that they feel gay couples would make their straight couples, who are most of thier business, uncomfortable.]


What about those couples? The ones who WOULD feel uncomfortable with a gay couple either cuddling, or kissing in front of them.

Do you think they have the right to go somewhere with 'traditional' values, and isn't it good for them that there is someplace they can go? Not EVERYONE is open-minded and while we here in the Northeast may be more open to seeing this, no doubt there are some couples from the mid-west, or other countries who had a strict, religious upbringing and/or don't accept homosexuality as that is not part of their beliefs.

I think you have to look at it from both sides. There are many options out there, and I agree you shouldn't give your money to a resort with whose values you don't agree. I'm sure that is why some couples DO give their money to them as they are looking for a 'traditional honeymoon getaway'

Marymoon...

I have to disagree with you about it not being a culture/safety thing. It is but why would a resort that gets its business from foreigners want to advertise that ...Tourism is the life of these Islands and there is alot non Islanders do not know..

As for the nudity..did you know that alot of the resorts have had to go up against the locals and literally fight in order to offer that liberty. So what you see in the forefront is not necesarily whats behind the scene if you know what I mean...thats why alot of the beaches are private and try to shut out the locals. Not for guets comfort but because most people in these Islands look down on acts such as that.

I am from the Caribbean. I was raised in Barbados, FH in Jamaica and My dad was born in Castries St. lucia but moved to Barbados...so I am not trying to give you an opinion..rather tell you a widely unknown FACT that is more common amoung local West indians and not just visitors.

Yes alot of the resorts tell you its all inclusive but what they wont tell you is that they are not responsible for your well being as well. Try being a gay couple and kissing in public in some of these places and you may find that you may get heckled far worst than anything anyone in the US has ever seen.

Me personally.....Keep it in the closet...I dont want to see it when I am on my honeymoon..as I have my own vies on Homosexuality..yet have homosexual friends who dont make me compromise my strong opinions....so I am one of those people who would welcome the 'special environment' that Sandals St. Lucia is trying to provide unless the PDA is kept to the privacy in the hotel room..

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Posted by razz1031

JMO but if gay people can have their gay cruises and gay resorts that don't allow straight people, shouldn't we be entitled to the same rights?

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I don't mean this in a bad way, but I have a friend who is gay and he ALWAY'S goes to gay resorts...in the poconos, maryland and upstate. He and his boyfriend are going on a cruise in the next year and are looking specifically for a gay friendly cruise. He does not want to be in a 'couples' place, he and his partner would not be comfortable in any of those sort of situations. I am only saying this because I don't think homosexuals want to spend their vacation time in heterosexual situations, they may not be able to 'act natural' and may have to deal with heterosexuals making comments or getting upset.
Not that I am defending Sandals in particular, I didn't even think about that when I saw it on their website (they are a traditional honeymoon resort and that is how they made their name), I think they are doing the same as most resorts. Hedo is 'swinger friendly', DH went years ago and was propositioned numerous times to 'swing', he didn't...but he said it was sort of uncomfortable and he spent the rest of his vaca on the 'prude' side. Better to be informed before rather than after is all I say.

Mayasmom- I;ve never been to the Caribbean, and I don't deny that what you're saying is true, but it's allowed at SOME resorts and not others...so it cant be the whole cultural thing is the sticking point..becuase they're willing to go against it at their beaches clubs..

I also see why homosexuals wouldnlt feel comfortable there, much like I'd feel uncomfortable being at a resort that was all gay couples.. However, I think the choice should be left up the the couple and there should be no restictions. I don't see it the wya most people do, maybe, but I kind of see it the same way as if they said 'White couples only.' There's just no good reason.