Best of GayCities: Wanderluxe nominees

For over a decade, Best of GayCities has recognized and celebrated excellence in LGBTQ+ travel.

We want you to join our celebration by voting for your favorite places, experiences, and people across the globe. You can vote once per day per device through December 20 to help crown the winners in each category. We’ll announce our winners on January 6.

Where would you like to unwind? Check out these Wander Luxe nominees and vote for your favorite.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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Wander Luxe

Grande Lakes

If you’re looking for an air of sophistication, elegance, and five-star amenities to counterbalance the crowds at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, look no further than Grande Lakes. The 500-acre oasis includes a Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, a luxury wellness center with 40 treatment rooms, 18-hole golf course, lazy river, and an adult-only swimming pool.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Safari takes on an entirely new meaning at this stunning eco-reserve on Cape Town’s outskirts. Milkwood forests, over 900 plant species, and access to the Marine Big Five (whales, seals, sharks, penguins, and dolphins) via a partnership with Dyer Island Cruises are among the perks at this Insta-worthy destination.

Hotel Bristol

Vienna’s glorious Hotel Bristol, dating back to 1892, sits within a fluttering aria from the Vienna State Opera House and showcases stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau details. And there’s no better time to visit than ball season. These opulent black-tie affairs harken back to the city’s opulence, including the Rainbow Ball, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and raises funds for Vienna Rainbow Pride.

Grand Wailea Resort

Was 2024 too much? We get it. If escapism is on your bucket list, head to Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort, a Four Seasons property of spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, serene sunsets, and bespoke experiences. This captivating property has everything, whether it’s an outrigger tour, outdoor yoga, or grand lūʻau. Or, if you want to unwind beachside with a good book, that works, too.

Mizata By Antiresort

Described as “a five-star resort with the authenticity of a jungle camp, Mizata offers a thrilling backdrop to experience Central America. The destination, located in a hardwood rainforest with accommodations ranging from oceanfront bungalows to dreamy treehouses, encourages travelers to immerse themselves in curated experiences like the local villages of Ruta de las Flores and adrenaline-pumping adventures like horseback riding and hiking an active volcano.

Rayavadee Resort

Located on Krabi’s Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park, Rayavadee is nestled among thousands of trees, creating a cocoon of sustainable decadence and just steps from the pristine Railay and Phranang beaches. For further adventures, guests can book private tours to Phi Phi Island (with that name, how could we resist?), Krabi’s Klong Thom emerald pool and hot spring, or shopping in Phuket.

Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-Chrome

Bring your credit card(s)! Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-Chome resides within Tokyo’s premiere shopping district, with easy access to flagship locations of your favorite brands along with more traditional sites and experiences like sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or a performance at Kabukiza Theatre. Public transportation is a breeze, with LGBTQ+ nightlife a quick ride away.

Grande Luxxe at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta

Emerging as one of Mexico’s most notable hotel and resort brands, Vidanta has pulled out all the stops at Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta, located along the bluffs of the Ameca River. Sprawling views, soaking tubs, and 40 dining and lounge options (many al fresco) among the property’s collection create a gorgeous backdrop for experiencing all that the region has to offer.

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