The Caribbean in general isn't the LGBT-friendliest destination, perhaps because of regrettably rampant "on the DL" hypocrisy in local communities. St. Barts is by far the most open of the islands. Anguilla, like many a British colony, is quite conservative in attitude, but individual deluxe resorts welcome gay and lesbian travelers. The French and Dutch are generally tolerant, but St. Maarten/St. Martin is a mixed bag.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 954/776-2626; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses; go to its website and click on "Members."

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.