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Yes, It's Time To Book Your LGBT Halloween Getaway, And There's Only One Choice This Year

This article is more than 5 years old.

VACAYA

If you asked most people about their Halloween plans now, you’d be met with raised eyebrows and probably some rapid finger counting as they tried to determine how far away that holiday was. It’s eight months, and that would justify the confusion staring you in the face from most people, but not the LGBT community. While some people count the days until Christmas all year long, and others revel in 30-day celebrations of a “birthday month,” the queer community notoriously anticipates Halloween like no other. It’s a time for extravagant self-expression, unbridled creativity and constant costume parties where anything goes and all are appreciated—the more outrageous, the better. This year, VACAYA brings the holiday extravaganza to paradise with an exclusive buyout of UNICO 20°87°, Riviera Maya’s lavish new five-star resort and one of the newest members of Leading Hotels of the World, from October 27 to November 2, and Halloween is hardly the only draw. Check out this shortlist of top reasons to drag your costumes to Mexico this year for VACAYA’s UNICO 20°87° blowout.

Double holiday celebrations

VACAYA

One day after Halloween, Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) begins in Mexico. By now, you’ve certainly seen the Pixar film Coco, so you know all about the colorful, festive holiday honoring family heritage by allowing ancestors to return to the world of the living for 24 hours, and this is your chance to celebrate it in Mexico. Show off your best sugar skull makeup and adorn your flashiest outfits in strings of orange marigolds as you celebrate at VACAYA’s Day of the Dead party, giving you double the reason to dress up this Halloween season. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out celebrations in nearby Playa del Carmen.

Complete exclusivity and inclusivity

VACAYA

In case you’re not familiar with the concept of a buyout, that’s when an organization takes over an entire property for a period of time, and that is what VACAYA has done for this coveted holiday week at UNICO 20°87°. That means everyone at the lux resort will be there specifically to celebrate and socialize with VACAYA (and you). You’ll never feel more welcome and included than you will when every minute of the day is designed with you, specifically, in mind, and everyone you encounter is there for the same reason.

T-dances

VACAYA

If you’re under a certain age, you probably haven’t heard of this, but that’s all the more reason to attend and connect with your LGBT heritage. These afternoon dance parties harken back to the tradition of afternoon tea and the illegality of dancing with members of the same sex (more recent than you’d think) that caused gay dance parties to be billed as the seemingly harmless tea dances popular with heterosexual singles in an effort to reduce raids and arrests. Today, “tea” has been shortened to “t,” partially reflecting the casual daytime ambiance and dress code, and the dances are harder to come by. You’ll find them at this VACAYA event.

Social awareness

David Artavia

VACAYA and UNICO 20°87° share a deeply felt obligation to give back, and both organizations are involved in philanthropic work and volunteerism. While in Riviera Maya, you’ll have the opportunity to work with VACAYA’s ReachOUT program, volunteering with, or donating to, the local community, and building bridges between the LGBT community and the world at large.

Be adventurous

Brandon Schultz

Beyond donating time or cash to the local community, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the environment and culture of Riviera Maya through exclusive excursions that are included in your stay. That’s right—included. UNICO 20°87° offers six signature excursions that are included with all reservations for a 20% service fee (a reduction from the resort's usual 25%), and bookings during the VACAYA buyout are no exception. Visit Mayan villages for traditional meals, swim in the crystal clear cenotes of Yucatan fame and explore ancient ruins with local experts. VACAYA loves a good party, and there will be plenty of those on the schedule, but community connection is a value both VACAYA and UNICO 20°87° prize, so take advantage of some of these rare opportunities to take a break from stepping into the pool and step into the jungle communities around you.

It’s actually all-inclusive

VACAYA

You already know that excursions are included (something you’ve probably never encountered before), but there’s more: The spa is included, too. Several of UNICO 20°87°’s signature treatments are included with any reservation, and this perk is unlimited. Even if you’re not a fan of massage, you’ll love the free access to the resort’s hydrotherapy circuit, outdoor and insanely Instagrammable (think beautiful tile work, swinging nest chairs, plunge pools and tropical vegetation) relaxation lounge and glam fitness facilities within the 18,000-square-foot Esencia Spa. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Esencia Beauty Bar to personalize the soaps and bath salts in your already fab guest room.

VACAYA

Don’t forget: This is a buyout, so you need to book this one-of-a-kind getaway through VACAYA directly. You can do that here.