The key to booking the right honeymoon for LGBT couples is being open and ensuring that clients feel comfortable, says one of Kuoni’s LGBT experts.

Ann Coleman, store manager at Kuoni’s agency in High Wycombe, says agents should not be frightened of asking direct questions.

“If you’re not sure if they are a same-sex couple, ask them if they require a twin or double room,” suggests Coleman. “The most important thing is to make people feel comfortable and open. Use of language is also important – use words such as partner and couple, husband and wife.”

Coleman says agents should ask the obvious honeymoon questions to establish rapport and understand what clients want from their holiday.

“Ask questions such as: where are you getting married? Is mum or dad giving you away? Will you both be wearing dresses?” she adds. “This will make clients feel comfortable. We had one couple who said ‘thanks for treating us like human beings’ after I booked them a honeymoon in Thailand.”

She says honeymoon destinations shouldn’t be disregarded just because they don’t recognise same-sex marriage themselves. Italy, Thailand and Australia are among Kuoni’s most popular LGBT honeymoon destinations, despite the latter not yet recognising same-sex marriage.

Capitalise on cruise

Coleman says: “Cruise is a fantastic option because cruise lines are very accepting across the board and it’s also great to be able to visit lots of different places during the same honeymoon.

“Some places are more accepting than others, but we never say don’t go there. It’s about what the couple feels comfortable with.

“We will try to explain what the culture and rules are in a destination and make sure customers are aware that in some countries it’s not necessarily openly accepted.”

But just because a destination is not obviously gay-friendly, it does not rule them out as an option for LGBT clients, while those that you might think have a harsh attitude are in fact some of the most popular spots for LGBT honeymooners.

“For example, the Maldives is a Muslim country but the rules in resorts can be more relaxed,” she adds. “We’ve also had LGBT clients who have been to Jamaica [previously perceived as having a harsh attitude towards the LGBT community] and had an amazing time. It’s often the case that hotels might be a bit more relaxed.”

It can also take time for a destination that has recently changed its rules on same-sex marriage to establish itself within the LGBT market – for example Aruba, which allowed same-sex civil unions last year.

“We do not feature Aruba for same-sex weddings yet,” says Coleman. “We want to make sure it’s perfect, so it’s a couple of years down the line. With very new destinations, it needs to be tried and tested first and that takes time.”

Going the extra mile

But which resorts go out of their way to help LGBT customers? Coleman highlights Sala Samui on Koh Samui, Thailand, for its service (seven nights’ B&B from £1,259pp including flights and transfers).

“The staff are fantastic and work really hard to look after our customers,” she adds. “They ensure the couple have double beds and put a card in the room. They also organise complimentary couples’ massages and book excursions.”

She singles out Lefay Resort & Spa, on Italy’s Lake Garda, for the quality of service offered to LGBT clients (seven nights’ B&B from £910pp including flights and transfers). “They just do everything to ensure that you have a special time with lots of little touches like spelling out the couple’s names in petals on their bed,” she adds.

Little touches are also vital for Kuoni – Coleman ordered Mr & Mr flip-flops for one set of clients, who picked them up from the High Wycombe shop before going on their honeymoon.

“We look at opportunities to surprise and delight,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to get to know them, so we can arrange personalised touches.”

Kuoni also likes to share its knowledge about LGBT destinations – Coleman is currently organising a trade event at the High Wycombe store for other local agents.