The Best Gay Resorts in Mexico Right Now

Mexico has become one of the most visited destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers in the world, and not by accident. Puerto Vallarta and Tulum lead the conversation, each offering something distinct. Here’s the current state of both.

Puerto Vallarta: The Classic That Keeps Getting Better

Puerto Vallarta, specifically the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), has been a major gay destination since the 1970s and shows no signs of slowing down. The neighborhood around Playa Los Muertos is the heart of it: a stretch of beach informally claimed by the LGBTQ+ community, lined with gay-operated beach clubs and bars.

Mantamar Beach Club Bar and Sushi is the flagship property here. Set within the Almar Resort on Playa Los Muertos, it’s the only adults-only gay beach club in Puerto Vallarta. Open daily from 11 AM to around 8 or 9 PM, it features an infinity pool, beach loungers, live DJs on weekends, and the kind of scene that makes you want to cancel your Monday flights. Day passes are available. Cabana reservations are recommended for weekends and especially during peak season.

The Almar Resort itself is a luxury LGBTQ+-focused property with rooms overlooking the beach. It’s not the only gay-friendly hotel in the Zona Romántica, but it’s the most integrated into the scene. For mid-range options, the Zona Romántica has dozens of smaller guesthouses and boutique hotels that cater specifically to gay travelers. Check gaypv.com for current recommendations from the local community.

The neighboring Blue Chairs Resort and Sapphire Ocean Club make up part of the unofficial gay beach cluster adjacent to Mantamar. The whole stretch is cheerful, sun-drenched, and genuinely fun.

Tulum: The Boutique Alternative

Tulum has developed its own LGBTQ+-friendly scene over the past decade, distinct from PV’s more established resort vibe. It’s more boutique, more wellness-oriented, and more likely to attract the crowd that wants sunrise yoga alongside their pool parties. The scene is smaller and newer, which means it’s also still evolving.

Hotel Loba and several other small properties in the Tulum hotel zone have explicitly LGBTQ+-welcoming positions. The cenote-and-jungle setting appeals to a different travel style than PV’s beach-club energy. Tulum Pride has grown year over year. If you want the cenotes-and-ruins version of a gay Mexico trip, Tulum delivers.

Practical Notes for Mexico Gay Travel

• Both PV and Tulum are generally very safe for LGBTQ+ travelers within the resort and gay-friendly areas. Exercise standard travel caution outside these zones.
• Puerto Vallarta Pride runs in late May. Book well in advance.
• The Zona Romántica in PV is walkable and easy to navigate. Tulum requires more planning due to the spread-out hotel zone.
• USD is widely accepted in both destinations, but pesos often get you a better deal at local spots.

Puerto Vallarta for the party and beach scene, Tulum for the boutique-retreat version. Pick based on your travel style, or honestly, do both on the same trip.