Choosing the right place to stay can shape your entire holiday. For LGBT+ travellers, gay resorts offer more than just accommodation—they create a space where you can relax, connect, and feel safe being exactly who you are. Whether you’re planning your first gay holiday or you’re a seasoned traveller, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
This guest’s guide to gay resorts will walk you through the essentials—how they work, why they matter, and how to find the right one for your travel style.
What Are Gay Resorts?
Gay resorts are hotels, resorts, or retreats that are either owned by LGBT+ individuals or explicitly cater to LGBT+ guests. While some are gay-only, others are gay-friendly but still predominantly attract a queer clientele. What sets them apart is their focus on creating a truly inclusive environment. Here, you’re not a guest who has to “check” how welcome you are—you’re the intended audience.
Most gay resorts are adults-only. Many are clothing-optional. Some focus on wellness or luxury, while others deliver an all-night party scene. There’s no one-size-fits-all option. That’s why it helps to know what you want from your holiday.
Expect a welcoming, judgment-free atmosphere with services designed for you.
Common Features in Gay Resorts
Not every gay resort is the same, but many share features that reflect the priorities of their guests. These features aren’t just perks—they are signals that your presence is not just accepted, but welcomed.
- Inclusive Staff:
Staff are often either LGBT+ themselves or trained in inclusive service. You don’t have to code-switch or pretend to be something you’re not. The smiles are real.
- Adults-Only Atmosphere: While not universal, most gay resorts are adults-only. This keeps the vibe relaxed, mature, and friendly.
- Social Events and Entertainment: From pool parties to drag brunches, many resorts provide built-in ways to meet people and join the fun. It’s great for solo travellers too.
- Clothing-Optional Spaces: Some gay resorts include areas where nudity is accepted. It’s always optional and should feel like a comfortable choice, not an expectation.
- Design and Detail: Gay travellers often value aesthetic, and these spaces reflect that. Expect artful touches, mood lighting, and thoughtful interior design.
- LGBT+ Travel Concierge: Need restaurant recommendations, local nightlife tips, or advice on where to go? At gay resorts, staff often have first-hand local knowledge of the scene.
Each resort adds its own flavour, but the common thread is comfort and community.
The Different Types of Gay Resorts
Not all gay resorts are party-centric, and not all of them are quiet retreats. Choosing the right kind depends on your travel goals.
All-Inclusive Gay Resorts
These resorts bundle your room, food, drinks, and often entertainment into one rate. They’re perfect if you want to budget upfront and not worry once you arrive. Some even include spa treatments or guided tours.
Expect: meals, open bars, entertainment, and an easy, social vibe.
Boutique Gay Hotels
Boutique properties tend to be smaller, more intimate, and design-driven. The focus is on personal service and curated style. These are ideal if you prefer charm and atmosphere over large resort infrastructure.
Expect: artistic interiors, one-on-one service, and a quieter pace.
Clothing-Optional Resorts
If body positivity and freedom appeal to you, clothing-optional resorts offer exactly that. These spaces often draw open-minded travellers looking to feel at ease in their own skin.
Expect: respect, relaxed rules, and inclusive vibes.
Party-Focused Resorts
Think DJs, themed nights, and poolside performances. These gay resorts attract a younger, high-energy crowd—or anyone looking to dance till dawn.
Expect: loud music, social hubs, and late nights.
Wellness and Retreat Properties
Want a break from the noise? These resorts focus on spa treatments, yoga classes, and mindful travel. Some combine wellness with nature or LGBTQ+ empowerment workshops.
Expect: peace, purpose, and community connection.
What to Expect as a Guest
Whether you’re flying solo, as a couple, or with friends, staying at a gay resort opens the door to new experiences—and sometimes unexpected friendships.
Here’s what most guests can expect:
- A Safe Space: You won’t need to “check” who’s around before holding your partner’s hand. You’ll find acceptance, not stares.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Even if you’re introverted, there’s a warmth to gay resorts that makes striking up a conversation easy. Pool areas, lounges, and breakfast buffets all become opportunities to meet people.
- Room for Everyone: No matter your body type, gender identity, or background, there’s room for you. That’s the point. The focus is on freedom, not judgement.
- Diverse Experiences: Some guests want to party. Others want to nap on a beach. Most resorts offer space for both. You can curate your experience, not just your itinerary.
Popular Destinations for Gay Resorts
The location of a resort makes a difference. Some destinations are known for being not just tolerant, but joyful and supportive.
Here are some of the top destinations offering gay resorts worth exploring:
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This coastal town is one of the world’s most celebrated LGBT+ destinations. Zona Romántica is packed with gay bars, beach clubs, and boutique hotels. The pace is relaxed, and the people are welcoming.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos delivers sun-soaked beaches, open-air clubs, and intimate hotels that embrace the LGBT+ community year-round. Elia and Super Paradise beaches are must-visits.
Palm Springs, USA
Known for its mid-century modern charm and desert sun, Palm Springs has more gay resorts than almost anywhere. It’s a hotspot for both relaxation and fun.
Sitges, Spain
Sitges combines history, nightlife, and Mediterranean beauty. This walkable town has long been a safe haven for gay travellers and features some outstanding boutique properties.
Jamie Says:
“A great gay resort doesn’t just welcome you—it reflects you. That’s what we look for when helping our clients book the perfect stay. You should never have to ask, ‘Will I feel comfortable here?’ Our job is to make sure the answer is always yes.” — Jamie Wake, Founder of Wide Awake Holidays
How Gay Friendly is Mexico?
- Homosexuality has been legal since 1871
- Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide as of 2022
- Anti-discrimination protections exist at a federal level
- Employment protections for LGBT staff are written into law
- The age of consent is equal (with slight variation by state)
- Public opinion is highly supportive in tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta
How Gay Friendly is Greece?
- Homosexuality has been legal since 1951
- Civil unions have been legal since 2015; marriage is not yet recognised
- Anti-discrimination laws protect sexual orientation and gender identity
- Employment protections are in place
- The age of consent is equal at 15
- Public opinion is positive in urban areas and islands like Mykonos
How Gay Friendly is the USA?
- Homosexuality has been legal nationwide since 2003
- Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 2015
- Federal law offers some protections; state laws vary
- Employment protections exist under federal civil rights law
- The age of consent is equal but varies by state
- Cities like Palm Springs are openly supportive and safe
How Gay Friendly is Spain?
- Homosexuality has been legal since 1979
- Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005
- Spain has some of Europe’s strongest anti-discrimination laws
- Employment protections are in place
- The age of consent is equal at 16
- Public support is high, especially in destinations like Sitges
Travel Protection When You Book with Wide Awake Holidays
Every trip you book through Wide Awake Holidays comes with built-in protection and personal service. We’re not a faceless website. We’re real people who understand what LGBT+ travellers need—because we are LGBT+ travellers too.
Here’s what you get when you book with us:
- Supplier Failure Insurance on all tailor-made holidays
- Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, in case your airline ceases trading
- ATOL protection for air holidays, so your money is always secure
- Protected Trust Services membership, ensuring full
financial protection
- A personal travel consultant, not a call centre
- Tailor-made itineraries, built around your interests and comfort levels
You get more than a booking. You get confidence, flexibility, and a travel plan made for you.
Your Next Gay Holiday Starts Here
If you’ve never stayed at a gay resort before, now’s the time. The comfort, connection, and care you’ll experience can truly transform your trip. And if you’ve been before, you already know what a difference it makes.
At Wide Awake Holidays, we do more than find you a room. We find you the right room, in the right place, where you can be your true self from check-in to check-out.
Call us today on 01495 400947 or use our
holiday enquiry form on the website to start planning your perfect resort getaway. Let’s make your next holiday feel like home.
