The 8 Best LGBTQ-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts

The most relaxing vacations leave all worries behind, even if it’s just for a few days. That’s where all-inclusive resorts come in, inviting guests to dine, swim, lounge, and sip fruity cocktails sans hassles. For LGBTQ travelers, there’s an added factor of enjoying a breezy vacay in comfort, from a setting that inspires all aspirational beach bums to unwind and be themselves.

All-Inclusive Gay-Friendly Resorts Around the World

While plenty of resorts welcome diverse travelers, some really roll out the rainbow carpets—whether they’re part of a gay-friendly brand; home an out-and-proud LGBTQ staff; or part of a fabulous destination. Here are some of the top all-inclusive resorts for gay couples (and gay singles).

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Hyatt is among the large hotel chains that’s shown continuous support for LGBTQ travelers. The brand is a Gold Global Partner of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), and has been honored for more than a decade as one of the HRC’s annually ranked Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. One of the best all-inclusive resorts for gay couples is the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. For starters, the Pacific-Coast city is a hotspot for gay vacationers who love the nightlife and its annual mid-May Vallarta Pride festival. The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta lures travelers to lodge a few miles south of town, where they can enjoy swim-up suites, live entertainment, fitness and sports programs, and dining with oceanfront views.

Banyan Tree Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

For an extra-dreamy luxury escape, LGBTQ travelers can wing down to the sunny Yucatan peninsula, where Banyan Tree Riviera Maya awaits with private waterfront villas. More than average resorts, Banyan Tree elevates all-inclusive experiences with refined amenities, restaurants, and spa time, always evoking the brand’s Southeast-Asian heritage. But the resort’s respect for nature and local culture sets it apart, as does its pride in serving LGBTQ guests. Here gay couples can spend time in their villa’s private pool, cruising through the property’s mangrove forests, biking to the beach, or melting into an open-air couples’ massage.

Grand Palladium White Island Resort and Spa, Ibiza, Spain

As one of the world’s most vibrant gay destinations, Ibiza is a favorite for continental travelers—especially if they’re looking for a party. This Mediterranean island off the eastern coast of Spain is bursting with posh hotels and resorts. But for LGBTQ travelers seeking all-inclusive, beachfront luxury on a grand scale, the Grand Palladium White Island Resort and Spa is a suave choice. Along with Grand Palladium’s trademark contemporary design and range of on-site restaurants and entertainment, gay and lesbian guests can enjoy amenities like the Zentropia Spa & Wellness and its fully equipped gym, several pools and Jacuzzis, sports facilities, and direct beach access.

Walt Disney World Resorts, Orlando

Disney Destinations is a longtime global partner of the IGLTA, so LGBTQ travelers can feel good about checking into Disney all-inclusive resorts, especially sprawling Disney World in Orlando. The park is welcoming all year-round, and it hosts special Pride Month events like Gay Days, held the first weekend in June. Come for the special-edition rainbow Mickey Mouse ears, stay for resort perks like Disney Dining plans, complimentary transportation, “Magical Extras” for entertainment and recreation, and other customizable packages.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If the rock-star life is calling, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana wants you to turn it up. Of all the brand’s LGBTQ-friendly all-inclusive resorts, this Dominican Republic property amps up the on-site amenities with 13 pools (with swim-up bars and water slides), nine restaurants, five bars, Oro Nightclub, a salon, a Nicklaus-designed golf course, a huge casino, and live concerts. Parents let their kids find harmony at the Kidz Bop experience, especially while tuning their own vibes to resort’s Sound Body spa, meditation, and musical fitness programs. The Hard Rock’s trademark amenities are all here, inviting guests to get expert instruction and accelerated stage training at the Music Lab, or to check out a guitar to shred on their own.

Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii

Ah, Hawaii, a wonderfully welcoming destination for any traveler. And though gay-friendly resorts are a breeze to find across the Hawaiian Islands, head to the Kahala Hotel & Resort for sunny accommodations on Honolulu’s east side. Since 1964, the Kahala’s prime spot along a stretch of white-sandy beach has lured celebrities, royalty, and international guests. The resort today offers packages with spa treatments, oceanfront yoga programs, wine tastings, and dining at its four restaurants. While the Kahala neighborhood is a tranquil spot for getaways, the hotel is just a short drive (or free shuttle) from Waikiki’s LGBTQ scene—which hosts Oahu Pride each October. Hot tip: Book a Dolphin Lanai room to overlook the Kahala’s famous dolphin and sea-turtle lagoon.

Warwick Paradise Island, Bahamas

The Bahamas are rich with all-inclusive resort options, but at the Warwick Paradise Island, LGBTQ travelers can enjoy lodging in the company of adults only. The 250-room resort is more modest than the giant Atlantis and other island lodging, giving guests a bit more serenity whether lounging poolside, relaxing with an Amber Spa treatment, or sunbathing on the resort’s private white-sandy beach. Guestrooms are spacious and sleek, many of them have private balconies and water views. At the property’s five restaurants you can go casual or sophisticated, then grab a cocktail for nightly live entertainment.

W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Dive into the local pura vida spirit at sleek, oceanfront W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal. The W is part of Marriott International, a brand that’s long welcomed LGBTQ guests to its 6,000-plus properties and is an IGLTA Platinum Global Partner. At this oceanfront resort, located about 30 minutes from the Tamarindo Airport, vacationers can take in lush landscapes, white sands, and panoramic views. All-inclusive packages make relaxing easier, whether poolside on the WET Deck, at the Zona Azul beach club, or at the resort’s restaurants, each designed to channel Costa Rica’s local culture. The AWAY Spa offers treatments for couples and singles, a nice way to unwind after activities like bike rides, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, or nature hikes.

What to Wear to an All-Inclusive Resort

More from SmarterTravel:

• The World’s 10 Best LGBTQI-Friendly Destinations
• The 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States
• The Worst People You Meet at Your All-Inclusive Resort

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Jamie Ditaranto contributed to this story.