From ancient Mayan ruins and bustling markets to sugary beaches and exhilarating dance clubs, Mexico’s magical peninsulas invite travelers to immerse themselves in an enticing fusion of leisure, luxury, and adventure. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready for a summer getaway exploring the sights, rhythms, and flavors of the Yucatán and Baja Peninsulas. 

Cancun

A glittering waypoint on Mexico's Caribbean coastline, Cancun is a dream destination for those seeking a laid-back beach vacation by day and a sizzling club scene by night. Enjoy powder white sand, electrifying discotecas, and colorful markets – all in one sensational place. Come for the palapas, stay for the party.  

Cancun

Gay Play | Hotel Zone

Whether you’re looking to indulge in sunkissed fun, showstopping entertainment, or delectable food – you’ll find all of it and more in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Framed by the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon, the Hotel Zone is a lively strip of beachfront resorts peppered with attractions from high-end shopping malls to vibrant nightclubs. 

The Hotel Zone also boasts one of the area’s most popular beaches–especially among LGBTQ+ visitors–Playa Delfines. Take a dip in the vivid turquoise waves or book a glamorous Flying Dress Photoshoot and transform your beach day into a stunning keepsake. If you need a break from the sun, cool off with some retail therapy at La Isla–an open-air shopping complex featuring luxury fashion brands, dining, and entertainment venues. 

For dinner, head to the immersive Funky Geisha located inside Bohemian Square, an avant-garde collective of culinary experiences and breathtaking art installations, amid lush mangroves overlooking Nichupté Lagoon. Then, dance the night away at the incomparable Coco Bongo, Mexico’s hottest disco, featuring incredible acrobat shows, musical extravaganzas, and so much more. 

Gay Slay | JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Why we love it: Beachfront location in the Hotel Zone. Luxurious wellness treatments at the award-winning Sens Yah Spa. World-class dining options. Adults-only freeform pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Lobby Bar boasts a curated menu of 150 Margaritas. 

JW Marriott Cancun

Gay Stay | Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

Why we love it: Premier waterfront location in Puerto Cancún resort community. Convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment at the Marina Town Center. Onsite 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Private dining with 24-hour room service. 

Renaissance Cancun

Riviera Maya

Natural wonders meet modern luxury on the shimmering shores of this Yucatán gem. Famous for its captivating archeological sites and world-renowned resorts, the Riviera Maya is a coveted destination among adventurers and vacationers alike. From pristine beaches and lush jungles to dazzling entertainment and scintillating nightlife, you’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable escape. 

Gay Play | Playa del Carmen

Whatever you’re craving, Playa del Carmen makes it easy to curate your dream getaway with itinerary options for every vibe. Playa del Carmen Beach offers an expansive stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear aquamarine waters, and a wide variety of shops, bars, and eateries lining the beachfront. 

Mamitas Beach – a trendy destination among the LGBTQ+ community–is home to Mamitas Beach Club, a lively hotspot for oceanfront drinking, dining, and dancing. Explore 5 breathtaking cenotes and an underground grotto at Ecopark Kantun Chi, a natural adventure park in the Mayan jungle. Treat yourself to a perfect blend of natural beauty and exquisite fare at Alux Restaurant & Lounge, an exclusive fine dining experience inside a centuries-old cavern. Savor mouthwatering regional cuisine at the jungle-inspired La Cueva del Chango or head to Cassa Ceviche for a Peruvian menu boasting the “best Ceviche within the Riviera Maya.” 

For a cosmopolitan shopping experience, visit Paseo del Carmen, a lovely open-air shopping mall with Mediterranean flair. Catch a whimsical production of JOYÀ by Cirque du Soleil or dance and drink your way through Playa del Carmen’s hottest nightclubs

Gay Stay | The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai

Why we love it: Located within a 620-acre nature reserve with two miles of white-sand beaches and a lush mangrove forest. A gorgeous lagoon-sized pool and yoga deck. Exclusive onsite Beach Club. Largest penthouse suite in North America. 

Kanai

Gay Stay | The St. Regis Kanai Resort

Why we love it: Beachside location within a 620-acre mangrove reserve. Mayan cosmology-inspired wellness treatments at The St. Regis Spa Kanai. Three luxurious pools, plus a whirlpool. Five exquisite dining experiences including Mexican cacao and Afternoon Tea in The Library and an adults-only Beach Club. 

St Regis

Cozumel 

Sun worshipers, water lovers, and influencers flock to this dreamy island year-round for paradisical beaches, world-class snorkeling, and an iconic backdrop that captures the essence of a tropical vacation. While Cozumel is a major tourist destination, local hidden gems abound–from tucked away cafes and downtown cantinas to artisan handicrafts and traditional Mexican markets. 

Gay Play | San Miguel de Cozumel

Between the lively Hotel Zone and Cozumel’s walkable downtown district, your itinerary will be overflowing with exciting ways to explore the island. Book a private cabana or palapa at an exclusive beach club like Buccanos or The Cabana Beach and take advantage of fabulous amenities from snorkeling tours to oceanfront massages. Or head to Hemingway, one of Cozumel’s popular beach bars. Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at the award-winning Casa Mission or treat your taste buds to regional seafood dishes at La Monina, a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water. 

Discover handcrafted souvenirs and other local treasures at Los Cinco Soles, an incredible destination shop featuring authentically made handcrafts, silver jewelry, and even gourmet Mexican vanilla. Don’t miss a night out at Pose Drinks & Tapas, Cozumel’s premier gay bar featuring karaoke and drag performances! Delight in locally sourced tapas, colorful craft cocktails, and a welcoming, glittery atmosphere. 

Gay Stay | The Westin Cozumel 

Why we love it: Home to the highest bar in Cozumel, Sky Lounge. Semi-olympic sized pool and the Sky Lounge rooftop infinity pool. Oceanfront wellness treatments at Zazil Spa. Option to upgrade stay to All-Inclusive. Select rooms include a private plunge pool or whirlpool with an ocean view. 

Westin Cozumel

Los Cabos

Embark on a whirlwind vacation on the Baja Peninsula, where the desert greets the sea and a wonderland of outdoor excursions and sumptuous culinary experiences await. Come play in a dynamic landscape of dramatic sea cliffs, golden dunes, and the captivating Sea of Cortés–which Jacques Cousteau aptly dubbed “the aquarium of the world.” 

Gay Play | Cabo San Lucas 

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class resort city famous for its nonstop nightlife, jaw-dropping scenery, and luxurious oceanfront attractions. Cabo’s eclectic geography means countless options for outdoor fun – from sailing to canyon ziplining to desert off-roading in a Razor ATV. The iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco) is a bucket list must-do. This natural rock formation marks the spot where the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean meets the turquoise Sea of Cortés. Charter a water taxi from Marina Cabo San Lucas or book a private yacht excursion, with a stop at the enchanting Lover’s Beach. After a full day in the sun, unwind with an ambient dining experience. 

At Lorenzillos, seafood lovers can dive into a succulent feast of fresh lobster and other regional delicacies inside an elegant waterfront palapa. Indulge in Mediterranean haute cuisine at the award-winning Sunset Monalisa, a stunning open-air venue overlooking El Arco. RosaNegra entices the senses with fine Latin American fare and live entertainment including a fire show and bongo show. 

For shopping, Luxury Avenue offers high-end fashion brands in a waterfront boutique mall, while Mercado de Artesanias features local vendors selling souvenirs and handicrafts. When the sun sets, keep the party going at one of Cabo’s premier nightclubs.

Gay Stay | JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa | Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

Why we love it: Beachfront location in the heart of San Jose del Cabo. Six unique dining venues and bars. Adults-only saltwater pool. Signature Los Cabos Golf Club with a Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman-designed championship courses. 

JW Marriott Los Cabos

Gay Slay | Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort 

Why we love it: Beachfront location overlooking the Sea of Cortés. Bike trails. Onsite clubs for kids and teens. Onsite indigenous gallery. Aesthetic dining venues. Home of Baja’s only Thalasso therapy wellness spa. Awarded The Best Place To Work for LGBT Community from HRCF.

Solaz

View More Gaycations Articles

Join the conversation

You Might Also Like