A Guide to Gay-Friendly Hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Aug 16, 2020

GayTravel.com is proud to support Mexico, our great friend, and neighbor, as a country that welcomes LGBT travelers with an inclusive spirit and vibe. Mexico is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse places in the world.

Why not see for yourself and travel to Mexico with us! GayTravel.com enthusiastically presents an "ultimate guide" of safe and welcoming resorts in Mexico starting with lovely Los Cabos! Next stop? Cancun and beautiful Riviera Maya! No trip to the Yucatán Penninsula would be complete without topping it off in the city of Mérida! We hope you will enjoy our series featuring various and diverse Mexican destinations!

Cancun, Riviera Maya. and Mérida

The Caribbean coast of Mexico never seems to wane in popularity. No doubt its bewitching mix of white sand and turquoise waters, its warm year-round temperatures, and its accessibility all play a role.

Between Cancun and all of the coastal villages forming the Riviera Maya to the south plus all of the Maya cultural attractions of the Yucatán Penninsula and the city of Mérida, gay travelers will find a huge variety of experiences to savor — everything from snorkeling to visiting Mayan ruins to indulging in spa treatments.

The highlight of any gay Mexico vacation is checking into your luxurious home away from home, which is precisely we’ve highlighted our favorite hotels in the region for our audience of savvy gay travelers. Look for the GayTravel Approved^® seal of approval for extra assurance that you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Read our full gay travel guides to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and captivating Mérida

Cancun

Mexico’s premier beach destination, Cancun is split into two ever-busy areas: the downtown “El Centro” district, with an urban feel, and the Hotel Zone, a skinny barrier island lined with megaresorts. In Cancun, gay-friendly bars and activities are clustered near Boulevard Kukulcan downtown.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun — 2020 GayTravel Approved Luxury^®

A stunning private beach and ocean-view balconies are just a few luxe touches that draw LGBT travelers to this 5-star retreat, which won a 2018 GayTravel Award in the “Hotel Luxury, Mexico” category. Foodies will be spoiled for choice — there are nine dining options on site here, including an upscale Mediterranean restaurant and a lively sushi bar. Don’t miss nightly jazz at The Club Grill.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa — 2020 GayTravel Approved^®

With eight on-site restaurants and two bars, there’s no chance you’ll go hungry at this 5-star gem in Cancun’s electric Hotel Zone. Settle into bright, airy rooms with luxury beddings, marble bathrooms, and mini-bars. For the perfect gay honeymoons in Mexico, make an appointment for a stress-relieving custom package at the hotel’s award-winning spa.

Marriott Cancun Resort — 2020 GayTravel Approved^®

Close to Kukulcan Plaza, Luxury Avenue, La Isla Shopping Village, and Coco Bongo, the 4-star Marriot Cancun Resort offers newly renovated rooms with marble bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the bright-blue sea. Got a craving? Satisfy it at one of ten on-site dining options.

Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina — 2020 GayTravel Approved®

Renaissance is a French word that means "rebirth" and at the Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina, your "New Beginnings" await! What could be more lovely than celebrating life's most important moments? After all, this is what life is all about!

Riviera Maya

A tourism district comprising several marvelous beachfront communities south of Cancun — including Tulum, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal —the Riviera Maya is known for beautiful boutique hotels, pristine beaches, and fine dining establishments, not to mention fewer crowds. This beloved region won a 2018 GayTravel Award in the “Destination Honeymoon” category.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya — 2020 GayTravel Approved^®

Featuring easy access to the 18-hole El Camaleón Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, and the Mayakoba Tennis Center, the 5-star Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is located along the hush-hush northeastern stretch of coastline near Playa del Carmen. Gay Mexico weddings are a breeze with the hotel’s dedicated wedding consultants, who will handle all the details and logistics for your special day. Among gay Playa del Carmen hotels, this one is a true standout.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba — 2020 GayTravel Approved^®

For the best gay vacations in Mexico, set yourself up at the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a AAA Five-Diamond property on an immaculate stretch of white sand. This resort serves as a splendid base for enjoying the best of the region, from freshwater lagoons and mangroves to buzzing coral reefs and windswept dunes. It’s ideal for a gay Mexico trip that includes outdoor activities, fine dining, and high-end spa experiences.

The Fairmont Mayakoba — 2020 GayTravel Approved Luxury®

This stunning property is nestled within a beautiful natural settings and crystal-clear waters. This is a special place where you can make your dreams come true. Here are just a few things you may wish to do while you're there:

1. Indulge your senses in Willow Stream Spa with our local Melipona honey bee treatments.
2. Capture unique moments with the on-property birdwatching boat tours.
3. Ride a bike throughout the resort with your family.
4. Join the Coral Reef Reforestation snorkeling activity.

Oh, and there is so much more including simply strolling the breath-taking beach with the one you love!

Mérida

No trip to the Yucatán Penninsula would be complete without a visit to what is quickly becoming the ultimate gay city destination in Mexico - none other than fabulous Mérida! This city blends together the heritage of Colonial Mexico with the fascinating Mayan Civilization. Mérida is a great walking city and you'll find plenty to keep you intrigued and curious. In fact, the more time you spend in Mérida, the more you'll discover why it's the "new darling" of Mexico for gay travelers!

Where to stay in Mérida?

Wayam Mundo Imperial — 2020 GayTravel Approved®

The first LEED-Certified Hotel in Mérida is our pick. Wayam Mundo Imperial is not your typical hotel. You'll enjoy its unique attributes and its freshness is perfectly juxtaposed with the history of the "White City" of Mérida.

We hope you enjoy Mexico as much as we do! Please return to gaytravel.com for "more of The Ultimate LGBT Resort Guide to Mexico" -- head to Mexico City and Querétaro next! To our neighbors and friends in Mexico, ¡Viva México!