Many of the best gay-friendly resorts in Costa Rica are in San Jose, but there are a few others in Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo. The Colours Oasis Lifestyle resort in San Jose remains one of the best gay all-inclusive resorts so far, among a few other worthy alternatives.
Having lived in Costa Rica for three months now, I’ve been lucky to spend some time with some gay locals and a few expats. My relationship with these friends has exposed me to some of the best places around the country where they hang out and lodge.
In this article, I have gathered and reviewed eight of the best resorts that appeal more to gay travelers. I even had to reach out to some locals to ensure my recommendations were ideal. I will show you the pros and cons of each option and the kind of amenities you can expect to enjoy at each resort.
Key Takeaways
- Focusing on San Jose or Manuel Antonio, which have attracted LGBTQ travelers for decades, makes it easier to find more gay-friendly resorts in Costa Rica.
- Some of the popular recommendations in many review sites for gay-friendly hotels are no longer what they used to be. So don’t be surprised to find new recommendations in this review.
- In case you don’t have all the time to read, I’ve prepared a table below containing my Top recommendations on the best gay resorts in Costa Rica, their towns, and why they are recommended.
- Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each resort before making your final decision.
Overview of the Best Gay Resort in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is currently ranked among the top gay-friendly destinations in Central America. There are more local gay scenes in places like Manuel Antonio and San Jose, which explains why more gay travelers are booking vacations here.
In no particular order, here’s a list of the best gay resorts in Costa Rica and what makes them stand out for this review:
| Best Gay Resorts | Town/Address | Why I Recommend |
| The Colors Oasis Lifestyle resort | Blvr Rohrmoser Esquina NO del Triangulo, Pavas, San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica, 60111. | best overall option |
| Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel | Manuel Antonio Km. 2.7, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica | For gay lovers looking to splurge on a luxurious stay in Costa Rica, |
| Andaz Costa Rica Resort | Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo Peninsula, 50104, Costa Rica | best gay resort with beach access |
| Jungle Gayborhood | Diamante Valley, San José Province, San Salvador de Baru, Costa Rica | It is primarily dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. |
| The Springs Resort and Spa | 9 km east and 4 km north of the center of La Fortuna, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica | The best gay resort with great views |
| Oxygen Jungle Villas | Puntarenas Province, Uvita, Costa Rica | best gay Resort in Uvita with jungle-side, secluded vibes |
| TICO TICO VILLAS | Manuel Antonio, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica | A safe, gated, small, gay-friendly property. |
| El Silencio Lodge & Spa | Northwest from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO, 65 kilometers, Provincia de Alajuela, Bajos del Toro, 20101, Costa Rica) | luxury hideaway and soul retreat in Costa Rica |
UNPOPULAR OPINION:
You will notice that my recommendations do not include the famous Hotel Villa Roca, which could be pretty shocking because the resort is popularly known as the LGBTIQ Boutique of Costa Rica, coupled with the excellent wildlife scenery.
Well, that used to be then. My recent visit to this resort revealed otherwise. VR seems nice to stay at, but the gay beach is gone, ruined by a luxury hotel.
We don’t want our readers to believe the propaganda marketing about Villa Roca being some LGBTQ paradise. It used to be years ago, but it has changed.
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Full Review of the Best Gay-friendly Resorts in Costa Rica
Let’s now look into these resorts one after the other so you can know what to expect if you decide to lodge at any of them.
1. The Colors Oasis Lifestyle resort
- Address: Blvr Rohrmoser Esquina NO del Triangulo, Pavas, San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica, 60111.
- Contact: Info@coloursoasis.com
- Rating: 4/5 on Tripadvisor
The Colors Oasis Lifestyle isn’t categorically a resort, but it has all the amenities needed to make your stay an all-inclusive one. But most importantly, if you’re looking for a friendly and comfortable LGBT base to spend a couple of nights in San Jose, I totally recommend the Colors Oasis.
One of the perks is that they are easily contactable by WhatsApp. Food and drinks (especially breakfast) are excellent here.
They have a beautiful pool area with lots of tropical plants.
Staying at this gay-friendly resort costs around $65 to $75 per night, making it one of the most affordable options.
What I like about this resort
- It’s the best gay play you can find in San Jose currently
- It is pretty affordable compared to most other places in San Jose, costing over $200 per night.
- Breakfast is served each morning, which you order off the menu
- Despite being gay-friendly, you still see some straight women hanging out with gay friends at the small bar
What I dislike about this resort
- Some reviewers would say that the property itself has an outdated look, but that’s what adds to its charm.
- You will need to take a taxi or Uber to go to restaurants (about a 20-minute ride to downtown).
2. Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Address: Manuel Antonio Km. 2.7, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2777 9797
- Rating: 5/5 on Tripadvisor
If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio and are looking for a gay-friendly place to lodge, consider Gaia.
It’s a luxury, eco-friendly hotel and reserve. The highlight for me at this location was the site with a balcony overlooking the ocean. You can even get to see some wildlife around the resort since it’s nestled in the jungle area. You will also be given a concierge who will oversee your stay.
You will also be offered a free walk through the hotel’s nature reserve. It’s very steep, and in the humidity was not easy, but it was so worth it with the wildlife you’ll see from the top.
What I like about this resort
- La Luna restaurant was the best place to eat at this gay-friendly resort.
- Beautiful, lush forest is right on the property, with a private guided tour included
- Huge rooms
- Nice pool
- Very timely shuttle service
What I dislike about this resort
- The restaurant menu is limited, and the food is just okay.
- The hotel isn’t close to many other food options, though there are restaurants at the beach, accessible by shuttle.
3. Andaz Costa Rica Resort
- Address: Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo Peninsula, 50104, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 2690 1234
- Rating: 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor
Andaz is known for being many things, including one of the best bases for gays and lesbians. The luxury resort has about 152 guest rooms, including 21 luxury suites and 25 multi-bedroom villas with private pools.
You have access to four restaurants, a spa, four pools, including an adults-only pool, and three pristine beaches, including a recently opened beach club.
As a gay couple coming to Costa Rica and looking for an all-inclusive resort, look no further than Andaz ColorsResort. I recommend it for its first-class amenities, excellent service, and attention to detail.
Budget around $825 per night at the Adaz Costa Rica resort.
What I like about this resort
- You’ll love the La Piazza pop-up restaurant!
- Fantastic pool options
- The grounds allow you to explore many of the trails, and you can see white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, coati-mundi, and tons of iguanas.
- The main beach at the hotel offers snorkeling
- The pool movie was also very nice
What I dislike about this resort
- The crowd at the Casa de Playa beach, which is the USP of the resort,.
- Expensive
4. Jungle Gayborhood
- Address: Diamante Valley, San José Province, San Salvador de Baru, Costa Rica
- Contact: 18554586167
One of the reasons you’re looking for a gay resort in Costa Rica is probably because you need a place that provides the queer community with a safe space for self-exploration even while staying in the country.
This is precisely why Jungle Gayborhood was established. The LGBTQ+ retreat center in San Jose Province has accommodation options ranging from shared 4-bed Jungle Cabins to Private Twin Jungle Cabins. It costs around $170 per night for two adults at this location.
The best part is that each campus has a bamboo design and still gives you a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle.
It’s 7.9 miles from Nauyaca Waterfalls.
What I like about this resort
- Affordable option
- There are private showers, but the group shower (covered in natural vines and flowers) is a better experience.
- They also have two amazing pups.
- A safe, open, and accepting queer space where you can be yourself without fear
What I dislike about this resort
- There is a lack of big directional signs, but that’s the case all over Costa Rica!
- It’s not stated on the website that customers need 4×4 vehicles to reach the place.
5. The Springs Resort and Spa
- Address: 9 Km west and 4 km north of the center of la Fortuna, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
- Contact: +1 954-727-8333
- Rating: 5/5 on Tripadvisor
Apart from being one of the best and perhaps the only popular gay-friendly resorts in La Fortuna, The Springs is an excellent choice for its spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs, and full-service Spa.
It’s expensive, though. Expect to pay around $950 per night at this resort.
The Springs tend to favor families more with its water slide, signature putt-putt course, kids’ game room, and the on-site Club Rio Adventure Center.
What I like about this resort
- Beautifully maintained, gorgeous views
- Huge and well-appointed rooms
- Hot springs are on the premises in the fantastic pools with a swim-up bar
- Excellent game room for kids
- Tres Casada restaurant and Tree Top Grill, respectively, have good food and great views.
- They transport people around on golf carts and an on-premise shuttle to get to Club Rio.
What I dislike about this resort
- The game room is only open until noon, which can be harsh on a rainy day
- It’s a rainforest, so it rains, and this can also obstruct the volcano view
- The resort is expensive, but they have a lot going on and ample staff to serve people.
6. Oxygen Jungle Villas
- Address:: Puntarenas Province, Uvita, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 8322 4773
- Rating: 5/5 on Tripadvisor
If you prefer a gay-friendly resort in a secluded jungle area in the Uvita area of Costa Rica, consider the Oxygen Jungle Villas. They cost around $193 per night.
They have up to 12 Balinese-style suites here. You will wake up to the howler monkeys and many opportunities for hiking, whale watching, or diving exhibitions.
You’ll have to rent a 4X4 for surfing in Dominical and snorkeling in Marino Ballena National Park. There’s even the option to dine at Ojochal when the sun sets.
What I like about this resort
- Nice view and rooms.
- Efficient free Wi-Fi
- Good staff and affordable accommodation
What I dislike about this resort
- Expensive restaurant
- Tricky road to access the hotel.
7. TICO TICO VILLAS
- Address: Manuel Antonio, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica
- Contact: +506 8717 6012
- Rating: 5/5 on Tripadvisor
I recommend Tico Tico villa for a genuinely gay trip to Manuel Antonio. What makes it unique is that the destination was established by gay couples, and it is a gay-focused property that features 12 boutique rooms and abundant communal spaces.
Expect to pay around $110 per night at Tico Tico Villas.
It’s adult-only and right off the Manuel Antonios main road that extends to the national park.
What I like about this resort
- beautifully maintained garden
- Nice outside terrace
- Bus stops in front of the door, both towards the beach to National Park and to Quepos (355 colon pp).
What I dislike about this resort
- The hotel does not have an option for breakfast.
- The hotel is on a busy road.
8. El Silencio Lodge & Spa
- Address: northwest of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO, 65 kilometers, Provincia de Alajuela, Bajos del Toro, 20101, Costa Rica)
- Contact: +506 4070 1100
- Rating: 5/5 on Tripadvisor
With only $432 per night, you can enjoy staying at one of the best gay-friendly resorts in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica.
It’s a tropical forest reserve with a river and waterfall-laden mountains surrounding it.
I love how each cabin suite features eco-friendly bamboo, and the on-site Los Ventanas restaurant serves hyper-local food.
Aside from being very supportive in accommodating the LGBTQ community, guests have access to daily hikes, spa treatments, and yoga sessions, and our best thing here is the home-brewed beer at Toro Bohemio Bar.
What I like about this resort
- Located in the middle of waterfalls
- Onsite waterfalls
- Adventure park with zip lines
What I dislike about this resort
- Poor options for vegetarians
- It is difficult to schedule times for activities
- Isolated and not close to anything
- Some rooms have views of other rooms instead of nature.
Now that you have discovered the gay resorts in Costa Rica, you can begin planning your Costa Rican gay wedding by checking out our Full Guide to Costa Rica Gay Weddings.
The Bottom Line
You’re not limited when it comes to choosing a gay resort in Costa Rica. Most of the best options are around San Jose, Manuel Antonio, and a few in Quepos town.
To make the best choice, focus on the one that provides a private, comfortable, clean, and safe environment. This is why I totally recommend The Colors Oasis Lifestyle gay resort in San Jose.
When investigating these hotels, I also took note of their friendly staff, dining options, and ocean-view rooms (for those with beach access). So you can be sure that anyone you pick from this review won’t be regrettable.
Meanwhile, if you’re into gay nightlife, stick to resorts in San José. In the town, there is a ton of gay life, but with a much more local vibe.
For the best experience, I recommend staying in a gay resort in Manuel Antonio and visiting San José over the weekend for gay nightlife.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
