10 must-see spots to “hang out with gay men” in Costa Rica
This 65-year-old Instagram queen has us craving a Costa Rican getaway.
Mark
Our goal in life at 65 years old? To be like Sue.
Allow us to introduce you to @sueincostarica, a Costa Rica-based content creator who shares her wisdom, good vibes, and adventures with 19.2K followers. And as she explained in a recent video, she’s got one goal in life: “Hang out with gay men.”
We’re all ears.
Watch.
“I want to keep it simple, I want to keep it concise, I want to keep it familiar,” she explained of her aspirations. “And you know, maybe eventually do something about the hair, but you know, maybe not. I am who I am.”
In other videos, the retiree and artist shares videos talking about her New York days, when she drew a mole on with a Sharpie to look like Madonna, embracing her inner child who “wants to be a mermaid and eat bologna sandwiches and drink grape soda,” and, oh yeah, hugging hot men.
We’re just a little jealous!
To be fair, Sue has a great taste in places to relax; Costa Rica is a beautiful Central American country with scenic cities like Manuel Antonio, the resident gay go-to, and its capitol San José, which has a blossoming LGBTQ+ scene.
That said, Costa Rica is a little more socially conservative, so the queer community is a bit more discreet. But make no mistake, there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and float in the glorious sun with the gays and your gal pal.
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And luckily for Sue, we’re experts.
Below, we plot out 10 places we’d love to see our Instagram queen hang with the gays in Costa Rica…
1. Gaia Hotel & Nature Reserve
Located in Manuel Antonio, Gaia Hotel & Nature Reserve is an adults-only, LGBTQ+-friendly resort perched on a high hilltop. Not only is this 5-star boutique eco-hotel absolutely gorgeous with a sky-lounge and clear-blue pools, it’s the perfect showcase of Costa Rica’s nature.
In particular, their Scarlet Macaw rehabilitation program allows you to get up-close and personal with the majestic birds — and it offers tours only to guests.
2. Ronny’s Place
Ronny’s Place might be nestled down a rough road, but this Latin American eatery is an absolute favorite among Manuel Antonio locals. During the daytime, you can catch scenic ocean views from its patio seating, dine on fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, skewers, or sip their dangerously delicious house-specialty drink.
What can we say? Ronny knows how to make a cocktail!
3. Club El Teatro
Club El Teatro, or Theatre Club, is a dazzling San José gay bar and lounge where the motto is, “Mi casa, tu casa!” Every corner is drenched in neon, and there’s no bad spot to watch dazzling drag queens, sip a cocktail, or dance with a handsome stranger.
4. Hotel Nantipa
Nestled in the heart of Santa Teresa in San José, Hotel Nantipa is a mind-blowingly gorgeous beachfront luxury boutique hotel that’s been featured by Vogue and National Geographic.
While we’d love to get a facial and frozen drink with Sue at their acclaimed wellness center and restaurant, the biggest sell is the view. Naturally, their beachfront villas, bungalows, and suites are impeccably decorated.
5. Playitas Beach
The cozy Playitas Beach might be a small spot, but with a beachfront restaurant and a queer-friendly crowd, it’s more than worth the trip. Just don’t forget the sunblock!
6. Arbol de Seda
Arbol de Seda is a queer-owned vegetarian cafe that specializes in Peruvian and Mediterranean dishes with Asian fusion, as well as smoothies and some of the best local coffee you’ll find in San José.
Of course, this community-centered space is bigger than grub. As their social media reveals, they specialize in blindfolded dinners, performances, and get-togethers.
7. The Retreat
The Retreat, located near San José, is “idyllic,” personified. With jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean and tranquility abound, this mixed gay and straight wellness hub (which was voted No. 1 Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice) is the ultimate accommodations for those seeking serious R&R.
There’s open-air yoga, a world-class spa, meditation classes, farm-to-table cuisine, and nature-focused excursions, so expect The Retreat to deliver on its name in every sense.
Sue, prepare for some deep heart-to-hearts in the pools here!
8. Manuel Antonio Public Beach
It takes 30 minutes to walk from one end of Manuel Antonio Public Beach to the other, but boy, is it filled with eye candy! Featuring long stretches of white sand, free access, and a LGBTQ+-friendly vibe, it’s a go-to for swimming, surfing, and basking under the sunset.
9. Simple Fresh Eatery & Coffee Bar
Simple Fresh Eatery & Coffee Bar is a queer-owned restaurant that prioritizes natural ingredients, inventive recipes, and pura vida. Check out their expansive breakfast and brunch menu, including sandwiches, shakshuka, and benedicts, and made-to-order salads, protein bowls, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
10. La Avispa
La Avispa, a.k.a. The Wasp, is one of San José’s oldest and most fabulous gay bars. With thumping Latin and pop beats, big screens, performances, and event nights, the two-story club compels swaths of both gays and straights to make the trek for a joyous night out.
So, Sue, when are we gonna dance to some Bad Bunny?!
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