7 Mexican resorts & hotels with fabulous style

GayCities showcases seven standout Mexican resorts and hotel options in some of the country's most popular destinations.

Mark

Aug 18, 2023 - 20:01

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7 Mexican resorts & hotels with fabulous style

A poolside party at Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta. Photo courtesy of Casa Cupula

As the most-visited country for US travelers, Mexico is known for its sun-soaked beaches, picturesque cities, and unique accommodations. There are queer-friendly Mexican resorts and boutique hotels to match any travel style, whether you’re looking for cutting-edge design, historic elegance, or a lively gay vibe.

GayCities takes an insider’s look at seven properties in some of the country’s most popular destinations to get you dreaming about your next vacation.

W Mexico City

W Hotels are known for their hip, queer-friendly vibe, and the W Mexico City is no exception. With its sleek, playful style, excellent dining, and lively events, the W is a hotspot in the heart of the city’s upscale Polanco neighborhood.

A quick look at the hotel’s event calendar provides myriad examples of what’s in store, including drag brunches and special programs for June’s Pride month. Guest rooms are colorful, contemporary, and whimsical. Treat yourself to the one-bedroom, bilevel Marvelous Suite or the cinematic Extreme WOW penthouse to take in Mexico City’s gorgeous views.

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Kempinski Hotel Cancun

An extensive overhaul to the former Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, has resulted in the debut of the Kempinski Hotel Cancun, the European hotelier’s first property on the North American continent.

A luxurious departure from Cancun’s usual all-inclusive format, the Kempinski exudes traditional elegance, with chandeliers, paintings, and sumptuous furnishings gracing the lobby area and spacious guestrooms offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

International cuisine is a big draw at the Kempinski, while the Kayanta Spa is the go-to destination for refreshing facials and massage treatments. The property’s wide beach features Cancun’s trademark white sand and turquoise waters — all just a few minutes from the famous gay beach Playa Delfines.

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Casa Habita, Guadalajara

Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is home to many great Mexican resorts, and one of the most beloved among style-conscious travelers is Casa Habita. A member of Design Hotels, Casa Habita belongs to Grupo Habita, a Mexican hotel company largely responsible for bringing boutique chic to the nation’s hospitality scene.

Located in the hip Americana neighborhood, Casa Habita is set partially within a gloriously reimagined 1940s home with 37 well-appointed guestrooms. The rooftop swimming pool and spa provide inviting places to relax. The restaurant is popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner thanks to its vintage-cool style and an extensive menu designed by chef Arturo Atemoc Coyol.

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Wayam Mundo imperial, Mérida

The pool at Mexican resort Wayam Mundo Imperial — The pool at Wayam Mundo Imperial. Photo courtesy of Wayam Mundo Imperial

As Yucatan’s state capital, Mérida has garnered a reputation with travelers seeking a hip and vibrant base for exploring the peninsula. One of the newest accommodation options is Wayam Mundo Imperial, a handsomely designed property and the city’s first hotel to receive LEED certification.

In 2022, Mundo Imperial also became the first hotel chain in Mexico to get the Queer Destinations Committed Distinction after staff at all properties received LGBTQ+ diversity training. The hotel combines urban sophistication with natural and eco-friendly elements, with 52 guest rooms, a lush central garden, an onsite restaurant, rooftop pool, and bar.

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Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is world-famous as a queer travel mecca. And Casa Cupula is one of the top boutique Mexican resorts for those who want a queer stay with extensive amenities.

Situated in the always-popular Zona Romántica neighborhood (walking distance from lots of LGBTQ+ nightlife), Casa Cupula’s amenities include a spa, gym, restaurant, and a clothing-optional pool club. Room categories include deluxe rooms with king and queen-size beds and spacious suites that up the ante on a luxurious gay stay. And you can partake in fun events, including clothing-optional pool parties and drag shows.

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Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende

Krug champagne and tasting menu and Hotel Matilda's on-site restaurant, Moxi. — Krug champagne and tasting menu at Moxi, Hotel Matilda. Photo courtesy of Hotel Matilda

San Miguel de Allende, located in Mexico’s central highlands (a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Mexico City), is known for its upscale accommodations, and Hotel Matilda is one of the best. An impressive collection of contemporary Latin American art graces the public areas, including works by Diego Rivera, and a vibrant mural overlooks the swimming pool.

The onsite restaurant, Moxi, recently introduced a new Krug champagne pairing menu. The cozy and attractive spa offers unique services, including a Balancing Hindu Treatment and a Lineal Treat incorporating mezcal (an agave-based spirit). For the ultimate accommodations, book the 570-square-foot Owner’s Suite with a private terrace and gym.

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La Valise, Tulum

Tulum has landed firmly on the itineraries of many travelers looking for a laidback getaway and has seen an uptick in the number of high-quality Mexican resorts. La Valise Tulum provides a perfect way to blend nature and comfort. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the property sits on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, with beach access and two swimming pools.

Beachfront accommodations include the 1,000-square-foot Beachfront suite, which has a king bed that can be rolled onto a private terrace for sleeping under the stars. The La Valise Spa offers indoor and outdoor treatments, and you can savor gourmet cuisine amid a jungle setting at NU Tulum, where the menu showcases locally sourced ingredients.