The March wedding of actor Jonathan Bennett (known for his role in the film “Mean Girls”) and Jaymes Vaughn at Unico 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya was a high-profile example of the LGBTQ friendliness of many all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. But the fact that Bennett says he was denied a same-sex destination wedding by another all-inclusive property last year underscores the need for LGBTQ travelers to choose accommodations carefully.
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, a member of AIC Hotel Group, is one of many Mexico resorts that describe themselves as LGBTQ-friendly. But how do you ensure that an all-inclusive hotel is truly, well, inclusive when it comes to welcoming diverse guests?
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to find safe and comfortable all-inclusive hotels for LGBTQ vacationers in Mexico. As one of the most progressive nations in Latin America, Mexico is home to some of the hemisphere’s most popular destinations for this niche, and many hoteliers have been enthusiastic about jumping on the bandwagon to create a comfortable environment for all types of visitors.
To find the best all-inclusive Mexico resorts for LGBTQ travelers, it can be helpful to consider two key factors: corporate policies and track record.
Book Hotels With Progressive Corporate Policies and Diversity Awards
Equitable treatment often works best when it comes from the top, so it’s no surprise that corporate policies that foster inclusion and diversity can be a noteworthy indicator of a hotel company’s ability to treat all guests well.
International hotel companies such as Hilton and Marriott International, both of which operate all-inclusive hotels in Mexico, have made public their respect for LGBTQ travelers and employees alike through corporate nondiscrimination policies, as well as membership in organizations like the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). Booking hotels that follow progressive corporate guidelines is one way to ensure a consistency of service and equal treatment for all guests, regardless of destination.
Marriott International, for example, operates several all-inclusive properties in Mexico, including Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort, and Royalton CHIC Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino.
A number of Mexico properties within the AMR Collection portfolio are also members of IGLTA, including Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort and Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. It might be helpful to also explore the TAG-approved hotels from the Travel Advocacy Group, an organization that evaluates LGBTQ-friendly hotels based on their employment policies services and support for the community.
A company’s working environment is another indicator of its approach to diversity. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, for example, recently recognized IHG Hotels & Resorts in Mexico as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.” That award bodes well for the company’s all-inclusive properties, which include the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive.
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos recently received Queer Destinations Committed Entity certification from Queer Destinations.
Credit: 2022 AIC Hotel GroupA hotel’s staff education can go a long way toward helping a hotelier improve its LGBTQ-friendly approach. To that end, the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, which is part of AIC Hotel Group, recently received Queer Destinations Committed Entity certification from Queer Destinations, an LGBTQ tourism company that conducts awareness programs and consulting, including employee training designed to increase knowledge about the needs of diverse travelers.
LGBTQ-Friendly Track Records
Another way to judge the friendliness of Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts is by looking at their proximity to gay-friendly attractions in the area, such as bars or shows, and their track records for hosting LGBTQ groups and events.
For LGBTQ destination weddings, for example, the website GayDestinationWeddings.com recommends a variety of properties, including El Dorado Seaside Suites, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and Royalton Riviera Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, along with Sandos Cancun.
Properties that host LGBTQ vacation events are also on the radar of many travelers. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, for example, will host a complete LGBTQ resort buyout from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, 2022, for a Halloween and Day of the Dead vacation celebration created by LGBTQ vacation operator Vacaya. The package includes access to the resort’s 11 restaurants and bars and a variety of on-site amenities and activities, including a dance party and a poolside Halloween costume event.
Big Fab Productions, meanwhile, is hosting a Big Fab Pride Trip May 26-30 at Planet Hollywood Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. The four-day, pride-themed celebration includes a variety of events and fundraisers for LGBTQ organizations.
Plans are already underway for 2023, as well. A company called MrGaycation is offering an all-inclusive LGBTQ vacation package May 20-27, 2023, at the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta, with activities including day-time pool festivities, evening dance parties, local excursions and live entertainment that includes comedians, cabaret performers and drag queens.
