Playa del Carmen best hotels for gay travellers

For laidback luxury, it doesn’t get better than Hotel La Semilla. With its whitewashed walls and vintage finds hand-picked from Mexican flea markets, this charming boutique hotel feels rustic yet glamorous in all the right ways. Each of the nine rooms is unique, but we’re partial to Suite Eight with its ocean-window terrace and swoon-worthy outdoor shower. There are ample nooks for cosying up with a book in the pretty back gardens, as well as an ocean-view rooftop ideal for sipping a sundowner. Included with your stay is a decadent breakfast; expect an extensive organic spread that includes freshly baked bread, pastries, and plenty of local fruits. You’ll find La Semilla tucked away on Calle 38, a trendy street chockablock with farm-to-table restaurants, posh boutiques, and leafy patios. There’s no pool at the hotel, but a prime position just two blocks from a tranquil public beach means you won’t want for a spot to take refreshing afternoon dips. Ask the staff for a beach kit complete with towels, umbrellas, and coolers if you’re making a day of the sand and sea.

There are plenty of lavish hotels in Playa del Carmen, but Chablé Maroma sets itself apart with next-level attention to detail that somehow feels as effortless as swaying in a hammock to the balmy sea breeze. From its ideal position on dazzling Maroma Beach, subtle yet impressive decor allows the magnificent beauty of the hotel’s natural setting to take centre stage. Rope chandeliers, palm weavings from local artisans, and hand-carved stone sinks feel decidedly local, while calming aquamarines and warm wood floors promote total relaxation. When you’re not whiling away an afternoon on a sun lounger at the chic infinity pool, head to the spa for Mayan-inspired treatments or even a Temazcal ceremony led by a local shaman. Feeling reclusive? Each casita comes equipped with a private pool, spacious palm-fringed deck, and indoor-outdoor showers.

Also in the Mayakoba area is the Banyan Tree, an elegant beachfront hotel that pays homage to the hotel brand’s Asian origins. Think: a grand pagoda-style entrance, ornate wooden furniture, and even traditional Thai greetings from staff members. While the zen atmosphere might not be what you’d initially expect when escaping to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, there’s no denying the allure of the place—or the winning mix of Asian design with a passion for Mexican culture. Don’t miss the spa here, which specializes in time-honoured healing traditions; the Rainforest Indulgence is a true tonic for the soul. Villas are incredibly private, each with a pool, and a few are multi-bedroom should you be travelling with friends or family in tow.

Travellers seeking to soothe the mind and senses while reconnecting to self will have a hard time finding a more fitting retreat than The House of AïA. Sandwiched between abundant jungle and the tranquil Caribbean Sea, this all-inclusive is all about ultimate wellness—going far beyond your typical detox. Cacao ceremonies, sound therapies, and yoga classes are par for the course. There are four on-site restaurants and a trendy food truck offering plant-based menus revolving around local, organic ingredients and cooked up by Michelin-trained chefs. When you’re not partaking in a guided meditation session or a traditional Temazcal ceremony, the infinity pools and secluded white sand beaches do the trick to keep your carefree state of mind dialled in.