Top 11 Gay-Friendly Hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

It’s safe to say that the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is nothing less than sun, sand, and sea Disneyland. And the dazzling Punta Cana is the capital of this decadent land! Punta Cana is the perfect place to enjoy a hassle-free Caribbean holiday, Boasting one of the most idyllic environs in the Caribbean. What’s more, it’s known as one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the Caribbean – and for a good reason! First of all, there are many gay hotels in Punta Cana with friendly and welcoming LGBT-friendly staff. This is in a majorly catholic country and not the most gay-friendly. However, Punta Cana is different from the rest of the Dominican Republic and is home to a slew of gay-friendly resorts. What’s more, this hotspot also hosts Caribbean Pride and gay weddings!

But that’s not all that makes Punta Cana one of the top places you must visit in the Dominican Republic. It’s also home to some incredible white-sand beaches and laidback nightlife. Water babies will especially love the bevy of possible water activities here. Plus, the capital and fellow gay destination, Santo Domingo, is just two hours away. Despite not being a gayborhood or gay bar per se, Punta Cana is a much-loved Caribbean destination for LGBTQ travelers. To that end, here are the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana.

Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort & Club

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Few travelers to the DR wouldn’t have heard about Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort & Club. One of the most lavish gay hotels in Punta Cana, this Oscar de la Renta-designed elegant all-suite hotel sits on a pretty and private section of the beach right on the country’s eastern tip. The place is classically tropical in design; think canary yellow two-storeyed villas with French windows and Bermuda-style roofs. Service is friendly, informal, and very efficient. Gay travelers will love luxurious amenities such as the Six Senses Spa, a golf course, a fitness center, kayaks, and sunbeds on the beach. What’s more, there’s even an Oscar de la Renta boutique on the property.

Dig into Mediterranean, grill, and seafood cuisines at the many restaurants, with the poolside one being charming. All suites are huge, right from the one-bedroom junior ones to the four-bedroom villas. Moreover, they all overlook the sea through a cluster of palm trees and have plush beds, mod-cons, and huge bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs. It’s no wonder that this is also one of the Dominican Republic’s top gay-friendly hotels.

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Eden Roc at Cap Cana

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LGBT travelers looking for a serene yet luxurious love nest will love Eden Roc at Cap Cana, one of the loveliest gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. Located south of Punta Cana, the crowd-free resort feels like it’s in a world of its own. Despite that, the property is indulgent to boot, with golf carts to get you around and the unspoiled beach a five-minute walk from your villa. Every nook and cranny is beautifully designed with cool and calm colors, tropical prints, and plenty of light. Choose from 34 villas and 26 beachfront suites, each of which comes with its own rechargeable golf cart, private garden, and plunge pool. The Luxury Pool Junior Suites have Dominican art, Italian-like interiors, and floor-to-ceiling windows for a splurge. In-room iPads allow you to control sounds, TVs, and light, while the bathrooms have decadent outdoor rain showers, stone tubs, and marble floors.

Warm and friendly service aside, the staff even helps arrange trips to the neighboring islands, countryside trips, and even those to Santo Domingo. Begin your day by swimming at the infinity pool or the Beach Club, which has poolside and butler service from the pool and beach bars. Two restaurants serve excellent island cuisine, while the Solaya Fitness and Wellness Spa doles out heavenly massages. Do go for a one-hour massage on a beach palapa.

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CHIC Punta Cana

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Best for LGBT events. LGBT travelers who love to party will love CHIC Punta Cana, one of the most luxurious gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. This all-inclusive, adults-only, and award-winning property sports a party-centric atmosphere for the young and the restless. Highlights include an oxygen bar, a casino, and the world’s most pristine beach steps away. Choose from 320 blissful and all-white rooms and suites, all of which have patios or balconies. What’s more, they all come with sexy amenities such as sleek LED purple or pink glowing lighting and 24-hour room service. Water babies will love the suites with infinity plunge pools and ocean views. For the ultimate splurge, go for the Diamond Club rooms with dedicated beach areas, mermaid pool access, a pillow menu, and butler service.

A warm and smiling staff doles out friendly and relaxed service, especially at the two huge pools with poolside cabanas and a swim-up bar. Intrepid travelers can get their thrills at the glass-front mermaid pool that lets swimmers see through the bottom. A DJ belts out tunes at a corner, transforming it into a hotspot. Pamper yourself with a massage or a body treatment at the Royal Spa, or indulge in a Zumba class at the well-equipped gym. If you’re outdoors, we highly suggest beach yoga sessions.

In 2017, the resort hosted the week-long Caribbean Pride celebrations that were held in the Dominican Republic. The event was filled with fun activities and entertainment, including drag performances, international DJs, and artists from all over.

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Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort, Spa & Casino

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Best all-inclusive. Set right on Bavaro Beach, Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is one of the best all-inclusive gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. The resort has an adults-only section which gay travelers will love. You have the choice of more than 1,000 luxurious suites with balconies or terraces overlooking the beach and the ocean. Notwithstanding which suite you choose, they all come with swanky mod-cons, fluffy bathrobes, and spacious granite and marble bathrooms with rain showers. If you splurge on the higher-category ones, you even get direct swim-up access to the pool and deep-soaking bathtubs for a romantic session with your significant other.

Besides lying right on the beach, the resort is famous for its huge shopping and recreational area, The Boulevard. What’s more, it even has an arcade, a waterpark, a theater, and a casino. With 11 bars, 10 restaurants, and 2 beach clubs, you’re never going to get bored of eating here. Not to mention, there are seven pools to choose from to enjoy a swim and lounge. But the best of them all is the gargantuan infinity pool that overlooks the beach and is the perfect spot to laze around and enjoy cocktails.

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Paradisus Grand Cana

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Paradisus Grand Cana is one of the grandest gay and LGBT-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. The all-inclusive and all-suite resort, which sits in the Bavaro Beach resort area, seamlessly combines sleek design with natural beauty. The boutique resort might be part of the mega-sized Melia property, but it’s smaller and lesser crowded than the other resorts and perfect for discerning gay travelers. Choose from a host of suites that come with living areas, whirlpool tubs, terraces, or balconies. What’s more, you’ll even find private lounges and large hydro-massage tubs in them. Fordecadence, go for the swim-up suites with direct access to the pool and the bar from your room.

The rest of the resort is equally impressive, such as the nine on-site restaurants which serve every cuisine under the sun. Between your pool and beach sessions, head for a couples massage or body scrub or treatment at the onsite spa, which focuses on pleasure for all the senses. For LGBTQ couples who love activities, there is a score of enrichment activities such as hybrid yoga classes and immersive art classes. Grab the complimentary bikes if you don’t want to walk to the beach.

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Majestic Colonial

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An idyllic setting on the palm tree and white sand-lined Arena Gorda beach make Majestic Colonial one of the most elegant gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. This all-inclusive and luxurious hotel is a favorite with gay travelers, especially due to its long list of amenities. Besides the world’s most gorgeous private beach, the resort has a whole lot of amenities. Think this: a nightclub, sports bars, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. But that’s not all. The separate adults-only section, aptly titled Colonial Club, is perfect for LGBTQ couples looking for a quiet yet all-inclusive hideaway. Choose from seven on-site restaurants that serve everything from steaks to Japanese fare. The best bit? They’re all of which are included in the nightly rate. Nightly entertainment on the property is the cherry on top.

What travelers will love about this property is the plethora of pools. Hence, your morning begins with choosing a lovely blue pool for a refreshing swim and a lounge. A huge lazy river-Esque pool runs right through the property to the seaside infinity pool. Go for one of the swim-up or jacuzzi rooms that allow direct pool access and have a jacuzzi right in the suite.

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TRS Cap Cana Hotel

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The adults-only TRS Cap Cana Hotel is one of the most exclusive gay and LGBT friendly hotels in Punta Cana. The hotel is right next to Punta Cana Marina, which is south of the city and steps away from the beach’s golden sands. Since it’s an adults-only retreat, you don’t have to worry about children running around or any noise; it’s a serene place. Choose from just 115 suites, all of which come with patios or balconies overlooking the pool or the sea. However, what’s unique is that they’re designed such that they all are swim-up suites and have direct access to the pool and bar! So, you have sun loungers to laze around right outside your room. Luxe bathrooms with premium bath products, stocked minibars, a 24-hour personal assistant, and 24-hour room service wrap up the digs here.

Since this is an all-inclusive hotel, everything on the property is included in the rate. This includes the gym and all onsite activities such as Pilates, snorkeling, Zumba, water polo, and more. Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the restaurant before heading to the pool for a swim or the spa for a relaxing massage or body treatment. Wind up the relaxation session at the wellness area with a hot tub and sauna.

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Hotel whala!urban Punta Cana

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Best value for money. Hotel whala!urban Punta Cana lies right in the heart of Bavaro and is one of the excellent budget, LGBT/gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana. It’s also one of the few hotels to lie away from the beach, but therein lies its charm. The small but lovely boutique hotel features an inviting pool, around which lie the best rooms. The other rooms are great and feature urban views that aren’t exactly as inviting or appealing as the former. Nevertheless, all rooms are spacious, with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with fluffy towels and rain showers. Plus, the pool rooms have loungers right outside the room!

Despite the low prices, gay travelers won’t be left wanting anything here. The staff is amicable and offers you drinks by the poolside. Begin your day with a continental or buffet breakfast before heading out to the beach. Moreover, the hotel has a terrace, a bar, a fitness center, and even free private parking for those with cars. All in all, it’s an excellent base for exploring Punta Cana’s gay nightlife at night and sleeping all day.

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Westin Puntacana Resort & Club

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LGBT travelers who want to stay near Playa Blanca beach will love the Westin Punta Cana Resort & Club, another of the excellent gay-friendly hotels. Located near the beaches, it’s one of the most modern and refined gay hotels in Punta Cana. This upscale resort, which is part of a gay-friendly brand, is perfect for discerning gay travelers who like being surrounded by amenities. What’s more, it’s one of the few Punta Cana resorts that are not all-inclusive, making it perfect for travelers who’re not looking for it. With just 200 rooms, staying here feels like an intimate and exclusive experience, topped by the lovely stretch of beach right out front. While most are oriented around the pool, a few fabulous ones have front-and-center ocean views. Nevertheless, they all come with swanky mod-cons, balconies with seating, and huge bathrooms with double vanities and deep soaking tubs for romance. Sigh.

The pool and beach areas are particularly stunning, and the warm and friendly staff exceeded all expectations. The pool even has in-water lounge chairs, making it the perfect cool way to relax while soaking up the sun. Besides a watersports center, the resort also has umbrellas and chairs for the beach, a heavenly spa, and a fitness center. A bevy of restaurants and bars round up the amenities here.

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PortBlue Le Sivory Punta Cana

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Best boutique. Are there boutique gay-friendly hotels in Punta Cana? Absolutely! The best of them all is PortBlue Le Sivory Punta Cana, an all-inclusive boutique hotel that lies bang on the majestic Uvero Alto Beach. This adults-only hideaway is very popular with gay travelers who’re looking for intimacy and tranquility rather than a huge resort. But that doesn’t mean that the offerings here are any less. You get to choose from a host of chic suites, which come with decadent additions like hot tubs and even plunge pools! So, your day begins and ends in the most amorous manner! Sip wine on the teak verandas with your significant other and enjoy a romantic in-room breakfast. For the ultimate experience, go for suites with beach access and ocean views.

The resort’s centerpiece is the jaw-dropping infinity pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. The palm trees setting and the beach and sea views are to die for, which you can enjoy while sipping cocktails at your perch. What’s more, the place has many restaurants and bars, the best of them being the beachfront Palapa restaurant. Wrapping up the amenities here is the fitness center and sauna.

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Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana

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Few gay-friendly hotels are as popular as the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, one of the best gay hotels in Punta Cana. Excellent nightlife options, a gay-friendly attitude, and its envious location just north of Playa Bavaro make it a cincher with LGBTQ travelers. There’s a lot to love about this all-inclusive property, especially its standout room options. Couples especially can go for the romantic suites that have a private jacuzzi right in the room. Fluffy bathrobes, consistently stocked minibars, and breakfast in the room only add to the romantic ambiance and experience.

The hotel is so popular with LGBTQ travelers who want to party with the plethora of nightlife options; think a nightclub, nightly entertainment, and an on-site casino. Moreover, Hard Rock has more dining options than most of its peers – an astounding 12 restaurants and 23 lounges and bars! There’s a spa and a fitness center too. If that wasn’t enough, you even have access to the rolling greens of an 18-hole golf course where you can get in some exclusive tee time.

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Our Verdict!

It’s hard to beat the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, but we’ve also curated a special list of hotels by their specific best attributes that they’re known for. Read them below:

• Best value for money: Hotel whala!urban Punta Cana
• Best LGBT events: CHIC Punta Cana
• Most luxurious: Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort & Club 
• Best boutique hotel: PortBlue Le Sivory Punta Cana
• Best all-inclusive: Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort, Spa & Casino

Best Gay Neighborhoods in Punta Cana

Despite being gay-friendly, there aren’t any specific gay neighborhoods in Punta Cana. That said, the city is generally very gay-friendly, with the friendliest areas being around the beaches.

Gay travelers need to maintain public decorum in Punta Cana, as the Dominican Republic is a predominantly Catholic country. While it doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages until now, homosexuality isn’t technically legal. Hence, gay travelers usually flock to Punta Cana for its extremely romantic vibe with beaches, excellent hotels, and lots of water-based activities to enjoy.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Punta Cana

Punta Cana was famous for the amazing gay bar of Mares Lounge Club Punta Cana, but it shut its doors in 2019. Even until two years ago, Punta Cana didn’t have outwardly gay bars and lounges, but a lot has changed in the last few years.

• Paradise Garage: Paradise Garage is, undoubtedly, the best gay establishment in Punta Cana. It’s named for and after its famous New York City namesake nightclub that was there from 1976-1987. In fact, it was the go-to place for NYC’s queer community, just like its Punta Cana outpost is for the queer community here. It continues that tradition but with Dominican vibes. It offers a unique combination of go-go dancers, drag shows, and so much more.
• Icon Lounge: This cozy LGBTQ-friendly bar with an outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy drinks. What’s more, they also always feature local go-go dancers and drag queens. Additionally, they also have a special promotion on drinks every time from 9 pm to 12 am.
• Coco Bongo: Part of the gay-friendly brand, Coco Bongo Punta Cana is one of the town’s hottest nightlife spots. Think classic party hits, a huge dance floor, and unlimited drinks – not to mention crazy live performances. The place is especially known for its cocktails, themed rooms, and night shows that draw huge crowds.
• Imagine Punta Cana: This is easily Punta Cana’s best club for partying the night away – and that too in a massive cave! Beautiful people crowd the place with video screens, DJ music, and epic shows.

Best Gay Saunas in Punta Cana

Punta Cana doesn’t have a gay sauna, but it does have gay-friendly beaches. With the gay scene growing, we’re hoping this Dominican Republic resort town will get a gay sauna soon!

Best Gay Events/Shows/Tours in Punta Cana

• Caribbean Pride: Every September, the hottest and the most luxurious, might we add, Pride celebrations take place in Punta Cana. Punta Cana Pride is a whole new level of non-stop action and sexy entertainment, complete with thrilling excursions and fabulous pool parties. For a week, one luxury resort in Punta Cana takes over the celebrations that see hundreds of gorgeous people ready to party all day – and all night!
• Punta Cana Pride: Punta Cana Pride has been a dream for Ron Sanford, the proud gay owner of Ron Sanford productions in Punta Cana. In 2019, they organized the first Punta Cana Pride, which had to take a step back almost immediately since the pandemic hit. Now, they’re back with a bang and will be looking to make Punta Cana Pride as huge as Caribbean pride.