Royal Grand Resorts Opens Premium Gay Men’s Sanctuary in Manuel Antonio
This “pura vida” is for you: a luxe coastal property for gay men in Costa Rica!
The global LGBTQ+ travel market is larger and more active than ever, yet premium spaces tailored precisely to gay men remain surprisingly rare. Recognizing this gap, Royal Grand Resorts officially opened its doors this month in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
As an active member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), the brand enters the hospitality market with a specific, focused purpose: creating an upscale, adults-only oasis where gay men feel genuinely centered rather than merely accommodated.
Positioned perfectly between mainstream hotels and overly exclusive ultra-luxury properties, the 30-room resort brings relaxed, high-end comfort and community-driven travel to Central America’s premier queer destination.
Location: Where Jungle Canopy Meets Pacific Coast
Nestled on Costa Rica’s breathtaking Pacific coast, the resort is located in Manuel Antonio, a region celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Manuel Antonio has a long-standing reputation as one of Central America’s most welcoming gay destinations. It sits within a country that proudly legalized same-sex marriage in May 2020 and runs on more than 99% renewable energy.
The resort borders the lush rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park. Guests can easily spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys directly from the property.
It is situated just a short walk from the vibrant Playa Espadilla, right near the popular gay-frequented section of the beach.
Reaching paradise is seamless. The resort is a quick 30-minute regional flight from San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to the local Quepos airstrip.
Premium Amenities Built for Comfort
Royal Grand Resorts features 30 elegant guestrooms grouped into five upscale accommodation types:
| Category | Size (Sq. Ft.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Queen Room | 290 sq. ft. | Premium bedding, private balcony, rainfall showerhead. |
| Royal King Room | 344 sq. ft. | King bed, modern climate control, private balcony. |
| Royal King Deluxe | 441 sq. ft. | Expanded layout, mini-fridge, safe, rainforest views. |
| Royal King Premium | 463 sq. ft. | Enhanced view, plush lounge seating, premium location. |
| Royal Grand Suite | 527 sq. ft. | Maximized footprint, luxury finishes, prime panoramic views. |
| Superior King Room | Varies | Two king beds tailored for groups of up to four friends. |
Beyond the private rooms, the on-site amenities blend luxury relaxation with tropical social spaces:
- The Pool Hub: A lush, private outdoor pool serves as the social heart of the resort. It features a lively swim-up bar, surrounded by a hot tub and a sun terrace with full bar service.
- Wellness & Recovery: Guests have access to a full-service wellness setup including hot jacuzzis, an authentic steam room, and a dry Royal sauna.
- Dining & Nightlife: The on-site restaurant serves up locally inspired seafood, steakhouse classics, and international fare. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the restaurant space converts into a vibrant nightclub complete with resident DJs.
The LGBTQ+ Male Focus: “Where Guys Come to Play”
The tag line for the new hospitality brand is clear: “Where Guys Come to Play.” Owner and CEO Stanley Kania designed the resort from the ground up so that travelers never have to “read the room” or calculate how open they can be on vacation.
- Clothing-Optional Freedom: To foster a liberated, inclusive, and deeply relaxed atmosphere, the main pool and lounge area are fully clothing-optional.
- Tailored Socializing: From curated pool parties to a dedicated private “playful area,” the layout is explicitly engineered to encourage organic connection and community building among gay men.
- Curated Adventures: The resort staff provide bespoke beach services on the gay section of Playa Espadilla—complete with picnic lunches. They also arrange tailored off-site group excursions, ranging from canopy zip-lining and ATV waterfall tours to late-afternoon sunset sailing cruises.
Book directly and save here. To see more photos and read the reviews, go here.
