Costa Rica 2027: An LGBTQ Women's Guide to Pura Vida, Beaches & Belonging

Picture this: You're floating in an infinity pool at an adults-only resort in Guanacaste, rainforest on one side and Pacific sunset on the other, surrounded by queer women who all said yes to the same thing you did, a week of being pampered, reconnecting with yourself, and making memories with people who feel like your best friends by day two. Somewhere nearby, a catamaran is waiting. Somewhere else, karaoke night is about to get loud. This is Costa Rica, July 2027, your summer trip with the friends you haven't met yet.

Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next LGBTQ Women's Getaway

Costa Rica made history in 2020 as the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage, and that milestone reflects something deeper about the country's culture: a national identity built around pura vida, "pure life", a philosophy of presence, gratitude, and ease that extends naturally to how the country treats its visitors, regardless of who they love.

This isn't a trip built around a party scene. It's built around something queer women often crave just as much: permission to exhale. Think spa mornings, poolside pampering, and slow, sun-soaked afternoons, the kind of relaxation that actually sticks with you after you're home. Costa Rica consistently ranks among the safest and most progressive destinations in Latin America, with rainforests, volcanoes, and some of the most stunning coastline in the hemisphere. It's less about proving a point and more about disappearing into hammocks, hot springs, and horizon views with women who get it.

What Makes This Trip Different for LGBTQ Women

Most travelers experience Costa Rica through a general tourism lens: surf towns, eco-lodges, solo backpacking. This trip is different because it's built exclusively for LGBTQ+ women, which means every detail, the resort, the excursions, the pacing, is designed around connection first.

Think of it like a summer trip with a big group of friends, except you get to meet those friends when you arrive. From the Welcome Garden Mixer on day one to spa time, karaoke nights, and a catamaran cruise, every activity is built to bring the group closer together and give you real, lasting memories, not just an itinerary to check off. You're simply among your people, free to be as social or as quietly recharging as you need to be.

Your Home Base: Secrets Papagayo, Guanacaste

For the Guanacaste portion of this trip, the group stays at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort tucked on a black volcanic sand beach on the Papagayo Peninsula, with the Pacific on one side and tropical mountain forest on the other.

This is where relaxation and pampering really come to life. Under the resort's Unlimited-Luxury® model, everything is included, no wristbands, no upcharges, from ocean-view pools to round-the-clock room and concierge service. A few highlights that make it the perfect setting for this kind of trip:

• Secrets Spa: a full-service spa with massages, body and facial treatments, hydrotherapy, a steam room and sauna, and a salon, open daily for whenever the group needs to slow down and recharge

• Two ocean view pools with all-day poolside and beach service, made for long, unhurried afternoons together

• Seven dining experiences and five bars, including premium drinks and international cuisine, all included

• Nightly entertainment and theme nights, including karaoke, designed to bring the group together after the sun goes down

• 202 rooms and suites set into the hillside, with garden or ocean views, plus upgraded Preferred Club options for those who want an extra-elevated stay

It's the kind of resort built for exactly what this trip is about: rest, connection, and time together without a single logistic to think about.

The Complete Costa Rica 2027 Itinerary

Guanacaste: Secrets Papagayo (Adults-Only, All-Inclusive)

Day 1 - July 7: Arrivals & Welcome Garden Mixer

Touch down in Guanacaste and ease into island time. Meet your Ladies Touch Travel Fam at the Welcome Garden Mixer, the first of many moments this week built purely for connection, and the perfect low-pressure way to put faces to names before the week unfolds.

Day 2 - July 8: Wellness & Recharge / Evening Game Night

A day designed to pamper you, think spa time, quiet pool hours, and slow mornings where the only agenda is feeling good. Then the evening turns social with a playful, laughter-filled Game Night, the kind of easy bonding that turns strangers into friends fast.

Day 3 - July 9: Pura Vida Poolside Vibes / Evening Karaoke Party

Soak up the resort's pools and Pacific views by day, then let loose at an evening Karaoke Party, the kind of night built for connection over anything else. Fair warning: this is where lifelong inside jokes (and a few surprisingly strong vocal performances) get born.

Day 4 - July 10: Beachside Bliss / Catamaran Cruise

A full day on and near the water, capped off with a catamaran cruise along the Guanacaste coastline, with golden hour, ocean breeze, and your favorite people on deck. This is the kind of afternoon that becomes the photo you show everyone back home.

Day 5 - July 11: Farewell Beach Party

The group's last full day together at Secrets Papagayo goes out in style with a beachfront farewell celebration.

Day 6 - July 12: Departures / or Onward to Arenal

Time to head home, or extend your Costa Rica story with the Arenal/La Fortuna add-on.

What's Included

This is a fully hosted, all-inclusive experience:

• Airport transfers

• All group events and activities

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner where noted)

• All beverages, including adult beverages, at the all-inclusive Guanacaste resort

• 24/7 support from the Ladies Touch Travel team

Optional Extension: Arenal & La Fortuna (Add-on)

Day 6 - July 12: Transfer to Arenal / Hot Springs Social / Welcome Dinner

Trade beach for volcano views as the group transfers inland to La Fortuna, unwinding that evening in the region's famous hot springs before a Welcome Dinner.

Day 7 - July 13: Full Day Arenal Tour

A guided day exploring the Arenal Volcano region, rainforest, waterfalls, and the kind of scenery that ends up as everyone's new phone wallpaper.

Day 8 - July 14: Farewell Dinner One last celebratory meal together before saying (temporary) goodbyes.

Day 9 - July 15: Departures

Please note: the Arenal extension and full-day tour (available as add-ons), travel insurance, international flights, and gratuities are not included.

Safety & Practical Information for LGBTQ Women Travelers

Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Latin America for LGBTQ travelers, with legal protections that include marriage equality and anti-discrimination measures. Still, smart travel habits apply anywhere:

• Fly into Liberia Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): the closest airport to Guanacaste. Check-in at the resort is 3:00 PM, so plan flight times accordingly, especially arrival day.

• Extending to Arenal? Book your return flight to depart LIR after 3:00 PM on July 15, since the group travels back from Arenal to Guanacaste that day.

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Costa Rica trips, like all international travel, come with the usual unpredictability, and insurance protects your investment. Cancel For Any Reason coverage must be purchased within two weeks of your first deposit to apply.

• Traveling solo or want your own space? Book a Solo (Single Occupancy) room. Open to sharing? Book Shared (Double Occupancy), note that roommate matching is offered but not guaranteed.

• Keep valuables secured during excursions and always stay with the group during transfers and off-resort activities.

What to Pack for Costa Rica

For the Resort & Pool Days:

• Swimsuits (you'll want more than one)

• Lightweight cover-ups

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Sandals or slides

For Excursions:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for the Arenal tour

• A light rain jacket (rainforest weather changes fast)

• A swimsuit for the hot springs

• A dry bag or ziplock for the catamaran cruise

For Evenings:

• Something fun for Karaoke Night

• A breezy outfit for the Farewell Beach Party

• A light layer for cooler Arenal evenings

Don't Forget:

• Valid passport (US travelers do need one for Costa Rica, unlike Puerto Rico)

• Travel insurance documentation

• Any prescription medications

• A portable phone charger for long excursion days

Why LGBTQ Women Choose Group Travel for Trips Like This

Most of the women who travel with Ladies Touch come solo, and that's exactly the point. Group travel removes the two biggest barriers to a trip like this: cost and courage and replaces them with something better: real connection.

• Built-in community means you're never sitting alone at dinner, and every activity, like  spa time, karaoke, and the catamaran cruise, becomes a shared memory instead of a solo experience

• A true recharge with the logistics handled, you get to actually relax instead of managing an itinerary

• Shared accommodation makes an all-inclusive, pampering resort experience more affordable

• No explaining required: everyone in the group already gets it

It's the closest thing to a summer trip with your best friends, except this group of friends is waiting to meet you. 

Join Us: Costa Rica 2027

Ready to trade your notifications for hot springs, spa time, and a group of women who feel like home before day one is even over? This is your invitation to relax, reconnect, and make the kind of memories that only happen on a trip like this.

Costa Rica 2027 includes:

• 6 days / 5 nights at Secrets Papagayo, Guanacaste (all-inclusive)

• Welcome Garden Mixer, Game Night, Karaoke Party, Catamaran Cruise, and Farewell Beach Party

• Airport transfers, all meals, and all beverages

• 24/7 support from the Ladies Touch Travel team

Add-on: Optional 3-night Arenal & La Fortuna extension with hot springs and a full-day volcano tour

Spots are limited, and solo rooms tend to go first, so don't wait to lock in your place!

🌴 Reserve your spot for Costa Rica 2027 or explore all our upcoming LGBTQ women's trips.

Questions before you book? Reach out to our team we're happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costa Rica safe for LGBTQ women? Yes. Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2020 and is broadly considered one of the safest, most progressive destinations in the region for LGBTQ travelers.

Do I need a passport for Costa Rica? Yes, unlike Puerto Rico, Costa Rica is an independent country, so a valid passport is required for US travelers.

Can I travel solo and still have a great trip? Absolutely. Most Ladies Touch travelers come solo. Book a Solo (Single Occupancy) room, or opt for Shared (Double Occupancy) with roommate matching possible (not guaranteed).

Is the resort really all-inclusive? Yes, Secrets Papagayo is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, so meals and beverages (including alcohol) are covered throughout your stay in Guanacaste.

Should I do the Arenal extension? If volcano views, hot springs, and rainforest adventure sound appealing, yes, it's the perfect complement to beach time in Guanacaste and turns the trip into a fuller Costa Rica experience.

What's the cancellation policy? Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations made between October 7, 2026 and January 6, 2027 receive credit toward a future trip only (no refunds). No refunds, credits, or transfers apply to cancellations made after January 7, 2027. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

When should I book my flights? Fly into Liberia (LIR) July 7. Resort check-in is 3:00 PM, so plan arrival accordingly. If extending to Arenal, schedule your departure flight after 3:00 PM on July 15, since the group transfers back to Guanacaste that day.

Relax, Reconnect, Remember: Your Pura Vida Moment Is Waiting

This is more than a beach vacation, it's a week of spa mornings, catamaran sunsets, karaoke nights, and a community that already feels like home. Come for the rest and pampering. Stay for the friendships and memories you'll be talking about long after you're back.

Join us in Costa Rica, July 2027, and experience pura vida the way it's meant to be lived: surrounded by women who get it, without a single thing to prove.

🌴 Reserve your spot now | Explore all upcoming trips | Contact us with questions

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Ladies Touch Events & Travel has been curating unforgettable LGBTQ women’s group travel experiences since 2016. Our thoughtfully designed journeys span destinations around the world, bringing together adventure, culture, and community in safe and inclusive spaces where queer women can explore freely and celebrate authentically.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Curaçao: The Caribbean Paradise for Queer Women

Tucked away in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curaçao is a stunning island paradise known for its colorful architecture, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers. As a destination that embraces diversity, Curaçao offers an ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and inclusivity, making it a perfect choice for queer women seeking an unforgettable Caribbean getaway. From its LGBTQ+ friendly beaches to its lively nightlife, here’s why Curaçao should be your next vacation destination.

Playa Lagun beach in Curaçao.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches in Curaçao: Sun, Sand, and Serenity

Curaçao boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, many of which are known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether you’re looking to relax by the turquoise waters or enjoy water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, Curaçao’s beaches offer something for every type of traveler.

Playa Lagun is a top choice for queer women looking for a more secluded, relaxing spot. This cozy cove, surrounded by cliffs, is known for its calm waters and stunning marine life. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling, where you can swim alongside colorful fish and sea turtles.

For those seeking a livelier beach scene, head to Jan Thiel Beach, which is popular with LGBTQ+ travelers. This beach offers an array of amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, and water sports, making it a great place to spend the day in the sun.

Best Queer-Friendly Accommodations in Curaçao

Curaçao is home to a range of LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and resorts that cater to queer women travelers. Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay or a more boutique experience, there are plenty of options to choose from.

One standout option is Floris Suite Hotel, an LGBTQ+ friendly adults-only resort located near Piscadera Bay. Known for its chic design, relaxed vibe, and inclusive atmosphere, Floris Suite is the perfect place to unwind. The hotel also hosts LGBTQ+ themed events and parties, making it a hotspot for queer women travelers.

For a more intimate experience, Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites offers a boutique-style stay with beautiful ocean views. This LGBTQ+ friendly hotel is located in the Pietermaai district, a vibrant area known for its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.

Lesbian Nightlife Scene in Curaçao.

Nightlife and Entertainment: Queer Women’s Scene in Curaçao

Curaçao’s nightlife is as vibrant as its culture, offering a variety of options for queer women to enjoy. The island is home to several LGBTQ+ friendly bars, nightclubs, and beach parties, where you can dance the night away with fellow travelers and locals.

A must-visit is Mambo Beach, a lively beachfront area with plenty of bars and clubs. Known for its beach parties, Mambo Beach offers a fun and inclusive atmosphere, especially during LGBTQ+ events like Curaçao Pride, which takes place in September.

For a more relaxed evening, check out Café de Tijd in the Pietermaai district. This cozy bar offers a laid-back vibe and is popular among the local LGBTQ+ community, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink and connect with other queer women travelers.

Queer women celebrating in Curaçao during Pride.

Curaçao Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

One of the highlights of visiting Curaçao as an LGBTQ+ traveler is experiencing Curaçao Pride, a week-long event held annually in September. Curaçao Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the Caribbean and attracts visitors from all over the world. The celebration includes a variety of events, from beach parties and boat cruises to parades and cultural festivals.

Curaçao Pride is not only a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture but also a testament to the island’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Whether you’re attending the Pride parade in Willemstad or enjoying one of the many parties at Mambo Beach, Curaçao Pride is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Travel Tips for Queer Women in Curaçao

While Curaçao is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, it’s always important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially outside of tourist-heavy areas. That said, Curaçao is one of the most progressive and LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the Caribbean, so queer women travelers can feel safe and welcome while exploring the island.

Tips for Queer Women Travelers:

• Stay in LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodations: Booking a stay at a queer-friendly hotel like Floris Suite Hotel ensures a comfortable and welcoming experience.

• Attend Curaçao Pride: If you’re visiting in September, be sure to join Curaçao Pride for a week of celebration and community.

• Explore the Local Culture: Curaçao is rich in history and culture, so take the time to explore the island’s museums, historical sites, and colorful streets of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Book Your Queer Women’s Getaway to Curaçao

Curaçao is the ultimate Caribbean destination for queer women seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and inclusivity. With its LGBTQ+ friendly beaches, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming community, this island paradise offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Contact us today to book your spot on our LGBTQ+ women’s group trip to Curaçao and experience the magic of the Caribbean for yourself!

It’s PRIDE Season!

Haaaaappy Pride! It’s been an amazing few weeks celebrating Pride in different cities and it’s just the beginning with still so many cities that have upcoming Pride celebrations. We kicked things off at Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride over Memorial Day Weekend and it was a blast! Puerto Vallarta is one of the most gay friendly cities in Mexico but it’s always been more dominated by gay men. This year we collaborated with the local lgbtq women’s businesses in Vallarta to bring a womxn’s week!

Puerto Vallarta Pride Parade

We started the week with the Pride Parade and the streets were filled with people in the community and supporters! I was impressed with the turnout and expect the parade will grow over the next few years for sure. From that we kicked off with Lesbian Owned Elixir Mixology Bar for the welcome party, then a Taco Tour with Vallarta Local Tours ( I even learned some new things about the food history in Vallarta which was fascinating), lastly our weekend parties. It was beautiful to see many women from all different backgrounds- Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, Europeans, even Asian just enjoying the music and vibe. I watched everyone with delight as I know the importance of having a safe space and that we had all week, it was worth all the work!

Sapphire Beach Club Party

Why is this important? It’s important because as mentioned for years gay men have dominated the Pride celebrations in PV. Don’t get me wrong I love the boys but truthfully it’s just a different energy when there’s more of them than us so we are hopeful to keep growing year after year and have more “L” visibility for Pride in Vallarta. Even the parade only had one float representing womxn so we hope to change that soon. Pride in Vallarta is typically the last week of May so mark your calendar to be in town next year. Vallarta has so much to offer- culture, beaches, nightlife, gastronomy, and more so make sure you don’t miss out next year as it will be a week to remember!

Details to book your Puerto Vallarta Pride Vacation will be available in the next few weeks so stay in TOUCH…

Southern Mexico’s Lesbian Vacation

When it comes to Mexico, people often think about Cancun, Tulum, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta but Mexico has so many more gems in its big country, and we found one of them- Costa Maya! Honestly, I never heard of Costa Maya but have heard about Bacalar and was curious to check it out.

Costa Maya is in Quintana Roo between Tulum and Chetumal which are the nearby more popular towns by the coast. It’s a small port town with a growing population. What I love about Mahahual, the town in Costa Maya, is that the beach is super pretty (Maldives like) with clear warm waters and white sand. Outside of the beautiful beach, there aren’t many tourists like Cancun and Tulum making it more relaxing as well as enjoyable. The other thing I just thought about is that I never felt unsafe while being there because it’s a small town where a lot of the locals all know each other so you get that family feel.

Some of the popular excursions in Costa Maya are snorkeling, diving, Bacalar lagoon, visiting the Mayan pyramids, cenotes, and rapid river. It is said that Xcalak just south of Mahahual has some of the most beautiful reefs in the world to go snorkeling and diving. In Mahahual there are many reefs close to the beach so you can get some beautiful views there too. If you love snorkeling or diving, these places are a must! Bacalar lagoon or the 7 Colors Lagoon as they call it is spectacular. You literally see multiple colors in the water the further south you go on the lagoon. The town of Bacalar is super cute and boho but a little on the pricier side but you can certainly make it a day trip from Mahahual. Bacalar is also considered a “Pueblo Magico” a “Magical Town” which means that the government does as much as possible to preserve its beauty and nature. When vising Costa Maya, you can’t miss Bacalar and its Blue Cenote which is quite large and outdoors unlike many underground cenotes. In Bacalar I got the chance to go kayaking at sunrise and it was such a beautiful experience to be out in the lake with the sounds of wildlife around and the sun creeping up above the water.  The Rapids is also a quite unique beauty as you can float along the river, kayak, etc and see the multiple colors of the water as well as wildlife. One of the last popular excursions in Costa Maya is visiting the Mayan pyramids. Mayans were so ahead of their time and if you notice how big their civilization was, it extends from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras so you will find many pyramids in the Costa Maya area, some that are covered and others that have been excavated. Learning their culture and understanding what they built is a humbling experience. You see? It’s hard not to not enjoy Costa Maya and its surrounding towns when there is so much to do and see.

Costa Maya is gay friendly like most of Quintana Roo and there’s a chill vibe that you get in the south where no one is trying to be more than they are. It’s just fun beach bars on the Malecon, delicious seafood, boho style hotels, and excursions that fill up your vacation if you visit. With all that said, what are you waiting for? Start booking your tickets! If you feel shy going by yourself to Costa Maya, join our group trip this Spring March 25- Apr 1st, 2022 as we’ll be exploring the area with other like minded travel lovers! Trip details are available at https://tri.ps/6jo8g What ever you decide just make sure that you don’t miss out on this hidden gem in southern Mexico!

Lesbian Friendly Mykonos

Without a doubt Greece is one of those countries that everyone has on their bucket list. From the beautiful white houses and deep blue sea its no wonder why it is! Ladies Touch Travel had its first lesbian vacation to Greece in 2019 around Memorial Day Weekend and we had an amazing time! We first stopped in Athens and stayed overnight to then make it down to Mykonos. Once we arrived at our destination it was love at first sight! After our week in LGBTQ friendly Mykonos, it’s easy to say what are some of the top lesbian friendly things to do while in town.

#1- Visit Elia Beach- Elia Beach, a quiet beach cove in Mykonos is super gay friendly with pride flags standing tall towards the west side of the beach. On our first group trip we stayed at the beachfront Elia Beach Resort which gave us the convenience of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea right at our footsteps. Elia is a lot calmer than some of your other beaches, but many people appreciate that so if that’s the vibe you want, get a chair, relax, and enjoy!

#2- Spend the day at Jackie O Beach club- Jackie O Beach Club is nestled in the hills of Super Paradise Beach. Super Paradise Beach is another top LGBTQ spot to hang out and very gay friendly. This beach cove is a lot livelier with EDM music loudly playing all across the beach at various venues. There are several beach clubs options, but Jackie O has drag shows and LGBTQ events to keep you entertained. There are also water sports so if you like tubing, jet skiing, etc.

#3- Sail across the Mediterranean with some friends- One of the best experiences in Mykonos is to sail in an authentic Greek sailboat. These sailboats are big, with wood, and beautiful sails and the only way to truly appreciate it is by enjoying the day out in the sea. With all the great beach coves around Mykonos Island, you can spend a full day sailing. Usually, sailing tours have drinks and lunch provided so grab your friends and delight in the experience.

#4- Go shopping in Mykonos Town- Chora/Mykonos Town is the main town in Mykonos that has a lot of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The town is gay friendly and beautiful to walk through. White house’s holding business establishments with blue or red outlining around them, the windmills, and several Catholic churches keep tourists busy in this area. These streets are truly dreamy and full of history which makes it that much more unforgettable. We spent a good amount of time shopping in Chora and had some yummy Greek food afterwards.

#5- Go Gay Club Hopping- Mykonos Town as mentioned is where there are many restaurants and clubs including some fun gay clubs. On our group trip we got to go to 54 Cocktail Bar, Babylon, and Lola Bar. We danced and battled the gay bois, created a soul train line, and danced til we dropped. 54 Cocktail Bar had yummy cocktails, Babylon had a fun drag show, and Lola had a great DJ that kept us on the dancefloor so definitely check out those spots when you are on the island.

Overall, Mykonos is very lesbian friendly, although you may find more boiis on vacation there, it doesn’t mean that there’s no space for us women because there is! We were welcomed everywhere and loved the Greek hospitality! If you have Greece on your bucket list, get out there soon as its not as crowed as it usually is. Typically, Mykonos in the summer is very packed with people visiting from all over the world so it’s best to go in the shoulder season which is right before or after the summer. You’ll also get some deals on pricing as the summer is way more expensive. Ladies Touch Travel has a Baecation in Mykonos at the end of September so if you want to take your special someone for a Mediterranean getaway sign up as we have limited rooms and will sell out. Trip details are available at: https://tri.ps/Mpx7S People always think of Mykonos as the party island which is true in comparison to other Greek Islands, but Mykonos offers so much more so join us to see all the beauties that the island has to offer. See you soon in Mykonos!