Newsletter 265: LGBTQ+ Costa Rica Retreat, Gay-friendly Hotspots + Guide to San Francisco & More!

In partnership with

Reconnect and Reunite in Costa Rica

What if the path to discovering your true self began in paradise, with the ocean breeze, the sacred plant medicine Ayahuasca, and a community that welcomes you with open arms? Reunion offers all of that and more at its wellness center in Costa Rica. Cultivating Pride & Authenticity is a week-long retreat for gay, bi, and queer men, with retreats running on May 17–24, September 13–20, and December 6–13, 2025. 

During the retreat, you’ll participate in a diverse itinerary, including guided experiences with ayahuasca, breathwork, yoga, meditation, and integration group circles—all curated by a team of gay and queer facilitators and psychotherapists who deeply understand our community and the queer experience. Nestled away from the stresses of the outside world on an idyllic beachfront location in Costa Rica, you’ll experience complete eco-lux through farm-to-table meals and the resort’s exceptional amenities. Come and embrace the healing power of nature and community at Reunion.

Curious about Cultivating Pride? Watch this retreat overview and schedule a Discovery Call. 

SPONSORED BY REUNION COSTA RICA

This newsletter was written in collaboration with one or more travel brands or businesses. We may receive compensation when you click the links and make a purchase. Read our full advertising policy here.

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Somewhere Under the Rainbow – 5 Surprising Gay-Friendly Places Around the World

“Gay-friendly” is a phrase that’s bandied about a lot these days, and it can mean different things. It could simply mean that a place has laws to protect LGBTQ+ people from prejudice, and you won’t run into trouble holding your loved one’s hand or booking a double bed in a hotel. Or it could mean a welcoming local populace that doesn’t frown as you pass or ask awkward questions when booking that aforementioned bed. It could even go as far as meaning an openly active LGBTQ+ community and a thriving gay nightlife scene. It’s fair to say the term has become somewhat subjective. Places like Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Puerto Vallarta, Bangkok, and Sydney tick all of the above boxes, but there are some unexpected places in the world that also have most—if not all—of those criteria checked too. Here are five up-and-coming gay hotspots across the world that one could truly call “gay-friendly.”

Gay Travel Guide to San Francisco

San Francisco is an iconic city for the queer community, serving as a pioneer and battleground for LGBTQ+ rights. Filled with queer history, free-spirited vibes, and currently one of the top tech hotspots in the country, it welcomes a mix of travelers and dwellers that help create its diverse, come-as-you-are, laid-back attitude. Nowadays, its gay population per capita is one of the highest in the world. Though it may be the most expensive city to live in in the U.S., it’s certainly at least worth a visit—though surely, you’ll want to stay!