Let’s be real — your average gay sauna isn’t exactly focused on rest and relaxation. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but what’s a gay man to do when seeking serenity over sex? Snoozing instead of cruising. More menthol, less men full. Massages, not “massages.” Facials, not… well, you get the picture.

LGBTQ wellness centers, gay-friendly spas, and queer spa retreats do exist, but they’re somewhat harder to find when your search engine — or AI boyfriend — churns out gay cruising bathhouses by default.

Presenting our top eight picks for gay-friendly spas around the world to go get pampered into transcendence.

Shui Spa — Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA

Where New England charm meets seaside serenity

Provincetown has two faces: in winter, it’s a quiet seaside haven; in summer, gay party central. But whether you’re there in the summer looking for respite between sweaty tea dances or relaxing even more in the winter, you’ll find several gay-friendly spas to choose from — and Shui Spa at the Crowne Pointe Inn is one of the most refined. Enjoy a heated mineral tub, aromatherapy steam room, and a treatment menu heavy on sea-inspired scrubs and skin therapies. Kelp and salt, but luxurious. Their “Soothing Herbal Poultice Massage” is a highlight.
The vibe is low-key coastal sophistication — soothing nautical blues, cozy robes, and therapists happy to handle both muscle knots and hangovers.

The Grand Resort & Spa — Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Men-only tropical tranquility with excellent grooming services

Fort Lauderdale remains one of the most reliable gay vacation spots in the U.S., and among the gay friendly spas attached to resorts there, The Grand Resort & Spa is well-known for mastering the art of masculine relaxation. Inside you’ll find a Mediterranean-meets-tropical courtyard, soothing fountains, and, most importantly, a spa with a menu attentive to men’s skincare needs — open to everyone, whether staying at the resort or not.

Treatments range from deep-tissue massages to high-performance facials, plus the option to book couples services if you’re traveling with your partner (or meet a plus-one at the beach or bars). The Gentleman’s Refining Facial will pack those eye bags away and make you look like your old dating app photo.

Vabali Spa — Berlin, Germany

A nude-optional Balinese fantasy in the heart of Berlin

Berlin knows how to make men sweat — albeit usually in different contexts, within industrial-looking basements, probably involving leather and/or techno. Vabali Spa, however, invites you to sweat in an entirely different way.

This sprawling, bamboo-filled wellness complex feels like a luxurious Bali retreat, completely alien to the central Berlin that surrounds it. Characterized by multiple saunas, thermal pools, meditation rooms, lush Asiatic gardens, peaceful open-air courtyards, aromatic sauna rituals, and masseurs with pleasantly rough German hands who show muscle knots no mercy. It’s nude-optional, not gay-specific — though it’s openly LGBTQ+-friendly, and in Berlin, you’ll always find your people.

Hammam Al Ándalus – Madrid

Madrid is a strong competitor when it comes to having some of the most sexually charged saunas in the world. In contrast, Hammam Al Ándalus — although not officially gay — is explicitly noted in most gay-travel guides to LGBTQ wellness centers and queer spa retreats as “not a meeting establishment, but a wellness center.”

Housed in a beautifully restored Moorish bathhouse just steps from Plaza Mayor, it’s an Arabic-style dream of warm stone, flickering lanterns, and softly scented steam. There are steam saunas, scented baths, relaxation lounges, and specialized massage treatments. Move between pools of different temperatures, sip mint tea on marble benches, and surrender to a deep, rhythmic massage under candlelight, or have the classic Hammam rubdown to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin until it glows. The experience is designed to reconnect body and soul through ancient Andalusian traditions, with packages for singles or couples of any gender. While not a gay-only venue, it’s distinctly queer-friendly and popular among LGBTQ visitors seeking a little TLC.

Axel Spa — Barcelona, Spain

Urban-chic relaxation within Europe’s hottest queer hotel brand

Axel Hotels are iconically known as the first major gay hotel chain. They’re also “hetero-friendly,” but, if you ask us, more like queer playgrounds with sophisticated taste. Their hotels tend to feature excellent spas, open to both guests and the public.

Barcelona’s offering is especially welcome, located right in the gayborhood, Eixample.
Its spa offers hydrotherapy pools, sauna and steam areas, and massage services in a stylish, contemporary space — with hot local gay masseurs who’ll make you think twice before rolling over. Axel Spa’s Mediterranean salt scrubs will help you shed last night’s hangover and keep your skin glowing when you hit Marbella’s gay beach.

The Westin Resort & Spa — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Wellness luxury with ocean breezes and golden sunsets

Once a humble Mexican fishing village, Puerto Vallarta is now gaycation central — but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find pockets of peace to unwind between big gay events.

The Westin’s spa experience is designed to reset you to factory settings — more “zen sanctuary” than “Zona Romántica frenzy.” Located in an openly gay-friendly hotel, day passes allow visitors full access to its spacious Heavenly Spa and all its treatments. The special package deals are the true highlights. “Just for Two” puts you and your loved one in an outdoor massage cabin with a private jacuzzi and romantic amenities, including a 50-minute couples massage (at sunset if you wish), chocolate-covered strawberries, and a bottle of sparkling wine. In contrast, the “Spa Experience” gets you in and out in an hour (a relatable gay experience) with a 25-minute back and neck massage and a basic facial to remove impurities.

So Thai Spa — Bangkok, Thailand

Thai healing traditions in a refined sanctuary

Bangkok can be intense — fun, but intense! Its nightlife and chaotic city energy can leave you exhausted and in need of a good kneading. So Thai Spa, located on Surawong Road in Silom, is a serene escape in the heart of the city’s most gay-friendly district, making it especially popular among gay travelers seeking a refined, non-sexual spa experience.

The spa offers authentic Thai, aromatherapy, and hot oil massages, as well as body scrubs and indulgent couples packages — all rooted in traditional Thai massage. As the old gay adage goes, “four hands are better than two,” and So Thai Spa offers a four-hand Thai massage that’ll pop back into place muscles you didn’t even know you had.

Men’s Resort & Spa — Siem Reap, Cambodia

Men-only spa luxury near ancient temples

Siem Reap draws travelers for Angkor Wat, but Men’s Resort & Spa keeps them blissfully grounded in the present. A men-exclusive, queer spa retreat, it combines minimalist tropical aesthetics, peaceful pools, and therapeutic spa treatments at gentle price points. Unwind with oil massages, Khmer-inspired techniques, herbal compresses, and cooling aloe-based treatments — all carried out by experienced male masseurs. A Khmer traditional massage after sunrise at Angkor Wat feels spiritual in every sense. The resort is 100% for gay men, and of all the spas on the list, it’s (perhaps surprisingly) the most sexual — with cruisy saunas, cabins, and a dry labyrinth downstairs, should you wish to indulge in a different way.

No shade on the kind of cruisy steamy action one can find within a gay sauna, but sometimes a little self-love and a good deep tissue massage is exactly what the doctor ordered. So take some time out, book yourself a spa treatment at these queer spa retreats and indulgence yourself like Cleopatra herself — only without the semi-clad slaves (there are clubs for that, too)!

FAQ 

How can I tell if a spa is LGBTQ-friendly?

Look for clear language on the spa’s website or booking platforms indicating inclusivity — terms like LGBTQ-friendly, queer-welcoming, men-only, gay-owned, or hetero-friendly are strong signals. Do they appear on lists and articles like this one? Establishments located in historically queer destinations (e.g., Provincetown, Berlin, Puerto Vallarta, Barcelona) tend to be affirming by default. Additionally, browse guest reviews; queer travelers are candid about service, comfort, and whether staff were genuinely welcoming rather than just tolerant.

What’s typical pricing for treatments worldwide?

Pricing varies dramatically by region and level of luxury. As a broad benchmark:

North America & Western Europe:
$120–$250 USD for a 60-minute massage or facial

Mexico & Southeast Asia:
$40–$120 USD for high-quality treatments (luxury hotels on the higher end)

Ultra-luxury destination spas globally:
$250–$450+ USD for premium services or multi-hour rituals

Package deals, weekday specials, and off-season discounts can significantly reduce costs. Resorts frequently bundle spa credits with room bookings, so check promotions before reserving.

Are there gender-neutral facilities?

Yes — and the number is increasing. Many contemporary spas offer gender-neutral locker rooms, treatment menus, and relaxation spaces. Queer-focused properties and wellness brands are often ahead of the curve, but mainstream luxury hotels are catching up fast. In Europe and parts of Asia, communal and clothing-optional spa culture is common and less rigidly gendered than in North America.
When booking, look for terms such as all-gender facilities, mixed spa areas, or inclusive wellness spaces. If configuration is important to you, contact the property directly — the best spas will respond transparently.

What etiquette should I follow in spas and bathhouses?

Spa and bathhouse culture varies by country and venue type, but these universal rules apply:

• Respect the space: quiet voices, phones off, and no photos.
• Follow clothing norms: some venues are swimsuit-required, others are textile-free; signage and staff will guide you.
• Consent matters: wellness spaces are for relaxation. No unsolicited touching or flirting.
• Hydrate and shower: shower before water facilities and drink water before/after heat experiences.
• Book ahead & arrive early: many spas operate on tight schedules; late arrival may shorten your treatment.

Which cities are known for top queer-friendly spas?

Pretty much all the big-name “gay cities”: New York, Provincetown, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs in the States. Berlin, Munich, London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, etc., in Europe. Bangkok in Asia. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires in Latin America.

Featured image by olia danilevich