Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta's iconic luxury LGBTQ+ resort, has been recognized by HIP Hotels as a 'HIP Hotel property,' joining an internationally respected collection of distinctive and inspiring accommodations. HIP Hotels—an acronym for Highly Individual Places—is a globally recognized authority dedicated to showcasing hotels that are truly one of a kind. This designation celebrates Casa Cupula not for conformity, but for uniqueness, soul, and a deep sense of place, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ hospitality in Mexico.
Well regarded as the best gay-owned boutique resort in Puerto Vallarta since 2002, Casa Cupula has become a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking both excellence and the joy of belonging. The hotel has built a reputation for refined hospitality, deeply personal service, and architectural individuality, offering an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and genuinely welcoming. Don Pickens, owner of Casa Cupula, shared that the recognition by HIP Hotels feels like an affirmation of the resort's original vision to create a place where LGBTQ+ people could truly feel they belong and are at home.
The HIP Hotels designation carries important implications for the travel industry, particularly in the growing LGBTQ+ tourism sector. As travelers increasingly seek authentic, inclusive experiences, recognition from respected authorities like HIP Hotels validates properties that prioritize individuality and community. This acknowledgment may influence other hospitality businesses to embrace more distinctive, inclusive models, potentially raising standards across the industry. For LGBTQ+ travelers, such recognition provides assurance of safe, welcoming environments that celebrate diversity rather than merely tolerate it.
The designation also stands as a testament to the people who bring Casa Cupula to life each day, from guest services and events teams to the Gym & Spa, concierge, and operations. Casa Cupula consistently upholds a standard of excellence rooted in care, pride, and authenticity. Pickens added that the team is known for welcoming every guest as a friend, creating a warm environment where guests can truly relax and escape worldly pressures. The resort offers diverse experiences, from elegant five-course dinners with internationally recognized performers to pool parties and its new Bistro Gallery featuring Latin American art.
This recognition matters because it signals a shift in how hospitality excellence is measured—moving beyond traditional luxury metrics to include authenticity, individuality, and inclusive community building. For the broader travel industry, Casa Cupula's designation demonstrates that properties serving specific communities can achieve international acclaim while maintaining their unique identities. The resort's owner helped found the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, which has assisted over 800 community members and supports distribution of PrEP, STD testing and treatment, and community programs, further connecting the property's success to meaningful local impact.
As part of the HIP Hotels collection, celebrated for their individuality, charm, and ability to inspire meaningful travel experiences off the beaten path, Casa Cupula's recognition reinforces the importance of destination properties that serve as both accommodations and community hubs. This development may encourage investment in similar LGBTQ+ focused properties worldwide, potentially expanding safe, celebratory travel options while promoting economic benefits for destinations that embrace diversity. The designation ultimately highlights how hospitality businesses can successfully blend commercial success with social purpose, creating models that benefit both travelers and local communities.
