The Bottom Line
**NOTE: Big Ruby's was sold and ceased to be a gay resort in 2008; as of 2009, no new information on the property was yet known. The following review was based on the former Big Ruby's La Plantacion. Big Ruby's Key West is still open and excellent.**
The most upscale and romantic gay-oriented lodging in the popular resort town of Quepos, Big Ruby's is a first-rate clothing-optional hideaway. New owners took over in mid-2008, and there are conflicting reports as to whether management will continue to market heavily to the GLBT market, or attempt to draw a more mixed or mostly straight crowd. Stay tuned on this one.
Pros
- Stunning, secluded location
- Thoughtful and solicitous staff
- Lush grounds with local flora and fauna
- Ideal for long or short stay
Cons
- It's relatively pricey and tends to book up fast during the high season
- New owners came onboard in 2008 - not sure direction they're taking things
Description
- On the main road between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park.
- The 24 rooms have satellite TV, DVD players, king-size beds, air-conditioning, refrigerators, and large private baths.
- Amenities include infinity pool and outdoor hot tub, with plenty of room for sunning; the grounds are clothing-optional.
- Shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are within walking (or short cabbing) distance.
- Rates are from $149 high-season (mid-Jan.-Apr.), and $65 the rest of the year.
- From Costa Rica's main airport outside San Jose, it's about a three-hour drive to Quepos.
- Flights are available from San Jose to Quepos on SANSA and NATURE AIR
Guide Review - Big Ruby's La Plantacion, Quepos (Closed as of 2009)
One of a handful of gay resorts strung together along the dramatic bluff-top road between the village of Quepos and the lush flora of Manuel Antonio National Park, Big Ruby's La Plantacion sets the bar for luxury, professional service, and stunning grounds. The secure, enclosed compound consists of a main building with a bar/lounge and open-air breakfast room (an extensive breakfast is included in the rates) along with a handful of buildings that together contain 24 rooms of varying sizes and configurations.
The accommodations - which have tile floors, private patios or balconies, satellite TV, and spacious bathrooms - overlook the expansive rain-forest grounds. You may see sloths relaxing in the trees overhead or even the occasional monkey swinging through this lush environment, which is traversed by winding paths and also includes a pool and hot tub. Big Ruby's draws an upscale crowd, mostly gays and lesbians, and the highly professional and outgoing staff provides warm and personal service. They'll help you arrange tours and adventures throughout the area, and the resort has 24-hour security and safe parking. On a hillside adjacent to the resort, Big Ruby's also rents out a private three-bedroom villa with its own pool, gourmet kitchen, and spectacular views (from the villa you can see the ocean, which is not the case from the resort itself). The villa makes a perfect getaway for friends traveling together.
The gay beach and other beaches in or adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park are just a 10-minute drive down the hill from Big Ruby's. In the other direction, it's a short drive to Quepos, which has a handful of shops and restaurants. And there are several gay-friendly restaurants as well as a very popular gay bar within easy walking distance of the resort.
