• Log in
    Out.comFashionEntertainmentDesignLifestyleTravel & NightlifeOut ExclusivesNewsPrintWeddingsVideo
    ADVOCATEPrideOut TravelerPLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    Email NewsletterSubscribeSubscriber Services
    CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
    All Rights reserved
    Out MagazineOut Magazine
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    Gay Travel Influencers Michael & Matt Share Their Secrets For Playa del Carmen & Quintana Roo

    Donald Padgett
    | 06/06/23

    Gay Travel Influencers Michael & Matt Share Their Secrets For Playa del Carmen & Quintana Roo


    Say hello to Michael Lindsay and Matt Schueller.

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    The happy, smart, and sexy duo are no strangers to readers of Out's sister publication Out Traveler, who were introduced to the married world travelers and their meet-cute in the Spring 2022 print edition of Out Traveler. The social media savvy Schueller came out on his YouTube channel in a viral video that inspired Lindsay to come out himself and record a video reply, albeit a year later and 1,300 miles away. The rest is history, as they say.

    The pair married in 2018, and when they’re not posting about their travels and life together on social media, Schueller works as a nurse and Lindsay is a practicing dentist.

    We recently caught up with Michael and Matt to ask for travel tips on some of their favorite destinations.

    Here are Michael and Matt’s answers to seven questions on LGBTQ+ travel to Playa del Carmen and Quintana Roo in Mexico! And be sure to follow Michael and Matt at their blog (www.michaelandmatt.com), Instagram (@michaelandmatt), YouTube (@michaelandmatt), and TikTok (@michaelandmatt1).

    Where do you recommend to eat?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    You can’t travel to this area without trying a good ceviche or aguachiles. There are so many great restaurants in the area, it is truly a shame that many don’t make it outside their resort! Our top restaurant recommendations in Playa del Carmen include Plank, Axiote, Patanegra, La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Carboneria, and Tahini. Many restaurants will feature a mix of seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. We particularly loved Tahini because of the cute outdoor dining area lit by little lanterns beneath large jungle trees. It was one of the few restaurants we’ve tried anywhere that served incredible Lebanese food. The space felt very intimate.

    Where are the best places to stay?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    There are a ton of great hotels and resorts along the Quintana Roo coastline from Cancun all the way down to Tulum. For an all-inclusive experience, Unioco Riviera Maya and the Hard Rock Hotel are our favorites. The Hard Rock Hotel has an adults-only area, and some of the club events in the evening are actually quite well put together. For something more central and well-integrated into one of the coastal cities, we stayed at The Thompson Playa del Carmen. The rooms were beautiful, spacious, and super close to the beach. The Thompson has two sites just blocks away from each other, one off the main shopping street and the other right on the beach. If you’re staying off the main shopping street, just be aware that at night the parties go long and hard, and the noise does travel!

    What’s the LGBTQ+ culture like there?

    Matthew Schueller (left) and Michael Lindsay (right)

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area are more so what you make of it. I recommend traveling to the region with a group of friends, as it’s the perfect area to do so and go out together. While Quintana Roo isn’t known for gay bars, on any given night out you’re bound to find many from the LGBTQ+ community out dancing. Tulum is also quite gay-friendly, and many of the hotels and businesses in the area are making an active effort to make it more inclusive. It’s up and coming, and still, we didn’t feel totally ready to show any PDA, but we hope on our next trip we see a little more pride.

    Where should you grab a drink?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    Catch at the top of the Thompson Playa del Carmen served fantastically vibrant cocktails featuring fresh maracuya. This was the perfect place to lounge by the pool for happy hour before heading out for the evening. Central Playa del Carmen is often overlooked from a U.S. tourism perspective, but the downtown area is so active and alive. Take a walk down 10 Avenida and you’ll find bar after bar packed with people partying. We loved INTI Beach, Chela de Playa, and The Reef 28 Rooftop for cocktails. As for Tulum, some of our favorite gay-friendly bars include Todos Santos, Batey, Casa Jaguar, and Gitano.

    What are the must-dos while visiting?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    While good food, beach, and nightlife can really make up the full trip, there are a couple of things that I absolutely wouldn’t pass up. If you get the chance to book a tour to check out a cenote or the Maya Ruins, do not pass on the opportunity! We snorkeled in Cheyumil with Aventuras Mayas and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Nearby Akumal is famous for being an incredibly beautiful cenote as well. Near Tulum, Tankah is an active Maya community that provides private access to secluded cenotes, as well as kayaking and zip-lining activities.

    What are the top Instagrammable spots?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    One of the best things you can do is to spend a day exploring the ancient Maya ruins. The archaeological sites of Coba and Muyil are two of the most impressive in the region. Of course, many head to the inland Chichen Itza for their Instagram photo, but the closer Coba and Muyil are not only impressive, but also far less crowded. Though touristy, Xcaret Park also provides tons of photo opportunities. As an eco-adventure park celebrating Maya culture, you can explore the jungle, the beach, and ruins, and honestly see a little bit of everything that makes Quintana Roo so beautiful.

    What’s your favorite memory from there?

    PHOTO BY MICHAEL LINDSAY AND MATTHEW SCHUELLER

    We scheduled a tour with Living Dreams Mexico to visit the Maya ruins at Muyil and swim in the cenotes at Tankah near Tulum, and the experience was worth the trip itself. What stuck out most about this experience is that the tour company is LGBTQ+ owned and led. Our tour guide was so passionate about the history, and they told us so much about the gay history in Quintana Roo. I felt like the experience was so special and different in comparison to what I typically see people experience in the area. Toward the end of the day, we had this gorgeous crystal blue cenote to ourselves in Tankah. We took turns cliff jumping into the water, diving down to swim with the fish, and basking in the sun with the iguanas on the side. I had never felt so connected with nature as my day at Tankah.

    Latest Stories

    Stefanos Kasselakis
    Politics
    Badge
    gallery

    This Handsome Politician Could Become Greece's 1st Gay Prime Minister

    3h
    Avalon TV
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Symone & Gigi Goode Pay Tribute to 'Spice World' in 1st 'Avalon TV' Trailer

    4h
    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    September 26 2023 12:35 PM
    Russell Tovey; Ariana DeBose; Joel Kim Booster
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    Here's How Celebs Are Reacting to the WGA & Studios Reaching a Deal to End the Strike

    September 25 2023 1:55 PM
    2023 Mister International
    Entertainment
    Badge
    gallery

    These Studs Competed in the 2023 Mister International Pageant

    September 25 2023 11:45 AM
    9 Celebrities Who Came Out As Bisexual in 2023
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    9 Celebrities Who Came Out As Bisexual in 2023

    September 23 2023 2:10 PM
    Bi-Themed Gear for You & Your Home to Celebrate Bisexuality Day
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Bi-Themed Gear for You & Your Home to Celebrate Bisexuality Day

    September 22 2023 12:53 PM
    Beyoncé Rights Airline's Wrong, Helps Disabled Fan Attend the Renaissance World Tour
    Music
    Badge
    gallery

    Beyoncé Rights Airline's Wrong, Helps Disabled Fan Attend the Renaissance World Tour

    September 22 2023 11:50 AM
    Wesley Campbell
    Sports
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet Wesley Campbell, Out Gay Figure Skater Who's Now Coaching

    September 21 2023 4:52 PM
    Sandra Diaz-Twine; Peppermint; Janelle Pierzina
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet the Reality TV Legends Competing on 'The Traitors' Season 2

    September 21 2023 12:32 PM
    9 Movies to Watch If You Loved 'Red, White & Royal Blue'
    Film
    Badge
    gallery

    9 Movies to Watch If You Loved 'Red, White & Royal Blue'

    September 21 2023 9:47 AM
    Choriza May
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    Choriza May Accuses Uber Driver of Discriminating Against Her in Drag

    September 20 2023 11:31 AM
    Sustainable Products to Celebrate National Recycling Week
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Sustainable Products to Celebrate National Recycling Week

    September 19 2023 2:20 PM
    Layton Williams; Nikita Kuzmin
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet Layton Williams & Nikita Kuzmin, 'Strictly's New Same-Sex Dance Couple

    September 19 2023 1:41 PM
    Kyle Krieger
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    30 Steamy Pics of Kyle Krieger That Will Definitely Turn Up the Heat

    September 18 2023 1:45 PM
    Luke Evans' Steamy New Insta Pic Reminds Us Why He's the Speedo King
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    Luke Evans' Steamy New Insta Pic Reminds Us Why He's the Speedo King

    September 16 2023 12:57 PM
    Zane Phillips for Dsquared2
    Fashion
    Badge
    gallery

    Zane Phillips' Buns Are Peeking Through His Briefs in New Dsquared2 Pics

    September 16 2023 12:34 PM
    32 Football Players Who Came Out of the Closet
    Sports
    Badge
    gallery

    32 Football Players Who Came Out of the Closet

    September 15 2023 4:27 PM
    Queer-latine-latino-latina-latinx-celebrities-00-lead-hispanic-heritage-month_750x422_creditonimage
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    30 Queer & Trans Latine Celebrities We Stan

    September 15 2023 4:09 PM
    Photographic Proof Jacob Elordi Has the Best Taste in Bags
    Fashion
    Badge
    gallery

    Photographic Proof Jacob Elordi Has the Best Taste in Bags

    September 15 2023 3:07 PM

    Trending stories

    Jonathan Bennett On How 'Halloween Wars' Led To His Epic Love Story

    Life is Beautiful Celebrates 10 Years By Announcing LGBTQ+ Parties

    Halloween New Orleans Is Throwing an XL-Sized Party, Celebrating 40 Years of AIDS Fundraising

    Meet the Gay Men of Haifa in the Latest Edition of 'Elska' Magazine

    Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Requiring Custody Decisions Involve Affirming Children’s Gender Identity

    This Adorable Gay Couple Surprised Each Other With Disneyland Proposals

    ​Tuesday's Top Stories: Don't Ask Don't Tell Revisited, Mississippi River Runs Low, Writer Strike Ends​

    These 8 European Destinations are Perfect for Fall Colors and Savings

    Is Jigsaw From The 'SAW' Movies Bi? Why Fans Think He Just Came Out

    Jonathan Bennett Recalls Meeting His Husband During an Interview With The Advocate Channel

    Texas Man Sentenced to 36 Years in Prison for Murder of Transgender Woman

    Este Aliado del VIH Está Condimentando la Salud Sexual

    QAnon Believer Threatens to Kill U.S. Congresswoman He Thought Was Transgender

    13 Sizzling Hot Pics of NoRal Apparel at Blatino Oasis 2023

    STI Rates, Including HIV, Could Spike Due to Medicaid Cuts

    President Joe Biden Joins UAW Workers on Picket Line, Making History

    Arrests Follow HIV Funding Protest at Speaker McCarthy's Office

    ‘DRUK’s Ginger Johnson & Banksie Tease An Epic ‘Talented’ Season Five

    Lagoona Bloo Is Ready To Compete On 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

    Video Game Actors Sign Off on Strike, Poised to Unite With SAG-AFTRA

    Meet Two Amazing Activists Speaking Up About Black Women and HIV

    Ghana's Newest Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Sparks Protests

    The Mississippi River Is Having a Rough Year — Here's Why That Matters

    Meta Fails to Moderate Content from Anti-Trans Hate Group on Instagram, Watchdog Group Says

    Pete Buttigieg Slams Donald Trump’s Alleged Remarks About Disabled Veterans

    Most Recent

    Stewart Taylor Releases New Breakup Anthem "Favorite Ex"

    Get Ready for Provincetown’s Third-Annual Washashore Festival Featuring a Rising Tide of Queer Musical Talent

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    SF Leather Week Opens with Inauguration of World’s First Leather and Queer History Public Space

    Oklahoma Black Trans Woman DéVonnie J’Rae Johnson Fatally Shot in Los Angeles

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Senator Scott Wiener Goes To Folsom & Shows Off Incredible Physique

    JVN Deserved Better Than What He Endured On Dax Shepard's Podcast

    How Texas, And Its Resilient Queer Community, Surprised Me

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Lisa Rinna Does PTown

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best

    Texas Judge Strikes Down Anti-Drag Law Days After Another Upholds College Drag Ban

    President Joe Biden Joins UAW Workers on Picket Line, Making History

    The Morning Show’s Reese Witherspoon and Julianna Margulies Have a Spark in New Clip

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    18 LGBTQ+ Celebrity Breakups That Broke Our Hearts Too

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    5 Things We Saw In KStew's Ghost Hunting Series Trailer That Have Us Hyped

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV

    Recommended Stories for You

    Stewart Taylor Releases New Breakup Anthem "Favorite Ex"

    Get Ready for Provincetown’s Third-Annual Washashore Festival Featuring a Rising Tide of Queer Musical Talent

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    SF Leather Week Opens with Inauguration of World’s First Leather and Queer History Public Space

    Oklahoma Black Trans Woman DéVonnie J’Rae Johnson Fatally Shot in Los Angeles

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Senator Scott Wiener Goes To Folsom & Shows Off Incredible Physique

    JVN Deserved Better Than What He Endured On Dax Shepard's Podcast

    How Texas, And Its Resilient Queer Community, Surprised Me

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Lisa Rinna Does PTown

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best

    Texas Judge Strikes Down Anti-Drag Law Days After Another Upholds College Drag Ban

    President Joe Biden Joins UAW Workers on Picket Line, Making History

    The Morning Show’s Reese Witherspoon and Julianna Margulies Have a Spark in New Clip

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    18 LGBTQ+ Celebrity Breakups That Broke Our Hearts Too

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    5 Things We Saw In KStew's Ghost Hunting Series Trailer That Have Us Hyped

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV