This is Puerto Vallarta, an epicenter of gay nightlife, and my friend J.P. who works at the legendary Blue Chairs Resort, insists we see their weekly drag show. It isnโt long before weโre nearly falling out of our chairs laughing in the small theater while being completely entertained by the ridiculousness of the show. While the performance is in Spanish, the drag queen knows that many of us are from the United States and not wanting to leave us out, sang special songs for us, while also taking our calls for some more Selena, which may or may not have resulted in us joining her on the stage.
Later that night, we explore Zona Romantica, the heart of gay Vallarta. Its cobblestone streets, complete with charming alleyways and historic Spanish architecture, provide an unexpected backdrop for an area with a wonderful assortment of gay bars. The night is a game of hopscotch from bar to bar as we collect friends from place to place and drink to drink. We find ease in these laid-back streets and bars with cheap drinks and diverse music.
Astorm cancels our morning plans and allows us to use the Westin as our playground. I take a deep breath in, put on some slippers and a robe, and head for a much-needed spa treatment. The therapist wipes my face clean of city congestion and massages in seaweed extract and more vitamin-rich nutrients. I play in the spa pool, run around in the rain, and fall in the massive, near-empty pool.
Aloft Guadalajara, Photo: Aloft Guadalajara
Bright flashes of lightning hit a rough ocean, and gusts of wind hurl through my sliding door as I get ready for dinner at Westinโs Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse, the resortโs upscale, outdoor dining pavilion. But as I make my way, umbrella in hand, toward the pavilion, and see my group of friends (a new amalgam of Puerto Vallartans and Tapatรญos), the sky softens and bursts of oranges and reds pierce through the clouds, like a chick breaking her egg. The once chaotic ocean relents, and small waves lap onto the private beach.
As I look around at the people seated at the table, I see all the experiences I had this week in Mexico in each of their faces. We then lift our glasses in unison, smiling from ear to ear, and toast each other saying โSalud,โ to everything coming together.
GUADALAJARA
Visit Gaygdl.com for parties, events, and everything else going on in the large gay scene in Guadalajara.
STAY
Aloft Guadalajara Hotel, Av. de las Amรฉricas 1528. Tel: +52-33-1598-8800. A hotel designed for the modern traveler with a mixed-space lobby for fun and work. Large rooms with great views and conveniences built for the Millennial in mind. From $79. www.starwoodhotels.com
La Villa de Ensueรฑo, Calle Florida #305. Tel: +52-33-3635-8792. A beautiful boutique hotel that has a stunning restaurant and plans for a spa facility in the heart of Tlaquepaque. From $75. www.villadelensueno.com
The Westin Guadalajara, Avenida de Las Rosas 2911. Tel: +52-33-3880-2700. An upscale stay with a view, all-star restaurant, cocktail bar, gym, and sophisticated appeal. From $99. www.westin.com
CULTURE
Curro y Pancho, Blvrd Puerta de Hierro 5211. Tel: +52-33-3611-1967. Features the works of prominent Latin American artists in a fantastic space. www.curroyponcho.com
Galeria Tiro Al Blanco, Calle Luis Pรฉrez Verdรญa 21. Tel: 52-33-3615-1018. A small gallery that highlights the work of young Tapatรญos. www.galeriatiroalblanco.com
Hospicio Cabaรฑas, Cabaรฑas 8, Las Fresas. Tel: +52-33-3942-1200. Originally created to house the cityโs in-need citizens, this massive World Unesco Site houses the most famous Orozco and rotating exhibits. www.hospiciocabanas.jalisco.gob.mx
MUSA Museo de las Artes, Calle Juรกrez 975. Tel: +52-33-3134-1664. A beautifully curated museum attached to the University of Guadalajara that features the work of mostly contemporary designers and two Orozco murals. www.musa.udg.mx
Palacio de Gobierno, Avenida Corona. Tel: +52-3-668-1808. Free and open to the public, the Jalisco Palace is home to two Orozco murals and an enchanting courtyard in a centuries-old building.
Pรกramo Galerรญa, Av. Hidalgo 1228. Tel: +52-33-3825-0921. Featuring ongoing exhibitions from new and emerging artists, the Pรกramo tries to play an important role in the city. www.paramogaleria.com
Puerto Vallarta โCaballitoโ
PLAY
BaBel, Morelos 741. Tel: +52-33-3146-1520. A massive club that shines on the weekends, but the top floor, Terazzo BaBel is a chic spot for a cocktail or two. www.facebook.com/babelclub.mx
Californiaโs Bar, Calle Pedro Moreno 652. Tel: +52-33-8421-1130. Men spend all night circling the bar and dancing to Spanish-lanuage hits. www.facebook.com/pages/californias-bar/189637117746524
Romea, Calle Morelos 1349. Tel: +52-33-1817-0202. A small restaurant and wine bar with hip clients who spend the evening drinking and eating charcuterie. www.facebook.com/romea-510593592372687
EAT
Hueso, Efraรญn Gonzรกlez Luna 2061. Tel: +52-33-3615-3591. An inventive menu that remains true to its Jalisco roots all in a stunningly designed restaurant that carries the theme of bones quite literally. www.huesorestaurant.com
Maria Tamales, Calle Donato Guerra 239-A. Tel: +52-33-4444-0888. A gay-owned tamales shop that shows its pride with a rainbow tamale and an assortment of deliciously filled Mexican treats. www.mariatamales.com
SHOP
Amor Apache, Libertad 1700. Tel: +52-33-3827-2813. This design clothing store is a perfect example of Jaliscoโs creative spirit. www.facebook.com/amorapachegdl
Casa Pericos Independencia Eje 280. Tel: +52-33-3639-7466. This design shop has lust- worthy woodworked home dรฉcor. www.casapericos.com
Galerรญas Sergio Bustamante, Independencia 238. Tel: +52-33-3639-1272. One of the Tapatรญo artistโs stores containing both jewelry and his sculptureโfor sale or for a quick look.
Vรญa Libertad, Colonias 221. A creative hub for shopping, events, and eating in an awe-inspiring building. www.via-libertad.com
Westin Puerto Vallarta Pool, Photo: Courtesy of Westin Puerto Vallarta
PUERTO VALLARTA
STAY
The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Paseo de La Marina Sur 205, Puerto Vallarta. Tel: 52-322-226-1100. From the lux rooms, restaurants, and spa to the impeccable service, this Westin property is a primo base for your Vallarta adventure. From $129. www.starwood.com
TRANSPORT
VIP Vallarta Transportation. Tel: +52-322-135-0980. Call this gay-owned company for, well, VIP car service throughout the city. www.vipvallartatransportation.com
FUN
Blue Chairs Resort, Calle Malecon #4, Puerto Vallarta. Tel: +52-322-222-5040. One of the iconic gay resorts in Puerto Vallarta that is always a scene especially during the weekly drag shows. www.bluechairsresortbythesea.com
Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill, Calle Malecรณn 169, Puerto Vallarta. Tel: +52-322-222-6280. Go for a meal and stay all day for the beach, pool, and killer DJs. www.mantamarvallarta.com
PLAN A PARTY
Talbot Ross Weddings & Events. Tel: +52-322-224-5258. Want to celebrate a wedding or special event in Puerto Vallarta, Talbot Ross has created all types of events from a small get together to over-the-top extravaganzas. www.talbotross.com
