TRAVEL Mexico

By Gavyn Andrews

Mexican Delight Puerto Vallarta

Firstly you all know I love to talk to you about something different and so this issue I decided to give you some information on the stunning destination in MEXICO called Puerto Vallarta. You may or may not have heard of this place but Americans have been going her for years and it is now seen to be one of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the world.

I suppose for Americans it could be likened to Europe’s Gay Meccas like Sitges (Spain or even Mykonos in Greece), either way this Mexican resort defiantly packs a punch when it comes to all this Queerness and want we want from a destination which caters highly to all of our unique needs.

Zona Romantica (Its Gay Zone) is probably the largest of all the Gays resorts in Mexico and offers lots of Gay bars and clubs. It’s not all bars and clubs though as it offers some fantastic visitor activities and attractions. You could opt to go out on a yacht then take in the local waterfall and do some snorkelling, enjoy a Whale Watching Cruise sea adventure or why not head to the local market and try your hand at a Mexican cooking class. If your more into adrenaline then choose the ATV tours or high canopy zip lining in the jungle taking in some of the best views as you drop through the trees. Food and music are big parts of the local community so whatever you decide to do means you are guaranteed never to be far away some authentic Mexican food and the sound of music.

Accommodation wise you can find a real mix of properties from 3* hotels all the way up to 5* and Private Villa rentals. I also would recommend booking into maybe one of the Adults only or couples properties guaranteeing services aimed towards luxury and Adult wellness. Puerto Vallarta (PV) is probably one of the safest Mexican resorts with much lower crime rates that say the more famous Cancun.

Puerto Vallarta is made up of many different areas with individual and unique quirks which run along this coastal resort town. Downtown Puerto Vallarta you will find the area called Malecon that offers a stunning beachfront location with a very hippy arty feel about it, most of the major Cruise Lines dock here during the year including Virgin Voyages, MSC and Celebrity. The area is com-

monly known as Muertos Pier just down from the bustling Romantica Zone

Each year Puerto Vallarta becomes more popular as a gay vacation spot. With Its amazing warm climate, picturesque ocean bay, beaches, mountains and lush tropical jungle as the setting, Puerto Vallarta has almost become a small city devoted to serving fun seeking tourists. Thankfully retaining much of its old style Mexican charm, Vallarta has over the years built up a strong infrastructure of a modern resort community. Internet cafes, ATM machines, fine restaurants, excellent airport, modern medical services, drinkable water supply, and a safe, tolerant environment are now all part of the Vallarta scene. Puerto Vallarta has all the quaintness, without compromising on any of the modern conveniences.

Vallarta now has over a dozen hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts that cater for the Queer community, several different gay bars and gay clubs, a world famous gay beach, great gay trips on boats, special tours including evenings out at natural hot springs, and fabulous restaurants. The gay scene in Vallarta runs the gamut, from gay beach bums, to the A-list couples who winter here and entertain themselves and their friends in high style.

Vallarta is popular with all sorts of gay men and women from many places around the globe. Younger and older, European and from the Americas or Australia, the cosmopolitan mix is part of what makes this an exciting place to see and be seen.

Vallarta is in the tropics, on the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, tucked into a mountainous coastal area. We’re located on one of the largest, deepest, and most stunning natural bays in the world, Bahia de joy with well-priced drinks, Cocktail Happy Hours and is a hit with locals and fellow tourist.

Banderas, which supports almost any form of water recreation imaginable. This bay is where the humpback whales come every winter, where dolphins nest year round, and deep sea fishing is excellent. The winds are great here for sailing. Surfing is good on the north coast of the bay. And it isn’t overrun with development.

Almost thirty miles of the bay’s coast is completely inaccessible by road and therefore pristine and devoid of development. The mountains surrounding the bay are lush with tropical jungle, the beaches in some areas are framed by these mountains that come right down to the water’s edge and, best of all, and none of it is ruined by pollution or any industrial ugliness. In Puerto Vallarta the air is clean, the sun shines without rain almost all winter long, and the sunsets - well, they’re as spectacular as you could possibly ask for.

If you love Gay Prides then Puerto Vallarta’s 2023 Pride will run from 22nd-29th May and will further enhance the Queer welcome which already has to be truly one of the best in the world. I will give a quick mention to some of the best known and loved bars and clubs. Mr Flamingo (I Know love it) is an open air tiki vibe bar known for its friendly welcomes in the heart of Zona Romantica. Los Amigos is a key stop for either the start of the evening’s activities or a spot to simply chill and en-

Moving the night on you will surely want to be part of the resorts dance club scene even if you’re not a clubber it’s defiantly something everyone should experience due to the mixture of both sites and sounds. Paco Ranch (Yes think COWBOYS) is the place to be and has been voted Best Gay Nightclub Bar in the past. Industry would have to be the newest on the local scene and offer you well pretty much what you would expect being the largest club in the area. You won’t be shocked to find GO GO muscle lads dancing in as little as possible to attract your attention and keep the place buzzing. Industry is also famed for its PRIDE, WHITE AND New Year’s Eve Parties so if you like it big and busy then Industry is 100% not to be missed during your holiday.

Gay sauna wise Spartacus is the spot for you, this place is spread out over 4 floors an even offers an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace. You will of course find all the usual comforts including Sauna, Steam Rooms and private cabins. I would say this place could be a venue where you could actually spend a good amount of time as it has bar and music and its rooftop is handy for sun lovers during the day. I would also highly recommend the Aqua Spa for Men only which offers some truly wonderful Male only Massage options from deep tissue to even Turkish steam baths. If your single when you arrive you may not be by the time you’re ready to go back home but I would find it hard to leave such a beautiful and friendly place.