4 minute read
Puerto Vallarta Beach Clubs
from O&APV Summer of Fun and Pride 2023
by Out and About Puerto Vallarta - LGBTQ Puerto Vallarta Magazine
OFFER SUMMER FUN AND CONVENIENCE
MANTAMAR IS VALLARTA’S PREMIER LGBTQ+ BEACH OASIS
Opened in 2014, Mantamar is the premier LGBTQ beach club in Puerto Vallarta. If you are searching for a total vacation vibe, this is the spot! The 900 peso cover charge includes a chaise lounge chair, towel, access to the infnity pool, and terrace. Entering the grand lobby, energy fows in every direction. Powerful techno music booms overhead. The sand and shimmering Pacifc are steps away.
Getting comfortable on the beach, I notice the sun seems so much brighter here, more vividly intense. Relaxing under a turquoise umbrella, beautiful scenery abounds. Overwhelmingly sexy cool is the only way to describe the sparkling infnity pool. It is surrounded by a thriving bar, happening hot tubs, and a row of fowing cabanas. To the west, the water seemingly stretches to the horizon, becoming one with the Mexican Pacifc.
Vidal Meza CMO, Almar Resort and Mantamar Beach Club, spoke about what makes Mantamar so amazingly popular, and unique. “Mantamar is LGBTQ. We are open every day, 365 days a year; we care about the community, tourists and nationals, and everyone is celebrated.” He concluded, “We are the castle of the gay community.” Come soon, and feel the passion of this amazing club.
It was a pleasure to experience the incredible service that each beach club we visited provides. Though not covered specifcally in this article, there are other wonderful beach clubs also located on Playa Los Muertos. Among them are: Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea, Ritmos Beach Cafe, and La Carreta. Each of these long standing clubs ofers their own unique level of service and contribute to the dynamism that makes our beach truly special. So, here’s to you all enjoying the sun, sand and surf of the amazing beach clubs of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
MANTAMAR BEACH CLUB
Malecon #169 Zona Romantica
48380
Amapas #380 Col. Emiliano Zapata 48380
Telephone 52 322 222 6260
Hours 10:30am – 8:00pm
By Rande Lee
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SPEND TIME ON THE BEACH BUT YOU WANT THE CONVENIENCE OF FOOD AND DRINK SERVICE IN A REFINED ATMOSPHERE, PUERTO VALLARTA HAS NUMEROUS OPTIONS IN THE FORM OF ITS MANY BEACH CLUBS. O&APV WRITER RANDE LEE CHECKED A FEW OF THESE OUT, AND THESE ARE HIS OBSERVATIONS.
Mango Beach Club Iconic Landmark
Located on Playa Camarones, in 5 de Diciembre, is the iconic Mango’s Beach Club. This locally owned landmark shines with a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. I’m greeted by a smiling hostess, who promptly escorted me to the expansively level beach below. Settling into the comfortable lounge chair, I enjoy the unencumbered view far up the coast.
Later, I visited with Adriana del Toro and Hector Neyra, General Manager, and Supervisor of Service of Mangos, respectively. I discovered, every weekend a DJ rocks the beach with lively house beats. Looking over the drink menu, Hector mentioned the incredible Mango Margarita. Adriana then shared that a Mexican Bufet is served Sundays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The kitchen is open daily until 8:00pm. Thanks to the calmer waters here, kayaks and paddle boats are available to rent for a fee of 500 pesos per hour. Concluding, Adriana summarized her thoughts, “we are family friendly, pet friendly, and people friendly.” She continued, “We want everyone to feel at home, we want every guest to feel special, to be happy and come back often.” As I departed, there was no question in my mind why people keep coming back time and again.
MANGO’S BEACH CLUB
Uruguay 109, 5 de Diciembre 48350
Telephone 52 322 222 0796
Hours 11:00am – 8:00pm Daily (Beach closes at 7:00pm)
SAPPHIRE OFFERS POOL, BEACHSIDE CABANAS
Welcoming me to Sapphire was the elegant hostess Luz Maria. She explained the day pass is 300 pesos; which includes access to the pool, deck area, a chaise lounge and towel. Beachside cabanas are available for a maximum of four guests. Suites are located next to the freshwater swimming pool; the rooms vary in price, and require a two night minimum stay. Surrounding me, the sophisticated crowd provides a trendy LA vibe.
Later, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Fernanda Ruiz and Victor Gutierrez, General Manager and Operations Manager of Sapphire, respectively. We discussed dining and drink options. Fernanda’s fav is the French toast. The bread is homemade here in Vallarta; it’s served daily during breakfast hours of 9:00am to 1:00pm. Victor is a huge fan of the Sapphire Ciabatta. He also proudly spoke of his unique creation, the “Victor Special,”
A refreshing hangover elixir!
Concluding, Fernanda described the Sapphire mantra. “We are like a small family; we have employees who have been with Sapphire for years.” She continued, “We are friendly to everyone, all are welcome here, we don’t want to exclude, we want to include.” Come and treat yourself to an afternoon at this gem in the Pacifc.
Sapphire Ocean Club
Malecon #1, Playa Los Muertos Col.
Amapas 48399
Telephone 52 322 223 3264
Hours 9:00am – 6:00pm Daily
SWELL BEACH BAR OFFERS REFINED ELEGANCE
“Hola my friend” was the warm welcome I received from my waiter upon arriving at Swell. I was shown to a cushioned chaise lounge, with a folded white towel atop. Refned elegance and quiet conversations surrounded me. Earthen toned umbrellas with a smattering of yellow interposed provide an almost Mediterranean feel. Sturdy ebony wood tables are perfectly positioned to enjoy the delicious dining options available from the full menu.
Beyond a wooden walkway, under swaying palm trees lies a tranquil lounge area. Well groomed dogs enjoyed the pet friendly atmosphere, while at varied tables guests played cards, while others chatted amicably. Standing behind the circular bar, working alongside his staf, was the owner of Swell, Marco Antonio Pena Gonzalez, or LIC (pronounced Leek) for short. I pointed to the large Carlos O’ Brian’s sign hanging nearby. LIC worked for 19 years at the legendary establishment formerly located on the Malecon. He fondly described Carlos O’ Brian’s as his school. This valuable education would culminate in the creation of the Swell Beach Bar in 2010. I asked him what makes Swell so successful and yet unique?
LIC responded thoughtfully, “it’s the service, the quality of our drinks and food.” He continued, “The waiters are so amazing, we have a really good time together, we have a great team.” Summing it up he stated “the quality is the diference here, the quality.” Come any day, and you will certainly experience this diference for yourself.
SWELL BEACH BAR
Amapas 182, Zona Romantica 48380
Telephone 52 322 223 0497
Hours 9:00am - 6:30pm Daily
Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com
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