IF you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need! 

ES COLLECTION

Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.

Now going into its fourth  year of production they will be unveiling the 2010  underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection - VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!

This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, "ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery."


     
                      

Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly!  I purchased some of  their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove!  Many of the swimsuits  features the "Pack Up" system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect "beach bulge" if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful  smooth fit.


One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship.  With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to "fish" out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.

Word of advice - As for sizing, I would suggest, if you are used to US  sizes, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33" waist, and would normally buy  Medium - but  their Large fits perfect.  I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled. If you are used to European sizes, these run true to size.

And who doesn't love a  SALE!  Each collection features "X" number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.

MUST SEE - VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!


If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218  and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!

They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will  have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order  worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!


The New Gay Travel Guides  and  Best Gay Cities


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Diana's Tours mentioned  on AfterEllen this week!


Diana offers full day tours and also private charters. Her full day tours are fabulous!  an entire gay day at sea. You’ll enjoy a continental breakfast, lots of snacks and hors d'oeuvres and UNLIMITED OPEN BAR all day . In addition, there’s even lunch on shore. (There’s nothing like having lunch on the beach.)  The tour is a great way to make new friends while visiting Puerto Vallarta!

The tour also offers snorkeling and a post cruise cocktail at the famous gay and lesbian location - The Blue Chairs. The Blue Chairs is a hotel located right on the beach!

Diana DeCoste, your cruise hostess, celebrates her 9th season in Vallarta with her now famous gay and lesbian cruise. The cruise is also "Straight Friendly" so please bring 'em along (no minors please). This is an excursion not to be missed. Her cruise sells out in advance during the busy fall and winter season so book as far in advance as possible.

Diana's Tours!


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta

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An increase in drug-related violence along the U.S. and Mexico border
has prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico.
 
While not advising against travel to Mexico, the alert does offer  common sense precautions that all travelers should take when visiting Mexico.(or ANY other foreign city, for that matter). 

 As a provider of travel for the gay and lesbian community, Fabugo is committed to providing our customers the tools and information to help make their Mexico or any vacation a safe one.



“When planning a vacation to Mexico, there are several factors to consider, but probably the most
important is location,” said Jason Rhen, Fabugo’s Managing Director. “There are several gay-popular
resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, which are all a great
distance from the violence and media attention. We always urge our customers to travel smart and
be safe, regardless of their destination.”

Gay and lesbian travelers should always be aware and never be complacent when traveling to Mexico
resort destinations. As always, it is critical that gay and lesbian travelers exercise common sense
practices to help ensure their safety, including:

• Pre-plan your transportation from the airport to your hotel. This is best through a contracted
transfer company usually available with a vacation package purchase. Fabugo offers
roundtrip airport/hotel transfers to contracted hotels within Mexico vacation destinations.

• Do not travel, walk, hike or tour alone. It is always best to travel with at least one other
person, preferably in a group. Do not walk at night in unlighted areas where there is little
tourist activity. Use common sense in regard to public displays of affection.

• Choose your hotel in a popular tourist location selecting one that works with U.S. tour
operators and maintains those contacts. Fabugo offers a large variety of hotels in resort areas
and maintains relationships and contact with them.

• Avoid drinking too much to ensure you are always aware of your surroundings and can act
appropriately in any situation. Make sure you drink with friends and that you leave with them
to return to your hotel.

• If you travel away from the tourist areas of your destination, be sure to only do so with a
registered tour guide or tour company. Fabugo offers scheduled tours for our customers that
can be arranged with a contracted tour company when you book your vacation.




• Avoid being a target for robbery. Keep cash, jewelry and other items hidden; keep passport  and other documents in a safe in your room. (To be extra safe, make a photo copy of your passport as well. Just in case). Do not use an ATM at night. Be careful at the beach. Common sense can help you avoid a vacation-ruining crime.

• Remember to be careful. Mexico is not the Castro in San Francisco and the culture is typically
much more conservative. Always remain conscious of your surroundings and use common
sense to ensure you don’t make poor judgements.

Fabugo remains committed to providing our customers with fabulous vacation experiences in Mexico
and is proud to offer a quality vacation product to gay and lesbian-popular resort destinations. We urge gay and lesbian travelers to always travel smart and make safety your number one priority when traveling anywhere, including Mexico.


Right now Fabugo’s gay and lesbian customers can book a dream Mexico vacation to a number of
resort destinations and save $100 off their already low package price. Combined with great values
offered by many of the hotels that we feature, your Mexico vacation might be closer than you think.
Enter FABMEX100 into the Promotion Code box when booking your vacation to receive the discount.
To receive the discount the vacation booked must be four nights or longer with at least two people on
the reservation. Your Mexico vacation must be booked by December 31, 2009 with travel complete
by March 31, 2010 to enjoy the discount. Other restrictions may apply.

Gay & Lesbian Mexico Hot Deals!

About Fabugo...

Fabugo is the premier source for gay and lesbian vacation travel offering our customers a broad
range of travel products, fabulous low prices, incomparable customer service and unique destination
content. Fabugo offers air, car, tours, shows and more than 20,000 hotels worldwide including
GayComfort Accredited properties. To book your vacation with Fabugo or for more information, visit
your local travel professional and ask for Fabugo.

 


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta


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6th Annual  Beef Dip / Bear week
                             in Puerto Vallarta this week!

 

Beach parties, a booze cruise, jungle adventures, discos and more promise to bring out the animal in you at this  annual Beef Dip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico premier gay playground.

Dog tags (bear tags?)  allow you to enjoy all the planned events for free (or discounted) as well as great deals from community partners.

Hosted  by  Leather and Bear Tours,  a promotions and events company now in its third year. Based in Toronto, Leather and Bear Tours organizes several events in the Toronto area as well as its regular Beef Dip events internationally.


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta

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Mid December through Mid March is great for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta!   Banderas Bay is home to it own colony of Humpback Whales. 

Each winter, Humpback whales migrate south from their Arctic feeding grounds to bread and rear their young in the sheltered waters of Banderas Bay, making it one of North America’s premier whale watching sites.


The 2008/2009 Whale Watching Season is in full swing. Everyday the number of whales in the bay continues to grow. It won’t be long before we start seeing the births of new calves! Mating behaviors are being observed all over the bay.

You must be with a licensed tour guide/operator. Before booking your whale watching tour, please ensure that your tour company and/or their vessel is on this list. This list is operators that have been approved by the Mexican government to conduct whale watching tours on Banderas Bay.


There is an official “PUERTO VALLARTA WHALE WATCHING FORUM”   The Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum is a privately funded, ecological group that promotes education and responsible whale watching activities in and around Puerto Vallarta and the Banderas Bay.


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta and the New Gay Travel Guide

 

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EVERY THANKSGIVING several thousand  gay and lesbian visitors pour into Puerto Vallarta for Thanksgiving week for LATIN FEVER and VALLARTA FEVER.

An alternative to Miami's very expensive WHITE PARTY WEEKEND, the Latin Fever and Vallarta Fever draw in people from around the world who want to come and party or just come and relax and mingle with the large gay crowd this weekend attracts.

There are daytime dances with djs on the beach, late night parties in nightclubs, sunday brunch, tea dance, roof top parties, big performers, go-go boys and lots of fun people!

Whether you come to party or just enjoy the large gay crowds, it is a fun time! And  very  affordable.

This is the 11th year for Latin Fever and the 2nd  year for Vallarta Fever, and each year the crowds grow that come to enjoy the city and the special parties.


SUN,  SAND  AND  HEDONISM!  See you there!

The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta and the New Gay Travel Guide

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The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage (and others) living in the United States and Canada.

The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days.

Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Observance of the holiday in Mexican-American communities in the United States has become more important and widespread as the community grows numerically and economically.

Many people believe that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People will go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the departed, and will build private altars, containing the favorite foods and beverages, and photos and memorabilia, of the departed. Even Tequila!

The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.


When visiting Puerto Vallarta during late October through November 3rd, you will encounter processions to public alters and the local cemeteries. While this is traditionally a private family event, many alters are set up on the Rio Cuale Island are free to view by the public and should not be missed.  -  Cameras are not appreciated. As a tourist, please treat it with respect!


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta and the New Gay Travel Guide

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Puerto Vallarta will host  the  1st Annual Lesbian  Artists Festival

                              I FESTIVAL ARTÍSTICO LÉSBICO 


November  6th - 9th   -   4 days and 3 nights of Arts and Tours


 When we extend our wings, love gets up in flight and we raise up to the top of the fullness. -  We are a group of lesbian women interested in creating a professional arts and tourism-existence in Mexico.

As Puerto Vallarta's gay and lesbian community grows, so do the events! Each year, more gays and lesbians are moving to Vallarta and more and more come to visit.

Les Alebrijes is an adventure that aims to grow, go beyond the mythical ideas of groups
to raise gay and lesbian foster a society that has a great capacity to embrace and contain
 many communities.

We are convinced that our strength can generate radical changes to society and put lesbian in an important place in the economy of Mexico.

We invite you to participate in this effort by taking advantage of the spaces that we have to promote your talent, your art and your strength.  Here you can exhibit your paintings, drawings, records, music, books and anything else that represents your vocation and your work.

All are welcome to learn the art and buy the product of talent lesbian.
This will allow them to be financially supported and that we can strengthen our businesses to drive. 
 

For those who are not artists but do art with their businesses, also invited to participate in the directory business that we are about to open. This effort aims to generate synergy lesbian promote the growth of our businesses. 

Interest participants should Send data from your business, arts, products or services
 to lesalebrijes@lesalebrijes.com 

A LIMITED number of rooms have been secured at BUENAVENTURA GRAND  HOTEL. 
To check room availability and request a reservation,

 FILL OUT THIS FORM 

and send it to   reservaciones@lesalebrijes.com .



If more information is needed -  
 Contact Information: Adriana Thomas or Gabriela Ortiz

Calle: Miguel Ángel de Quevedo 962 Stree

 Col. Parque San Andrés Coyocán.

México DF 04040

Tels: 56 89 99 78, 53417503

Cels 5527 370370, 5539 550149         LES ALEBRIJES!

 

                       The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta and the New Gay Travel Guide

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WELCOME TO THE BEST OF GAY PUERTO VALLARTA!


This site is currently under construction but will be
 launching by Summer 2008.

Puerto Vallarta  is a thriving  retreat for  gays and lesbians and every year  becomes more popular as a gay vacation spot.  With a great climate, beautiful ocean bay beaches, mountains and lush tropical jungle as the setting, Puerto Vallarta is a small city devoted to serving the visiting traveler.

Let us be your guide to everything gay and gay-friendly in Puerto Vallarta and also show you some things off the beaten path, that only the locals know about!

We’ll be covering it all!   THE BEST OF GAY  PUERTO VALLARTA!




For advertising information and SEO perks for your business, contact us today!

Michael Snell and  Derrick  Sorles   (773) 878-5323        or   e-mail us

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After a busy summer, Galleria Dante reopened  this week. Once again they will have “artists in residence” painting in the gallery, starting on October 8th, from 11 am until 2 pm featuring Juana Cortez and Oscar Solis.  They are here for only two days this trip.

"Since many of our artists live outside Vallarta, and collectors cannot visit their studios, we are bringing the artists' studios to them. At these "Open Studios", one or more artists will take turns painting on site. Last year the artists found this to be so successful, that many more will be working in the gallery this season.

December 21st, 2008 marks our 20th Anniversary in business in Vallarta.  Many of you will remember our Italian restaurant "Pizza Joe" which was in operation for seven years, and in 1995 we opened "Galleria Dante". We could not have done it without the support of  local artists and collectors, as well as the many wonderful people who have visited our fair city, (Mexicans, Canadians, Americans and Europeans), who patronized us and recommended us to all their family and friends. Thank you to all for the friendship you gave our family and our staff over the past 20 years. 

Many of our current artists in addition to their former techniques are experimenting with new materials and styles and are anxious to present these works to you throughout the upcoming season.
Artists Cherie Sibley, Peter Spataro, and Pipo Brockman continue with their Art Classes and workshops. We would be happy to forward them any inquiries. 

We are pleased to welcome Leticia Schmidt, talented  artists in encaustics, in addition to abstract oils and acrylics. We also received this month new sculptures by Israel Zzepda."

Hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm (they do not close for lunch).

Closed Saturday and Sunday,  Show dates to be announced!.



The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta  and the New Gay Travel Guide

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It’s not for nothing that the word "art" is embedded in the name Puerto Vallarta! With the exception of the capital, Puerto Vallarta has more important art galleries than anywhere else in Mexico. Artists from around the world gravitate to Puerto Vallarta’s beauty, which they mirror in their work – fashion, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, painting, poetry, writing, the list is endless.


The first gallery opened in the early 80's. Now critics say its  Mexico's Art Mecca. Puerto Vallarta boasts over 30 art galleries and museums featuring art in all mediums. Both internationally famous artists as well as up-and-coming young artists live and create their artwork here, and the large number of galleries, art museums, and an eclectic mix of resident artists have made Puerto Vallarta a renowned international art community.

Despite  Vallarta's growing fame, local art is still priced fairly. Galleria Dante owner Claire Guarniere says, "Art collectors who know the value of art are always impressed with what they can buy in Vallarta." Located in the Romantic Zone, the newly expanded Galleria Dante features artists in an indoor-outdoor space that invites the viewer to partake in the entire scene. An interior courtyard with an intimate pool is surrounded by classical and modern sculpture, as if the art is on parade. Walls of cement and brick display lush abstracts of Montreal's Jean-Gabriel Lambert, Israel Zzepda's classic dreams of erotic abandon, and more.

Partners Jean Pierre Renucci and Jose Angel Villavicencio of Galeria Corsica have a talent for finding the best up-and-coming artists out of Mexico City. Their rainbow circle includes the intriguing Jorge Marin, who gives his sensual bird-men gymnasts' bodies, and Rocio Caballero's playful male and female nymphs, who gambol underwater with nude abandon. On a corner in the same neighborhood, which also boasts gourmet restaurants and boutiques, is the exclusive Galeria Omar Alonso, showcasing vibrant black-and-white photographs cleanly displayed on stark walls, punctuated by the ruptured metal nudes of Olivia Guzman.

Downtown Art Walks are held biweekly late October through April. During the "Art Season"  the public is invited to attend cocktail receptions during "Art Walk" inaugurations. With maps in hand, patrons stroll from gallery to gallery enjoying the art of the Downtown and Marina galleries' art walks. In Puerto Vallarta we are fortunate to be able to enjoy the fruits of many artists' talents. It is a little Mecca for those who collect, study, or just take pleasure from viewing.

The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta and the New Gay Travel Guide

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June is  GAY PRIDE month around the world!

It is traditionally celebrated the last Sunday of June, in most cities. Pride celebrations stemmed from the Stonewall Riots in New York City.

The Stonewall Riots were a series of violent conflicts between LGBT people and New York City police officers that began during a 28 June 1969 police raid, and lasted several days. They were centered at the Stonewall Inn and are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern-day movement towards LGBT rights.

Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Heterosexual people have sometimes asked me, "Why do you have to have a  pride day? Why are you so proud? We don't have  straight pride day?" - It's about not feeling ashamed of who we are. It's about showing people our numbers, that we are in fact EVERYWHERE. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Gay pride is about appreciating yourself and other members of our community for being different. GAY PRIDE means accepting yourself and celebrating who you are.


     

Gay pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.  The movement has three main premises:
 
 - that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity,
 
 - that sexual diversity is a gift,

 - and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Someone at Cedar Rapids Pride said, "Often the hardest person to come out to is yourself.  GAY PRIDE doesn't just happen. It is hard work to overcome the profound effects of abusive religion and cultural abandonment that afflict all minorities. Self-esteem is the greatest achievement that you can reach in life. Your sense of self-worth is so valuable, that you work hard all of your life to find and express it. To reach your goal of self-esteem and happiness requires knowledge and positive experience."

Jed Ryan from Lick The Web says, "So, what is "Gay Pride?" It may not be so important that we find a universal definition. What's more important is that all of us feel positively and lovingly about being who we are-- in our case, definitely including but not limited to being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered-- at least for one moment in our lives and hopefully more. And that can be in June or any other month, at the Parade or any other location, or whether you're 17 or 70. Ultimately, the real and most important meaning of "pride" is in within each one of us."

Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) are celebrated worldwide, and every year, the number of gay people and their supporters grows bigger and bigger! We're here, we're queer, you'd better get used to it!


Michael  Snell
New Gay Travel Guide

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ABSOLUT found themseleves in some hot mess drama this week! Bowing to pressure, Absolut has pulled the ad and is “refocusing” efforts in the Latin American marketplace, specifically in Mexico. The creative, early 19th century map showing chunks of the United States as a part of Mexico, has angered many American and Mexican consumers. CNN even covered it!

(*a note from the Historical Accuracy Department & Wikipedia: the map used is historically accurate up until 1848 when the United States, under President James K. Polk, invaded Mexico and seized Mexico City after the Mexican government refused to acknowledge the United States’ annexation of Texas.)



According to my blogging buddy Ryan Arnold The Ad Guy,  - Let’s put this into perspective, people. Absolut Vodka is a Global brand. Hence, they undertake marketing initiatives that are geared toward specific consumers located in various parts of the Globe. In the case of this ad, it was part of an outdoor and print campaign in Mexico City, Cancun, and other larger Mexican cities. This ad was not geared for the US General Market – it was placed in Mexico and targeted Mexican consumers. When media outlets throughout the Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California caught wind, many tried to spin the ad as Absolut weighing in on immigration and citizenship reform. Absolut released this statement on their website:

“In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues."

Recognize this advertisement for what it is: another in the long list of clever advertising we’ve come to know and love from Absolut Vodka. You can view a fine collection of Absolut Vodka ads (some less controversial than others) here. France's Pernod-Ricard is taking over Absolut Vodka, one of the world's top-selling spirits, after buying government owned Vin & Spirir earlier this year.

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I was talking with a friend recently who had never been to Puerto Vallarta, and he asked, "What else is there to do there, besides go to the beach and drink?" - There is SO MUCH to see and do in Vallarta that a week is barely enough time to visit!

Mind you, I don't mind sitting on the beach, having hot latin waiters flirt and bring me drinks all day, watching an perfect sunset, then freshing up for an amazing dinner, then go night clubbing! However, there is lots more to see and do to break up your days.

How about  parasailing ?  It gives you a birds eye view of Banderas Bay and the mountains around Puerto Vallarta. Parasailing costs about $35-40. Jet-Skiing is also available.  Seasonally, whale watching is pretty amazing here. From December through March, the waters off the coast of Puerto Vallarta offer some of the most spectacular whale watching opportunities in the world. How about snorkeling? Banderas Bay offers sanctuary to a great profusion of sea life - and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta is a fun-filled experience!

Maybe you want some different sites? How about 15 minutes away you can experience Mismaloya, the area where Richard Burton filmed Night of the Iguana. If you are feeling adventerous, fly like a bird through the jungle at El Eden Canopy Tours! Glide effortlessly over the treetops of the set of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie, "Predator".  Fly high over waterfalls, forests, and jungle with the greatest of ease on over 2 miles of zip lines. Plan on spending a few hours here - explore the natural waterpools and waterfalls and enjoy  some tequila samplings!

Shopping in paradise, what a concept! In Puerto Vallarta there is something for everyone under the sun; funky trinkets, T-shirts of every description, Mexican "sombreros", tequila, hand-crafted furniture, leather goods, cigars, pottery, glass, sterling silver, woven blankets... the list goes on and on. There is lots of shopping information advice at Virtual Vallarta.

They have an amazing art gallery district also. With the exception of the capital, Puerto Vallarta has more important art galleries than anywhere else in Mexico. Artists from around the world gravitate to Puerto Vallarta’s beauty, which they mirror in their work – fashion, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, painting, poetry, writing, the list is endless. And the Huichol Indians, who live deep in the mountains around Puerto Vallarta as they have for centuries, enliven the local art scene with their culturally meaningful yarn and bead art.

Is that enough?! There's even more we'll be covering on this site in coming weeks!

The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta!

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Unlike other vacation destinations in Mexico (and elsewhere) Puerto Vallarta was not a planned resort town. It just sort of happened!  Puerto Vallarta has always been here. Back in the 1500's the Bay was named the "Bahia de Banderas" (Bay of Flags) by a Spanish sea adventurer whose arrival was greeted by thousands of natives waving feathered flags.

One of the reasons that Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming one of the world's most popular travel destinations is because it offers a unique blend of traditional, "Old Mexico" charm mixed with the modern amenities of a cosmopolitan setting. Cobblestone streets and old Spanish-colonial style white stucco houses with red clay tile roofs climb the mountain sides with red and pink bougainvillea spilling from balconies and roof-tops. The sound of church bells, roosters crowing, and the clatter of donkeys' hooves on the cobblestones continues to be an everyday occurrence, just as it was 150 years ago. Yet, only 10 minutes away, you'll find world-class hotels, a first-rate marina harbor, and luxurious amenities of every kind.

Looking for a beach resort that offers a traditional Mexican flavor with lots of fun things to do? You might be looking for Puerto Vallarta, where you can lay out on the beach all day or do a boat tour, then cruise around town searching the shops for the best bargains and restaurants all night. And the choices of food are endless! You might have homemade Mexican fare one evening and dine at a 5 star epicurean delight the next!

Walking the streets in the old part of Puerto Vallarta is a real joy. El Centro draws a lot of tourists along the Malecon. The Romantic Zone-  this is where you want to be! The streets are generally narrow cobblestone thoroughfares, many of which twist around or climb the hillside at almost impossibly steep grades. Stroll up behind the cathedral and you can snap the picture of the stunningly ornate iron belfry tower that graces postcards you see in the shops. Climb up the narrow stairs or streets and you'll see some of the fabulous balconies of houses and their incredible panoramic view of the city below them and the Bahia Banderas stretched out to the Pacific.

 

The new Vallarta - Neuvo Vallarta is a planned resort area. As more and more cruise ships stop in PV, more and more hotels seem to go up! It's 3-4 miles north of the old downtown.  More on the lines of Cancun. Big chain hotels and restaurants. If you want all the comforts of Sandals or The Marriott, stay in the new area and cab back and fourth. But why stay at a secluded resort, away from the action? If you really want to experience Vallarta, you  want to stay in the old part, specifically the Romantic Zone. All the gay clubs are near by or a $4 cab ride away. 


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta!

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Hollywood discovered and put Puerto Vallarta on the map in 1963.  Based on the Tennessee Williams play, director John Huston began filming “Night of the Iguana” at Mismaloya, a nearby fishing village. Then, there were  just 12,500 inhabitants when the director arrived (legend claims his plane skimmed the runway several times, before managing to shoo cows off the strip).

Stunning. John Huston knew it. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor knew it. Ingeniero Guillermo Wulff knew it. Banderas Bay and the vibrant village at its core, Puerto Vallarta, were destined for greater things and a future on the big screen. They knew this pristine paradise was too desirable to remain untouched forever, too enchanting not to be shared. - Today it’s  about 250,000 strong with over 3 million visitors each year, mainly in the drier season from November-April.

The films stars Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner and Richard Burton attracted tremendous media attention.   Media coverage increased as Elizabeth Taylor joined Richard to fend off those attractive co-stars as well as to manage Burton’s alcohol problems.  There was so much to report it was a paparazzi frenzy!  

Liz purchased Richard a hillside love nest, Casa Kimberly (which is now a B&B and museum)!  And Richard gave Liz the $350,000 Krupp Diamond Ring!  Both married, the lovers created an international scandal.  Burton, a Catholic, was threatened with excommunication. Taylor’s U.S. citizenship was jeopardized.  Reporters swarmed over their x-rated romance! Suddenly, Puerto Vallarta was a famous destination! 

   

Over the years, people were able to visit the actual set and there was an amazing restaurant near there called  EL SET. El Set is named for the many movies that have been filmed over the years in its residential location of Conchas Chinas. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this spot, located seven flights down from street level, but it would be a shame to visit at any other time other than just before sunset. El Set is built into the side of a winding cliff--a short and inexpensive taxi ride from the Zona Romantica. Neighbor to several multi-million dollar mansions, El Set overlooks the rocky Pacific and offers the most breathtaking sunset vistas. 

Nearby,  tourists can  explore the waterfalls and jungle also! (See also Palo Maria).   But sadly, those days may be  gone soon. There are rumours that part of the area is now being converted to a gated community or condo development of some sort.   We'll keep you posted if we hear any updates.

 A statue of John Huston was eventually erected in Puerto Vallarta, where it still stands, because of his role in creating the city's current reputation.  Several big movies have been filmed here. Read about the PV film history at Virtual Vallarta! 


    The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta!

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The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18.
Puerto Vallarta Gay Bars by Neighborhood...

 Gay Bars in El Centro

 
Antropology    9pm - 4am
A gay strip club or as they call it: "gentleman's club" - HOT GUYS!!
El Centro - Morelos 101, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

 

 Gay Bars in Lazaro Cardenas

 Club Manana
"thee place to go" - Dancing inside and out. Strippers after 11:30.
Sun-Thurs, 9pm-6am; Fri and Sat, 9pm-8am   A  late bar! Lots of special events.
Lazaro Cardenas - Venustiano Carranza 290, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Club Paco Paco 10pm - 6am
One of the largest and best know. 2 levels plus rooftop. Happy hour 1pm-9pm
Lazaro Cardenas - Ignacio L Vallarta 278, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Diva's   3pm - 2am
Cantina bar - daily specials
Lazaro Cardenas - Francisco L. Madero 388, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Encuentros
Lounge and "pizza bar" -  great food, mixed clientele - happy hour 8pm-10pm
Lazaro Cardenas - Lazaro Cardenas 312, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Frida - Popular cantina / local hangout   1pm - 2am
Lazaro Cardenas - Lazaro Cardenas 361, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 La Noche Martini Lounge - Intimate bar, soft music - happy hour 7pm-9pm
Lazaro Cardenas - Lazaro Cardenas 257, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Los Amigos - Upstairs, next door to Paco's  6pm-4am
Lazaro Cardenas - Venustiano Carranza 237, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Mesa 61
Restaurant with a an upstairs lounge
Lazaro Cardenas - Ignacio L. Vallarta 264, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Plasma  6pm-2am   happy hour  6-9pm
Gay bar with videos on a plasma screen, pool table, and a back room/labyrinth for men
Lazaro Cardenas - Pino Suarez 235, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
Ranch
Split level disco bar/cantina with a large bar area and dance floor.
Next door to Los Amigos. Strippers in the evening.
Lazaro Cardenas - Venustiano Carranza 239, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
Stereo   9pm-4am
Small cool dance club-bar with a European style in ambience and music.
Lazaro Cardenas - Lazaro Cardenas 267, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

 

Gay Bars in Olas Altas
 
 Acoluha (AA Bar)
Olas Altas - Fra. Rodriquez 157, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Apaches Martini Bar and Bistro   Small  and  cozy. Inside and sidewalk seating.
Olas Altas - Olas Altas 439, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 

 Garbo's Piano Bar
Jazz & piano bar and upscale lounge -  happy hour 6pm-9pm
Olas Altas - Pulpito 142, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Kit Kat Club
Martini lounge and restaurant -  long time favorite
Olas Altas - Púlpito 120, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 

Mercurio's Pool Bar  @ Mercurio hotel
Beautiful pool area and bar  - daily  3pm-10pm,  happy hour  3pm-6pm
Olas Altas - 168 Francisca Rodríguez, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
 
 Sama
Trendy and elegant  martini bar located next door to Mama Dolores restaurant on Olas Altas street, with sidewalk and inside air-conditioned seating.
Olas Altas - Olas Altas 510, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

 Vallarta Cora - 
Vallarta Cora gay hotel with heated pool, patio, video room and bar service. The clothing optional jacuzzi and steam room reportedly get pretty steamy. Men only, lots of locals and nationals. Cover includes a drink. Popular in the early evening after the beach.  Daily, 3pm-midnight. 
Olas Altas - Pilitas 174  -  Puerto vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

Gay Bars in Playa los Muertos

Blue Sunset Rooftop Bar (at Blue Chairs)
The place to be for sunset every day of the week
Mon is movie night, 8:30pm; Tues is gay bingo, 7pm-9pm; Weds and Sun are the Dirty Bitches shows, 7pm and 9pm; Thurs is Cruise party at 5pm; Fri is Karaoke at 7pm; Sat is Blue Hombre show at 7:30pm.
Playa los Muertos - Calle Malecon y Almendro 4, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

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Over the last 10 years, PV has gotten gayer and gayer! "This is what the Castro used to be 20 years ago," said Clay Berger, a hair stylist at Puerto Vallarta's upscale blu by len salon and spa. The former Santa Rosa resident was referring to the gayest part of the city, Zona Romantica, where blu prominently displays the rainbow flag. The shop is on the neighborhood's main street, Olas Altas, and across the street from two gay bars and a gay restaurant.

An article in the Bay Area Reporter  stated,"A couple of guys from Los Angeles, Peter Deep, and his business partner, Shaun Butler, made a huge impact on Puerto Vallarta's gay nightlife when they opened the Manana nightclub in November 2006. It quickly established a following among locals who were ready for a change from the established Club Paco Paco. And where the locals went, the tourists followed, making Manana the most popular gay club in Puerto Vallarta. A handful of other smaller gay bars have opened over the past couple of years and there are even more gay and gay-friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts to give LGBT travelers plenty of options.

 

Unlike longtime gay enclaves like Palm Springs, Provincetown, and Key West, Puerto Vallarta's evolution is relatively recent. In 1989, Paco Ruiz, the then-owner of his namesake, Club Paco Paco, had his one-man Stonewall rebellion against the police who frequently raided his club. He stood up to the cops and was sent to jail. The case received media attention and the public sympathy that followed helped pave the way for the city's current gay-friendly environment. That climate grew warmer this year with the inauguration of a gay-friendly mayor, Javier Bravo Carbajal.

Puerto Vallarta is centered on Banderas Bay, on Mexico's west coast. It's less than a four-hour flight from the Bay Area. Zona Romantica, where the gay clubs, bars, hotels and just about everything else gay are centered, is in the southern end of Banderas Bay. It's also where you will find Playa De Los Muertos, the city's largest public beach, and home to Blue Chairs Beach, the unofficially gay section of that beach.

Zona Romantica boasts over a dozen gay or gay-friendly hotels and over 20 gay bars and nightclubs. Everything is in walking distance; don't even think of renting a car. Cab service is plentiful and cheap. You can take a cab anywhere within the zone for about $3. But be sure to establish the price of the ride before you get in the cab; taxis aren't metered."

 
(Photos  by  Discover Vallarta! - a great gay travel guide!)

Nightlife is hotter than ever in PV.

The upscale Mañana club has an indoor disco but its centerpiece is its open-air pool surrounded by a dance floor and seating areas. It's open until 6 a.m. during the week and until 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

A big part of Mañana's runaway success was that it was able to obtain a late-night operating permit. That attracts locals who work in the restaurants and hotels and need someplace to go after the night shift. Buses don't start operating until around 5 a.m., so it's critical to have a place where they can stay late. Tourists, in turn, want to go where there are a lot of locals.

Other new additions to Puerto Vallarta's nightlife include the high-tech video lounge bar, Stereo. Plasma, with a notorious dark room, is popular with the leather and bear crowd. Another new edition is Encuentros, an upscale bar and pizza restaurant. The aforementioned Bench and Bar, like the Palm bar it replaced, is a popular showcase for local gay-centric entertainment.

Whether you want to relax at the beaches, do some romantic fine dining, shop the art galleries, go whale watching, nightclubing...it's all here!  See you there!

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