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Casa Cupula LGBT Resort Celebrates Anniversary
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15thAnniversary!
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañeracelebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season.
This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, undisputed Miss Congeniality of hit reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has been selected by the team at legendary Puerto Vallarta boutique hotel Casa Cupula to headline the property’s highly anticipated quinceañera — or 15 anniversary —celebration, to take place January 19, 2018. Tickets start at 300 pesos (approximately US$16) per person (visit www.casacupula.com/cucu).
READ MORE HERE ABOUT CYNTHIA
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotel Turns 15
Casa Cupula Prepares
to Celebrate its Quinceañera!
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañera celebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season. This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January, to be headlined by an as-yet-to-be-named world-famous “hostess”.
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
Costa Sur Resort & Spa Gay Wedding Deal
PLOOKING FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING?
COSTA SUR RESORT & SPA WILL PAY FOR IT!
Puerto Vallarta’s Popular Wedding Resort Splurges on Guests with Free Wedding with Booking
Costa Sur Resort & Spa has launched its “All Inclusive Free Wedding Package” giving away most elements of a wedding with a 10 room booking.
Located in Mexico’s Pacific Coast destination of Puerto Vallarta, is one of the destination’s most popular wedding resorts, already hosting hundreds of weddings year-round, including over 200 LGBT ceremonies.
The property has a full in-house wedding staff and able to provide not only a secluded beach-front wedding but all the amenities needed for a world-class wedding.
The hotel’s wedding package promotion is based on a 10 room booking for a minimum of 2 nights; Costa Sur will give the happy couple a complimentary wedding banquet, Costa Sur Resort & Spa special table setting with round tables and Tiffany chairs and 4 hours of open bar, including a sparkling wine toast.
In addition, the couple will also receive 2 Nights All Inclusive complimentary accommodations, Upgrade to suite and a full wedding coordinator for any additional needs.
On the night of the wedding, the couple’s room will be decorated with the resort’s signature romantic setting rich with chocolate dipped strawberries and sparkling white wine.
Puerto Vallarta has the sun, the beach, and the beautiful blue ocean year round. It’s the perfect mix with plenty of romantic beachfront backdrops, as well as a very fun, charming local Mexican village, just 10 minutes from the resort.
For reservations please visit www.costasurpuertovallarta.com
Gorgeous Costa Sur Resort – 4km from Town
Breathtaking views and tranquility!
Only 5 minutes from Romantica Zone but feels like a whole other world. “Far” from traffic and noise. “Far” from business as usual. Yet only 4.5 km away from the action!
In an age of sameness, Costa Sur is a place apart. It belongs to the unspoiled South Shore of Banderas Bay where the emerald green mountains suddenly meet Banderas Bay, one of the largest and certainly one of the most beautiful bays in the hemisphere.
140 Rooms with full ocean views AND terraces? Yes.
Warm and charming staff? Yes
Pool? Yes
Private beach? Yes
And a crystal clear swimming lagoon. 20 some years ago, huge boulders were put into place to create a buffer between the smashing waves and the beach. As time went by the rock barrier turned into a natural reef and home to a wide variety of colorful marine life. Fish of many shapes and sizes, beautiful coral, starfish, lobster and even octopus can be seen swimming in the deeper sections of the lagoon. Now guests can enjoy a gorgeous lagoon to swim and play in. Snorkeling, Scuba and Kayak gear is available for rent.
There are several wonderful restaurants and bars on site at the resort. These establishments are available for those guests who never want to have to leave the property or who like the convenience of being able to grab something as soon as they want it. There in-house chef makes a fantastic variety of food, including both Mexican and various other international cuisines.
For the LGBT traveler, check out the PROUD TO TRAVEL package! The package is a great price and comes with a couples massage and breakfast every morning. The 8th floor is totally remodeled and is adults only. The rooms are gorgeous! The rooms have kitchens and granite counters, bathrooms are very nice with great showers. The hotel is TAG approved and a member of IGLTA and gay weddings have become very popular here in the last year.What a spectacular romantic setting?!
Venues and locations for affordable destination weddings are not easy to find, especially if you are looking for a destination that offers guests a wide variety of vacation experiences AND provides you (as the bride/bride or groom/groom) an exceptional level of service and help from start to finish. At Costa Sur Resort and Spa they take great pride in having nearly everything a couple could want for their marriage/celebration, easily at hand, and many times all wrapped into one affordable wedding package.
Costa Sur has risen to the top 25% of hotels rated by Trip Advisor in Vallarta while keeping its rates affordable to assure excellent value. You WILL NOT find a hotel with these views at these prices ANYWHERE else!
Costa Sur Resort & Spa
Carretera a Barra de Navidad km 4.5
Zona Hotelera Sur
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco CP 48310
Toll Free USA: 1-866-921-0126
Toll Free México: 01-800-504-7090
BEST SPA Puerto Vallarta Ohtli at Marriott
When most people speak of Puerto Vallarta, they speak of Old Vallarta. The original Vallarta. Quaint streets, little shops, boutique hotels, bars, beaches, restaurants and more!
Then, there is Nuevo Vallarta, about 20 minutes north of Old Vallarta. Close to the airport. This is where the cruise ships docks and you have all of the large hotel resorts, most of them in the Hotel Zone.
Some people choose to stay in Nuevo Vallarta because of the luxury resorts on sprawling acres. They can relax at the pool, enjoy spa services and then cab or bus to Old Vallarta, to enjoy the “downtown” and shopping and cultural things to do, as well as nightlife.
One property in Nuevo that WE LOVE is CasaMagna Marriott. It is set along the curve of Banderas Bay on the Pacific Coast at the base of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. (CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta was one of the first hotels that received a Certification for the LGBT segment. They are also a “TAG Approved” hotel, and member of IGLTA ; International Gay Lesbian Travel Association).
Removed from the crowded Hotel Zone, the CasaMagna Marriott is located in exclusive Marina Vallarta, a perfect spot for an evening stroll by magnificent yachts and outdoor cafés. It is quite a spectacular and lavish setting.
Throughout Vallarta they are known for their Spa! The resort features a 22,000 square foot Ohtli Spa—the most spacious complete service resort spa in Puerto Vallarta.
Through its cultural sensitivity and the integration of healing and hospitality with the traditions of the diverse generations of people who have shaped Puerto Vallarta, the Ohtli Spa specializes in a balanced and authentic wellness approach.
The Ohtli Spa introduces ancient healing traditions and treatments from the Huichol Indians, fused with modern techniques, to help you achieve the perfect balance between body, mind and soul.
The Spa treatments have been carefully designed by experts to provide you a unique experience and help you reach a balance between body and mind. Massages, couples massages, facials, manicures, exfoliate and submerge yourself in deep relaxation while enjoying a therapy bath, or an aromatherapy treatment. Many services to choose from.
Among the spa’s most enticing features is Iyari Grand Luxury Suite—a 280 square foot private room designed as a refuge for guests seeking a truly indulgent spa experience, specialized spa packages, couples services, small groups or celebrities seeking anonymity.
Whether you choose to stay in Old Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, you MUST make a trip to this Spa!
1-888-236-2427
www.PuertoVallartaMarriott.com
Av. Paseo De La Marina No. 5, Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48354, Mexico
Tel: 011-52-322-226-0000 Fax: 011-52-322-226-0060
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel Celebrates Diversity
Over the last 75 years, Puerto Vallarta has grown! But not lost its charm.
I love that in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantica Zone and Old Towne, you have so many unique special boutique properties to choose from.
On my recent trip, I discovered a “new” place to stay. VILLA MERCEDES PETIT HOTEL. Amapas 175, Playa Los Muertos. I have walked by here before, but never had the chance to see inside! Just peaking in the front door, you can tell that something very special is inside!
Adults only, pet friendly, gay friendly, Villa Mercedes is a fantastic gem! A PETIT HOTEL with boutique type accommodations steps away from Los Muertos Beach. It has sort of a 50’s Palm Spring feel to me. Bright colors, simple and sleek lines and a bit eclectic.
Here is the cool part; Villa Mercedes is located in this historic hacienda-style building built in the early 1950 ́s, at the time the first and only “finca” or weekend retreat in the once secluded and remote Los Muertos Beach.
The property takes its name after its original owner, who was a real trailblazer in PV and one of the earlier settlers. They have preserved most of its original architectural character through generations. Now the property is ran and owned by Mercedes grandson, who is gay. They have been a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) since 2009. And an active member of the Puerto Vallarta LGBT Business Association, and was one of the first supporters and still is an active supporter of Puerto Vallarta ́s Gay Pride.
Art and Mexican crafts mixed with contemporary eclectic define most of the carefully decorated spaces with wonderful murals by artist Ana Rifa, Zapoteco textiles, gorgeous vintage cement tile mosaics, and original historic architecture.
Connecting to the property is 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar (Formerly the old Kit Kat Lounge). Intimate dinner is served every night at Villa Mercedes Peitit Hotel´s courtyard. Drinks and appetizers are also available upon guests´ request in the pool bar or in the roof deck on the third floor. Guests can choose from two interesting menu choices: Pulpito 116 and Maia Inspired Cuisine. Breakfast is also served in the courtyard during the high season months of November to May. Service in the hotel´s courtyard and roof deck is open to guests and their friends from 9:00 AM to 11:30PM.
The property has a total of 16 lodging options ranging from studio rooms, jr. suites, master suites, and penthouses. Some include fully equipped kitchens, others have kitchenettes. All have been upgraded with AC, flat-screen TVs, wifi access, cieling fans, temperpeudic mattress tops, safe boxes, mini-bars, and unique art, and decor, and textiles.
There is a courtyard at ground level with a pool, lounge area, food and bar service, and tropical landscaping. On the third floor there is a more private sun deck and roof garden accessible to guests and also available for events. – I just LOVE THIS PLACE. It’s a piece of Vallarta history!
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel Adults Only
Rivera Del Rio HIDDEN GEM Hotel
Magical and Whimsical!
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! What a hidden gem! It is whimsical and magical and you never want to leave! Usually my hotel is just a place to crash and shower and change. This place is SO SPECIAL, you never want to leave. The rooms are very very nice. Staff is top notch. The rooms, pool and views are breathtaking! Did I say I LOVE IT HERE?! This is MY FAVORITE Puerto Vallarta Hotel. It is visually stunning inside. Everywhere you look.
Situated in the heart of old town Puerto Vallarta (Zona Romantica). This luxury boutique bed and breakfast property is located on the bank of the Rio Cuale and the last remaining dirt road of old town. Rivera del Rio offers a luxurious setting for your wedding, honeymoon, group event or getaway with friends.
8 Rooms that are all very very nice! Each is very special. LOTS of photos on their site that will WOW YOU! Prices can run anywhere from $80-$150 for smaller rooms up to $170-$260 for the larger suites. All depends on the season and days you choose.
Rivera del Rio is a sumptuous Mexican bed and breakfast villa, nestled on the verdant banks of the Rio Cuale river. Here, amidst a primitive elegance, one steps back through the ages where Old Town Puerto Vallarta intertwines with the exquisite décor of the legendary “Silver” Maria Cortez.
Hailed by Casas and Gente Magazine as one of the world’s top architectural lady designers, N.Y Interior designer Billy Baldwin called her eclectic abode “the house of dreams” – a true Boutique Hotel.
Stars from all over the globe have crossed her threshold; from Raquel Welch to the jewel fashion icon Ken Lane. Her flowing manta curtains captured not only the movie cameras of Tony Scott but countless films and set locations from Vogue to Italian Elle. John Crocus labeled lasting acquaintances “Silver,” and fashion icon Perry Ellis, the “Luxury Lovers.”
Bathing in an emerald pool forget five stars, you will find a web of stars as you savor the 360 degree view of a jaguared Jungle, or languish in the Greek oyster alabaster spa, particularly sensuous in the pearly glow of moonlight.
Each newly remodeled and carefully crafted apartment is decorated with heavenly marbled fireplaces, Victorian leopard-claw tubs, and crispy cold air conditioners that will acclimate you to Vallarta’s heavenly temperatures. The Rivera del Rio is one of the few haciendas in Puerto Vallarta to offer a wholly purified water system!
It doesn’t get much better than this!
- Delicious made to order breakfast
- Spacious suites including several with living rooms and kitchenettes
- AC mini splits throughout suites and living room areas
- Flat Screen TVs with Cable TV
- Wireless Internet throughout suites, villa, and pool deck
- Free USA and Canada calling
- Free Local and Mexico calling
- Outdoor Rooftop Pool
- Outdoor Whirlpool Tub for 10
- Indoor Lap Pool
- Daily maid service
- Top of the line pillowtop mattresses, linens, and comforters
- Top of the line bathroom towels and amenities
- Large soak tubs and bidets in most suites
Paradise awaits you – A true joy and delight at your beck and call! Viva Mexico!
Watch the Video on their site!
Fun Parties at Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Mercurio!
