Tristan Schukraft Champions Puerto Vallarta’s Tryst Hotel as a Global Queer Haven

Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a queer destination has soared over the years, drawing visitors with its vibrant nightlife, inclusive culture, and scenic beaches. The city’s Zona Romántica, Old Town, has long been the heart of queer life in the region, hosting a spectrum of beloved brunch spots, gay bars, and thrilling excursions that make it a global favorite for LGBTQ+ travelers .

Tristan Schukraft, a visionary entrepreneur celebrated for his work in both tech and hospitality, has taken this legacy to new heights with the opening of The Tryst Puerto Vallarta. In a candid interview with Out Magazine, Schukraft shared his excitement about the resort’s grand debut and its mission to offer a safe, affirming space for everyone under the queer umbrella .

Schukraft’s philosophy for The Tryst is simple yet bold: create a space where gay travelers are encouraged to “embrace their worst behavior,” a phrase he uses to champion authentic self-expression and liberation from judgment. “We want everyone to feel like they can be themselves—uninhibited, joyful, and celebratory,” Schukraft told Out Magazine during the resort’s star-studded grand opening, which drew celebrities and queer icons from around the globe .

The resort’s amenities are tailored for a luxurious and playful experience. With 53 custom guest rooms and suites, guests can enjoy private terraces, ocean views, outdoor showers, and two lavish pools. The Tryst also hosts drag brunches and features a notably friendly staff, ensuring the property stands out as both a sanctuary and a celebration .

While Puerto Vallarta has long been celebrated for its welcoming embrace of gay and queer travelers, The Tryst’s arrival marks a significant milestone: it is the world’s first luxury gay hotel, designed specifically with the needs and desires of queer guests at its core . The city’s transformation into an international LGBTQ+ hotspot has been fueled by businesses and venues that prioritize inclusivity, with The Tryst now serving as a flagship for this movement.

Schukraft’s approach goes beyond hospitality. His broader portfolio includes MISTR, the largest telemedicine platform dedicated to HIV prevention and long-term care, reflecting a commitment to community health and wellbeing alongside leisure and celebration .

Tristan Schukraft’s ambitions for queer hospitality extend far beyond Puerto Vallarta. The Tryst Hotel brand is expanding rapidly, with properties in Fire Island set to open next season and a landmark location in Rio de Janeiro announced for 2026. “Who knew Brazil could get gayer?! This is our biggest hotel yet,” Schukraft enthused, highlighting plans for a rooftop pool, drag brunches, a bathhouse, and a top-floor restaurant—all designed to offer guests a complete experience without ever needing to leave the hotel .

The ethos underpinning all Tryst Hotels is rooted in radical inclusion and safety for queer people. Schukraft’s vision is to create environments where everyone, regardless of identity or background, feels welcomed, valued, and free to be themselves .

The launch of The Tryst Puerto Vallarta comes at a time when queer travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer not only enjoyment but also safety and affirmation. According to Out Magazine, the resort’s design and programming reflect a deep understanding of these needs, with curated experiences that foster connection, community, and pride .

Schukraft’s encouragement for gays to “go feral” at his resorts is both a nod to playful freedom and a rallying cry for self-acceptance. In his Out Magazine feature, he emphasized that The Tryst is more than a hotel—it’s a movement towards creating spaces where queer people can thrive, connect, and celebrate in environments designed with their needs in mind .

The grand opening of The Tryst Puerto Vallarta was attended by a diverse array of celebrities, influencers, and community leaders, underscoring the resort’s significance as a new centerpiece of global queer culture. The event itself was described as “one for the history books” by Out Magazine, reflecting the excitement and optimism surrounding Schukraft’s vision .

The impact of The Tryst extends beyond its chic interiors and luxury amenities. By centering queer identities, the resort and its founder are helping to redefine the landscape of queer travel, encouraging greater visibility, acceptance, and celebration in international destinations .