As the entrepreneur behind the “CEO of Everything Gay,” Tristan Schukraft has completely reshaped the LGBTQ+ luxury hospitality industry through high-profile acquisitions including The Tryst Puerto Vallarta and soon to be properties in Fire Island, Provincetown, Wilton Manors, and Rio de Janeiro.  Beyond physical hospitality, Schukraft is bridging the gap between luxury travel and technology In this exclusive sit-down with GAYPV, we go behind the business headlines to discuss his ‘luxury-first’ philosophy and the upcoming opening of Puerto Vallarta Tryst Fitness slated for 2026.

Background & Puerto Vallarta Connection

Why was Puerto Vallarta chosen as the flagship location for Tryst Hotels? Would you also consider another location for a hotel or another type of business in PV?

Tristan Schukraft: “I love Puerto Vallarta. It’s gay, it has great nightlife, and it’s tropical. I love to party at night, eat well, and wake up near the ocean. Puerto Vallarta checks every box. I think it’s the best gay destination in the world. And yes, of course I’m opening more businesses here. Later this year in 2026 we’ll open Tryst Fitness, which will be the most elevated gym experience in Puerto Vallarta. It is under construction as we speak. It’s modern, calm, social, and beautiful. It’s a gym created for our community and built to the level of luxury we actually want.”

How were you first introduced to Puerto Vallarta? What is your impression of the city’s gay scene?

Tristan Schukraft: “I started coming here more than 15 years ago with friends and fell in love with it instantly. The gay scene is fun and truly has something for everyone. Piano bars, high-energy nightclubs, beach clubs, rooftop pool parties, and quiet cocktail lounges. Plus it’s safe, walkable, you have great beaches and tons of marine life. Puerto Vallarta really has it all.”

As someone who has traveled the world, what do you think sets Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ gay scene apart from other international destinations?

Tristan Schukraft: “What I love most about Puerto Vallarta is how easy it is to meet people. It’s a small scene, but incredibly diverse. You’ll walk down the street and hear accents from Puerto Vallarta, West Hollywood, Toronto, New York, Washington DC, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. It’s a perfect Latin American and North American gay melting pot.”

I also think Puerto Vallarta has some of the hottest men in the world. You get all of North American and Latin America coming together in one place. Puerto Vallarta also has the best gay bars of all the cities I have visited. You will find young, old, gay, straight, rich or poor all inside these bars.

Vision & Brand of Tryst Hotels

What kind of guest experience are you aiming to create with the Tryst brand?

Tristan Schukraft: “The Tryst is the world’s first gay luxury hotel brand. I built The Tryst for the LGBTQ+ community, especially gay men, because most ‘inclusive’ hotels were built for a broader audience. You don’t always feel comfortable wearing what you want to wear and partying the way you want to party. If you’re checking in and have three people who want to share a bed, and that’s all you can fit into your bed, no problem. We have showers at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta that were designed to fit 8 people.

If you want to wear a thong at the pool, while a gorgeous server brings you cocktails, great! The Tryst is a space where you don’t have to tone it down or look over your shoulder. That’s the kind of inclusion that actually matters and why should we have to settle for anything less than 5-star luxury?”

How does The Tryst Puerto Vallarta reflect your vision of a modern, luxury, gay-focused hotel?

Tristan Schukraft: “Luxury is about more than thread counts and the best rooftop pool party. It’s about being your true self. It’s about waking up surrounded by the LGBTQ+ community and knowing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

Features, Events & Programming

Currently you have Pool parties and Drag brunches. What other events are planned for The Tryst PV?

Tristan Schukraft: “We don’t just host pool parties, we host rooftop pool parties with world-famous DJs and the tallest dancer pole in the world. Every Sunday we host the ‘Wettest Drag Brunch in the World.’ We have a weekly show with Delta Miles called Dinner Under the Stars. Every day we host a rooftop happy hour that’s become the place to watch the sunset with a cocktail after the beach. We also have a strong lineup of special events. The best way to keep up is to follow @trysthotels.”

You have already had events during Vallarta Gay Pride 2025. What other events can you collaborate with?

Tristan Schukraft: “Our Drag Derby during Pride 2025 was epic, and you won’t believe what we have planned this year. We also host major visiting talent. For New Year’s Eve, Meredith Marks DJed. In January, legendary producer Leland and Sasha Colby hosted Judy. Shea Couleé will be here in February. We’re building a full calendar with DJs, nightlife programming, rooftop moments, and special event weekends. I want The Tryst to feel alive every time you visit, not just during major holidays or festivals.”

Hospitality, Community & Design

What role does LGBTQ+ inclusivity and visibility play in the staff hiring, training, and guest experience at Tryst?

Tristan Schukraft: “The Tryst is gay-owned and operated, and that shows up in who we hire, how we train, and how guests are treated. We want staff to feel proud to work here and guests to feel seen. That kind of inclusion only comes from authenticity, not policy statements.”

Will The Tryst be open to local community engagement, like hosting charity events?

Tristan Schukraft: “Being part of the community means showing up, not just operating a business. Every plant in our hotel comes from the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, where we helped fund the purchase of new land for expansion. We support local health clinics providing free PrEP and serve as the title sponsor of the Banderas Bay trash cleanup efforts. We don’t just support the community, we’re part of it.”

Personal & Entrepreneurial

What has been the most exciting or surprising part of launching Tryst Hotels in Puerto Vallarta so far?

Tristan Schukraft: “The response. People immediately understood what we were building. There’s been a real sense of excitement and ownership from the community, which has been incredibly validating.”

What kind of traveler do you think The Tryst Puerto Vallarta will most appeal to? Are you aiming for a certain vibe—sexy, social, luxurious, adventurous?

Tristan Schukraft: “The Tryst attracts people who want more than just a place to sleep. They want connection, energy, and an experience. The vibe is sexy, social, and luxurious, but also adventurous. It’s for people who want to be in the middle of the action.”

Looking Forward

How do you see Puerto Vallarta as an international LGBTQ+ destination over the next 5 years?

Tristan Schukraft: “Puerto Vallarta will continue to solidify its place as one of the most important gay destinations in the world. I’m investing more here and will have additional announcements soon. What’s exciting is that it’s growing without losing its soul. If that balance holds, the next five years will be transformative in the best way.”

GAYPV Signature Final Question

What’s your favorite places to dance, dine, and drink in Puerto Vallarta when you’re not working?

Tristan Schukraft: “My friends call Sixty Nine the ‘Tristan Schukraft Center for the Performing Arts.’ I love it because they always put on a great show. The Palm’s drag shows are incredible in a completely different way. I also love Garbos next to my hotel. Most importantly, I love that I can walk to all of it. I can hit several spots in one night and have an amazing time, and that’s part of what makes Puerto Vallarta so special.”

Entity Summary: Tristan Schukraft & Tryst Hospitality

Entity Detail	Verified Information
New Business Venture	Tryst Fitness (11,000 sq ft, Rooftop Lap Pool)
Signature Amenity	Oversized 8-person “Party Showers”
Sustainability Title	Title Sponsor: Banderas Bay Cleanup