In case you haven’t noticed, Puerto Vallarta has become the favorite Mexican tourist destination of the LGBTQ+ community. Vallarta claims the title of the first city in Mexico to receive the Gay Travel Approved distinction by GayTravel.com. In 2013, the city hosted its first GAY PRIDE celebration and has welcomed a yearly increase of LGBTQ+ visitors since then.
Enter Mike Owens. Mike discovered Vallarta in 2018. “I first visited Vallarta to get a little rest and relaxation after some tumultuous personal life changes. I was not expecting how I would instantly fall in love with this wonderful place. So, I retired early from a long corporate career and started to plan the next phase of my life,” shared Mike. “Yes, I know it’s a cliché. I have always wanted to own a bar. Once I experienced the gay nightlife in Puerto Vallarta, I knew I had something to offer,” Mike continues.
“Something to offer,” barely describes what Mike has in store for the gay bar scene in Puerto Vallarta. In a building located on Basilio Badillo 283, one of the most iconic streets in the Zona Romantica, Mike introduces: THERAPY Vallarta and STUDS Bear Bar.
“While we occupy the same building, these two separate bars offer completely different experiences,” explains Barworks MX Operations Director, Hector Morales pictured below. On the ground floor, THERAPY welcomes you to 3 concepts in 1 place. On the second floor, STUDS opens its doors to the global bear community
Carlos Canchola, pictured below is THERAPY Operations Director who Vallartenses will recognize from the club and bar scene in Puerto Vallarta continues, “THERAPY will provide multiple service and product offerings throughout the day into the evening and wee hours.
Start the party in THERAPY Lounge where gorgeous men serve your favorite prescription: awesome music, gourmet bites & artisanal craft cocktails especially Mixologist-designed just for you. From 5pm to 10pm, catch up with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying an ambience designed for maximum comfort. That’s just the beginning of the party. Around 10pm, THERAPY After Dark kicks into high gear. International guest DJ’s join Mexico’s most popular talent on the decks to give you beats you won’t find anywhere else in the Zona Romantica. Whether you want your traditional go-to drink or a specialty craft cocktail, THERAPY After Dark will provide one of the best clubs where you can turn it up until 3am!
“I like to describe THERAPY as a sensual experience,” teases Carlos. “You will enter a world where sights, sounds, tastes and touch will keep you tingling. And who doesn’t like that feeling?!”
Later this year, THERAPY Brunch joins the triad of offerings where you will be treated to a gourmet brunch. “There are some pretty great breakfast places in the Zona,” observes Carlos. “We currently don’t have anything like what our THERAPY Brunch will offer.”
Hector, an active member of the Bear community in Vallarta adds, “We have already received a great response from the community for STUDS. And we haven’t even opened yet! We are so excited for STUDS to offer a place where bears from all over the world can meet bears in Vallarta to have fun and dance. As part of this growing and inclusive community, I feel fortunate to be part of this project.” From Go-Go Bears in cages to a bear-specific boutique carrying Mexican legend Sporco accessories, you’ll never worry about forgetting your harness at home! “The whole team has invested so much love and passion in the STUDS design and ambiance, including a completely separate & private entrance for men only: Where Leather Meets Fur!”
Hector adds, “While I will be guiding the efforts of both bars, I am most excited to join Mike in his efforts to support local charities. A portion of our sales from both bars will go to support the great work of SETAC, setac.com.mx a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and supporting those most at risk or living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, we will also benefit CANICA, afvac.org. CANICA, a non-profit organization supporting children and youth living with cancer in Jalisco.”
So mark your calendars for the Grand Openings! Friday, May 20th, enjoy craft cocktails and gourmet bites with sexy therapists ready to prescribe a cure for whatever ails you.
On Saturday, May 21st, get your harness ready and enter the bar that the Vallarta bear community has been waiting for.
“And don’t get us started on our PRIDE activities,” concludes Mike. “From Party Buses, light shows, floor entertainment, and give-aways, we’re announcing our arrival to the gay bar scene in Vallarta with a bang in May!”
The Barworks MX Team invites the Puerto Vallarta community to stay tuned. Vallarta PRIDE details are coming soon for how you can have the time of your life in THERAPY and STUDS, opening their doors in the Zona Romantica of Puerto Vallarta in May 2022.
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