Mexico Resort 2025

We welcome all people of color and their friends to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our community. Come together at one or all our scheduled meals, concerts, or happy hours to connect with your fellow BIPoC travelers and their friends. Events for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color guests will be clearly listed on the Daily Schedule.

Thinking about extending your stay at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta either before or after our week together?

If so, you can book directly with our Hard Rock contact Miguel Castro Luna. Simply email mcastro@hrhvallarta.com with your full name, the dates you’d like to book, and your room number with VACAYA. The rate for your same room category will be the best available rate at time of booking. Miguel will confirm that rate with you and assuming you’re good to move forward, he’ll then send a payment link.

Please keep in mind that for nights before our event, the resort will do their best to get you into the same room as the one you’ve booked with VACAYA, but they cannot guarantee it. For additional nights after our week, they can guarantee you’ll be able to stay in the same room.

One Camp. Four Bunkhouses. Infinite Glory.

Get ready to channel your inner competitor, because CAMP VACAYA is about to ignite with the friendly, fiery spirit of The Bunkhouse Cup! Over the course of the week, our four bunkhouses – Bare Den, Love Lodge, Rainbow Ridge, and The Outpost – will battle it out in a series of wildly fun, resort-wide challenges designed to test brains, brawn, creativity, and teamwork.

From poolside relays and brain-busting trivia to splashy surprise events and outrageous team games, each day’s competition brings your bunkhouse one step closer to ultimate victory. Points will be earned, pride will be tested, and alliances will be forged in sunscreen and sweat.

It all culminates in THE CHALLENGE – an all-out, Amazing Race-style showdown worth the most points of the week. Fast-paced, thrilling, and camp-y as all hell, THE CHALLENGE is where legends (and lifelong inside jokes) are born.

All the daily competitions – and a few sneaky opportunities for bonus points – will be revealed and explained by Camp Director Danny each day at the resort. Trust us: you’ll want to pay close attention.

Only one bunkhouse will rise above the rest to claim The Bunkhouse Cup AND the bragging rights that go with it! 

So… let the games begin!

.

50% of the beach cabanas will be bookable in advance (we’ll have full details on how to do that soon), with 50% available to book once at the resort. 

Cabanas are only available for full-day rentals from 9am-6pm. Various packages with myriad inclusions will be available for purchase. 

To ensure fairness, only one cabana can be booked per room for the week. If demand doesn’t match supply, this rule will be lifted. 

Rooms are scheduled to be ready by 4pm local time. If you arrive before 4pm, you can check your bags with the porters and use the resort’s facilities until your room is ready. Just keep your swimsuit in an easy-to-grab location!

To check in, you’ll need the following:

• Your Passport
• A Credit Card (For incidentals. Please note that a hold of funds is temporarily placed on your card, but is released once your stay is complete and your account is reconciled.)

If your room isn’t ready when you check-in, please know we’ll have a “return desk” set up that you’ll go to to get your bracelet key activated (instead of having to wait in the check-in queue again).

At check-in, you’ll receive a wristband, which acts as your room key, and an “electricity card” (which looks like a traditional room key) to place in the slot near your bunkhouse room door to activate the lights in your room.

PLEASE NOTE: you’ll turn in both your wristband and your “electricity card” at check-out on Nov 2. If you lose your wristband, there’s a 75 USD replacement fee. 

At VACAYA, the clothing optional areas at our resorts and on our cruise ships have become progressive celebrations of the incredible diversity of the LGBT+ community. Our clothing optional area brings us all together in a utopia where sexuality, gender identity, and body type don’t matter one bit. And the best part? With all of life’s worries literally stripped away, you never know when you might make a new nekkid best friend!

We’re so pleased to offer a clothing optional pool at Hard Rock. The area in front The Bare Den Bunkhouse has been affectionately dubbed “Nudie Town.” Out of respect for our hosts and other Vacayans, we ask that you throw on your swimsuit before heading outside of Nudie Town.

Our hosts have been very gracious in allowing us to provide this clothing optional area to you, so we want to be extremely respectful in regard to the guidelines they’ve established. So thank you in advance for your cooperation. As a general rule and out of respect for your fellow guests, please remember that cameras shouldn’t be used in the clothing optional area. 

As a reminder to everyone coming to the resort earlier than Oct 26… our designated clothing optional pool/area is NOT clothing optional until October 27. With the resort’s guests from the week prior still able to use the facilities on Oct 26 (until they depart the resort), we ask that you please stay clothed when using this area. Also, the pool/area will not be clothing optional on November 2 (as future guests begin to arrive).

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Nudie Town is NOT the Red Light District. Let’s say that one more time for the people in the back … Nudie Town is NOT the Red Light District.

VACAYA is a sex positive company, of course, but based on myriad factors (a venue’s rules and regulations, local ordinances, etc.), we’re sometimes limited in our ability to host a Red Light District. We’ll always have one when we can, but Hard Rock has requested that this clothing optional space not be used for sexual encounters. This area will certainly be a great place to meet new people in the buff, but please take the sexcapades back to your room or to our official (and nearby) Red Light District, which will be open nightly from 11pm until approximately 2am.

The Clothing Optional Pool is open from 8am to Midnight – October 27 through November 1.

Although US Dollars are widely accepted around Mexico, there are some businesses that will only take Mexican Pesos.

If you decide to purchase Mexican Pesos (MXN), the exchange rate is:

1 USD = 19 MXN*

For the latest exchange rates, we recommend https://www.xe.com.

*As of June 24, 2025

Daily Schedules will be posted here a few weeks before the event. 

In addition, the iPad in your room will also contain a full schedule of events. 

In what has become an incredibly meaningful tradition with us being in Mexico during one of its most celebrated holidays, Hard Rock has offered us an incredibly tender and sweet opportunity to be a part of their official ofrenda.

What’s an ofrenda you ask?

Ofrendas are an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish.

Some people mistakenly think Mexicans set up ofrendas to worship their deceased relatives, but nothing could be further from the truth. The vast majority of Mexicans are Christian Catholics, so they only worship God. Ofrendas are altars set up to remember and honor the memory of their ancestors. Pictures of the deceased are placed on the ofrenda, as well as some of the person’s favorite clothing, perhaps a hat or a shawl.  For the children, small toys are placed on the ofrenda. Food is specially prepared for the souls. Their preferred dishes are cooked for them and placed on the altar.

If you would like to remember someone important to you who has moved on to the spirit world, please bring a small framed photo of them with you to the resort. The photo will be placed on the official Hard Rock ofrenda to honor them. We will have a table set up at check in where you can give us your framed photo and tell us a little about the person you’d like to honor. In previous years, we were able to return the photo to you. But this year, since Day of the Dead officially ends after we check out, we won’t be able to. So, we encourage you to print a photo of your loved one on standard paper and place that photo in a frame you don’t mind leaving behind. As a reminder… it’s culturally insensitive to touch an ofrenda after it’s been set up or to remove a photo from an ofrenda before the holiday ends.  ❤️

We get it. Many in our community are die-hard Diet Coke fans. But heads up: Hard Rock is a Pepsi resort.

That means if you ask for a “Diet Coke” at the bar, they’ll happily serve you a “Diet Pepsi.” And no, they won’t ask, “Is Diet Pepsi okay?” But let’s be honest… the answer to that question is always the same… it’s NEVER okay.

The good news? There’s a farmacia and a supermarket just across the street if you want to stock up and have a stash of DCs waiting for you in your room. Happy sipping!

We’ll have a complete dining schedule available to you here a few weeks before our event starts.

With the exception of Mexican citizens, all travelers must have a valid passport to travel to Mexico via air.

Visas are not required for US Citizens, but may be required of other nationalities. You can check the official visa requirements/instructions for Mexico HERE. It is the responsibility of each traveler to have the proper travel documents.

When arriving at PVR Airport, you will go through Mexican Immigration and Customs. After collecting your luggage in the Arrivals Hall, make your way to the Customs queue. Mexican Customs officials scan all bags as they leave the Arrivals Hall and some are randomly selected for further inspection. If selected for further inspection, simply follow the instructions of the officials as they do a hand inspection of your luggage.

All emails to our Booked Guests are available here.

We’ll provide a full entertainment preview here approximately 30 days before our event. 

A complete list of excursions available to book through Vacation Planners (Hard Rock’s in-house excursion company) will be available a couple months before our event.

The Body Rock Gym – located poolside near Rainbow Ridge Bunkhouse – will be open daily from 6am to 10pm.

Basic Gratuities have been pre-paid. However, you’re welcome to give an additional gratuity to anyone you choose – bartender, waiter, housekeeper, etc. What’s only a few dollars to you can make a world of difference for these hardworking service team members

THIS IS ME
Sunday, October 26 – 9pm-1am
Poolside @ Splash Terrace

Kick off your CAMP VACAYA adventure with our signature celebration, THIS IS ME – the liveliest gay summer camp party south of the border! Both fun and empowering, this night celebrates authenticity, pride, community, and YOU, where you’re encouraged to be your true self by wearing a little somethin’ somethin’ that lets us all know who you are and where you’re from. With music, lively performances, and joyful connections, this night is the perfect way to start your VACAYA journey. Get ready for the gayest “campfire” on earth, and start this week with love, celebration, and DANCING under the stars!

TRAFFIC JAM V-DANCE
Monday, October 27 – 4pm
Poolside @ Splash Terrace

Alrighty, Campers! Now that we’ve had a night together in our four bunkhouses, it’s time to hit the traffic flow and get to know everyone else! At this fun, flirty event, our stoplight system helps you communicate your vibe: wear GREEN if you’re ready to “mingle,” RED if you’re off the market, but open to friendship, and YELLOW if you’re somewhere magically in-between – drifting and cruising at your own pace. Our first V-Dance of the week is a playful way to navigate the traffic, make connections, and jam together to the beats of DJ Joey with the Mustache!

S’MORE OR LESS 80s UNDERWEAR PARTY
Tuesday, October 28 – 10:30pm-1am
Poolside @ Splash Terrace

It’s time to channel your inner “Summer Camp” star – think Meatballs meets Sleepaway Camp meets Troop Beverly Hills – as we kick off the night with ghost stories around the “campfire.” Then, strip down to your favorite 80s-style underwear and dance the night away to legendary hits. So, Footloose your way onto the dance floor and Love Shack with friends as we Relax to iconic hits and summer camp-inspired jams all night long. Don’t be Too Shy now. Come On, Eileen, and celebrate at this not-to-be-missed party!

CAMP VACAYA V-DANCE
Wednesday, October 29 – 4pm
Poolside @ Splash Terrace

Our signature letter V-Dance features TWO iconic letters – C and V (for Camp VACAYA, get it?)! So… celebrate, connect, and conquer the dancefloor in costumes starting with C or V. Bring your cool, clever, and colorful characters to life as we vogue, vibe, and vow to have the best afternoon ever! It’s a carefree, camp-inspired celebration of costumes, confidence, and vivacious versatility!

THE CHALLENGE WINNERS’ CIRCLE CELEBRATION
Thursday, October 30 – 10pm(ish)-1am
Poolside @ Splash Terrace

Join us for The Challenge Winners’ Circle Celebration after tonight’s exciting bunkhouse competition! Celebrate our victorious challengers in the energetic, fun-filled Winners’ Circle, where DJ Joey with the Mustache will keep the beats pumping and spirits high. It’s a night to dance, connect, and revel in victory, with lively music and joyful vibes that’ll keep everyone’s hearts racing late into the night!

FRIDAY THE 13th HALLOWEEN COSTUME EXTRAVAGANZA & PARTY!
Friday, October 31 – 9:30pm
The Sanctuary

Oh, it’s about to get spooky up in here, y’all! Resort Director Danny is bringing together one of the biggest horror classics of all time, Friday the 13th (And yes, it’s about summer camp… hey there, Camp Crystal Lake!), and our annual Costume Extravaganza! Tonight, campers will be judged in the following categories:

• Scariest or Sexiest Slasher (think Jason, ghostly campers, or creepy camp counselors)
• Twisted (unique, unexpected, or clever twists on classic characters)
• Hilarity Ensues (bring the laughs with a humorous twist)
• WTF? (for everyone else who can’t figure out the other three categories)

Bunkhouse Cup Points will be awarded to each category winner, and the following prizes will be given to the finalists:

• First Place – The Zzolo “Best in Show” Award (we’ll explain that one at the event) and a $500 future VACAYA trip credit*
• Second Place – A $250 future VACAYA trip credit
• Third Place – A $100 future VACAYA trip credit

Get ready to haunt, hustle, and have a spooktacular night as we go right into our dance party following the costume extravaganza!

*Please note that trip credits can be split between all participants of group costumes.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS V-DANCE
Saturday, November 1 – 4pm
Poolside @ Splash Terrace
with Dinner & our Grand Finale Show on Sunset Terrace starting at 6pm

Join us for a truly special celebration as we kick off one of Mexico’s most vibrant and colorful holidays, Day of the Dead! DJ Joey with the Mustache will get us grooving poolside with lively beats, then guide us into the resort’s Mexican Village, where lively vendors and delicious treats await. Fill your belly with authentic Mexican favorites, then prepare yourself for the Bunkhouse Cup Winners announcement at 8pm, followed by a joyful night of laughter, camaraderie, and festive fun as the sun sets on our fabulous week together. This evening is a vibrant tribute to life, love, and remembrance as the curtain closes on CAMP VACAYA 2025!

With nearly all VACAYA  trips, we offer a ReachOUT initiative where Vacayans give back to the communities we visit. Once this year’s partnership is set, we’ll provide all the details here.

Our Red Light District will be in on the Pickleball Court behind The Market Mess Hall. Our RLD will be open nightly from 11pm until the wee hours (“wee hours” is defined as when there’s no one left in the play space and Patrick is ready to go to bed – probably somewhere around 2am at the very latest).

You can learn all about our Red Light District HERE.

Each Bunkhouse Room contains a mini-fridge with the following items, which are re-stocked daily.

In addition, a selection of in-room sweet and savory snacks are also provided and re-stocked daily. 

The shower/bathroom amenities include the following:

Please note that the shower does NOT have a wand; it’s a showerhead only. 

Hard Rock allows registered service dogs on property at no extra charge. Hard Rock requires that you provide written documentation of service status from a certified veterinarian at check in or your dog will not be permitted on property. Dogs are allowed in your guest room and public venues as long as they’re not disruptive to other guests. Please note that the hotel may ask you what tasks your dog performs for you at check in (as a reminder, as part of the ADA, this type of questioning is not allowed in the United States, but we’re in Mexico and they allow it). You and your dog are expected to follow the rules of the hotel as they’re set forth for all guests. And obviously, you are responsible for any charges due to damage caused by your service dog. 

Are you single or traveling solo? We’ll have a complete list of all the activities designed just for you here a few weeks before our event. And as always, you never have to be alone unless you want to be!

Smoking is not allowed in any of the resort’s indoor facilities, including in your bunkhouse room or on your balcony or first floor patio (if you have either).

There is one designated smoking area at the resort between the main pool and the beach. It’s centrally located and is designated with signage. Look for the tables with the ash trays.

Hard Rock’s Rock Spa is magnificent, and you can make your spa appointments in advance (details will be available soon) or once you arrive at the resort October 26. They offer a full suite of massage and salon services. 

Rock Spa’s Hydrothermal Experience is available from 8am-7pm for 50 USD an hour and is limited to seven guests at a time. There is a Men’s side and a Women’s side and appointments are recommended, although walk-ins will be accommodated if the maximum occupancy hasn’t been met. Our trans and non-binary guests are welcome to use the thermal suite of their choosing. 

Puerto Vallarta’s famed Spartacus Sauna has opened a second location about a mile and half from Hard Rock at CARTERA FED. México 200 # 995 S
Valle Dorado, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit.

This new location is open daily from 3pm-Midnight, with the last entrance at 10:30pm. Please note: while there are lockers to store your clothes, this facility does not offer private rooms.

Explore Spartacus Nuevo Vallarta HERE.

About 45 days before our event, we’ll provide all guests with special needs an opportunity to inform us of those needs. Once we’re compiled a comprehensive list of all needs, we’ll send the list over to the resort soon after and we’ll get back to any guests whose needs might require alternative arrangements.

To better understand how VACAYA approaches the special needs of our guests, we encourage you to read through our Accessibility page HERE.

The TVs in your bunkhouse room provide a robust 150+ channels of programming. HOWEVER… most of those channels are Spanish-language channels. The following are English-language channels – 61, 73, 75, 86, 88, 90, 97, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 130.

Roundtrip transfers from PVR Airport to Hard Rock Vallarta will be available for purchase in mid-September. You’ll need your flight details in-hand to book a transfer.

If you’re traveling with VACAYA for the first time, or if this is your first time at a VACAYA Resort, WELCOME! We’re so glad you’re here. Please join us for the VACAYA Resort Orientation on Day 2 to learn what to expect this week, then have lunch with your fellow Newbies just after. Full details will be available soon. 

Each day at 9am and 5pm, community-led non-issue-specific 12-step meetings for those on a recovery journey will be held.

While the tap water at the resort is perfectly fine for showering, bathing, and brushing your teeth, it’s recommended that you drink bottled water both while on property and off. Bottled water is abundantly available around the resort. The ice in drinks is filtered and perfectly safe. 

Seasonal norms for October and November show consistent highs around 89°F / 31.6°C and a consistent low of around 76°F / 24.4°C each night.

Hard Rock Vallarta is an “on the beach” resort, which means it’s a flips flops/sandals kind of place around the clock.

The resort is super comfy casual at all times. Swimsuits/shorts and Ts/tanks are perfect during the day. And nice shorts and a collared shirt are perfect resort wear during the evening. Nice T-shirts are also ok. The only thing you CANNOT wear in the restaurants is WET clothing. 

With its prime beachside location, Hard Rock Vallarta has steady sea breezes both day and night. We’ll keep inside temperatures pretty chilly. So, you might want to bring a light jacket/windbreaker if you’re the type of person who runs cold.

And we’ll say it again here (because it’s that important)… when moving away from Nudie Town, please cover yourself.

WiFi is included throughout the resort. To log-in, simply look for the network “Hard Rock” and then input your last name, your room number, and your email address when prompted.