Jun 01, 2023

In honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ Pride Month, here are our hometown heroes. 

Walter Mercado​

World-famous Walter Mercado has been pulling strings on abuela aesthetics since before influencers were even posting on Instagram. 

The Puerto Rican astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer dazzled our screens for decades, structuring his presence around his eccentric style that includes but is not limited to his collection of gaudy jewelry and flamboyant outerwear. 

Walk His Way | Ponce, Puerto Rico

The extraordinary entertainer grew up on the southern coast in Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city. The well-preserved old town is lined with grand mansions crafted in a signature Creole architecture style. These landscapes set the stage for his upbringing and, in the 1970s, guided him into delivering predictions in elaborate costumes on a weekly Telemundo show.

© Daniel Reyes via Unsplash

In 2019, Miami’s History Museum unveiled “Mucho, Mucho Amor: 50 Years of Walter Mercado” to celebrate the anniversary of the sensational silver fox's first appearance on the silver small screen. With fame written in the stars, the Puerto Rican star became the subject of a Netflix documentary titled Mucho Mucho Amor. 


Netflix via YouTube 

Gay Stays in the Caribbean

First, let's follow our hero home to Puerto Rico. Caught a lucky streak? Stop by Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and keep the good vibes going or roll the dice at San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at their all-stops on-site casino. 

If you're in the mood for loft-inspired design, head to Aloft San Juan, where you can break away from traditional travel without breaking the bank. 

Take a taste of paradise at La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.

With its serene coastline, private residences, spa retreat, and a harmonious sense of place that blends masterfully into the natural surroundings, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites guests to arrive spellbound — and depart speechless. 

Reach new heights of relaxation at The St. Regis Bahia Beach. With two miles of secluded beach, this resort brings a little more privacy and a boatload of luxury to the Rio Grande. The pleasure-focused guests can make use of amenities like their iconic butler service while the culture heads take part in a rich celebration of storied history with a special champagne sabering ritual; there's something for everyone. 


© St. Regis Bahia Beach via Instagram

There is truth in the moniker "one happy island", Aruba is a place of paradise. Overlooking the sparkling sands of Palm Beach, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, smiles are by the dozen at this oceanfront oasis.

Live large and luxurious at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba, one of the more memorable luxury beach resorts along the island’s spectacular Palm Beach. 

With a 40-acre private island, Renaissance Aruba Wind Creek Resort is the crown jewel of Oranjestad, with both adults-only and family lodging options set to breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Barbados has it all and then some, luckily, there is something for everyone at one of the three Gay Travel Approved properties by Elegant Hotels.

© Colony Club via Instagram

Colony Club is a luxurious resort of elegance & enjoyment.

Want a little more? Indulge in an all-inclusive moment at Crystal Cove or Waves Hotel & Spa and bask in the Caribbean charm beaming down on these St. James resorts.

To the untrained eye, Curacao is just a tiny island off the Venezuelan coast; but to the Gay Traveler, it's the definition of paradise. Located on Piscadera Bay, Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino is a happening hub meets prizewinning hotel with endless white-sand beaches to boot. 

At Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, you’re at the heart of history, excitement, and relaxation. From easy access to historic Rif Fort and an esteemed address just steps from the Caribbean Sea to the games offered at the Wind Creek Carnival Casino, the island's very own casino, guests are in for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The largest of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman has a land area of about 76 square miles with an outstanding nightlife scene to boot. Standout activities include dancing at beachside bars, listening to live music, or having beverages on a waterfront terrace. Keep those good vibes going at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and savor endless summers with the island's infamous sunsets and crystal-clear water. Whether you're snorkeling, paddle boarding, or swimming in their waterfront pool, you'll find it easy to soak up the sun.

If Punta Cana is the crown jewel of the Dominican Republic, then The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is the talk of the town. Fronting three miles of white-sand beaches, this gated beachfront resort invites guests to unwind with a range of water activities, world-class restaurants, and a stacked shopping village just a stone's throw away. 

The dual islands of St. Kitts & Nevis are home to the best beaches in the world, authentic Caribbean food, and beautiful resorts. When it comes to booking accommodations, our personal pick would be St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, where you can hide away on the private beach or retreat to their spacious room with spectacular views and plenty of amenities. 

The most populous and urban of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a one-stop shop for fun, beaches, relaxation, and island-inspired nightlife. Lusting for luxury? The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a revitalizing retreat that celebrates the unique culture surrounding the islands in unparalleled luxury. 

For an unforgettable adventure, visit Turks and Caicos, and for a stay that's just as memorable, drop your bags at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos. This oceanfront oasis invites guests to discover powdery white-sand beaches hemmed in by gentle turquoise waves, cuisine inspired by local ingredients, and global flavors, and spa rituals that embrace the island’s genuine warmth.

© The Ritz Carlton, Turks & Caicos via Instagram

Latin America | Hometown Hero

Chavela Vargas

© Making Queer History

​Most people have heard about Frida Kahlo, but lesser known is her rumored flame, the great Costa Rican singer, Chavela Varas. Queer icon Frida Kahlo once told her, “I only live for you and Diego.”

Walk Her Way | Costa Rica

Born in Costa Rica on April 17, 1919, from a young age Charvela was drawn to the more traditionally masculine ways of dressing in her culture. A tale as old as time, this attitude led to her initial conflicts with her family, who were strictly against her expression and would hide her away when people came to visit. This gave her the final push to pursue a career in singing in Mexico at the age of seventeen.

Vargas, who rose to prominence as a ranchera singer in the 1960s, gleefully shattered gender roles in the way she dressed and the way she presented on stage. In one of her most iconic covers, “Macorina,” she sings about seducing a woman.

© Music Box Films

“Love is one step. A goodbye is another…and both must be firm, nothing is forever in life.” – Chavela Vargas

Gay Stays in Latin America

To start off with our hero's hometown, Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested region regarded as one of the happiest countries in the world. This testament is upheld by the blend of exotic beach and surf culture with the fast-paced nature of high-adrenaline adventure sports. 

Its capital city, San José, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum as well as all-star accommodations like Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. Guests will enjoy the perfect balance of high-tech service with the personal touch of their amazing staff. Additional favorites in the city include the stunning 

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. Take advantage of direct access to Los Suenos with all the shopping, dining, and recreation just steps away from this family-friendly beachfront hotel.

Shangri-La for adventure travelers, Guanacaste has diverse adventures for the whole group. The eastern border is lined with a chain of volcanoes that offer brilliantly fierce hikes to the top of dense forests full of endangered animals and exotic birds. Head to the coast for dazzling western sunsets cast over the horizon and a positively "escaped" environment. Speaking of beach days, on the edge of the northern coast, W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal offers stunning beach vibes with easy access to all the area has to offer.

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa is a golfer's paradise. Here you will be surrounded by inclusive vibes and an inviting atmosphere.

Still searching? Soak up the sun at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa and let the rolling waters washing onto shore welcome you to this hacienda-style hotel.

© JW Marriott Guanacaste

Moving along alphabetically, Argentina is home to fiery fútbol fans as well as the beautiful Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Buenos Aires. Situated in the heart of Buenos Aires, Park Tower epitomizes the city's inimitable allure with exquisite décor, enriching activities, and energizing amenities like valet parking, two pools, and fine dining. 

Connecting the Andes to the Pacific, Chile lies along the southern half of South America's west coast. Santiago, the capital of South America, is home to most of the region's gay-oriented businesses as well as Santiago Marriott Hotel, which boasts direct access to the airport amongst other locales.

Neighboring Viña del Mar, referred to as the "Garden City", has vast green areas with extensive gardens and diverse floral and arboreal native and exotic species. Here, you'll find Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center, a fabulous stay featuring 142 breathtaking ocean-view rooms

© Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center 

At first sight, the cobblestone streets in the sprawling capital of Colombia may seem sleepy and curiously still, but under the surface, Bogotá is a bustling city with an abundance of comings and goings for every type of traveler. Take your travel experience to the next level when you stay at JW Marriott Hotel Bogota. Located in the financial and entertainment districts, the hotel places you in the heart of it all; so whether you're traveling for business or leisure, a luxurious getaway awaits.

An ancient wonderland with an abundance of modern excitement, Peru is an old guard with a cutting-edge twist; in fact, the country gets its name from the Quechua Indians, and its essence means "abundance". The country's capital and biggest city, Lima is not to be missed when visiting. Experience the essence of abundance at JW Marriott Hotel Lima, an extravagant escape exceeding all expectations. 

High up in the Andes lies Cusco, the launching point for Machu Picchu - Peru's largest tourist attraction - and the former center of the Incan Empire. For accommodations that are fit for a king, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco features two exhibition halls decked out in ancient Peruvian artifacts. Housed in a restored 16th-century convent, this boutique hotel boasts a delightful blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. 

© JW Marriott El Convento Cusco via Instagram

From clear turquoise seas to the coffee farms and cloud forests of Chiriquí, Panama can be as laid back or as rip-roaring as you'd like. Along the shores of Punta Pacifica, JW Marriott Panama takes the crown on leisurely locations and all-out accommodations. Splash in their resort-style infinity pool, soak up striking views of the Panama City skyline, and sip a tropical cocktail from their poolside restaurant.

Raising the bar for contemporary luxury, W Panama towers above the Crossroads of the Americas as part of the 54-floor Evolution Tower just two blocks from the trendy restaurants and clubs lining famed Zona Rosa. 

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