Oooooo…. has VACAYA got a treat for YOU Next Halloween!
We’re heading to one of the most celebrated all-gay resorts of all time, one absolutely adored by our community, with budget pricing that’s PERFECT for those seeking great value. From Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2025, VACAYA takes over the HARD ROCK HOTEL VALLARTA for our annual Halloween/Day of the Dead Mexico Resort vacation! This time, however, we’re giving the resort a complete VACAYA makeover as we turn it into the campiest camp of all time, full of endless tricks and non-stop treats!
Welcome to CAMP VACAYA!
camp
/ˈkæmp/
noun
- a place where structures are set up to create a social gathering space for recreational purposes, often featuring organized activities.
- a facet of LGBT+ culture characterized by a playful, extravagant, and often ironic approach to aesthetics and behavior, celebrating the absurd and the exaggerated.
At CAMP VACAYA, you’re destined to reconnect with old friends, make countless new ones, and rediscover the joy and simplicity of life as you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket of nostalgia.
Friendships will be forged under starlit skies as classic camp favorites meet VACAYA’s camp activities. From the crackle of beachside campfires and Resort Director Danny’s campy Sissy That Walk Competition to shared meals in our “mess halls,” here with VACAYA, you’ll embrace the freedom and joy of being present, rekindling your inner child, and creating lasting bonds that truly transcend time.
CAMP VACAYA isn’t quite like those summer camps you remember from your childhood, though… because at The Bare Den Bunkhouse, we’ve got our clothing optional pool, as well as a beeline to our famed Red Light District. So, sure… be a kid again, but this time with all the trappings, creature comforts, and fun of being an adult.
Our all-inclusive resorts provide a great entry point into the VACAYA experience for first timers, as well as for returning guests where vacation budget is top of mind. Mexican all-inclusive resorts offer an amazing value for any cost-conscious traveler, along with a level of comfy accommodations you can sink into at an affordable all-in price point.
And with all the added VACAYA benefits – from signature entertainment and welcoming parties to endless social activities and non-stop fun – there’s no bigger bang for your buck than VACAYA’s Mexico Resort vacations. And with activities like beach and pool volleyball, yoga, oceanfront swimming pools, water aerobics, and hot tubs, you’ll quickly discover the perfect combo of relaxation and adventure.
For those wish to elevate every sip…
A premium beverage package with top-shelf drink options will be available for purchase closer to our event date.
There’s no place in the world quite like this region of Mexico. Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta lies in Nuevo Vallarta, about 20 minutes north of PVR Airport and 35 minutes from PV’s famed Zona Romántica.
Designed with a Mexican vibe in mind, the resort’s 362 guestrooms and ocean-view suites include custom furniture, 49” HDTVs, WiFi, baths with a separate shower, cozy bathrobes, and 24-hour room service. Savor unparalleled views of the resort landscape and sunsets over the blue waters of Banderas Bay. Some hideaways even come with a cheeky bonus—prime views of the “full moon” rising over the clothing-optional pool from your private patio. These gems won’t last long, so snatch ‘em up before someone else does!
For our week at the resort, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta becomes CAMP VACAYA and our camp is divided into four bunkhouses, each with its own distinct flavor. Over the course of the week, many of our camp activities will be bunkhouse vs. bunkhouse, including our now infamous THE CHALLENGE!
Now, let’s get to know our “bunkhouses”…
Located in Tower 1, this premium bunkhouse is perfect for those who want to strip down at our clothing optional pool and get some sun where it typically don’t shine! All the first-level Bare Den rooms’ patios open to the pool, with the rooms on Floors 2-6 providing the sexiest views in all of CAMP VACAYA.
Located in Tower 2, Rainbow Ridge Bunkhouse is home to the most luxurious accommodations at the resort, including our Rock Star Suites. Rainbow Ridge also offers a wide selection of well-priced ocean-view/pool-view rooms, some with true balconies.*
Located in Tower 3, nearly all Love Lodge rooms have ocean views, with Floor 1 rooms having a patio that leads out to the pool deck. Of course, the higher the floor, the more uninterrupted the view. And with the resort facing west, the sunsets here can’t be beat!
THE OUTPOST BUNKHOUSE – TOWER 4
Located in Tower 4, The OUTpost Bunkhouse provides some of our most value-priced rooms, but they’re all still worthy of a camp rock star. So, if budget is top of mind, THIS bunkhouse is for you! Each room has a tropical garden view, some with patios. Higher floors may have partial ocean views.
RESORT VENUES
AMPHITHEATER
SPA
The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta’s spa is a luxurious sanctuary offering a separate space for men and our special Transcend facility for our women, transgender, and nonbinary guests. Both spaces feature a luxurious sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, and a lounge area where you can while away the hours while chatting with other campers. With a range of indulgent massage and spa treatments, it’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate in true paradise style.
GYM
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Vacayans can enjoy a wide range of activities, including water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding, along with fun options like beach volleyball, billiards, and ping pong. The resort also offers bicycles for exploring and a dedicated hut for more aquatic adventures.
3 SPARKLING POOLS
Dive into the glitzy glamour of Hard Rock Vallarta’s three sparkling pools, where the only thing hotter than the sun is the energy in the water. Whether you’re soaking up the rays in the clothing-optional pool or lounging like a rock star by the others, this is where luxury meets freedom.
ROCK SHOP
Treat yourself to some extreme retail therapy because you deserve it! Avoid the mayhem of the masses and shop in Vallarta right at Hard Rock. Whether you’re shopping for beach gear or the perfect souvenir to bring home, we have electrifying shops for every fashion and passion.
DINING
MESS HALL ZEN
MESS HALL FRIDA
Mess Hall Frida serves traditional Mexican cuisine in a festive atmosphere, but let’s face it… like some of our favorite Mexican restaurants, food is almost secondary… it’s all about those margaritas, baby! Afternoon Snacks (including soft serve ice cream) and Dinner.
MESS HALL CIAO
Looking for a romantic spot to share with someone you love? Or, let’s be real… someone you’ve just fallen in love with over the campfire? Then head over to Mess Hall Ciao and enjoy their Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Breakfast and Dinner.
MESS HALL IPANEMA
THE MARKET MESS HALL
Looking for grub that’s quick and easy? Then rock out at The Market Mess Hall, where you can enjoy international favorites served buffet-style. Always quick and easy. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
SNACK BAR PIZZETO
Located near the main pool, Pizzeto offers artisanal brick oven-style pizzas and is open daily and into the evening.
BARS/LOUNGES
Get loose with unlimited international spirits, including Whiskies such as Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s, and Chivas Regal; Vodkas such as Smirnoff, Barton, Oso Negro, and Blat; Gins including Beefeater and Tanqueray; Brandies including Fundador, Presidente, and Don Pedro; and Rums including Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and Baraima. Enjoy unlimited wine by the bottle from wineries in Spain. Wines from other countries may be ordered and come with an extra fee.
Savory and sweet treats served with gourmet Caffenio Costa Rican coffee, Bigelow teas, and a variety of drink options are always available in our lounges and bars.
And yep… we agree… drinks were EXACTLY what was missing from Summer Camp back in the day!
SUN BAR
Located just off the lobby, the Sun Bar, with its chic, modern ambiance and cozy sitting areas, will be the beating heart of your CAMP VACAYA experience. It’s here where our delicious Head Music Counselor Nate Buccieri will lead piano bar sing-alongs, as well as Open Mic Nights and live karaoke! Enjoy refreshing drinks while you groove, laugh, sing, flirt, mix, and mingle.
SPLASH BAR
ECLIPSE TERRACE BAR
Located near the Sun Bar, this chic rock star hangout is a favorite of your V Team. This is the perfect place to grab a pre-dinner cocktail with fellow campers.
BEACH CABANA BAR
DIVE BAR
RLD BAR
There are currently no extensions for this vacation.
Explore all the inclusions and judge for yourself the value of this all-inclusive resort experience from VACAYA:
- Seven Nights of Accommodations
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks served daily in multiple restaurants and bars
- Unlimited house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Three Sparkling Pools, including one Clothing Optional Pool
- Red Light District nightly from 10:30pm-2am(ish)
- Minibar refreshed daily
- 24-Hour Room Service
- Body Rock Fitness Center
- Yoga & Water Aerobic Classes
- Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Boogie Boarding available on the Beach
- Resort-wide WiFi
- Unlimited calls from your room to the Continental US, Canada, and Mexico
- ReachOUT Philanthropic Opportunities
- And of course, all the VACAYA signature activities, pool gaymes, parties, and entertainment you love
Smiles, Everyone, Smiles! Welcome to CAMP VACAYA at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta! The V Team will welcome you as you arrive at the resort for a breezy check in. Your V Team Counselors are easy to spot in our VACAYA camp shirts and we’re eager to make your vacation dreams come true. Be sure to check out one of the meetups to find your tribe… they’ll be invaluable in helping you navigate the larger LGBTQIAPK community as the week builds to crescendo. Your first Mess Hall Dinner is on tap for tonight. Will you choose Asian, Italian, Mexican, or Brazilian? Whichever you fancy, be ready for our signature “This is Me” party afterward. Flash that smile, say hello to all your new camp friends, and get ready for a good ol’ time!
Our first V-Dance of the week takes place this afternoon! So, be ready for the unexpected! But before that… feeling adventurous and want to avoid tan lines and a sand-filled swimsuit? Then join the campers at The Bare Den Bunkhouse and go au natural at their clothing optional pool! If being naked isn’t your definition of utopia (and we totally understand if it’s not), maybe try the big pool or a little beach time. With so many pool and beach loungers to choose from, you’ll never be without a spot to grab some sun or shade, whichever you choose. And no matter your “state of dress” for the afternoon, we’ve got something to suit just about everyone. After dinner at one of our Mess Halls, don’t miss VACAYA’s signature entertainment in The V Theater. Tonight will also be the first night of VACAYA’s infamous RLD.
After a fun-filled day of (high) camp activities, including Resort Director Danny’s Sissy That Walk Competition, tonight, we’re turning back the clocks to the 80s with a very special video party dedicated to (nearly) everyone’s favorite decade of music!
We’ve reached the midpoint of our time here in Mexico and the choices for today abound! Will you take advantage of one of the sightseeing excursions? Or are you looking to expand your friend circle through one of our signature social mixers? Here, you literally can have it all.
Today could be the day you dive into a life-changing adventure with Jet’s Naked Beach Tours! We’ve whipped up a sizzling lineup of tours exclusive for Vacayans – some clothing optional and some where clothing isn’t just optional, it’s forbidden. So grab your sense of adventure (and maybe leave the rest behind), and let’s get cheeky on the water! Extra charge.
Tonight, join us for campfire ghost stories on the beach before heading back to your bunkhouse, where we’re pretty sure late-night whispers and giggles will abound, secrets will be shared, and bonds strengthened.
The Vallarta sun shines brightly today as everyone settles in and gets into the spirit of CAMP VACAYA. Is today the day you experience the Rock Spa’s pampering treatments or maybe you just need a steam, hot tub bubbles, or a cold plunge? No matter your vice, the spa facility has it all. Or are you looking to explore PV a bit? Can’t decide? We don’t blame you. This day is all yours and there’s so much to see and do!
Tonight, prepare for the Ultimate Bunkhouse Battle as we present THE CHALLENGE – a series of athletic and mental challenges that will push you to the limits of fun as we test your ability to work as a team, solve problems, and ultimately win fabulous cash and prizes, and of course, the honor of being our Bunkhouse Champions! The beauty of THE CHALLENGE is that it cements the sense of belonging VACAYA is known for with our vibrant tapestry of experiences and LGBTQIAPK friends woven together through shared joy, nods to bravery (and silliness), and the exhilaration of simply being carefree. THE CHALLENGE will take place rain or shine (and let’s face it, rain is more fun!).
It’s Halloween and VACAYA is ready with both tricks AND treats! We’ll do sunset trick or treating before hitting the Mess Halls, then tonight, don’t miss our Halloween Costume Extravaganza before we dance the night away. You’ll have the chance to walk away with our coveted “ZZOLO” Award (and a sizable future trip credit!). We know… many of you have NO IDEA what a “ZZOLO” is, but you will soon enough. And we promise… it’s worth it!
Today is hands down the most special day of our week here in Mexico. It’s the start of Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Mexico’s celebrated holiday for those who’ve moved on to the spiritual world. Join us for a vibrant celebration at our Day of the Dead V-Dance, where life and death converge in a colorful homage to tradition! Immerse yourself in a world filled with enchanting decorations – sugar skulls, marigolds, and papel picado adorning our Mexican Village, creating an atmospheric tapestry. This is an afternoon and evening to honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones while reveling in the joy of life!
As CAMP VACAYA draws to a close, the memories are sure to linger, leaving Vacayan campers with a profound sense of nostalgia and a yearning for the magic to return as soon as you get home. CAMP VACAYA isn’t just a destination, of course; it’s a celebration of youthful spirits, friendship, and the joy of living in the moment. The laughter, the connections, and the adventures have forged an unbreakable bond between us all. And whether you choose to extend your stay here at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta or return home today, we wish you only goodness until we meet again.
Bookings for the Mexico Resort 2025 start at $947 per person based on double occupancy for Garden View Bunkhouses to $3,997 per person based on double occupancy for Premium Rockstar Suites. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of spaces and for reservations.
