Club Heasa - Building a Gay Men’s Oasis in Costa Rica with Colin Brownlee

In this episode of the 'Where Do Gays Retire' podcast, host Mark Goldstein interviews Colin Brownlee, who has established Club Heasa, a men-only vacation and short-term rental community in Costa Rica. Colin shares his journey from a marketing career in Vancouver to building a successful hotel business in Costa Rica, and eventually founding Club Heasa to create a safe and comfortable space for mature gay men. They discuss the specifics of Club Heasa, including its amenities, location, pricing, and the compelling reasons for choosing to make it a gay men-only community. Colin also offers insights into the Costa Rican climate, healthcare, local attractions, and the significance of creating physical spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The episode sheds light on the benefits of retiring in Costa Rica and offers practical advice for potential residents.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:50 Meet Colin Brownlee: From Vancouver to Costa Rica

01:56 The Birth of Club Heasa

02:25 Welcome Colin to the Podcast

02:39 Exploring Club Heasa: Concept and Vision

03:03 The Story Behind the Name 'Club Heasa'

09:40 Creating a Gay Men Only Community

09:53 Challenges and Decisions in Building Club Heasa

15:05 The Importance of Physical Community

18:05 Demographics and Age Considerations

20:12 Short-Term Vacation Rentals at Club Heasa

25:33 Climate and Location Benefits

31:32 Pricing and Amenities at Club Heasa

33:17 Common Areas and Social Spaces

37:11 Local Attractions and Excursions

39:24 Transportation and Accessibility

40:00 Car Rentals and Cost Savings

40:11 Rules and Regulations at the Hotel

42:49 Laundry and Housekeeping Services

43:31 Guest Demographics and Preferences

46:24 LGBTQ Scene and Social Life

50:33 Healthcare and Medical Facilities

53:28 Travel Insurance and Citizenship

55:10 Security and Online Shopping

57:03 Natural Risks and Earthquakes

59:35 Visa Limits and Food Scene

01:03:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Takeaways:

This episode highlights the importance of finding a safe and affordable retirement place for the LGBTQ community, as discussed by Mark Goldstein.
Colin Brownlee's journey from marketing in Canada to creating Club Heasa in Costa Rica is both inspiring and insightful.
Listeners will gain insight into the cost of staying at Club Heasa and the experiences that await them there.
Colin emphasizes the significance of building a community for gay men in Costa Rica, especially as traditional gay neighborhoods fade away.
The podcast dives into the unique amenities and environment of Club Heasa, including its clothing-optional policy and planned excursions.
Listeners can learn about the healthcare accessibility in Costa Rica, making it a viable option for retirees.

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Club Heasa
Hotel Banana Azul
Ajijic
Wilton Manors
Fort Lauderdale
Palm Springs
Steve Cross
Rick's Bar

Mentioned in this episode:

Introducing LGBTQSeniors.com – A Free Community for Connection & Pride

Mark Goldstein, host of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, shares exciting news: LGBTQSeniors.com is live! It’s a free online community for LGBTQ folks 50+ featuring: Private messaging & forums Monthly Zoom meetups Real connection—without the social media clutter If you love what Mark’s building, please support the cause at 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/unlonelylgbtqseniors 🌈 Join today at LGBTQSeniors.com — because pride doesn’t retire.