In the world of LGBTQ+ hospitality, few names are making waves quite like Tryst Hotels, and at the helm of that movement is founder and CEO Tristan Schukraft. From reinvigorating Fire Island’s iconic scene to preparing for the grand opening of a game-changing property in Rio de Janeiro, Schukraft’s vision for inclusive luxury is as ambitious as it is unapologetic.

In an exclusive interview with Gayety, Schukraft opened up about what sets Tryst apart, why Rio was worth six years of planning, and how each hotel in the growing portfolio blends elevated design with local LGBTQ+ flavor, and just the right amount of sexy.

The Rio Launch: A New Chapter for Tryst

Tryst’s latest project in Rio de Janeiro, set to open in 2026, will be the brand’s largest hotel to date, boasting 140 rooms, a rooftop nightclub, a bathhouse, and a state-of-the-art gym, all just steps away from the iconic gay beach at Posto 9.

“I’m excited about all my properties and love all my children,” Schukraft joked, “but I’m really excited about Rio — for obvious reasons. Beautiful men, beautiful beaches. The air is just… sexy.”

After six years of working to acquire the property, Schukraft says the location checked every box: proximity to queer nightlife, strong tourism appeal, and space to bring the full Tryst experience to life.

“It’s going to be like a self-contained ecosystem,” he explained. “You don’t ever have to leave the property, but you’re going to want to — because there’s so much going on.”

Plans for the Rio property include rooftop pool parties with world-renowned DJs, drag brunches, and collaborative nightlife programming with local promoters. Importantly, Schukraft emphasized that while the Rio location will offer the consistency of Tryst’s brand, minimalist luxury with a playful twist, it will also reflect the city’s own vibrant culture.

From Fire Island to Puerto Vallarta: Building Community Through Hospitality

While Rio might be getting much of the buzz, Tryst’s Fire Island property has already made an impact this past summer. Schukraft described the revitalization of the legendary Blue Whale and its adjacent hotel as a “passion project” that has reconnected the community with its own history.

“People told us, ‘You’ve completely changed the waterfront,’ and I said, ‘We haven’t even started yet,’” he said.

One of the most celebrated revivals was the pool deck, once the beating heart of the Fire Island social scene but long neglected. With just “a little lipstick,” Schukraft and his team brought the energy back, and are planning a full renovation for next season.

Each Tryst property, Schukraft noted, draws from its surrounding queer community. In Puerto Vallarta, for instance, the decor includes lush, tropical landscaping from local botanical gardens and furniture built from natural materials, like a front desk carved from a tree trunk washed ashore in a tropical storm.

“We work with local artists, use local photography, and curate experiences that highlight the city we’re in,” he said. “When you’re in Fire Island, you’ll see historic Fire Island art. When you’re in PV, you’ll learn about PV — and vice versa.”

Ten Properties, One Philosophy

Schukraft has big plans for the Tryst brand, with 10 total hotel locations to be announced by the end of 2025, and a growing list of cities in the pipeline. When selecting new destinations, he explained, the criteria are always clear: the hotel must be in a top LGBTQ+ neighborhood, have strong cultural relevance, and allow for signature amenities like rooftop pools and drag brunches.

“We want to create a space where you can be your best self — even on your worst behavior,” Schukraft said with a grin. “Whether you’re checking in with three people and one bed or walking around in a thong — we’re not judging.”

Every room includes luxury touches and a nod to pleasure, yes, even “wands in every bathroom,” as Schukraft proudly shared. The goal is to combine elevated design with radical acceptance, a place where queer travelers don’t have to ask for permission to be themselves.

Beyond Hotels: Nightlife, Culture, and What’s Next

In addition to hotels, Tryst is expanding its footprint in nightlife. The brand recently took over the iconic Abbey in West Hollywood, and is preparing to open a new venue, CCO Puerto Rico, in San Juan before the end of the year.

“We’re going to ride that Bad Bunny wave,” Schukraft said, referring to the global Puerto Rican pop sensation. “Puerto Rico is just such a beautiful island — we’re really excited about it.”

Additional projects are already underway in Puerto Vallarta, with updates expected soon, and even more cities on the horizon. While Schukraft remains tight-lipped about future announcements, he encouraged fans to keep an eye on the Tryst Hotels website and social channels for upcoming location reveals.

The Tryst Experience: Queer, Curated, and Unapologetically You

Whether it’s a beachfront resort in Fire Island, a sprawling complex in Rio, or a boutique escape in Puerto Vallarta, every Tryst hotel is built on the same mission: to create inclusive, luxurious spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

“This isn’t just about hotels,” Schukraft said. “It’s about building community — places where people come to connect, to explore, to let go, and to just be.”

From drag brunches to rooftop nightlife, Tryst isn’t just building hotels. It’s redefining what queer hospitality looks like, one city at a time.