Creating Community: Colin Brownlee's Journey to Club Heasa in Costa Rica

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:

• wheredogaysretire.com
• clubheasa.com
• lgbtqseniors.com
• booking.com
• expedia.com

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