A number of Berlin hotels have joined forces and named themselves the Pink Pillow Berlin Collection. Their operating charter contains the following:

Getting a Set of Wheels

If you are one of the many people who have moved to Spain in search of warmer weather then you might already have your own vehicle. If you live in the country but have not got your own set of wheels then a road trip is the perfect excuse to get one. However, if you are travelling to the country for a holiday or if you would rather not do anything as drastic as splash out on buying a car for the sake of a road trip then renting will be your best option. Spain is home to many well-known car rental companies and some Spanish ones that you won’t have heard of. It is best to go with a company that is aimed at tourists in order to ensure that the staff will speak English and no misunderstandings can arise.

Barcelona

One of the best routes for road trips takes you from Barcelona to Malaga over the course of a fortnight. Barcelona is the perfect place to spend the first few days of your holiday, as it contains a plethora of different gay clubs and bars, including the Axel Sky Bar, which featured in Out magazine’s fifty greatest gay bars in the world. The downside to the city is the fact that it contains a lot of pickpockets, some of which specialise in stealing from tourists in the gay clubs. As with any other large city, it is important to be on the lookout for thieves.

Madrid and Valencia

From Barcelona, you can travel southwest to the capital city of Madrid, which is home to more gay friendly nightspots, along with a number of world-class museums, historic churches and theatres. Dance enthusiasts might also want to check out a flamenco performance whilst they are there. They take place at various different restaurants, bars and clubs. Once you have had your fill of the capital, it is time to head on to Valencia, which boasts luxurious beaches, palm trees and a sea so blue that you will hardly be able to take your eyes off it. It is the perfect place to unwind after partying it up during the first few days of your vacation.

A Ninth Century Castle, an Arabic Fortress and a Gay Safe Haven

From Valencia, turn down the Costa Blanca to Alicante and spend some time marvelling at the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, which dates back to the 9^th Century and towers above the city. Next follow the sea through the relatively bland resort of Torrevieja and cut inland and up through the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains to reach the city of Granada, where you can explore an ancient Arabic fortress called Alhambra. After gazing in awe at the ornate architecture, continue west through the Andalusian countryside to Seville, which is reputed to be the most romantic city in Spain. Spend some time soaking up the atmosphere and then carry on to gay tourist hotspot Torremolinos. This town has played an important part in Spain’s gay history, as it has acted as a safe haven for LGBT individuals ever since the 1950s. Even during Franco’s regime when gay people were brutalised and persecuted elsewhere in Spain, the fact that gay holidaymakers brought so much money into Torremolinos made it somewhere that those who did not identify themselves as heterosexual were free to be themselves without fear of attack.

The Final Destination

Finally it is time to press on to Malaga, which is a popular tourist city containing a multitude of gay establishments. Here you can spend the day sipping cocktails on the beach before embarking upon the journey back to Barcelona. Spain is hardly an unusual country to visit but the majority of people who go on a vacation there only see a fraction of what it has to offer. Going on a road trip enables you to experience everything from the excitement of the big city to the exquisite scenery of the countryside and creates an air of adventure. Alongside cruising the Spanish coasts, it is the ideal way to explore and enjoy the delights this great nation has to offer.

Skiathos Island is one of the most gay friendly Greek islands, and this is obvious to anyone who visits. Last year the association of hotels and businesses arranged the 1st International Gay Culture Festival in order to officially open its ”doors” to the gay community and break with taboos. Next year the event is taking place  from 19-21 July as the Skiathos Seduction Festival.

When you visit Skiathos  you will find that a great part of the islands’s tourism is foreign with a large number coming from the U.K., Scandinavia, Cyprus, Italy and Germany. When arrive on the island of Skiathos come with an open mind, for this spectacular green island surpasses all descriptions.

Skiathos is the most cosmopolitan island in the Sporades. It has its own airport with international and local flights. With constant arrivals of domestic and international celebrities Skiathos Island has become one of the most loved destinations in Greece. The sense of hospitality (as well as in most Greek islands) is characteristic. The island is well- organized, clean and with all amenities and accommodations at very reasonable prices.

The main center of the island, also called Skiathos, is located on the eastern side of the island. The city is surrounded by the port which is the center of tourism throughout the summer. Here you will find many taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes and the shops which are open till late. The main street of Papadiamantis is famous for its strolling shoppers, and is a hub for tourists from all over the world.  The city center has many pictuersque narrow streets with photo opportunities round every corner! Coffee and ouzo can be enjoyed at one of of the many cafes or taverns, along with incredible harbor views. This island will certainly make you feel at home.

Skiathos is well served with roads but some transportation will be necessary if you want to enjoy the best of the island. Cars and bikes can be rented everywhere.  For  lovers of local cuisine, there are many picturesque taverns & restaurants even for the most demanding palates … In the Old or new port of the town, you will find the so-called ‘Bar Street’ where you will spend unforgettable moments  - guaranteed! Skiathos has some of the best clubs and bars in Europe, and many are British owned.  Whatever  your taste, you are likely to find it here. The island boasts some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the Aegean and in fact, seven of them have been awarded Blue Flags.  The “Little Banana” is a famous nudist and gay beach, and was recongnised as being one of the most  popular beaches in Greece by travelers in 2012.

If you visit Skiathos, be sure to post a review of your experience after your trip.

Iceland celebrates a number of LGBT events throughout the year including Reykjavik Gay Pride in August, Bears on Ice in September, Pinkmas in December/January and Rainbow Reykjavick in January/February. Details of these events can be found at Pink Iceland.

Pink Choice would welcome reviews of gay and gay-friendly hotels in Iceland, so if you head there, please tell us about your experience.

Provincetown will be packed for the events, so if you’re heading to the Cape, you would be advised to make sure you have secured your accommodation, as rooms will be hard to find. Remember, we want to hear about your lodging experience, so please don’t forget to post your hotel reviews.

A full schedule of Carnival events can be found at the Provincetown Business Guild’s website.

Hotels in and around London are booked to capacity, so if you happen to be a guest at one of them, please send your reviews to Pink Choice. With London offering so many choices in gay and gay-friendly hotels we would love to see loads of reviews. Oh, and while you’re there, enjoy the Games!

An important part of the local community for many years, The Men’s program has recently suffered a major setback following the elimination of its funding due to policy changes at the federal level. Grass roots efforts and private donations are being implemented to sustain the program that is vital to the lives of so many. As a result this year’sfundraiser is more important than ever.

This much anticipated event of the summer season is expected to draw close to two hundred men from the region and the neighboring cities. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the lovely and secluded natural environment of Frog Meadow Farm’s 63 private acres, including the beautiful gardens, hiking trails and swimming pond (pack a towel!).

There will be croquet, bocci, and other lawn games to enjoy. In addition, raffle tickets will be available the day of the event for all kinds of goodies. A suggested $35 donation includes a valuable door prize drawing and provides access to the grounds and a full barbecue meal (vegetarian option available).

For those unable to attend, donations are very much appreciated. As Frog Meadow Farm does not have a liquor license, no alcohol will be provided, however, you are welcome to bring your own beverage of choice.

Note that the rain date for the event is Sunday July 22

Helpful Links:

More information about the Frogmeadow Fundraiser BBQ www.frogmeadow.com/events2.html#bbq

Directions to Frog Meadow from all points www.frogmeadow.com/directions.html

Check out Frog Meadow’s reviews on Pink Choice.

The eagerly anticipated Out NYC Urban Resort opened its doors to guests on March 1, 2012.

This straight-friendly urban resort is poised to become a travel and entertainment destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. The complex, situated on 42^nd Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenues,  encompasses a 105-room boutique hotel, the 14,000 square foot XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge by John Blair, Beto Sutter, and FV Events, a late-night restaurant called Kitchin, three courtyards, a business/conference center, function space, and a wellness center.

The first phase of the project was completed on January 26, 2012 with the opening of XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge. XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge is the newest project by noted gay nightlife impresarios John Blair and Beto Sutter, and the wunderkind party promoters Brandon Voss and Tony Fornabaio of FV Events. Blair and Sutter, famous for the legendary Saturday night party at The Roxy, helped create this new venue from the ground up. Open seven nights a week, XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge is the first nightly gay dance club to open in New York City in 15 years. The space features an LED wall, two dance floors, and a full stage.

The boutique hotel features 105 rooms with an upscale, chic décor and a starting rate of approximately $250. The hotel’s restaurant, Kitchin is operated by the team behind the already-successful Hell’s Kitchen favorite, Eatery Restaurant. It offers the same style of upscale comfort food for which Eatery Restaurant is known. THE OUT NYC will host various types of function space to accommodate everything from intimate private dinners to large events and weddings. The building is centered on three courtyards and a 5,000 square foot wellness center, creating an oasis from the city just outside its doors.

“This is an idea whose time has come.  What makes THE OUT NYC a desirable hotel is the comfort level and tailored amenities for both the gay and straight communities,” said Ian Reisner, Managing Partner, Parkview Developers. “THE OUT NYC will become a ‘can’t-miss’ for gay tourists as well as the epicenter of gay life for LGBT New Yorkers. With New York’s recent legislation, we look forward not only to hosting countless gay couples, but marrying them as well.”

Pink Choice would like to congratulate the Out NYC on its recent opening, and looks forward to receiving reviews from its guests.

• 3 nights accommodation at Turtle Cove Beach Resort

* Bottle of champagne on arrival.

• Tropical Continental Breakfast Daily

• Return Coach Transfers from Cairns Airport or City

• 2 Dinners in our Sandbar Restaurant.

• $25.00 drink voucher to use during your stay per room

• Nightly entertainment,

Turtle Cove Beach Resort's Mardi Gras Recovery Party

For more information visit Turtle Cove’s website. If you join the party, be sure to tell Pink Choice about it!