Gay resort takes out top award

Skinny Dips Resort and Spa in Cairns has taken out the 2007 Pink Choice Award. The award is a result of consistently high ratings from visitors to the Pink Choice site.

For more than two years the resort has catered exclusively to the gay and lesbian market and has changed the face of GLBTI tourism in tropical North Queensland.

“We’re blessed with a tight, small employee team who treat the place like their own,” Skinny Dips’ Wayne Pihlgren told SSO.

“It certainly shows in the levels of friendliness and service as is reflected in the comments left on Pink Choice by previous guests.

“People comment on our location and proximity to all that Cairns has to offer. Also, we place great importance on ensuring that lone travellers are made to feel welcome and part of it all.”

Pihlgren said the resort’s three owners – who all have a hand in the day-to-day running of the holiday destination – were always conscious of the need to make the resort accessible to all members of the community, as reflected in the budget-conscious pricing.

Since launching in 2006, Pink Choice has expanded to include over 200 global destinations covering 1,000 hotels, inns and guesthouses.

Ratings take into consideration essential categories such as guests’ first impressions, efficiency of check-in, staff friendliness, and overall value.

“Reviewers were enthusiastic in their praise throughout 2007,” Pink Choice’s Trevor Pinker said.

“Even with the ever-increasing range of accommodation options for gay and lesbian travellers, the award winners made their mark among Pink Choice members. We congratulate them and look forward to receiving more great comments about them in the future.”

In the meantime, the resort is hosting a special Mardi Gras recovery retreat, with visitors from around the globe already booked to stay.

“A big thank you to everyone whose stayed in the last two years. As you may be aware, the property under the previous owners had become quite run down and had a bit of a reputation,” Pihlgren said.

“We’re delighted that our advertising, presence at Fair Day and relationships with the various papers and publications have resulted in a new wave of guests coming for the Skinny Dips experience.”

For more information on Skinny Dips or for details on how to book for the Mardi Gras recovery special, visit www.skinnydips.com.au.