Pride Month is just around the corner, so we’ve rounded up seven incredible gay-owned eviivo Collective properties — from hotels to vacation rentals — in the US and UK.
Airbnb reported the results of a survey taken by members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, revealing that 60% of respondents plan to travel two or more times this year. The survey also revealed that 90% of respondents traveled in 2023, spending more than 2,000 USD on trips. When asked about their priorities for selecting a destination, 60% said that affordability and safety were priorities, while 35% said that feeling accepted as a member of the LGBTQ+ community was the most important.
From BAFTA award nominees to Travelers’ Choice Award winners, these independent accommodation owners ensure safe, sociable and unforgettable stays for their guests.
UNITED STATES:
Fire Island, New York
Situated in the heart of New York’s most beautiful LGBTQIA+ resort community, the gay-owned The Madison Fire Island Pines in Fire Island is an exclusive compound that feels worlds away from NYC. The intimate and stylish 9-room guesthouse, owned by Andrew Kirtzman, embellished with modern decor, swimming pool and boasting romantic Penthouses, is located in a small barrier beach island, bordered to the north by the Great South Bay and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, where no cars are allowed, and it’s only reachable by a 20-minute ferry ride from Sayville, Long Island.
Palm Springs, California
Located in Palm Springs, gay-owned INNdulge is a gay men’s “clothing optional” resort that provides safe, social and iconic accommodations where it’s Pride Month all year long. With a mid-century modern feel and a pride flag taking front and center, the resort creates a welcoming environment from the time guests arrive. As guests enter the resort, they are greeted by a twelve-man jacuzzi, saltwater pool and a warm social atmosphere. The social nature of INNdulge keeps guests coming back for more with a return rate of 80%, according to owner Jon Jackson. “We’re not interested in being the most expensive resort in Palm Springs,” says Jon, “but we are interested in being the nicest.”
As an addition, the art located in and throughout the hotel is created by gay artists.
Morgantown, Indiana
Camp Buckwood is the first gay campground in the history of Indiana founded in 2004 as a safe haven for gay and transgender men. Pride colors fly all camping season in this iconic, rustic camp located surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. “Buckwood, as we are known, hosts weddings, both gay and heterosexual, events every weekend from our infamous foam parties, a spooktacular Halloween, friends and family and gaymer weekends to mention a few,” says gay owner Darren Gill. “We believe Gay Pride encompasses not just the acceptance and love of ourselves, but the love of our community, our neighbors. Buckwood is proud to be the number one private donor to the one and only free store food bank and soup kitchen in Brown County, Indiana.”
Buckwood offers indoor accommodations with meals included, plus cabins, tent and RV sites as well as day passes.
UNITED KINGDOM:
Llandegla, Wales
Kick back in the country at these delightfully quirky lodges in North Wales. Choose from the Copse Camp treehouse and gypsy caravan, the Dog House (a converted kennel!) or Owl Lodge, once a garage and game larder at this former shooting lodge set in beautiful countryside on the edge of a grouse moor.
Faraway Follies is run by creative couple Jenny and Margaret, who have lived here together for 45 years and also run their own food business selling patés and relishes around the world. The lodges, each with its own wood burner and wood-fired hot tub fed from a mountain spring, offer peace and quiet for all. Jenny, a trained crystal therapist says “we want our guests to reset, renew and recharge when they stay here, and really get away from the stresses of everyday life. They all comment on feeling relaxed and completely refreshed when they leave our little haven of tranquility.”
The couple’s daughter, Gina Carter, is a well known producer, and her latest film See How They Run was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year 2023.
Tremadog, Wales
Winner of the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award and the Editor’’s Choice Award for The Good Hotel Guide is an esteemed country house and estate. Plas Tan-Yr-Allt used to be the Regency home of entrepreneur William Alexander Madocks, whose feats of civil engineering opened up the North Wales slate mining industry and after whom the village of Tremadog and neighbouring town of Porthmadog are named. The fascinating history of ‘The Plas’ takes in a wealth of literary and musical figures: English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley completed his epic poem Queen Mab while living here from 1812-13 and E.F. Benson, creator of the eccentric Mapp & Lucia novels, and his older brother Arthur, author of the words to the rousing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ were regular visitors; both brothers were gay.
Hosts Howard and Mark took over the 3-bedroom property in 2015 and offer a stylish taste of award-winning country house living, including serving afternoon tea in the drawing room or on the veranda, overlooking manicured lawns and surrounded by over 40 acres of ancient woodlands. Guests can take in stunning views to the Glaslyn Estuary and watch the narrow gauge steam trains of the Ffestiniog Railway puffing past on Madock’s causeway, known as ‘The Cob’.
Brighton, England
This boutique guest house just off Brighton’s seafront takes its inspiration from the city’s Regency heritage. Its five elegantly furnished rooms exude sophistication with antiques and quirky touches, providing stunning sea views from large bay windows.
Owners Antony and John swapped running a guest house in South Africa for the cosmopolitan charms of Brighton in 2021 and haven’t looked back. “We love it here” says Antony. “Our location is perfect, away from the hustle and bustle but close to the beach, restaurants and bars. Our guests love it too, and we try to spoil them from the moment they arrive with thoughtful little extras like John’s freshly baked cakes.” The attention to detail pays off, with their property consistently rated one of the best in the city and earning Anthony and John a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award.
Blackpool, England
Paul and Craig have been the proud owners of The Molly House in Blackpool for over 19 years, and provide quality, stylish accommodation in relaxed surroundings at affordable prices. Close to the Tower, North Pier, Winter Gardens and the promenade, their B&B is in the heart of Blackpool’s thriving gay quarter, just moments away from lively bars, clubs and the famous Funny Girl’s burlesque drag cabaret show. And if the pleasures of the town get too much, guests can head out of town for a spot of cruising, with a boat excursion on the picturesque Lancaster Canal.
The couple have a clearly stated zero-tolerance policy towards homophobia and ask guests who don’t feel comfortable around gay people to book elsewhere. “We’re open to all” says Paul/Craig “whether gay or straight, young or old, and simply want everyone to feel comfortable, be themselves, and have an absolutely fantastic time here in Blackpool”.