Three of Island Outpost`s South Beach Properties have been awarded the 2001 Out & About Editor`s Choice Award and Five Palm designation for Accommodations.

The Tides, Marlin and Casa Grande are all recipients of the award, “For gay and gay-friendly accommodations that offer a distinctive, exceptionally notable lodging experience for gay women and men.” Additionally, each of these three properties is distinguished as a Five Palms property, awarded to, “Hostelries that have achieved an exceptional level of quality in furnishings, amenities and services.”

“Island Outpost continues to offer some of the most compelling accommodations for gay and lesbian travelers,” stated Out & About Editorial Director Billy Kolber-Stuart. “Their returning presence with three hotels in our Editor`s Choice awards again this year is a testament to their appeal and commitment to gay and lesbian travelers,” added Kolber-Stuart.

Island Outpost is a collection of 12 distinct hotels, located in South Beach, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures, Island Outpost creates environments reminiscent of staying at a good friend`s home. Island Outpost properties include: The Caves, Strawberry Hill, Goldeneye, Jake`s and Bolt House in Jamaica; Pink Sands and Compass Point in The Bahamas; and The Tides, Marlin, Casa Grande, Cavalier and Kent in South Beach.

OUT & ABOUT is the acclaimed newsletter for gay and lesbian travelers and for travel agents who serve the gay/lesbian market. It provides the gay traveler with objective coverage of the best gay-owned, gay-oriented and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, shopping and other establishments. It also covers issues of general interest to gay and lesbian travelers.

p>Island Outpost is a collection of 12 distinct hotels, located in South Beach, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures, Island Outpost creates environments reminiscent of staying at a good friend`s home. Island Outpost properties include: The Caves, Strawberry Hill, Goldeneye, Jake`s and Bolt House in Jamaica; Pink Sands and Compass Point in The Bahamas; and The Tides, Marlin, Casa Grande, Cavalier and Kent in South Beach.

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