Get to The Point, Pineapple Point

Pineapple Point is entering into its 12th year this month, and will celebrate with a party on Christmas day. The gorgeous guesthouse, which has been rated #1 on Trip Advisor for the past few consecutive years, is known as the 'Ritz Carlton' of gay guesthouses, said Phil Quattrone, who owns Pineapple Point with his partner Judd Chapman.

The property has been one of the top choices for gay men from around the world to get away and relax in luxury. The resort is one the largest properties in Fort Lauderdale, with six buildings set on more than two acres of private property. They have accommodations for all price ranges and tastes, including rooms, suites and villas. Low season prices range from $199-$499 and peak season prices range from $289 to $679.

Their most impressive is their Grand Villa, which has a spacious living room, dining room, gourmet 'chef's' kitchen and home office with computer. The private master suite has a rooftop deck and a luxurious master bathroom featuring a roman soaking tub and multi-head rainforest shower. If that isn't impressive enough, the Grand Villa also has a private courtyard with its own pool, Jacuzzi and tiki bar.

Of course you don't have to stay in the Grand Villa for a luxurious experience at Pineapple Point. This exquisite property impresses the senses as soon as you enter. Known for its privacy, you can't tell a lot about the guesthouse from the outside, but once you enter, you are drawn into a beautiful tropical atmosphere filled with exotic plants and trees.

"When you walk in, you notice the lushness of the property," said Quattrone. "People say it reminds them of Hawaii."

The property has an on-site gym, on-site massage studio, shaded hammocks, a lap pool, two Jacuzzis, sun decks and clothing optional areas.

"It has a real compound feeling," said Quattrone. "There are a lot of places to relax and chill out."

Their friendly staff is well-known for their customer service. They will handle any request for their guests - ask and you shall receive. The staff is extensively trained - for 30 days, in fact - in concierge-service.

"If a guest wants something, we will get it," said general manager Lincoln Pirkle.

Guests say that when they come in, they worry that since Pineapple Point is so upscale, the staff won't be friendly, Quattrone said, and they get a pleasant surprise when they see they were wrong.

"They tell us they feel like they are coming home to friends," he added.

The friendly atmosphere is the result of a happy staff - many of which have been working at the resort since day one. Pirkle himself has been on staff for around 8 years.

The all-inclusive resort serves continental breakfast daily, along with snacks, lemonade, bottled water, popsicles, espresso and refreshing cold face towels. They also offer complimentary wi-fi, sun tan lotions, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and bicycles. Every evening, Pineapple Point has happy hour by the pool with cheese and crackers, beer and wine -- all complimentary.

Every Saturday, in season, they offer a barbecue.

It's these little touches that make a stay at Pineapple Point so memorable. The resort attracts repeat customers and creates a sense of camaraderie. Since this tropical oasis is located away from the beach, guests tend to stick around and enjoy the pool area during the day and get to know one another.

"We draw more of the discerning professional type of traveler," said Quattrone. "The ages range from late 20s to 60s of most guests."

Day passes are available for $20 for locals who wish to come by for a "stay-cation" experience.

Pineapple Point will celebrate their 12th anniversary on Christmas with an amazing feast which is included in their guests' stay. The property will be transformed with linens and there will be

"great company, fun, and good food," Quattrone explained. Day passes are $60 for this event.

Visit their website at PineapplePoint.com or make a reservation to learn more about this beautiful, luxurious property and see for yourself what has kept it popular and award-winning all of these years.

"We're all about the 'wow' factor," said Quattrone.

Pineapple Point
315 NE 16th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale 33301
954-527-0094
PineapplePoint.com