Clothing Optional – Exploring the Gay Resorts of Palm Springs

Humans are hoarders by nature. Ever since we could walk erect (more about that later), we have consumed ourselves with hunting, gathering, and collecting.

At work, we pile on responsibilities and job titles. Socially, we amass as many friends as we can. Stylistically, we feel compelled to shop the latest trends and trinkets, layering them upon ourselves and blotting out the world, like donning a suit of armor in an increasingly materialistic marathon of excess.

No wonder we have so much baggage.

That’s why it’s immensely liberating to strip everything away; to disconnect, to clean house, to “spark joy” and to commune with the basic elements of mind, soul and body-ody-ody.

Let’s linger on this last point.

Your flesh craves attention. A lover’s touch, the kiss of sunlight, and the occasional ogle from a tantalizing stranger can trigger a whirlwind of physiological wonder. Butterflies in the belly trigger adrenaline in the bloodstream, filling and swelling and engorging your perspective until you question why you ever needed the trappings of society in the first place.

In other words: who needs clothes? You’re on vacay, baby!

Palm Springs is a veritable naked nirvana. This otherwise humble hamlet is the undisputed Mecca of clothing optional gay hospitality. So, pack your bags (lightly) and unpack paradise. Follow our lead…

The Hacienda

586 S. Warm Sands Drive, Palm Springs

www.thehacienda.com

The heart of au naturale relaxation beats mightily in Warm Sands. This neighborhood contains most the city’s clothing optional destinations, so let’s start our sexy sojourn here.

The Hacienda at Warm Sands provides understatement supreme. Its muted ivory color scheme deflects the sultry rays of the sun and sprinkles them across the scantily clad (or non-clad, as the case may be) hunks gathered poolside.

As the name suggests, Spanish style architecture embraces you in a suggestive hug. Adobe walls flanked with lush hedges and warm wooden flourishes form a frisky foundation, so get ready to get cozy.

Snuggle with that special someone or ignite a new romance by the catalytic light of the fireplace. And if that’s not hot enough, immerse yourself in playful possibilities in the inviting Jacuzzi.

You’ll make friends; we promise.

And now that you’re the belle of the buff ball, book your next stay at another Warm Sands gem…

Vista Grande

574 S. Warm Sands Drive, Palm Springs

www.vistagranderesort.com

Variety is the spice of life, so multiply your pleasure at Vista Grande, the original gay-clothing-optional resort in the desert.  This decadent destination is actually three estates in one, but you can stroll the grounds at will. On your nature walk, you’ll find two full-sized pools and plenty of full-size fun. And what most don’t know, right across Warm Sands Drive, you will find the fourth estate – Atrium, with its five rooms, fountains and separate pool. You can even buy-out the Atrium property for you and your friends and create your own party.

The steam room, for example, is a who’s who of ooh, yaas! Sweaty studs gather regularly in this sprawling spa, dropping their towels alongside their inhibitions. The shower in the center of the steam room provides a necessary blast of soothing chill so that you can resume your sultry activities in the mercurial discretion of the gathering fog.

Emerging from the steam, gaze down at the waterfall flanking the eastern ridge of the property. The 10 (or more) man hot tub offers a front-row seat to the cascading majesty of the trickling H2O.

As the bubbling jets stimulate your soul, your appetite rages anew. Feast on satiation in every sense of the word and indulge on complimentary meals, courtesy of the top-notch staff at Vista Grande.

INNdulge

601 S. Grenfall Road, Palm Springs

www.inndulge.com

And speaking of indulgence, welcome to its namesake: INNdulge. This Warm Sands institution is constantly renovating and reimagining its deluxe accommodations to ensure maximum satisfaction to their lucky guests.

Some resorts throw around the word “cabana,” but INNdulge takes the concept to a whole new level of luxury. Each pastel blue gazebo features its own ceiling fan and misting system. Pull the drapes for private time or throw them wide open to embrace your inner exhibitionist.

Handsome, friendly Casanovas descend on the lanai every morning for breakfast and every evening for happy hour. Strike up a conversation and let down your guard, because you have officially arrived at the capital of inclusion.

Triangle Inn

555 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs

www.triangle-inn.com

Here’s a wild guess: you enjoy eye candy. Why else would you be this deep into an article about clothing optional gay resorts? Well, we also happen to have a sweet tooth for seduction, but we’re serving up more than just sex.

Wait, there’s more than just sex?

Yes indeed! Triangle Inn is a visual smorgasbord that fulfills all your voyeuristic cravings. Designed back in 1958 by the visionary architect Hugh Kaptur, this property was originally known as the Impala Lodge. Its geometric windows swoop dramatically upward, clashing and cavorting whimsically with the steel girders that lend a masculine spine to the structure.

Fast forward to the queer and now. The triangular edifice of this hospitable hotel has not only lent itself to the resort’s nomenclature, but the shape also evokes a defiance that is central to our culture. Pink triangle iconography reminds us of how much we have overcome and why we should – nay, must – revel in our homo hedonism at full velocity!

Simmer in a poolside playground or heat things up with a dozen of your new best friends, Jacuzzi style. As you lose yourself (and your inhibitions) in the frisky garden surroundings, you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re just one block away from the main drag in downtown Palm Springs.

So, strut your stuff out the front door (maybe put some clothes on first) and let’s continue your titillating tour, shall we?

Santiago

650 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs

www.santiagoresort.com

A bit farther south, you will find the home of the largest pool in the gay Palm Springs resort realm. Splash your worries away at Santiago, a wonderland of outdoor splendor. In addition to the aforementioned mega-pool, the grounds include a saline hot tub, gregarious gathering spaces warmed by a fire pit, and even a garden-side shower.

“Hang out” in the two-person hammock until your desires require more privacy, at which point you can retire to the boudoir. Each suite has a signature appeal, effortlessly blending a European color palette with midcentury modern angles. Honestly, why bother wearing clothes when you’ll only be upstaged by the dashing décor of your surroundings?

Santiago has a hearty legacy; the building has stood strong for over 80 years, and it has been proudly gay since 1995. Previously known as the Matador, this property is a beacon of beefy beauty – no bull!

Nestled enticingly along the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, the resort offers bicycles to its guests so they can explore the grandeur of the gayborhood. Speaking of which, let’s keep on truckin’ to our next clothing optional hotspot…

La Dolce Vita

1491 Via Soledad, Palm Springs

www.ladolcevitaresort.com

Rounding out the southern curve of our revealing journey, La Dolce Vita truly lives up to its name. Italian for “the sweet life,” LDV offers R&R galore. This resort features all the traditional amenities one would expect from a queer retreat: the imminently flirty Jacuzzi, sunbathing hotties, and two invigorating pools.

But in addition to the attractions listed above, La Dolce Vita offers the only spa services in Palm Springs dedicated uniquely to gay men. A sense of belonging blankets you with every steam and swim you experience. And once your macho muscles are nice and subdued, you’re ready for some next level attention.

The massage team at the men’s spa has won well-deserved awards and esteem over the years, and they’re passing their expertise along to the grateful clientele.

If you are apprehensive about baring it all, the clothing optional establishments in Palm Springs will help cast your cares away. After all, the key word is “optional” – proceed at your own pace, show off as much (or as little) as you want, and bask in the camaraderie of community.

So, slip out of your constraints and slip into your comfort zone. See (all of) you soon.