Swimsuits 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.

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

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

Santiago

650 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs

www.santiagoresort.com

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.

Descanso

288 E Camino Monte Vista, Palm Springs

www.descansoresort.com

Descanso, a newly refurbished, completely reimagined men’s resort in Palm Springs, has a casual yet modern take on the legendary Hollywood style of yesteryear, updated for the savvy traveler of today. Here, the lush garden blooms, the pool water sparkles, and more than one guest has been known to extend his stay. “The ambience says, “California garden patio.” Your inner voice will say “What took you so long?”

With a complimentary breakfast and poolside lunch, you ay not want to leave. But if you do, it is walking distance to all that Uptown Palm Springs offers.  Descanso is a seamless blend of indoor/outdoor living, casual refinement, and a welcoming Hollywood Moderne vibe, bringing a fresh perspective to your next desert getaway. You can almost hear Cary calling you back to the pool.

Twin Palms

1930 S Camino Real, Palm Springs

www.twinpalmsresort.com

Tucked away in one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated modernist neighborhoods, the historic Twin Palms Resort has been given new life as a quintessential getaway destination for discerning gay men.

This completely reimagined desert retreat beautifully balances the striking natural environment surrounding the property with the iconic architecture this Palm Springs neighborhood is famous for. Even the shape of the resort’s centerpiece, a stunning new swimming pool, mirrors the rooflines of the mid-century modern homes nearby. And of course, swimsuits are always optional.

Imagine yourself here, the sun kissing your skin, the warm spa water easing your aches away, the San Jacinto mountains guarding your private sanctuary and sending you directly into relax mode. This is a one-of-a-kind destination, both relaxing and unforgettable. There is a chaise lounge under a big, yellow umbrella calling your name.

Triangle Inn

555 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs

www.triangle-inn.com

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 velocit

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.

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.

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. Emerging from the steam, you can 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.