It’s always smart to pack sunscreen for vacation, but in Palm Springs you may want to bump it up to SPF 100 or higher. Because you’re likely to have a few body parts exposed that don’t see the light of day that often, let alone around other guys by a pool.
Or in line to toast your bagel at the breakfast bar.
Palm Springs boasts a huge number of clothing-optional gay men’s resorts, making it one of the more unique LGBT travel destinations in the world. Not only does letting it all hang out most of the day make for a much lighter suitcase, but swimming and lounging around naked are easily the best icebreakers in the world. Another perk: Clothing-optional resorts can’t sell booze so you can bring your own, which allows you to splurge on other aspects of your vacation.
Because there are so many options, we slept around Palm Springs so you don’t have to. Check out our three favorite get-nekkid men’s resorts in the glam California desert.
Santiago Resort
Service and amenities galore make this resort a true standout. With 23 beautifully appointed rooms, this property rivals many national brands. Well-maintained grounds surround the largest heated pool of any gay resort in the city, while sunrise and sunset views from the hot tub are pretty incredible, too.
Our favorite amenities: Continental breakfast with Starbucks coffee; poolside lunch; 24-hour soft drinks and snacks; two-man hammocks
Off-property diversion: Plan an early-morning hike (trust us, go early) to Indian Canyon, a gorgeous oasis in the desert featuring spectacular scenery for photo ops along easy-to-navigate trails.
Palm Springs has the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the United States, so a driving tour is a fantastic way to see some of the highlights. Book a few hours with PS Architecture Tours and ask for Trevor O’Donnell. Not only is he knowledgeable about the homes and buildings, he knows the gay history of Palm Springs, as well. (And where Leo DiCaprio’s house is!)
INNdulge
This Warm Sands property focuses on relaxation, from the comfortable rooms with or without pool view. The resort’s centerpiece is its large pool, which is heated in the winter and chilled in the summer (aaahhhh). Breakfast is included and an afternoon social provides a great opportunity to meet other guests and share your alcohol with each other.
Our favorite amenities: 12-man 24-hour hot tub; on-site gym; “special” DVD collection
Off-property diversion: The world’s largest rotating tram car at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from the desert to lush forests high atop the mountain. Not only does the high-altitude escape offer 50 miles of hiking trails and dining 8,500 feet in the sky, the temperature is typically 30 degrees cooler than Palm Springs below, making it an ideal escape in the hottest summer months.
Triangle Inn
Each of the eight suites in this former apartment complex has an eclectic feel that’s not fancy, but extremely spacious and comfortable with kitchens or kitchenettes in each. The two-bedroom suite is great when traveling with a couple friends, but the adjacent four-bedroom home with its own private pool and hot tub makes for an ideal group experience.
Our favorite amenities: Poolside breakfast; heated pool; mountain views
Off-property diversions: Drink the very best, morning, noon and happy hour with a visit to Ernest Coffee by day and Bootlegger Tiki by night. The adjoining concepts have the same ownership and are among our favorite hangouts in town. Fuel up in the morning with splendid espresso drinks, plus sweet and savory snacks, then come back for an awesome happy hour or elaborately garnished nightcap.
Make sure to take advantage of some of the city’s wonderful cuisine. Our favorite dining spots are Wang’s in the Desert, TRIO, and Georgie’s Alibi Azul for dinner and a show.
Main image: Shutterstock.com
All additional photos in this story are the property of each respective resort.
