These three boutique Palm Springs properties are changing perceptions of gay men’s clothing optional resorts
| 02/06/24
A guest enjoys the pool at the Santiago Resort
Image by John Ellis
Gay men’s clothing-optional resorts have made a resurgence in recent years but, like the community to which it caters, there’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint for success.
While many gay men seek elevated amenities and services while on vacation, some just want to pitch a tent and light a campfire with friends and a cold one.
The resorts that follow each offer a niche experience for their guests: from small yet architecturally historic Palm Springs properties, to breezy Florida beachfront living, to camping in the pines deep in the heart of Texas.
Pack light and enjoy the tour ahead. First stop – Palm Springs!
The desert delights of Palm Springs
The pool and jacuzzi at the Descanso Resort
Image by Hannes Van Der Merwe
“Many people have a preconceived notion of what a gay resort will be like based on what they have heard from 15 to 20 years ago when most of the gay resorts were more like bathhouses,” says Charles Zalepeski, general manager of the Santiago, one of three tasteful gay men’s resorts in Palm Springs, Calif., along with the Descanso and Twin Palms. The three properties are places for gay men who want to be naked around other naked gay men “but without having sex in your face 24/7,” Zalepeski adds. While you might not find boys getting busy poolside, these resorts do provide plenty of opportunities to meet and hook up.
Descanso Resort
The lush grounds and pool area at the Descanso Resort
Image by John Ellis
Tucked behind a heavy gate in the North Palms neighborhood, the Descanso Resort is a hidden oasis with ivy and green vines covering the exposed walls and lush landscaping defining spaces for the pool, jacuzzi, cantina, and pergola. Such touches are key to pleasing today’s travelers, who are “much more sophisticated and expect a more elevated hotel experience” than in past years, says general manager Kent Taylor. The crowd during our stay was fun-loving and mixed, with plenty of daddies, silver daddies, and younger twinks mingling poolside. descansoresort.com
Twin Palms Resort
Lounging poolside at the Twin Palms Resort
Courtesy Twin Palms Resort
Twin Palms opened in 2022 in the architecturally historic Twin Palms neighborhood alongside homes designed and built by architect William Krisel and the Alexander Construction Company. Each home came with a pool in the backyard and two palm trees out front. The resort “embraces a mid-century modern desert patio feel, with each room just steps away from the pool and spa,” says general manager Adam Q. Robinson. The landscaping is minimal here, as the pool and its jaw- dropping views of the San Jacinto Mountains dominate the central courtyard. We found the crowd here was mixed and ready for action day or night. twinpalmsresort.com
Santiago Resort
The poolside night view at the Santiago Resort
Image by John Ellis
The granddaddy of this trio of resorts, the Santiago, opened its doors under a new ownership team in 2015 following an extensive makeover with rejuvenated landscaping and a “Modern Ranchero” style. Zalepeski is quick to stress the property is a resort and not a sex club. “We don’t offer play spaces, sauna, or anything like that. Just a space to get naked if you choose, relax, make new friends, or reconnect with old ones,” Zalepeski says. Santiago’s oversized pool is “the centerpiece of the resort” and serves as a great place to get acquainted with the other guests. While not a sex club, the crowd here is downright frisky. santiagoresort.com
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