| Usually the phrase “go towards the light” is reserved for conversations about near-death experiences. But, if you stay in this icy cold winter weather much longer, this could become a “near-death” conversation. It has been said that Palm Springs in California is where God spends the winter. Once you visit, trust me, you'll want to join him writes OutUK Correspondent Jill Pentrack. | |
| Palm Springs is one of the USA's premier gay holiday destinations. Around an hour's flying time from Los Angeles, it's in fact a sprawling collection of a number of attractive small cities in the middle of the desert. Gay tourists tend to stay in small independently owned resorts which all feature small villas or rooms surrounding pools, jacuzzis and gardens. |
 Downtown Palm Springs features a blend of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and food. Courtesy of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. |
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Some resorts boast of their high sexual temperature where a single gay man
will find plenty to occupy his time, whilst others offer a more sophisticated ambience
more suitable for couples. Whilst every resort has a pool, most serve continental
breakfast, and some host a complimentary evening cocktail hour so guests can get
to know each other.
While Palm Springs maintains a small community charm, it plays host to many world class restaurants and exciting gay clubs. The choices are endless ranging from small, intimate venues to the larger, more prominent establishments found in many larger cities throughout the world. | |
| As a gay traveller, you will be comfortable enjoying an intimate evening with your lover (or the cutie you met at Hunters), without feeling uncomfortable. Palm Springs is warm and accepting and boasts a gay population approaching 40%. Even though the resorts, restaurants and clubs are attractions of their own, there are plenty of things to occupy you besides the gorgeous sun (and men). There are numerous hiking and biking trails, a tram that travels 8,000 feet straight up from the desert floor, and casinos everywhere. The Spa Resort Casino is situated smack in the middle of downtown. If you’re willing to drive a bit, check out Agua Caliente Casino on Ramon Road, and further out (about 20 minutes) are Fantasy Springs and Spotlight 29. |
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway goes from 2000 to 8500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto with awe inspiring views, hiking and dining on top. Courtesy of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. |
RESORTSIf you have an appetite for pleasure and want to indulge yourself, there are a number of outstanding resorts awaiting you.The Triangle Inn located just a few blocks from downtown is always an excellent choice. In addition to the nine spacious yet cozy suites, there's a lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, fully outfitted and ready for you and your friends to enjoy. Weekly, monthly and seasonal rental are available. You’ll love everything there is to offer. Clothing always optional. Three of the most distinguished resorts for gay men in Palm Springs are run by the same organisation. | |
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Santiago Resort is just up a block from The Triangle Inn,
and is a private escape exclusively for gay men resting at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. Their bubbling spa, rustling palms, and singing birds
make for a tranquil atmosphere of casual extravagance that's unmatched by anywhere else in the desert.
The historic Twin Palms Resort has been given new life as a desert retreat that balances its striking natural environment with some iconic architecture. Even the shape of the resort’s centerpiece, a stunning new swimming pool, mirrors the rooflines of the mid-century modern homes nearby. Of course, swimsuits are optional. |
 Facilities typical of the many gay resorts in Palm Springs with its stunning views. |
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Ther third property is Descanso Resort which offers a full-service spa on premises and
fabulous amenities. Body wraps, facials, massage and treatments to name but a few.
The rooms are expertly decorated and coupled with an impeccable level of service. Definitely
not for boys on a budget. Ask Daddy to take you there, and only ever wear your shorts to breakfast.
In the Warm Sands area, we recommend: Desert Paradise. This is all about making your stay the best it can be. Impeccable grounds, killer views, and a gorgeous pool. If you’re looking for Liberace’s candelabra, you’ll find it here! Perfectly situated in the heart of Warm Sands. Clothing optional. Inndulge lives up to its name and all that it implies. A popular Warm Sands resort for many years, Inndulge is one of the best and best known in the area and has been the location for quite a few porn films. To be honest, every day is like a porn film here with some of the best looking guys on the planet hanging out, so your stay will be anything but mundane. Clothing optional. Warm Sands Villas was recently refurbished with comfort in mind. The rooms are equipped with everything you need for a perfect stay. Visit the observation deck for a birds-eye view of the boys in the pool and surrounding mountains. Ask about the Shirley Temple Bungalow (sounds kinky). Read your book by the pool in peace or read your book while getting a piece, it’s all up to you. Clothing optional. Closeby, Vista Grande Resort offers a Lush Tropical Oasis with Spectacular Mountain Views, Avalon Party Pool, a Zen Pool, Private Atrium Pool, their notorious Blue Steam Room as well as a Waterfall with Bathing Lagoon, 18 Man Spa with moonlit Naked Men, Expanded Continental Breakfast, Misting System and Free Gym Membership. And then The Hacienda At Warm Sands also in South Warm Sands Drive is much more than a fashionable gay resort. They want you to be totally cocooned by the peaceful, calming and nurturing environment complimented by their staff’s professional, pampering, attentive and personalised guest services. | |
| There's no question that Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels and many fine examples of midcentury architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. Located on the northern end of Palm Springs but still close to downtown, are some other fine resorts that you’ll also want to consider. |
 Pride Parade on the south end of Palm, Canyon Drive. Photo: constantgardener |
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The CCBC compound (The Cathedral City Boys Club) is located in Cathedral City and definitely serves the ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) crowd. Never a lack of something salacious and sinful to do here. Visit their nude beach, the jail, and the dungeon. Known for its nature walk which loops around the property, they have a whimsical path along the outer edges of the 3.5 acres CCBC occupies. There are plenty of places along the way to stop and admire the wildlife. This petting zoo is definitely not for children. Day passes are available. Open 24 hours. The amenities also include a pool, 2 hot tubs, sauna and steam room, military compound and waterfalls. The property is completely fenced in and private so come prepared, and check your briefs at the door.
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