Descanso Resort Palm Springs: a gay men clothing-optional escape | Review
Karl Krause PALM SPRINGS: Our review of Descanso Resort Palm Springs: a gay men-only, clothing-optional escape with poolside breakfast, mid-century rooms & spa vibes. The post Descanso Resort Palm Springs: a gay men clothing-optional escape | Review appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Mark
Looking for a gay men-only, clothing-optional boutique hotel in Palm Springs that blends style, serenity, and sensual freedom? Our stay at Descanso Resort gave us all that – and more. From gay-friendly, flirty staff to peaceful nude breakfasts, this men’s resort turned out to be one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating places we’ve ever stayed in the USA. As an openly gay couple of men traveling, the Descanso sets the perfect tone for a slow, sunny escape in the California desert. Enjoy our Couple of Men hotel review of the gay men-only, clothing-optional Descanso Resort in Palm Springs.
– in collaboration with Visit Greater Palm Springs –
First impressions of Descanso Resort Palm Springs
Parking spaces were easily accessible right in front of the hotel. We arrived a little early before the official check-in time of the gay men’s resort, but that didn’t matter. From the moment we set foot on the grounds of the clothing-optional hotel, the atmosphere made us feel immediately at home. Our luggage was safely stored while we were handed towels and encouraged to settle in, relax, and arrive in our vacation spot in upper Palm Springs. The receptionist, friendly and charming with a touch of flirtation, set the tone: this was going to be a pleasant, queer-welcoming space for gay men to unwind truly.
And the best part? We didn’t need anything but a towel. The clothing-optional vibe at the Descanso Resort Palm Springs was instantly liberating. We slipped out of our travel clothes, took a quick comforting shower, breathed deeply in the warm breeze of the desert, and found our place poolside in the shadows of the huge palm trees of the hotel. The palm trees swayed overhead, a light playlist hummed in the background, and the atmosphere was just social enough to strike up conversations with the other guests. Truly a gay paradise in the US, especially in these challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
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Poolside nudity, hot tubs, and new connections
Within minutes, we felt the rhythm of Descanso: no rush, no pressure, just pure ease. The pool area is beautifully landscaped, with native plants and tall palms framing the heated saltwater pool and garden hot tub. Luxurious poolside loungers, a mist cooling system, and a cantina stocked with drinks, ice, and snacks made it easy to settle in.
Being nude here isn’t about showing off – it’s about letting go of stress, of clothes, of judgment. In fact, the vibe reminded us of being in a European spa, but with better weather and more friendly chats. Over our stay, we met a few fellow travelers who were just as eager to relax and recharge. For us as a gay couple of men, it was refreshing to feel like we could be completely ourselves without the noise of a party scene right next to the pool.
One of the first evenings, we met a lovely gay couple from the U.S. who were gaycationing in Palm Springs as well for the first time. From that night on, we found ourselves reconnecting with them almost every night after dinner in the hot tub. Sitting together in the bubbling water under the desert sky, drinks in hand and the sound of cicadas in the background, we exchanged stories of our days in Palm Springs and laughed about our experiences traveling as gay couples. These intimate, easygoing moments were what made our stay at Descanso Resort Palm Springs so memorable.
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Our Descanso Reel: That is how it looks at Descanso Resort
Our room: mid-century comfort with a pool view
Once we got our room upstairs, a poolside suite, we were thrilled. The space was large, bright, and designed in beautiful Mid-Century Modern style: clean lines, earthy tones, plush bedding, and thoughtful lighting. The room offered an incredibly comfy king bed, a daybed for a third person, and was well-equipped for comfort and relaxation.
The poolside view was fantastic with the desert mountains in the background. The cozy daybed or sofa was perfect for reading or relaxing (or our luggage), a desk for journaling or planning the day, stylish chairs, practical lighting with modern lamps, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge to keep drinks cold. There was plenty of space to move around.
Each room also comes with an iron, electronic safe, and hairdryer. The bathroom was just as thoughtfully designed: spacious and spotless, with a large walk-in shower, Gilchrist & Soames luxury bath products, and a small window for natural light and to let steam out. Everything felt freshly cleaned, high-quality, and functional – from the fluffy towels to the well-stocked amenities.
What we loved most was the quiet. Even with other guests around, it never felt crowded or noisy. At night, we left the windows slightly open to let in the cooling desert air. And in the morning, we woke up feeling rested, unhurried, and excited for another slow day in paradise.
Trip Planning: All room types, suites and offers >
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Breakfast in towels: our naked morning rituals at Descanso Resort Palm Springs
There’s something wonderfully cheeky about walking down to breakfast wearing nothing but a towel. At Descanso, it just feels natural. Each morning, a fresh continental breakfast is served – available for self-service and poolside enjoyment. One of the lovely staff members helped us prepare a tray of morning goodies, which we then carried out to enjoy by the pool – still naked, of course.
We had a selection of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bagels, cream cheese, juice, and coffee sitting in the shadows next to the pool. For us, this slow, clothing-free breakfast became a ritual. It’s the little moments – friendly chats with other guests, the smell of fresh coffee, the sun rising over the palms – that made Descanso feel so special to us.
A standout touch? The complimentary ‘Stay & Splash’ lunch order with breakfast was served poolside around lunchtime, which meant we never needed to leave midday on a day off from exploring. Combined with weekend happy hours (so-called “Wine O’Clock”), complimentary snack bags at check-in, and an always-stocked cantina, the resort had everything we needed – and more.
Location & local flavor – quiet but close to it all
Descanso is nestled within the Uptown Design District, a stylish and tranquil area of Palm Springs. It’s close enough to explore downtown shops, restaurants, and gay nightlife, but far enough removed to feel truly peaceful. We loved the balance. Whenever we left the hotel (which wasn’t that often for this part of the trip), we found plenty to do. For hiking, nature, and culture tips, have a look at our whole Palm Springs Travel Journal here.
Why gay couples will love to unwind at Descanso Resort Palm Springs
There are gay resorts in Palm Springs where you can go or stay to party. The Descanso Resort Palm Springs is not that. This is a safe space for unwinding, connection, romance, and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or enjoying solo serenity, Descanso permits you to slow down. The clothing-optional setting fosters comfort and confidence, and the all-male environment creates a community of shared experience.
We left our home away from home feeling closer to each other and ourselves. And isn’t that what a vacation should do? By the way, “Descanso” can be translated as “rest” in Spanish, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here. Our time at Descanso was everything we needed: a peaceful escape, a place to reconnect, and the freedom to simply be ourselves.
If you’re looking for a gay men-only resort in Palm Springs that celebrates calm, comfort, and confidence – Descanso might just be your perfect match. We hope you enjoyed our gay couple hotel review of the Descanso Resort. We can recommend this gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Calfornia.
Descanso is also part of a small family of gay men’s resorts in Palm Springs, including the equally welcoming Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort – each with its distinguished vibe but the same attention to detail, comfort, and community.
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Plan your stay: Descanso Resort in Palm Springs
Address:
288 E Camino Monte Vista
Palm Springs, CA 92262
United States
Homepage Descanso Resort Palm Springs:
Website: descansoresort.com
You can book your stay directly on their website or via our affiliate link to TripAdvisor.
Do you want to know more about our gay travels around the world? Stay tuned on Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. See you again soon!
Karl & Daan.
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Please note: This trip was made possible in close collaboration with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Visit Palm Springs, and the Descanso Resort Palm Springs. Nevertheless, our photos, our videos, our opinions, and our writings are our own and authentic, as always.
The post Descanso Resort Palm Springs: a gay men clothing-optional escape | Review appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
