Descanso Resort: Palm Springs’ chill desert retreat celebrates its 4th anniversary in style

The desert sun warms your face as you kick back on a chaise lounge. The San Jacinto Mountains stand tall against a cloudless sky, and the energy around the saltwater pool is easygoing. Men chat, read, play in the pool, or simply let themselves relax—there’s no pressure to perform or impress, just a sense of belonging.

Here at the clothing-optional Descanso Resort, everything feels a little more possible when you can let your guard down (along with your swimsuit).

Celebrating four years in Palm Springs, Descanso blends classic desert style with modern comfort. The property wraps around a palm-shaded courtyard, making it social when you want company and private when you don’t. There’s a natural camaraderie here that makes striking up a conversation easy, even if you’re traveling solo. Whether you’re in the mood for poolside banter or just a quiet corner and a cold drink, you’ve found the right spot.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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The resort’s 16 spacious rooms and suites offer a refreshing take on desert living. Think plush king-sized beds, walk-in showers, and high-end bath products for your pampering. You’ll also find a bold use of color and chic furnishings reflective of Palm Springs’ beloved Hollywood Regency aesthetic, which blended 1930s Golden Age luxury with 1950s/60s Mid-Century Modernism, but nothing here feels forced or “retro” just for the sake of it.

It’s the small things that help set the mood: continental breakfast and hosted lunch are included, plus a guest pantry stocked with snacks for whenever hunger hits. The staff occasionally hand out poolside treats—keep an eye out for the signature boozy popsicles—and the low-key wine socials are a great way to meet people. Whether you’re relaxing in the hot tub, lounging by the pool, or gathering around the fire pit, the vibe is unhurried.

Palm Springs earned its stripes as a haven for gay travelers decades ago. Icons like Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter flocked here for privacy and sun, escaping the Hollywood limelight. In the years since, a generation of entrepreneurs built resorts that didn’t just welcome gay men—they celebrated them. Today, that openness is woven into every corner of the city.

Descanso remains the place to trade deadlines for desert days. Skip the party circuit if you want; here, the joys are simpler: sunlight, good conversation, and the feeling of being truly welcome.

Know Before You Go

• When to Visit: Aim for fall through spring for the best weather. For quieter vibes and better room availability, October and May are the sweet spots.
• Getting Around: Located right between the Uptown Design District and Downtown, Descanso puts you within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and nightlife. If you’d rather not walk, ride-shares are always quick and easy.
• Clothing-Optional Etiquette: It’s simple: always ask before snapping photos, always put a towel down before sitting if you’re in the buff, and never underestimate the desert sun—keep the sunscreen handy.

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