INDULGENCES travel
THE PLEASURES
OF PALM SPRINGS
A MECCA OF GAY RESORTS AND SECRET TREASURES TO EXPLORE
by bill biss
It was a reunion of old friends that brought me to Palm Springs. The six of us hadn’t seen
each other in over a year and decided to meet half way from San Diego and Los Angeles in the desert city for a week to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Seeking the advice of Hillary Angel at the Palm Springs Board of Tourism, Hillary was able to suggest a surprising number of gay resorts for my friends during our get together. Each resort was unique in its own way but all represented a high quality in style, comfort and accommodations. Here’s the lowdown in no particular order on several that stood out from the crowd.
Where To Stay:
Two of us opted to stay at East Canyon Hotel and Spa. (288 E. Camino Monte Vista—
eastcanyonps.com.) You see, my friend Jim and I are both married and so we opted for the one gay resort that isn’t clothing-optional. Don’t call us “prudes”…it’s just that we were overwhelmed by the serenity and simple elegance of East Canyon Hotel and Spa. The hotel is like a beautiful movie set yet distinctively real. Instead of a backdrop, you have the heart of Palm Springs just outside close to explore. Enclosed in their courtyard is a beautiful pool and Jacuzzi with an in-house spa steps from your room. Two middle- aged married men couldn’t have had it better catching up and relaxing for a few days. The “sweet life” is right! I’m bringing my husband back next time. Our single friend Chip, an architect who resides in L.A., opted for The Hacienda,
which is clothing-optional at Warm Sands. (586 Warm Sands Drive—thehacienda. com). He wanted to stay a bit longer so he chose a Grand Deluxe Suite there. Simply put, The Hacienda is grand in every way…from the detailed luxury of the rooms to the exquisitely manicured grounds; every single aspect from service to surroundings is relaxation-refined. He made the six of us dinner one night in the ultra-sleek kitchen… The Hacienda has got it all. Now. Isn’t there always one wild one in the group? That would be Darren. He decided
to go man hunting and in true fashion stayed at one of The Vista Grande Resorts called Mirage (574 Warm Sands Dr.—
mirage4men.com). We caught up with him there and he gave us an enthralling tour of all the grounds including Atrium and Avalon Resorts. With two beautiful waterfalls and a ring of fire plus a tunnel of love... Darren was right at home. There are also two gay resorts done in mid-century modern style that are considered
historical landmarks as well. The Triangle Inn (555 E. San Lorenzo Road—triangle-inn. com) is a welcoming and lushly landscaped resort. The owners Stephen and Michael who live on-site presented a very personal touch to our visit when we went over to spend a day poolside there with one of our friends, Matt. Stephen and Michael must be complimented on their friendly and sincere care in running The Triangle Inn…it really shines through. The other historical landmark is the well-known INNdulge Palm Springs. Once again the care, friendly atmosphere and stunning pool and yard made for a perfect setting to relax before heading out. Tom who usually is so reserved just raved about INNdulge Palm Springs. Even with the warm days, their pool is kept cool with what he found out is called a “SwimCool Chiller.” So, as far as our happy group decided, there was not a bad apple in the bunch!
a.
b.
a. View of INNdulge Poolside b. East Canyon Hotel and Spa c.Vista Grande Resorts d. Suite at East Canyon Hotel and Spa
e. Courtyard at Vista Grande Resorts f. INNdulge Guest Room
58
RAGE monthly | JUNE 2010
c.
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