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Here’s to Warm Sands, one of the city’s most photographed neighborhoods and one that welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Greta Garbo, and artist Salvador Dali. (Picture a painting with that crew.)
As one of Palm Springs’ most charming and eclectic havens, Warm Sands was originally developed during the 1930s and 1940s. It lies just south of the downtown hub, with convenient access to festive Palm Canyon Drive, the LGBTQ+ Arenas bar and lounge district, the Palm Springs International Airport, and plenty of dining spots, art galleries, shops, and nightlife.
The neighborhood’s steady evolution over the years has turned it into one the region’s most loved and exciting destinations. Why? It’s the incomparable mix of Old Hollywood nostalgia and the fact that is now ground zero for a slew of gay men’s clothing-optional boutique hotels, making the vibe here both liberating and distinctly welcoming.
Warm Sands’ beloved men’s hotels
Another gorgeous day at Casa Oliver. Photo courtesy of Casa Oliver
Boutique hotels specifically catering to gay men abound. Some of the main standouts include the ever popular clothing-optional and award-winning INNdulge Palm Springs, known for its festive poolside experiences and sense of community. Hacienda at Warm Sands offers unparalleled service and serenity — you may never want to leave.
Then there’s El Mirasol Villas, the historic gay men’s resort boasting Spanish-style architecture and lush, vibrant courtyards. Desert Paradise Resort is one of the neighborhood’s longest-running gay men’s boutique resorts and offers a more intimate, healing vibe.
Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort leans toward “luxury with playfulness,” leaping off its unique history (it was formerly All Worlds Resort). One friend’s recent visit suggested a “great mix of fun and relaxation.” Its recently launched Monthly Gay Pool Party, dubbed KING (held every third Saturday of the month), increases the temptation to stay there and socialize.
Grander things unfold at Vista Grande Resort, one of the largest and most social gay men’s resorts in this neighborhood. The sprawling resort covers multiple connected properties and several spas and pools.
Boutique hotels for every kind of traveler
It’s always sunny at The Muse. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel
Other places to consider, and ones that do not specifically cater to gay men, include Les Cactus (for its salt-water pool, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit); The Muse Hotel (for creative suites, retro pool, and adults-only vibe); El Noa Noa (for its romantic getaway feel); Hotel El Cid (for its quieter, more intimate experience, plus frozen Negronis around the fire pit); The Marley Hotel (for its group-buyout appeal); and the adults-only Little Paradise Hotel (for its spacious rooms).
A beautiful architectural experience
Hotel El Noa Noa, once a private home, is a classic example of Warm Sands architecture. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa
Overall, you can’t escape the fun and frisky, proud and regal feel in Warm Sands. I never tire of the eye-candy. Not the men, per se, but everything from the 1920s Spanish-style homes, classic desert bungalows, historic cottages, and the variety of eye-popping mid-century residences prettying the palm-lined streets. This is a fabulous area to head to for something like a bike ride or leisurely morning or evening stroll.
Wander the streets and you’ll notice colorful front doors and classic desert landscaping on and around these stunning homes. I’ve spotted a few hip vintage neon colors sprinkled into the design of these properties, too.
One of my favorite things to do is to drive down South Patencio Road, which is undoubtedly the most picturesque street in the area. The homes here are something to marvel. Many of them simply take your breath away, and if you could peek over those hedges and walls, you’d appreciate the attention to detail given to pristine pool spaces and the modern “desert backyard,” with its lounges and seamless blend into the natural environment.
Go back in time
There’s also a nice blend of chic bungalows dating back to the 1930s and 1940s in the neighborhood that should be checked out. Historic cottages and unique landscaping designs filter into the mix here, too. Boutique inns, like the ones tucked behind hedges and gates on Indian Canyon Drive, reveal a blend of California Ranch, Spanish Revival, and early desert architecture.
One unique find I came upon is The Robson and Helen Chambers Residence on Warm Sands Drive. The historic two-bedroom home was built in 1946 and designed by acclaimed architect Robson Chambers. Several years ago, it was recently restored to its original glory. It’s worth a peek, whether you’re driving or strolling.
Overall, Warm Sands is downright intimate and full of personality, and its proximity to nearby restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife just adds yet another unique layer to its coolness. Have the camera ready.
