Steamy Summer
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Ben Nelson
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- 3 minutes read
Looking for a place to blow off steam this summer? Consider Palm Springs.
Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has been the desert playground for gay men. 50s-era stars like Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter made the town their second home because it allowed them to escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and enjoy sexual freedom without fear of being outed. It is that same sexual freedom that continues to be a popular draw for gay travelers today.
It used to be that things cooled off in the Springs during the hot summer months. Not anymore. “We’re keeping the party going through the off-season,” says Jon Jackson, owner of INNdulge, one of the area’s leading gay resorts. He and his partner purchased the hotel with its epic mountain views six years ago. Since then, they have made significant improvements to the property, including completely refurnishing the entire interior.
“There’s so much to do here. Tons of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. There are also golf courses, spas, and of course, the springs!”
Palm Springs is a hiker’s paradise with numerous hidden trails along the Coachella Valley. The shopping cannot be beat, with major retailers in Downtown Palm Springs and on El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert.
Days in Palm Springs are sultry while nights are balmy. To help beat the heat, Jackson chills the magnificent kidney-shaped pool at INNdulge during the hot summer months.
The pool is the centerpiece of his hotel’s impressive courtyard that features immaculately landscaped lawns and walkways with large modern figure sculptures by artist Mavis McClure.
“Our spontaneous midnight pool parties attract lots of sexy men from all over town,” Jackson says. “It probably helps that next to the pool is a 24-hour, 12-man keyhole whirlpool spa.”
The fact that INNdulge is a clothing optional resort probably helps lure guys in, too.
Beginning June 11, INNdulge is offering rooms for only $99. The deal is valid through September 15, Sunday-Thursday, in the hotel’s non-pool Superior rooms. Discounts on poolside rooms and weekend stays are also available. Visit their website.
