TripOut Gay Travel:
Mike Diamond’s Palm Springs: Hotter Than Ever by Mike Diamond

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What’s hot in Palm Springs? Well, everything actually. My people may have wandered the desert for 40 years, but honey, after arriving in the torrid California desert I was shvitzing in 3 minutes flat. At midday, the temperature can hit a scorching 115 degrees in summer. Luckily, it’s a dry heat — none of that muggy New York City in July torture — and cool, refreshing swimming pools are in plentiful supply.

Sheltered by the Santa Rosa, Little San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains, and only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has long been the get away of choice for West Coast vacationers. In the 1950s, Palm Springs became known as Hollywood’s playground, attracting Frank Sinatra, Rock Hudson, Elvis Presley and Liberace (his home here was ornately decorated as expected, with chandeliers, candelabras and a “Safari Room”).

While some of that old school glamour may have faded, Palm Springs is busy reinvigorating itself for the 21st Century as a stylish, relaxing escape from everyday life; there is an abundance of resorts, restaurants and nightlife catering to the LGBT community. Younger gays are flocking in here in increasing numbers, and Palm Springs is surprisingly affordable while still retaining an atmosphere of sexy, sun drenched luxury.

WHERE TO STAY

The most vital element of any vacation is booze, oops I mean lodging, and in this department Palm Springs boasts an embarrassment of riches. Whether you are looking for an elegant hideaway or a clothing optional party atmosphere, there is something for everyone.

Located on the northern edge of the downtown area,
The East Canyon Hotel and Spa sets itself apart in several important ways. Simply by virtue of its location outside of the Warm Sands area, it is removed from the 24-hour cruise-fest that that part of town can offer. East Canyon is not clothing optional; the vibe here is decidedly sedate. The rooms themselves provide an ambience of subtle glamour; the color palette is one of soothing beige and brown, and owner Richard Weiss does not make guests suffer the “gay premium” (inferior rooms and services in exchange for a gay ambience and hot guys); everything here is quality. The beds are large and comfy, the sheets are smooth and most importantly, everything on site is meticulously clean. Ah, luxury!

Lounging by the pool is an enchanting experience. The stunning San Jacinto Mountains loom in the distance, while palm fronds rustle softly in the desert breeze. Steps away, the Jacuzzi are sheltered by a canopy, and the entire property is landscaped with bamboo, sago palm and tropical hibiscus. Honey, after all that time in the scorching desert sun, what could be better than getting pampered in a cool soothing treatment room? What truly makes East Canyon distinctive is its world class spa, and it was the first gay hotel in the Unites States with fully licensed spa facilities on-site. Modest travelers take note: East Canyon is the only hotel in Palm Springs that offers an on-site spa that is also not clothing optional.

I am a total “do me queen.” I have no problem laying motionless for hours and letting someone else do the work. Just ask any of my dates. Bad-um-bum! I indulged in East Canyon’s “Luxury Intensive Facial Treatment,” which included paraffin wax treatment to the hands and feet, and then a deliciously relaxing facial; steam, scrub, mask, massage, toner and moisturizer. Heaven! The spa staff is talented and friendly offering a full complement of facial, massage and body treatment services.

One thing that Palm Springs is famous for is its Mid-century Modern architecture, an offshoot of the German Bauhaus style. Elements include low-pitched butterfly roofs, open-beamed ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This minimalist aesthetic is perfectly captured and re-imagined at the Century Palm Springs resort. At once classic and undeniably modern, the Century boasts clean lines and a crisp ambience.

Every detail is perfect, from the large white plastic molded outdoor furniture (Philippe Starck, Charles and Ray Eames, and Isamu Noguchi designs are in use throughout the property) to the orange and green circular motif that repeats itself throughout. And I mean everywhere — wall art, rugs, even the pool-noodle floatie things where in those same shades of avocado and orange!

The staff at Century was unobtrusive and pleasantly helpful. They even did my laundry, those sweet boys! I returned from an evening of moderate drinking to find my clothes waiting for me in my room, neatly folded on my bed and wrapped in tissue paper (orange and green of course)!

The heated pool at the Century is gorgeous, surrounded by fittingly architectural papyrus plants. To float in the water in the evening, staring up at the stars, the calls of desert night birds the only sound… bliss. The Century is located in the Warm Sands (aka “Warm Glands”) area, Palm Springs de facto gay neighborhood, so it’s easy to hop from the pool (or the lovely Jacuzzi) and go for a stroll around the area. It’s amazingly easy to make fast friends on a walk through the Sands. This is a resort for style and comfort conscious gay boys who still like to have some fun.

Also, located in Warm Sands, Santiago (“An Exotic Men’s Resort”) is a gorgeous, 24-room Spanish Colonial style property. Totally remodeled in 2006, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the bathrooms are brand new, featuring Italian tile and imported bath fixtures. If you choose Santiago however, you probably won’t be spending your time in the room; the action here is definitely centered around the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Santiago boasts the largest private-resort heated swimming pool in the area, and it is consistently filled with and surrounded by a bevy of mostly nude men. There is also a state of the art misting system (also employed by many outdoor cafes in town) to cool one down from the intense midday heat.

There are two hammocks suspended between palm trees, and a newly added gazebo. This little nook is quiet and tucked away for “intimate” (read: clothing optional) conversations. The Santiago is quite the friendly atmosphere, right down to the two resident kitty cats. Be sure to say hello to lovely white feline Samantha (with her diva-ish rhinestone collar), and outgoing grey Max, who has been known to hang out with guests who leave their doors open.

Other gay resorts include:Casa Ocotillo, which boasts a lovely collection of citrus trees: (FYI: A small laminated note on the guest’s beds reads, “When you are feeling ‘risky’’…please help protect our bed linens by using the ‘Trick Towels’ found under your bathroom sink.” Those gays, so fastidious!); the delightfully relaxed Tortuga Del Sol, hosted by the very friendly Ricardo Gomez and Robert Petro, as well as their mascot Big Daddy, the tortoise (Tortuga also offers one pet-friendly room on the property); and INNdulge, where co-owner Jean-Guy R. Lachance holds court at the afternoon socials, slinging French-accented sass to his many skin-tastic guests. Ladies shouldn’t feel left out of the fun however. Check out Casitas Laquitas (translation: “quiet little house”) for a Sapphic desert get away, and check out their wine cellar/party room!

WHAT TO DO

Ground zero for gay life in PS is on E. Arenas Road, also in Warm Sands. This little strip is where all the boys end up eventually as it has the only concentration of gay businesses in town (although to be fair, just about every place in town is gay-friendly). Among the highlights are watering holes such as always wild Streetbar, Hunter’s Video Bar (the Wednesday night underwear contest is sexy and fun!), Spurline (which hosts a packed Show Tunes night on Mondays, complete with singing bartenders), and Score for you jocks or jock wannabes.

All those cute boys got your appetite worked up? Head over to Bongo Johnny’s, a fun and very popular eatery where eating is second in importance to being seen. After a light and tasty salad (and thank you, cool misting system!), I briefly wandered across the street and into a shop called Gaymart to find a cute shirt. I was slightly disturbed by, A) the bad techno music and, B) the fact that one could shop for wardrobe and poppers and lube in the same place, but different strokes and all that.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge (a five-minute drive from East Canyon Resort) offers dancing drinking and shows of every stripe. Monday nights feature campy pianist/singer Rudy De La Mor; Tuesdays boasts a 2-4-1 drink specials, and the weekend draws a big crowd with “Jungle Boogie,” music by DJ Galaxy and sexy go-go boys. On the southern end of town, head on over to Wang’s In the Desert. This stylish Chinese restaurant serves up delicious food (love those banana wontons!) and also hosts an extremely popular Happy Hour every Friday. Every homosexual in town shows up here to booze, schmooze and cruise in the outdoor bar area. Plenty of dining options in the Springs; the festive Hamburger Mary’s serves up burgers, naturally, but offers a choice of meats including ostrich, antelope and kangaroo. Koffi is the hot coffee shop in town, with good java, tasty snacks and an outdoor seating area that offers a truly amazing mountain view. Top that Starbucks! For a satisfying lunch in a casual atmosphere, stop into Jake’s Ready to Eat; friendly service and delicious menu offerings including Chicken Milanese and a refreshing Asian Salad.

For a taste of desert drag, check out Cabaret Zoso at the Z lounge and bar. Hosted by glamorous Bella de Ball, this Wednesday night show is an extravaganza of comedy, costumes and talented female impersonators including wacky Pinkie Meringue Shimmer. Drag of a whole other stripe is on display at The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, where all the show girls (and boys) are aged 55 and up. I just know that in 40 years time this show will be featuring at least two former Pussycat Dolls and perhaps a special appearance by Jamie Lynn Spears. The Follies are a fun way to spend a few hours, and the seasoned performers imbue the razzle-dazzle song and dance routines with boundless energy and obvious joy. Try not to miss the trained poodle act, it’s a hoot!

Not everything in Palm Springs is boys, booze and showgirls. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the landscape with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Stunning views abound as the tram makes the 10 minute, 8,500 foot journey up the San Jacinto Mountain. Not only is it a good 20-degrees cooler at that altitude, but there is the Cascade Café, a gift shop, beautiful trails to explore and spectacular views from various vantage points. At the foot of one staircase is a sign that warns “No Smoking,” “Use Hand Rail” and most tellingly, “High Heeled Shoes Are Dangerous.” Drag Queens take note! If you’re still in that outdoorsy mood spend a few hours exploring the Indian Canyons (Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon and Andreas Canyon). In places, lush foliage and gurgling streams contrast with the parched sands and carved rock surroundings. Watch out for rattlesnakes!

When to go? It’s almost always a good time to visit “America’s Great Gay Oasis.” Early June usually brings Summer Splash, when the best hotels, bars, eateries and entertainment venues in town serve up special offers and fabulous events to make the summer season an unforgettable (and affordable!) experience. Autumn gets exciting as well; September will see CINEMA DIVERSE: The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, while Palm Springs Pride rocks the desert the weekend of November 7th & 8th. Gay-friendly American Airlines offers special discount codes for Palm Springs Pride, as well as many other GLBT events and Pride-related travel around the globe. Check out their Rainbow TeAAm page for more info!

Then, pack your sun block, your shades and your tiniest swim trunks (or none at all) and head for the desert. Things are really heating up!

For more of Mike Diamond’s fab travels and sassy original videos, head to MikeDiamondOnline.com.