Gay Palm Springs Palm Springs City Guide

Once a sandy hotbed for the Hollywood elite, the glittery deserts of Palm Springs have since been commandeered by modernists and gays, with over 40% of permanent residents identifying as LGBT+ and the first all-LGBT city council in the U.S. Dripping with creativity. Palm Springs is a desert oasis built by visionary architects, complete with clean lines and sleek glass styles breaking barriers between inside and out. Science says you can thank high cirrus clouds hovering 25,000 feet above the city for the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets you’ll be sure to witness, whether you’re enjoying one of the world’s top golf courses, a luxury getaway spa or one of the city’s myriads of festivals – from Pride to Coachella. Those just here for the food and drink, will not go disappointed, as this is cocktail capital flowing over with tiki-speakeasies, Vietnamese fusion and craft beer rapture. Wondering about what to do in Palm Springs besides soaking up the rum and the sun? Here’s Mr Hudson’s Palm Springs gay guide to the city’s world-class resorts, high-fashion hubs and a nightlife to be reckoned with.

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Nestled in the sun-kissed Coachella Valley, Palm Springs’ accommodation offerings have evolved to new heights of luxury, with several prestigious properties vying for the attention of the most discerning travellers in the United States. The recently opened Sensei Porcupine Creek, an ultra-exclusive, adults-only wellness retreat, stands as a testament to mindful luxury, offering just 22 exquisite accommodation options amid 230 acres of private estate grounds. This former billionaire’s residence has been transformed into a sanctuary where bespoke wellness programmes, a private 18-hole golf course, and world-class dining helmed by celebrated Chef Nobu Matsuhisa create an unparalleled experience.

Meanwhile, the iconic Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage commands attention from its elevated perch 650 feet above the desert floor, offering breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. The property’s 244 sophisticated rooms and suites seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with desert inspiration, featuring private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the dramatic landscape. The resort’s piece de resistance is its 25,000-square-foot spa, a haven of tranquillity with private spa cabanas and indigenous treatments.

Adding to this impressive roster is the newly minted Thompson Palm Springs, which brings its signature brand of understated luxury to the heart of downtown. This architectural marvel, with its striking mid-century modern aesthetics, offers 164 rooms and suites that exude California cool, complemented by a rooftop pool that has swiftly become the see-and-be-seen spot for the city’s most stylish inhabitants. The property’s location, mere steps from the vibrant gay nightlife of Arenas Road, makes it particularly appealing for those looking to combine luxury with lifestyle.