By Lee and Judy, SCNA members
December, 2005

We decided to spend both our Thanksgiving and our Christmas holiday weekends at Desert Shadows Inn, Resort and Villas in Palm Springs, California. Luckily, our timing was perfect because the weather was beautiful during both visits (temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s), and the resort was not too crowded (although we heard it was booked solid for New Year’s weekend).

We stayed a total of 4 nights, two for each visit. For Thanksgiving we stayed in the Chaparral section, right by the pool. This is a very convenient location for nearby access to all the resort service such as the restaurant and office. Over the Christmas weekend we stayed in the Villas by the tennis court. This unit had a kitchen, and so we cooked a few of our own meals and baked some Christmas goodies ourselves. We must say the resort property is just as lush and beautiful as ever. The restaurant has a new main cook since our last visit and the food is delicious, albeit a bit expensive compared to getting dressed and going elsewhere in Palm Springs (but who wants to get dressed?). On Christmas we had one of their Christmas dinners with both turkey and ham with all of the “fixins.” Delicious!

There are two different courts for volleyball, one on the grass and one in the courtside pool. Both were infrequently used. There is also a tennis court (often occupied), and a small miniature golf course. We chose not to take advantage of any of them. The best thing about Desert Shadows is nothing. You have to do nothing, accomplish nothing (but an all-over tan), achieve nothing (but get a towel onto a lounge chair), and worry about nothing. We decided we were just going to lay back and enjoy. (Being laid back is so tiring, but somebody has to do it.) I’m afraid the most energetic thing we did was watch the sun set over the nearby mountains.

Desert Shadows has three heated pools, two heated Whirlpool spas and several BBQ pits for guests use. And of course it has the world-famous Baxandall Naturist Bridge, which allows you to cross (nude and unseen) over the city’s main boulevard to the new west section of the resort where the large recreational center is used for all of the resort’s holiday parties. Tennis rackets, golf clubs and flotation devices are also available at no cost. Desert Shadows also has the only full service naturist spa (“The Spa”) in Palm Springs offering massages, body wraps, scrubs and facials.

At Thanksgiving, we saw resort owners Linda and Steve Payne for just a short time as they we going to San Luis Obispo to visit their son who goes to college there. Also missing was Kurt the body sculptor. Apparently he only works during the spring and summer, but if you haven’t had your body cast in plaster, we definitely recommend you make an appointment with him.

In the information center near the courtyard spa, there are brochures and other flyers on just about anything you might want to know about tourist attractions in and around Palm Springs. On the other hand, we found if you just sit in the Jacuzzi long enough and strike up a conversation with other resort guests, eventually someone will come along who has been-there-done-that, and will be happy to share his/her experiences with you. If you have not been to Palm Springs before, there are other things you can do besides just lay nude in the warm sun or play nude tennis or volleyball, but, alas, you must get dressed to do these things: there are bicycles for rent, hiking trails, hot air balloons, and horses for riding. Although we didn’t take the tram this time (we have on many other occasions) the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will whisk you up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, the tallest mountain in southern California – 8,000 ft. – for a spectacular view of 100 miles in all directions.

Another “must see” attraction for your next visit is the Palm Springs Follies. Currently in its 15th year of production, the show runs from November though April at the historic Plaza Theatre. The Follies are exactly what the name implies: The cast is comprised of mostly women who have retired from a career of dancing and singing. One must be 50+ years old just to work in the show, BUT they still have legs “up to here” and the costumes are beautiful. Some of the costumes in the show cost upwards of $35,000, and there has to be two copies of each so one is being repaired while the other is in use. One costume honors the “Red Hat Ladies.” Ticket costs run from about $43 p/p to about $130.00 for evening performances. A good seat can be had for about $65, but the matinee is a little less expensive. You can find more info about the show at www.psfollies.com

In summary, Desert Shadows is a secluded nude retreat for the discriminating naturist. And remember this earth-shaking fact: There is no need for dressing rooms in a nudist resort boutique ;).