The Hacienda at Warm Sands in Palm Springs is clearly the best clothing optional, lifestyle resort that I have ever had the pleasure to visit. My partner and I stayed at the Hacienda for one week from February 18 to February 25, 2016. We reserved a deluxe grand suite. We were very very pleased.
Upon our arrival, in our rental car (lots of available parking), we were met by Robert at the front door. Robert was personable, kind and very friendly. He was very engaging and extremely helpful. He gave us a tour of the property and then showed us to our lovely suite.
I shall begin my review with the grounds. They are impeccable. It is evident that a very highly skilled and professional team of gardeners work for the Hacienda. The place exudes pride of ownership. The little waterfalls in the courtyard by the second pool, the palm trees, flowers, the pathways….. Everything was perfect! It was a joy to walk around and look at the various plants and watch the hummingbirds!
There are two pools on the property; one slightly deeper than the other. Both were equally lovely to lounge in. Around the pools there were numerous loungers. I must comment here about the loungers because the cushions were really, really thick and luxurious. They were exceptionally clean and very well maintained. Extra large bath towels emblazoned with the Hacienda logo were placed on each of the loungers and very quickly replaced when used. The hot tub and out door fireplace are so inviting at night time.
As mentioned we stayed in in deluxe grand suite. We stayed in room number nine in the back area. I cannot express how lovely and clean this room was. We had a fully functional kitchen with two refrigerators, dining room, a gas fireplace that was fully operational, a very large living room quite comfortably furnished, a beautiful bedroom with a very comfortable king size bed and a private backyard. The private backyard was very big and also comfortably furnished. I could easily imagine little cocktail party back there with new friends!
As mentioned, the kitchen was very well-stocked. Cutlery, table were, glasses, even a blender for your blended drinks. As well there was a popcorn machine with popcorn included and various other small kitchen appliances one would require. It would be very easy to simply move in and stay for an extended period of time.
A special mention to the staff; they are exceptional. Beginning with the cleaning staff, they were professionally dressed and behaved in a quiet and professional manner that was unobtrusive and very what much welcomed. The rooms are cleaned each day with the precision you would expect in a luxurious five star resort. The attention they paid to small details was amazing. (A special thank you to Luis who was our primary cleaner during our stay!). As well, I must extend kudos to Steve, the manager. I cannot tell you how much of a delight that man is and how well he represents the Hacienda. He is engaging, witty, smart, and very proud of Palm Springs. He is equally proud of his work at the Hacienda and he very much should be. Steve helped make our stay that much better.
By far, the continental breakfast on offer at the Hacienda at Warm Sands is the best breakfast of its type. (Anywhere!). Fresh croissants, chocolate croissants, danishes, fruit, boiled eggs, cereals, tea, coffee, orange juice, .old cuts, cheese, and bagels. It was all very elegantly displayed in the breakfast room. Everyone enjoyed the selection and no one was left disappointed. There was more than enough for everyone.
Lunch was a delight, pure and simple. Every evening we had a menu from which we chose a selection of sandwiches or wraps or large plated salads with sides. As well, drinks like lemonade, coffee, tea, water etc. Lunch was delivered around 1230 each day. It was delivered directly to your table where you happen to be sitting, or in your room if you happen to be there, or by the pool if you happen to be relaxing there as well. A little table setting is prepared for you with silverware, glasses etc as your plate of lunch was delivered. Lunch is provided by an outsourced catering company. They do a very very fine job of providing a tasty healthy lunch.
We were particularly enamored with the two owners of this lovely resort, Jim and Maurice. We were invited, as were all of the guests, to their weekly cocktail party that was held in the breakfast room at the resort. Red and white wine, with cheese and crackers, fruit and chocolates were on hand for the cocktail party. It was lovely. The best part was an opportunity to meet Maurice and Jim personally and listen to their stories and meet other guests. It was like being at a party with old friends.
The clientele of the Hacienda present as slightly more sophisticated. There was an element of refinement that was quite welcome. But by no means was it stuffy. Conversations easily flowed between guests, yet people generally migrated to their personal spaces and enjoyed reading or listening to their iPods and were not obtrusive.
It is easy to enjoy the natural splendor and the positive vibe of Palm Springs. Staying at the Hacienda however, makes the experience just that much better. It may be slightly more expensive but you definitely get what you pay for! I am so happy to endorse the Hacienda as the number one place for gay men to stay in Palm Springs.
For more information, contact The Hacienda
From Within US:
1-760-327-8111
From Outside US:
01-760-327-8111
