August, 2005 - Palm Springs was a famous retreat for celebrities, royalty, politicians, artists and millionaires from the early 1930s to the 1960s and has recently been rediscovered.
Guests relaxing by the pool at The Terra Cotta Inn, a clothing optional resort and spa, enjoy a pampering experience and re-creation of the sybaritic life that has made Palm Springs so famous.
A private 17-room hideaway designed by modernist architect Albert Frey in 1960, The Terra Cotta Inn is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood five minutes from downtown Palm Springs. In years past, it was a celebrity retreat named the “Monkey Tree” and was a favorite of Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and Spencer Tracy.
In 1995, husband and wife, Mary Clare and Tom Mulhall, bought the property and renamed it “The Terra Cotta Inn.” (Forbes Magazine reported that nude recreation is the fastest growing vacation segment of the travel industry.)
So, what is it really like to visit a “clothing-optional” resort? First of all, the big question is, “what will the other guests be like?” In this particular (first time!) experience, the other guests (couples only) ranged from their late 30’s to the 60’s; mostly “baby boomers”...and honestly, the second question is, “how will we compare!” If this resort is any indication, people of all shapes and sizes are represented. In fact one couple was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and we all stood around au naturel toasting the fortunate couple with a case of Veuve Clicquot champagne that they had kindly provided.
Every afternoon at 4:00 PM, the owners and hosts, Mary & Tom, served a choice of White or Red wine along with fresh strawberries around the main pool. Tom looked very dapper wearing only a bow tie.
We didn’t mingle much, but did visit with a few very pleasant and unpretentious couples. A number of ladies comfortably wore swim suits, although all but one had shed them by the second day – after a few hours, or at most, a day, it seemed very natural and relaxing to luxuriate al fresco in the beautiful desert garden setting. Activities in the resort are marvelously benign. One either sun bathes; swims or floats using foam “noodles”; reads a book under the mist-cooled bougainvillea-draped canopy; and all this just in the main pool area. Other diversions include a large (4 couple) hot tub/Jacuzzi. Although the weather was the expected hot & dry (but honestly quite comfortable) high of 45°C in July, the reason for a hot tub is evident in the winter when temperatures go down to below 20°C. For this reason, a romantic fire pit and barbeque facilities are also provided. Our room had a private garden in the back with a small table and two chairs; two chaise lounges; and a 2 couple Jacuzzi. Some rooms have a full kitchen.
Having arrived directly from Hong Kong and not wishing to rent a car, we had been advised that the nearest modern and comprehensively stocked supermarket was within walking distance. Even at 10:00 AM, a walk to the store was quite pleasant with hats/caps recommended, along with a camera to record the beautiful desert flowers and shrubs along the streets. (Be forewarned that this is suburban California and there are often no sidewalks – one sometimes walks in the street, ideally facing the on-coming traffic side for safety.) The round-trip walk at a leisurely pace takes about 45 minutes and provides an opportunity to put on some clothing. Our reason to shop was to purchase a bottle of wine, because we elected not to go out for lunch. The resort provided a comprehensive choice of Palm Springs restaurants that deliver; charged lunch to one’s account along with a reasonable gratuity; and brought it to the room. We always elected to dine at the wrought iron garden table and two chairs that were located just outside every room.
Regarding the pleasant staff (especially the delightful Manageress Penny), the housekeeping ladies (clothed) make every attempt to be discreet and invisible. Housekeeping was excellent, as were the VERY large rooms. Tastefully done in desert décor, all Deluxe Rooms (approximately 300 square feet) include a king-sized bed; separate seating area; mini-refrigerator; microwave oven; in-room coffee maker; cable equipped color television with remote control; VCR; free video library; and telephone with direct-dial international service.
There is daily pool-side breakfast included, with fresh fruit, juices, breakfast food; yogurt; Danish & bagels; great coffee and tea.
Other amenities include luxurious spa services in the privacy of your room. There are fax services available and if you aren’t traveling with your PC, Tom will allow you to use one of his computers to check your e-mail (as we did).
In conclusion, our measure of a holiday experience is, “would we do it again?” In this case the answer is a resounding “YES”. We found out that truly “less is more” and when all material embellishments are absent (except perhaps a watch!), we tend to look upon our fellow human beings as no more nor no less equal – accepting all as being the beautiful creatures that mankind represents.
Originally published in the Hong Kong Culture Magazine, August 2005 by an unnamed author:
THE RUMORS ARE WRONG: PALM SPRINGS’
TERRA COTTA INN WAS NOT SOLD
January, 2006 - Four months ago, Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall (photo, above) thought they had been made an offer they couldn’t refuse: a couple from Redding wanted to buy the Terra Cotta Inn!
Rumors started to fly through the nudist community about the price along with some wild conditions of the sale (which will not be repeated here.)
We are here to report that the couple could not obtain the necessary financing so Tom and Mary Clare will continue to own and run their 17-room nudist hideaway in Palm Springs for the foreseeable future.
Tom told SCNA that they are not actively looking to sell, but that with real estate value going through the roof, we occasionally get someone who expresses an interest in the property. “We’ll always listen to the right offer,” Tom said, “but we are very happy with what we are doing in the meantime.”
“Our sales are better than ever, especially for those nudist travelers who don’t want to pay the top dollar charged by other hotels in the area.”
If a sale ever does happen, Tom said he and his wife would stay in the Palm Springs area and perhaps open a travel business. “But no matter what, we’re not going to sell to anyone who doesn’t pledge to keep Terra Cotta as a nudist resort.”
Terra Cotta Inn is located at 2388 East Racquet Club Road in Palm Springs, and they can be reached at 760-322-6059 or by email at info@sunnyfun.com.
