PALM SPRINGS, CA — INNdulge Palm Springs, one of the city’s longest-running gay resorts, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this October with a special community gathering.

Founded in 1995 and located in the Warm Sands neighborhood, the mid-century modern property has become a destination for LGBTQ+ travelers around the world. Current owners Jon Jackson and his partner Joseph “Sandy” Miller purchased the resort in 2010 and have continued its tradition of hospitality and community.

On October 31, the resort will host an afternoon celebration from 12 to 5 p.m., inviting former guests now living in Palm Springs to return for cake, beverages, and shared memories.

Jackson said the milestone reflects more than just longevity. “We are grateful to John Williams and Jean-Guy Lachance for founding INNdulge and giving us the opportunity to buy the property. Many Palm Springs residents are former guests, and we’re proud of the contribution INNdulge has made to the city’s tourism and community.”

The resort has built a reputation as a social hub where lifelong friendships are formed. “Like attracts like,” Jackson said. “The layout, the pool, the breakfast area, and our nightly social hour all create opportunities for guests to connect. But in the end, it’s the guests themselves who make the environment.”

Even as many LGBTQ+ resorts in Palm Springs have changed hands or closed, Jackson and Miller remain committed to keeping INNdulge gay-owned and clothing-optional. “We are 100% committed to INNdulge always remaining a gay-owned resort. Full stop,” Miller said.

Since taking ownership, the pair have invested in updates while preserving the mid-century charm of the 1958-built property. Renovations have included remodeled guest rooms, refreshed cabana covers, and updated common spaces. “Modernization is essential, but maintaining the character is equally important,” Jackson said.

The resort is also known for its holiday traditions, especially its annual Halloween party. Jackson recalled one standout guest who taught fashion design at the Rhode Island School of Design and created an elaborate Cruella de Vil costume. “It was probably the best Cruella ever to grace Palm Springs,” he said.

Recently, I got to interview Jon Jackson, the owner of INNdulge about their past, present and future. Here is the interview:

Eric Gray: Thirty years is an incredible milestone. What does it mean to you personally—and to Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ community—for INNdulge to reach this anniversary?
Jon Jackson: I am personally so grateful to John Williams and Jean-Guy Lachance for founding INNdulge in 1995 and giving Sandy and me the opportunity to buy the property in 2010. I know they are as proud as we are for the contribution INNdulge has made to Palm Springs tourism, as well as the city itself—many residents of Palm Springs are former guests. We will continue to maintain a safe and beautiful hotel for gay men to relax, enjoy, and meet lifelong friends. Sandy and I are truly grateful to our staff and to our loyal guests who return year after year. They are all part of the INNdulge family.

Eric Gray: INNdulge has become known for creating lifelong friendships among its guests. What do you think makes this resort such a natural space for connection?
Jon Jackson: First and foremost, like attracts like. INNdulge has from the beginning focused on being the “social” gay resort, where friendships are made and fostered. The courtyard layout, one pool and hot tub, a breakfast area that encourages conversation, and a nightly social hour all foster interaction. But ultimately, the guests themselves sustain this environment by attracting others who share the same values.

Eric Gray: Palm Springs has seen many LGBTQ+ resorts change hands or close. How important is it to maintain INNdulge’s identity as a gay, clothing-optional resort?
Jon Jackson: We are 100% committed to INNdulge always remaining a gay-owned resort. Full stop.

Eric Gray: You’ve overseen many renovations. What improvements are you most proud of, and how do you balance modernization with preserving the property’s mid-century character?
Jon Jackson: Preserving the mid-century character of our hotel, originally built in 1958, has remained important. But modernization has been equally vital. No one wants a showerhead at mid-chest or a single-pane crank window. Since purchasing the hotel, we’ve reinvested each year with major remodels or updates. We’re committed to continuing improvements while maintaining the mid-century vibe.

Eric Gray: If the walls of INNdulge could talk, what ghost stories—or legendary guest memories—would they tell from the past three decades?
Jon Jackson: Excellent question, as there are so many legendary guest memories, forever stored in our minds and also in the minds of our guests.  But discretion is the better part of valor.  However, I will share one secret:  our walls DO talk, so come by social hour and have a listen. 

Eric Gray: Halloween is a big tradition here. What’s the most unforgettable costume you’ve seen?
Jon Jackson: Our loyal guests set the bar high every year, but one guest in particular stands out. A former fashion design instructor at RISD created a Cruella de Vil costume that was perfectly constructed from the finest fabrics. It was likely the best-dressed Cruella Palm Springs has ever seen.

Eric Gray: What’s the secret potion that keeps INNdulge’s spirit alive and true to the gay community?
Jon Jackson: The guests and our staff. We’re committed to making each visit safe, special, and memorable, while fostering an environment where lifelong friendships flourish. That’s the secret potion.

Owners of Inndulge, Jon Jackson and Joseph Miller

Looking ahead, Jackson and Miller say their focus remains on creating value, fostering connections, and maintaining INNdulge as a safe, welcoming space. “Our guests and staff are the secret to the spirit of INNdulge,” Miller said. “They make each visit special and keep the tradition alive.”