Local & Community
Former Nudist Resort Transforms into Family-Friendly Getaway in Palm Springs
What was once a secluded hideaway for nudists is now a vibrant, welcoming resort for families and friends. Casa Palma, a new hotel in Palm Springs, held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony today, signaling a major transformation from the former ownership, which called the property Desert Sun Resort.
Just five months ago, the property operated as a clothing-optional resort with a decades-long history. The Desert Sun Resort had been a fixture in Palm Springs’ nudist community for over 80 years. But new owners Ryan and Rochelle Jaleh saw potential in changing the narrative.
“It didn’t really matter what it was,” said Ryan Jaleh. “We saw the vision of what it could be.”
The Jaleh's believe the time had come for a more inclusive and broadly appealing use of the space.
“What became clear was that [nudism] was no longer the highest and best use for the property,” Ryan Jaleh added.
From the outside, the resort still maintains its private feel — tall hedges line the property, and the narrow entrance hints at the site's more private past. But what lies beyond the gates has changed entirely. Grassy lawns, communal fire pits, and play spaces now welcome guests of all ages. Rochelle, who is also a mother, explained that the resort was designed with families in mind.
“We have a baby who can crawl around in the grass. It feels so easy with them here,” she said. “But I also picture it very much like a place for friend groups — sitting around the fire pit at night, just enjoying each other’s company.”
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood say the change is a welcome one.
“It’s a nice change for the neighborhood,” one nearby homeowner shared. “There are still other nudist places in town, but it’s good to have something family-friendly on this end of Palm Springs.”
While Casa Palma is exclusive to registered guests, the Gillets emphasized that the hotel’s restaurant and bar are open to the public, inviting the broader community to experience the new energy of the space.
From a niche getaway to a destination with wide appeal, Casa Palma stands as a symbol of evolution — preserving a unique history while embracing a fresh future.
By: Brett Rosen
October 6, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball