History · 555 S Warm Sands Drive

What happened to The Terra Cotta?

For two years it was one of the best-loved couples' clothing-optional resorts in Palm Springs. Then, within a week, it was gone.

Before 2017
The original Terra Cotta Inn builds a loyal following under owners Tom and Mary Clare.
25 July 2017
The new Terra Cotta Clothing Optional Resort and Spa opens at 555 S Warm Sands Drive: 28 rooms on almost two acres, a nude rooftop sundeck, and a claim to be the only 100% tobacco-free naturist resort anywhere. Much of the original staff comes along.
2018
The Desert Sun newspaper names it the best boutique hotel in the Palm Springs valley. Reviewers recommend it to couples trying clothing-optional travel for the first time.
7 August 2019
The owner, dealing with health problems, sells quickly. From that day it no longer operates as a clothing-optional resort.
Late 2019
Tuscany Manor buys some of its furniture, converts to clothing-optional and takes over its Instagram following. It later closes too.
2025
Desert Sun Resort, the last large couples-oriented nudist resort in town, closes and reopens as Casa Palma, a clothed hotel. Full timeline.

If you used to stay here

Where Terra Cotta regulars go now

None of the remaining options is quite the same. These are the closest, with honest notes on how each one differs.

Desert Hot Springs

Couples and women, natural mineral pools. It runs as a lifestyle club, a very different atmosphere from the old Terra Cotta.

Corona · ~75 mi

Traditional nudist club for all adults and families. The closest match for classic, non-sexual naturism, though it's a drive.

Desert Hot Springs

Adults-only, clothing-optional mineral pools open around the clock. Rated 4.8 from 506 Google reviews.

The property next door at 535 S Warm Sands Dr is now Casa Oliver, a men-only resort. See the full finder.