All Worlds Resort, the clothing optional destination in Palm Springs for gay men, has closed its indoor maze, and night passes are not available to purchase “until the monkeypox vaccine becomes available in our area,” according to a notice on its website. Photo: All Worlds Resort
All Worlds Resort, the clothing optional destination in Palm Springs for gay men, has closed its indoor maze, and night passes are not available to purchase “until the monkeypox vaccine becomes available in our area,” according to a notice on its website.
All Worlds Resort is still accepting reservations and guests and hosting its Sunday pool parties.
The indoor maze was closed because sexual activity often takes place in the area, owner Austin Basford told The Desert Sun.
The current outbreak of human monkeypox is disproportionately impacting men who have sex with men, and an examination of recent research seems to indicate that the virus is being spread through bodily fluids that are only exchanged during sex.
The virus also can be spread through prolonged, close contact with the skin lesions.
Basford said he was going to re-evaluate his decision, which started in July, before Labor Day, but it’s been difficult for residents in the Palm Springs area to receive the monkeypox vaccine.
Also, the vaccination has two doses, taken four weeks apart.
He said that means the indoor maze and night passes might not be available until November.
The financial impact?
All Worlds Resort is estimated to lose $30,000 a month.
Basford said he is committed to “trying to do my part, and I’ll do as much as I can.”
“I will not sacrifice doing the right thing to make a buck,” Basford said.
Basford made a similar decision in 2020. During the height of COVID-19, Basford said he voluntarily closed All Worlds Resort approximately four months until the COVID-19 vaccine was readily available.
