SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat Palm Springs 2026: Event Guide, Dates, Passes & Where to Stay
Palm Springs continues to shine as one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations in the world and in 2026, the desert will host a powerful and unforgettable experience: the SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat.
Taking place April 30 – May 3, 2026, this unique retreat creates a safe, empowering and sex-positive space designed specifically for gay, bisexual, queer and trans men of color. The retreat blends community, personal growth, wellness, and sensual celebration in the iconic desert oasis of Palm Springs.
If you’re planning to attend, Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort one of the best gay resorts in Palm Springs is the official host hotel, offering the perfect clothing-optional environment to relax, connect, and celebrate during the event weekend.
Get Your SUNLIT Passes Today — This Weekend Sells Out Fast
Save time and skip the line by purchasing your pass online, or conveniently get it at the lobby or call (760) 323-7505.
Dates & Hours:
Thursday, April 30: 10am-5pm
Friday, May 1: 10am-8pm
Saturday, May 2: 10am-8pm
Sunday, May 3: 10am-5pm
Price starting at $40
Dates & Hours:
Thursday, April 30: 6pm-12am
Friday, May 1: 9pm-4am
Saturday, May 2: 9pm-4am
Sunday, May 3: 6pm-12am
Price starting at $40
Dates & Hours:
Thursday, April 30: 10am-5pm + 6pm-12am
Friday, May 1: 10am-8pm + 9pm-4am
Saturday, May 2: 10am-8pm + 9pm-4am
Sunday, May 3: 10am-5pm + 6pm-12am
Price starting at $80
Table of Contents
What Is the SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat?
The SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat is a powerful gathering created by the team behind the legendary Blatino Oasis, a retreat that has been bringing together men of color for nearly two decades.
SUNLIT expands on that legacy by combining:
- Personal growth workshops
- Healing and empowerment sessions
- Community connection
- Erotic and sex-positive spaces
- Clothing-optional social environments
The retreat is designed to provide a supportive space where men of color can explore identity, intimacy, healing, and self-love while building lasting friendships and community.
Participants come from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and beyond, making it one of the most meaningful gatherings for queer men of color on the West Coast.
To understand what happened to Blatino Oasis, be sure to read this article: Blatino Oasis Palm Springs: The Legacy Continues with SUNLIT Palm Springs 2026.
SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat 2026 Dates
Event Dates:
📅 Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Location:
Palm Springs, California
Host Hotel:
🏨 Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort
One of the best gay hotels and clothing-optional resorts in Palm Springs.
Overflow accommodations may also be available at nearby partner hotels.
Why Palm Springs Is Perfect for This Retreat
Palm Springs is globally known as a top LGBTQ+ destination, famous for its welcoming community, luxury gay resorts, and vibrant event calendar.
Visitors love Palm Springs for:
☀️ 350+ days of sunshine
🌴 Iconic palm trees and desert mountain views
🏳️🌈 A thriving LGBTQ+ community
🎉 Legendary gay events and pool parties
🏨 Boutique gay hotels and clothing-optional resorts
During SUNLIT weekend, the city becomes a hub of connection, celebration and self-expression.
SUNLIT Retreat 2026 Event Highlights
While the full schedule may vary, the SUNLIT retreat typically includes experiences such as:
Opening Welcome Gathering
Meet fellow participants and kick off the weekend with drinks, music and community vibes.
Pool Parties & Social Events
Palm Springs is famous for poolside celebrations expect sunshine, DJs, dancing and unforgettable moments.
Wellness & Personal Growth Workshops
Participants can attend sessions focused on:
- healing
- empowerment
- identity
- relationships
- sexual wellness
Community Circles
Safe spaces designed to foster connection and authentic conversation among men of color.
Erotic & Sex-Positive Spaces
The retreat embraces a sex-positive philosophy, offering environments where guests can explore intimacy safely and consensually.
Closing Celebration
A final gathering to celebrate the connections and experiences created during the retreat weekend.
Stay at the Host Hotel: Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort
To experience the retreat fully, stay at the official host hotel — Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort.
This stylish gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs offers the perfect environment for SUNLIT guests.
Why Stay at Casa Oliver?
Guests love Casa Oliver for its:
🌴 Heated resort pool
🔥 Relaxing hot tub
🌄 Stunning mountain views
🔐 Private and intimate atmosphere
🔥 Indoor and outdoor maze & play areas
🎉 Legendary gay pool parties and social events
It’s more than a hotel, it’s the ultimate homebase for Palm Springs gay events.
Special Offer for SUNLIT Guests
SUNLIT attendees can enjoy exclusive accommodation perks when staying at Casa Oliver.
✔ Stay at the official host hotel
✔ Meet other retreat guests
✔ Enjoy clothing-optional resort amenities
✔ Access special event experiences
🎟 Not staying overnight?
You can still join the fun with a Special Event Resort Passes at Casa Oliver, giving you access to the pool, hot tub, and social spaces during the event weekend.
👉 Get your resort pass early, this weekend sells out fast!
How to Get Tickets for SUNLIT Retreat
Event passes are available online and may include:
- Full weekend retreat access
- Workshops and community sessions
- Social gatherings
- Pool parties and themed events
Travel Tips for SUNLIT Palm Springs
Fly Into
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Closest Major Airports
- Palm Springs (PSP)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Diego (SAN)
Best Time to Book
Palm Springs events often sell out months in advance, so book your hotel early.
Why SUNLIT Is a Must-Attend LGBTQ Retreat
SUNLIT is more than just a party weekend, it’s a transformative experience for queer men of color.
Attendees come for:
✨ Community
✨ Healing
✨ Celebration
✨ Self-expression
✨ Empowerment
And there’s no better place to experience it than Palm Springs, the LGBTQ desert oasis.
Ready for an unforgettable Palm Springs experience?
☀️ Connect with an amazing community
🌴 Celebrate under the desert sun
🔥 Experience Palm Springs’ vibrant gay event scene
Book your stay at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort, the best gay hotel and resort in Palm Springs.
Or grab a Special Event Resort Pass and join the event weekend fun.
👉 Plan your SUNLIT retreat now before rooms sell out.
Looking for more Gay Events in Palm Springs?
Stay informed about Palm Springs best Pride festivals, gay events, and major celebrations with Casa Oliver.
👉 Visit our Palm Springs event page for more information.
FAQ – SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat Palm Springs
What is the SUNLIT Men of Color Retreat?
SUNLIT is a retreat in Palm Springs created for gay, bisexual and queer men of color to connect, heal, celebrate and build community in a sex-positive and clothing-optional environment.
When is the SUNLIT Retreat in Palm Springs?
The 2026 edition takes place April 30 through May 3, 2026.
Where is the SUNLIT retreat hosted?
The official host hotel is Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort, a gay clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs.
Who can attend the SUNLIT retreat?
The retreat is primarily designed for gay, bi and queer men of color, but allies and respectful participants may attend depending on event policies.
Is SUNLIT a clothing-optional event?
Some social environments during the retreat may be clothing-optional, especially at private resort venues.
Are there workshops during the retreat?
Yes. The event often includes wellness sessions, community discussions, empowerment workshops and social activities.
What should I bring to SUNLIT Palm Springs?
Guests typically bring:
– swimwear
– resort attire
– comfortable clothing
– sunscreen
– open mind and positive energy
Is Palm Springs safe for LGBTQ travelers?
Yes. Palm Springs is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the United States and hosts many gay events throughout the year.
Can I attend SUNLIT without staying at the host hotel?
Yes. However staying at Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort provides the best experience and puts you at the center of the action.
Does Casa Oliver offer day passes or resort passes?
Yes. Visitors can purchase Special Event Resort Passes to enjoy the pool, hot tub and social atmosphere during the event weekend.
