Palm Springs is located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley area of California’s Sonoran Desert. An iconic destination that has been a favorite of Hollywood elites since the 1930s, with headliners like Dorothy Dandridge, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole performing at the former Chi Chi Starlite Supper Club on famous Palm Canyon Drive.
This was after Hollywood scouted Palm Springs for filming some of its desert-themed movies. Tucked between the San Jacinto mountains, the area was a tribal reservation deemed as sovereign Cahuilla Nation land by the federal government in 1865. Allotted to Native Americans because the land was believed to be worthless.
Today, Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, lavish hotels, golf courses, spas and mid-century modern architecture (an American classic that kicked off after WWII). While Palm Springs International Airport is 20 minutes from downtown, our first stop was the desert rose toned Sands Hotel & Spa in the prominent and exclusive Indian Wells community. The designer boutique hotel was originally built in the late 1950s, our suite included a wet bar with vintage crystal stemware, private patio and famous tunes from that era.
We were greeted by a bellman when we entered the non-traditional black & white Moroccan inspired lobby where you are served tea upon arrival. I love the clean lines showcased in the mid-century modern accents throughout the hotel. We enjoyed craft cocktails and charcuterie at the hotel’s full-service restaurant and bar, The Pink Cabana (featured on “The Pink List). A fresh, modern spin on the popular tennis clubs of the ‘50s and ‘60s in Palm Springs.
Next up, a visit to the Trixie Hotel will turn any ordinary day into a pastel-hued paradise with whimsical suites decked out in plush pink accents and vintage décor. Pink auras are associated with the heart chakra and from the moment we stepped through the Trixie Hotel gate, we were greeted by a burst of pink hues that radiated warmth and good-hearted fun. The campy boutique hotel even has a Ms. Pacman machine in the lounge where we danced the night away with a group of locals who were there celebrating the Barbie movie.
Lounging on the comfortable sunbeds, sipping on refreshing cocktails, and soaking up the sun's rays; the pink-themed pool area was the perfect serene oasis escape from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life.
Exploring Palm Springs Village Fest on our walk home from our dinner at Azucar, was a great way to experience the local Palm Springs life and connect with the vibrant community that call this city home. It was definitely a hot August evening, but the low humidity was our saving grace.
As our stay came to an end, we found it difficult to bid farewell to the enchanting Palm Springs ambiance that had become our temporary sanctuary. The memories we made, the smooth desert tranquility that we felt, and the beautiful palm trees and majestic mountains that surrounded us will forever remain in our hearts.
To all the dreamers seeking a sprinkle of pink magic, we recommend experiencing the enchantment of these 2 “PINK-tastic” hotels on your next visit to the Coachella Valley. Until our next “PINK-alicious” adventure.
xo
5 THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING PALM SPRINGS:
1.) Take a mid-century modern architecture tour
2.) Visit Moorten Botanical Garden
3.) Visit Joshua Tree National Park (45 minutes outside of Palm Springs)
4.) Check out the Palm Springs VillageFest (street festival on Thursdays on Palm Canyon Drive)
5.) Ride on a gondola at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
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