It all started in 1935 when Ruth Hardy purchased a Spanish-style estate and turned it into a 20-room hotel called the Ingleside Inn. At that time it was operated as a private club; guests had to be invited by Ruth personally. She hosted the “Who’s Who” of show business, finance and politics, and her hotel became a favorite gathering place for the rich and famous. The Ingleside Inn still remains as one of the exclusive boutique resorts in Palm Springs.
Today, however, there are almost 100 small boutique resorts in Palm Springs. Some offer only one or two guest rooms or suites – only a few have over 50 rooms or suites. Each has a unique ambiance and character, often an expression of the independent on-site owners. There are resorts with a Spanish hacienda flavor, resorts that reflect mid-century modern décor, some western themed resorts, even a small resort that is like stepping into a classic Japanese home.
Some resorts have on-site Spa services and some have restaurants. There are resorts that are great for socializing while others stress solitude. One thing common to most Palm Springs boutique resorts is that they are geared towards adult guests, and do not encourage families with young children. Nothing against the exuberance of children splashing in a pool or playing tag on the patio, but most Palm Springs boutique resorts are offering their guests a quiet, restful and relaxing vacation experience away from noise and commotion.
Over the next months I will highlight a variety of my “Top Pick” boutique resorts on this blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment