Palm Springs Resorts – Boutique – Korakia Pensione

257 S. Patencio Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-864-6411

www.korakia.com

There is one word that I think best describes Korakia – escape. Although just a short walk from busy Palm Canyon Drive, with its excellent chef-owned restaurants and unique desert flair, Korakia is an old-world pensione that blends Tangiers and the Mediterranean.

The resort is actually two historic villas located directly across the street from each other. Built in 1924, The Moroccan villa was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. Here Coutts re-created his earlier life in Tangier by employing a wide variety of architectural features that promoted a Moroccan decor. It is rumored that Winston Churchill painted in the villa's Artist Studio. J. Carol Naish, an early silent-screen star owned the 1930's Mediterranean villa. The Naish property blends the charm of southern Europe with North African accents throughout its structure.

You will find no TVs in the rooms as well as no room telephones, although the resort is WIFI enabled and there is at least a small fridge in every room. There are really no “standard” rooms at Korakia to describe, but luckily, the resort’s website provides a full description and pictures of each of the 28 rooms, suites or bungalows. Some have studio kitchenettes and others have full kitchens as well as sitting area. I found it fun just to look at the wide variety of accommodations.

Although there are 2 well maintained pools, there are no Jacuzzi hot tubs. What I think is special about Korakia are the unique and relaxing amenities that make this place an unusual getaway from day to day reality. Enjoy a complimentary full-cooked breakfast in the Moroccan courtyard, seek healing with yoga or meditation on the weekends, pamper yourself with wonderful spa offerings offered daily, curl up with a vintage book from the library lounge, borrow a complimentary bicycle to explore Palm Springs – even join a game of bocce ball and relax with the daily Moroccan tea service.

Evenings are magical with 2 fire pits flickering and over 100 candles and lanterns spread out over the entire the property. There are even classic and foreign films shown on an outside wall each evening.

Midweek, Korakia is popular with older guests exploring southern California. Weekends, however, the resort draws mostly from the LA area, including a younger crowd involved primarily with the arts, entertainment and creative industries. Weekend reservations are best made well in advance. Overall I am told that most guests are from California and that half are under 40.

As you can tell from this review, this resort is an eclectic adult resort for those seeking rest, relaxation and, as I said before, escape. As such, children under 13 years of age and pets are not allowed.

Korakia is not your standard Palm Springs boutique resort, and I think will appeal to those seeking something quite unique and different for a Palm Springs get away. Come to Palm Springs and be transported to the Mediterranean.

For more information on Korakia Pensione, check out their website. If you would like other resort recommendations for your special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.

Palm Springs Resorts - Boutique - Movie Colony Hotel

726 North Indian Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

888-953-5700

www.moviecolonyhotel.com

This Albert Frey designed mid-century modern 16 room resort is geared best for low maintenance couples looking for a romantic get-away or R&R vacation, who also would like the opportunity to explore Palm Springs. Children are not allowed at this resort.

The resort is located in the trendy Uptown District of Palm Springs, home to many “retro-remix” boutiques, art galleries, and great restaurants. The resort offers complimentary cruiser bikes, which makes for an easy and fun way to get around town.  

Room styles range from basic studios to one bedroom two-story townhouses that open onto the pool from the lower level and have private sun decks off the upstairs bedroom. Note however that the townhouses do not have full kitchens. I especially like the 2^nd story terrace rooms which each have private sun decks and seating areas including nice size tables, perfect for outdoor breakfast or lunch. If I were staying here I could see myself spending most of my time on my private sundeck.

The rooms are nicely appointed in mid-century modern style, very neutral colors with yellow accents. My only complaint is that I personally would have liked to see upgraded bathrooms. These ones are pretty standard.

The pool area is quiet, simple and open 24 hours.  Away from the pool is a courtyard area with breakfast bar and fire pit – also the location of the daily complimentary wine hour. There is an onsite spa studio and in-room massage service is available.  

There is no onsite staff after 7:00 pm (although I am told the owner is available by telephone), so if you are likely to want last minute concierge services to make dinner suggestions or reservations, you will need to plan early.

Introducing Palm Springs Boutique Resorts

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.