Palm Springs Airport Rates as Stress-Free

SmarterTravel.com recently included the Palm Springs International Airport among its list of America’s Top 10 Stress-Free Airports.

Wait for your flight sitting outside under palm trees as you relax with a glass of wine. You'll find a courtyard featuring patio seating, a wine bar, and a Starbucks, as well as play spaces for both kids and pets. There’s free wireless Internet access available throughout the airport for those wanting to get connected, a smoothie bar, and glass artwork by noted artist Dale Chihuly whose work is also on display at both Bellagio and Mirage resorts in Las Vegas.

The small size and open-air layout of the Palm Springs Airport creates an overall relaxed environment with minimal hassle. Best of all, the airport is about 5 minutes by car from Palm Canyon Drive, the main street of downtown Palm Springs.

Major and regional carriers like United, American, Delta, WestJet and Alaska Airlines service the airport either on a seasonal or year round basis. From late-September to mid-June travelers can get direct flights into Palm Springs International Airport from Calgary, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Edmunton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Toronto and Vancouver.

Real Palm Springs Resort Experience

Yesterday I had the opportunity to provide a personalized tour of the Palm Springs Old Las Palmas neighborhood (formerly called the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs) to two visitors from New York City.

These guys made their original Palm Springs resort reservation based on recommendation from a friend, but when they arrived at the resort they saw a swimming pool filled with fun-loving, albeit noisy children – something they were definitely not looking for in their special Palm Springs vacation.

After cancelling this reservation they made a number of frantic telephone calls to other resorts looking for more appropriate accommodations. They ended up choosing a resort based on how friendly and helpful a particular front desk staff person was on the telephone.

I know the resort they chose, and I’m sure their stay was enjoyable, but having spent time with these guys, I also know the resort does not particularly match their personalities and interests. I think choice of resort has a big impact on how much one enjoys a Palm Springs vacation, whether it’s for one night or one month.

With over 120 individualized resort properties in the City of Palm Springs, there’s a resort to match almost every interest and preference. If only these guys had known about, and utilized my vacation planning services. I could have saved them hassle and time, and suggested a resort that gave them, from the get go, a truly positive and memorable Palm Springs resort experience. I hope they will check in with me the next time they are headed to Palm Springs!

BTW, they really liked their walking tour of Old Las Palmas!

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 - LGBT - Santiago Resort

650 E. San Lorenzo Road

Palm Springs, Ca 92264

800-710-7729

www.santiagoresort.com

Stepping inside Santiago Resort is a bit like being transported to an exotic tropical paradise, albeit with a desert twist. The remarkable landscaping is meticulously cared for and maintained beautifully. The entire resort looks stylish, sexy and sophisticated, almost as if you’re walking onto a movie set. I wondered how they keep the grassy area so green and perfectly manicured – its astro-turf, what a great idea!

The outdoor areas feature what I am told is the largest pool of any gay resort in Palm Springs, maintained at a year-round temperature of 85°F, a large well maintained spa, misters, plenty of space to lounge around the property, hammocks and a new gazebo including fire pit for quiet evening conversation.

Santiago is a 24 room 2 story resort, and although I did not visit the upper level I am told these rooms have great mountain views. Rooms (including bathrooms) have all been upgraded recently and are spacious and well appointed. There are three styles of rooms – king rooms with one king sized bed, queen rooms with 2 queen sized beds, and king junior suites, basically the same as a king room, but larger and with a sitting area. All rooms include flat screen TV, desk, free internet access as well as WIFI, DVD players, CD players, refrigerator, microwave, iron and board. No rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. I found all of the room furnishings to be simple, but high end quality.

Resort clientele seems to lean towards gay professionals in their late 20’s to late 50’s who are seeking a low energy atmosphere for couples and singles that is casual, relaxed and clothing optional. Guests seem to come from all over the U.S. as well as international locations, but I am told that weekends are especially popular with busy LA professionals who want a weekend escape in a sophisticated but laid-back environment where they can simply “chill-out.” In my opinion, this is a wonderful option for just that.

Not only does Santiago offer a complimentary continental breakfast, it also provides a complimentary lunch delivered Monday-Saturday from Aspen Mills Bakery, known for their award winning artisan breads, premier muffins, scrumptious cookies, gourmet sandwiches, and healthy salads. One other nice touch is the guest available washer and dryer.

There is plenty to do in the Palm Springs area, but if you stay at Santiago, you might never want to leave the resort!

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

Small Event Coordination

From an informal gathering of 4-8 friends who all want to spend time together to more formal small events like executive or special interests retreats, friends or family reunions, and weddings or commitment ceremonies, Palm Springs is the perfect place. Whether it’s finding a resort with 3 or 4 available rooms during the time of your visit, or booking an entire resort including catering, ground transportation, and special events, I know how to make your next Palm Springs event a success.

Some resorts offer small meeting rooms, great for retreats or mini-conferences. Others have private outdoor areas ideal for weddings and commitment ceremonies. Many of the smaller resorts do not have staff available to help fully plan and execute your event, and that’s where I step in.

For more formal events I can help you choose the right resort, book rooms and space, provide ongoing coordination with the resort, purchase supplies, make available bar-tenders, arrange for catering, ground transportation, special activities. I can give you ideas for promoting your event, and be on-site for the entire event to make sure everything runs smoothly. I have loads of contacts in the Palm Springs area and can put together a winning team for a successful event.

For informal get-togethers of friends and family just tell me what you want, and I’ll work in the background to make it all happen.

Rent-A-Guide Services

The best way to experience the REAL Palm Springs area is through the eyes of a local guide.  When you hire me, it’s like spending a few hours with a knowledgeable friend who has a real passion for the desert.

Together, some visitors and I have:

·         Spent a day in the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country

·         Stepped back in time to reflect on our Native American ancestors at the Indian Canyons

·         Ridden the Palm Springs Aerial Tram from palms to pines

·         Explored The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park

·         Taken a day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park

·         Hiked some easy trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

·         Picnicked in the Whitewater River Canyon at the Whitewater Preserve

Here's how it works:

Let me know what you are interested in and I will make some suggestions and be happy to design a custom itinerary for you.

The length of your adventure will depend on what attractions you choose to include in your itinerary. For tours over 6 hours in length I suggest you include a lunch or dinner stop. I will be happy to suggest a restaurant or picnic location. 

Once you decide on an itinerary I will confirm a set price based on the length of time for your selected itinerary (plus additional costs, if any). If you find once we are out and about that you want to extend your tour you are welcome to do so subject to my availability at the following hourly rates: 1 person = $40 per hour - 2-4 people = $20 per person per hour (additional costs include my attraction admission fees, any special event fees or cost of picnic lunch if you wish me to provide).

If you select an attraction that has an admission fee you will need to pay the gate/admission fee directly to the attraction.

I will meet you at your resort (or location of your choosing) and join you in your personal vehicle (you drive, I narrate). If you do not have a car, I can help make arrangements for you to rent one.

What would you like to do?

Special Celebrations in Palm Springs

Often, a birthday, anniversary or other occasion prompts a vacation in Palm Springs. From providing cake and ice cream, to dinner out for 4 friends, a massage or spa visit, to something more elaborate, it’s your vacation too, so why spend time planning when you could be out by the pool.

I know where to get a birthday cake on Sunday and will pick it up and deliver it to your resort. I can provide a small catered dinner at your resort, complete with party favors. I can make recommendations and reservations at restaurants geared for larger groups.

How about a moonlight couples massage, a sunrise hike, a full day of spa pampering, or a picnic lunch sitting next to the Whitewater River?

I can arrange for an evening “bar-crawl,” casino tour, or other activities, complete with transportation so you don’t need to worry about a designated driver.

What would make your celebration special?