Palm Springs Rich Offerings

Our whirlwind tour of Palm Springs felt like PS from Soup to Nuts. Diversity and deliciousness in belly food, as well as food for the soul. My host hotel was all the rage. Even before its official opening (December 2023), the owner/designer, David Rios’ reputation precedes him. Twenty-five years in real estate development has honed his art to a science. His creativity lies in the transformation of a living space into a resort space. The Velvet Rope, his newest project, transports each guest into the life of a movie star. My room took me into the lair of Hugh Hefner, complete with Playboy magazines. The curve in the gold-trimmed black couch added to the sensual vibe. The black satin bedspread and red plush headboard carry through the feeling.  The gold-trimmed black bathroom tiles, bump up the testosterone. Rolling Stone-esque red lip-themed throw pillows on the bed are a perfect compliment. 

Hefner’s The Playboy Room- my room at The Velvet Rope boutique hotel, Palm Springs, CA

Pool at night, The Velvet Rope boutique hotel, Palm Springs, CA

Choose your Pleasure

If you prefer a lighter/brighter room don’t despair, the I Love Lucy or Liberace room awaits you. Nine lives to choose from - you decide. You can iron on Lucy’s hidden wall iron, or sleep next to Elvis’ blue suede. Details are not overlooked here, right down to the glassware. Need a coupe for your cocktail? No problem. 

Each room includes a good-sized kitchenette with a mini-retro fridge, or in my case - a wine fridge. Guess Hugh had better things to do than eat… 

I chose this room before I even discovered it! I guess Hef knew the Organic Wine Travel Writer was coming.

I ❤️ Lucy room, The Velvet Rope, Palm Springs, CA

Stylized retro mini fridge, The Velvet Rope Hotel, Palm Springs, CA

From Kitsch to Comfort 

There are so many boutique hotels here, from kitschy to comfy, each with its charm - it would be easy to locate one suited for you by visiting palmspringsstay. Some more of my favorites were Mahala, and The Alvaraz - super tranquil, and Casa Cody, the oldest hotel in PS, dating back to 1900, brimming with real adobe history, thick wood planks, and a secret wine cellar where you could escape the heat unnoticed and imbibe. 

Charming glass tree gate at The Alvaraz boutique hotel, Palm Springs, CA

Casa Cody, Palm Springs oldest boutique hotel, Palm Sorings, CA

The hidden wine cellar under the Adobe, Casa Cody, Palm Springs, CA. You can cool down and share a bottle and charcuterie down here. 

Eating the best Mexican food via the Casteñeda family down below, and drinking the best Espresso Martini up top 

Besides enjoying the excellent home recipes and Cadillac Margaritas from the family-owned El Mirasol Mexican restaurant at the Los Arboles hotel - open since 1985 - [you must try the Camarónes Pipián and Pichugas Mirasol (tender chicken)—the family recipe salsas for these are next level…..nuanced and full of depth of flavor]; my favorite bevie experience was relived at The Peaks restaurant, at the top of the PSTramway. After an exhilarating sixteen-minute journey up to 8500’ elevation from the desert floor, a hike long or short, because - the views! - order the Espresso Martini at the bar. Make sure Trevor mixes it for you, at the main bar, because he’s got it down pat. It will arrive topped with a lush crema, and a creamy sweet, luscious, mouth-filling delight that you have earned after your trek. You can savor it before or after your meal as the sun sets, and the desert floor lights up below your perch at Peaks. 

Espresso Martini extraordinaire at The Peaks Restaurant bar, top of Palms Springs Tramway, Palm Springs, CA

The Spa at Séc-he 

Last but not at all least, the brand spanking new spa, part of the Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza, opened just a few weeks has taken advantage of the natural thermal waters Palms Springs is named for.  These waters haven’t seen the light of day for 12,000 years. Yep…and the water emerges at a perfect 105 degrees. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have expanded their offerings into something that interests me much more than the casino. The Spa at Séc-he (séc-he means the sound of boiling water), offers so much, that we spent an entire afternoon there and did not experience it all. 

What I found most intriguing, and heartwarming, is that the director, Daniel Spencer, has made services that would normally be add-ons, all-inclusive in the price of a massage, in order for it to be more accessible. He doesn’t want people to be left out of the health benefits the treatments aspire to. 

Of course, you can use many of the amenities on a day pass to really be economical. Believe me, you will be noodleized after a soak, a dry menthol sauna, a eucalyptus steam, salt cave treatment, acoustic music therapy meditation, and much more - and that’s before your massage and chakra therapy. The highest tech equipment is employed here - the massage table is warmed, covered in a kind of micro-pebbly gem heaven, that undulates under you as you are kneaded above. I actually didn’t have time to experience this, as my time was spent soaking in all the other amenities, but I sure hope to soon. 

The Spa is only the first part to open in the Cultural Plaza. Further celebrating the rich history and culture of the Aqua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians, the museum is next to open its doors - grand opening  November 3, 2023, appropriately in American Indian Heritage Month. Personally, I can’t wait to see what they’ve done. 

The chakra balancing treatment table at The Spa at Séc-he,
 Palm Springs, CA