Ironically, luxury never rests. Palm Springs is constantly elevating indulgence to new heights, and every year new resorts emerge and existing ones are reimagined to offer even more opulent experiences. Come here with the expectation of being seduced by the aura of the landscape and the caliber of the resorts and you will not be disappointed.
Among the standout luxury accommodations is the vibrant Saguaro Palm Springs, known for its striking, colorful architecture and modern style, and the Parker Palm Springs, a sprawling, ultra-refined resort where guests relax in private villas complete with intimate hot tubs. Truly a world in and of itself, the Parker’s lush grounds are dotted with sculptures, stylish outdoor spaces, and meticulously curated details to ensure a memorable stay.
However, it’s not just the big names that have earned Greater Palm Springs its reputation as a splurge-worthy getaway; there are plenty of hidden gems that offer a unique and exclusive atmosphere for those seeking a more intimate, refined experience.
One is the Colony Palms Hotel, a boutique resort in the heart of the city. This historic hotel, once a glamorous hangout for Hollywood’s elite, has been meticulously restored and reimagined. Its Moroccan-inspired decor, lush gardens, and tranquil courtyard pools create an ambience that is as relaxed as it is elegant. The property’s restaurant, The Colony Club, serves American and classic European cuisine, while the spa offers indulgent treatments using organic ingredients to pamper the body and mind.
Equally charming is the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs—the former Viceroy Palm Springs Resort—a stylish retreat with midcentury modern architecture and a laid-back, yet luxurious vibe. The Avalon’s atmosphere—characterized by white stucco walls, clay-tiled roofs, and manicured greenery—is perfect for those who want to relax by the pool, sip cocktails on the patio, or enjoy private outdoor treatments in the Estrella Spa cabanas. Another resort with a notable spa is the Riviera Palm Springs; dip into a Watsu pool, heated to your body temperature at the onsite Santé Spa, the largest resort spa in Palm Springs.
Harkening back to the region’s 1950s era of glamour is the Michelin-starred Sparrows Lodge, a rustic-chic hotel that blends modern comforts with old-world charm. This adults-only retreat—with no telephones or TVs in the rooms—is designed to be a peaceful escape, with cozy rooms outfitted with wooden beams, vintage furnishings, and open-air showers. Guests can enjoy complimentary bikes to explore the surrounding area, relax by the outdoor firepits, or unwind with a handcrafted cocktail at the lodge's stylish bar.
If a combination Southern European-and-desert experience sounds appealing, Korakia Pensione offers a retreat that is reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style pensione. Like Sparrows Lodge, this romantic hideaway also eschews TVs and phones, which encourages a more relaxed pace and mindful disconnection from the distractions of the outside world. Instead, guests can enjoy outdoor film screenings, afternoon Moroccan tea, and lounging by the pool surrounded by lush gardens and adobe-inspired architecture.
For those who prefer a more natural, therapeutic approach, Palm Springs is also home to the hot springs in Desert Hot Springs. In this Coachella Valley city that’s a 20-minute drive north from Palm Springs, guests can soak in mineral-rich waters, famed for their healing properties, in a range of resorts and hotels, including such well-known lodgings as Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa, Azure Palm Resort, and Sagewater Springs Hotel and Spa.