Blogger Elaine Masters wanted a classic Palm Springs vacation, and that’s exactly what she had, soaking in the city’s sights and visiting some of the most popular hotels, from the Spanish-style Los Arboles to the Art Deco-inspired Westcott.
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Sensualist: a person given to the indulgence of the senses or appetites
The word indulgence has a bit of a taboo feeling to it, doesn’t it? Like, I shouldn’t, but it looks so good. The original meaning was actually a kindness, or a favor. So, you’d be offering your body a kindness or a favor by giving it what it wants, which is the elevation of its senses through visual appeal, taste, and aroma — and I’m not necessarily talking about food. I mean, I am, but I’m not. It kinda applies to anything. So, I’ve made you a little list about how to gratify your senses in Palm Springs.
Sensualists want to try all the things. They crave new experiences. They want every day to have at least one “ooooh and aaaah” in it, and that’s on a bad day. They are not tourists, they are more than an adventurer, they are cultivators of magical moments. Moments they can relive over and again in their memories. So if that’s you, I’m going to do my best to add Palm Springs to your favorite moments in time. Follow me.
Let’s start with where to stay. The aesthetic of a room’s design should give you a hit of dopamine every time you enter. The freshly laundered, crisp linens on your skin, and the clean aroma should give flood your body with endorphins as you slide between the sheets into the ecstasy of a comfy bed.
There should be grounds to explore, something peeking out from behind something else. Everywhere is a point of interest. Everywhere.
There are, of course, more boutique hotels than what I’ve listed. We have more than 75, each offering a unique experience. But you’ve got to start somewhere, and this is what I have curated for you. Do some clicking down below — and this time I mean just the links. Nothing else. So calm down, Tiger.
Boutique hotels to stay at in Palm Springs
The Lavender Suite at The Velvet Rope is an ode to Elizabeth Taylor. Photo courtesy of The Velvet Rope
The Velvet Rope — It’s new, it’s different, it’s old Hollywood with a fun and modern twist.
Casa Cody — Romantic, historic. Did I mention romantic? The grounds are incredible.
Dive — It’s the rooms. Look at the rooms. Just LOOK AT THEM! And THAT POOL! Lots of peeking things to see.
Villa Royale — Secluded and seductive, with the Del Rey restaurant and bar.
The Wescott — Art Deco, breakfast, poolside cocktail hour. No. 1 rated B&B in Palm Springs.
The Willows — Historic, romantic, the mountains, the gardens, THE VIEW.
Sparrows Lodge — Upscale cottagecore/farmhouse glam. A long sexy pool.
The Monkey Tree — Authentic mid-century modern. IYKYK.
Stay gay (we love you that way)
The Santiago Resort’s pool has fabulous views. Photo courtesy of Santiago Resort
Santiago Resort — Romance. And romance.
Descanso Resort — Young, hip, spa services available. Breakfast and lunch (check website) served, but dinner’s on you. The view!
Twin Palms Resort — Brother hotel of Santiago and Descanso. And just like its bro, the view!
Hacienda at Warm Sands — Quiet elegance. The gorgeous greenery. The door.
Space and time
Stargazing – It’s a pretty amazing experience getting up close and personal with the cosmos.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum — It is an experience. And a new one at that — this just opened in November 2023.
All the sugar
Tonga Hut — Lava cake, paired with 1934 Zombie (no Zombie for you if you’ve got the car keys).
Truss & Twine — Panna cotta with Harry’s strawberries and lemon thyme syrup, pair with Surfer on Acid. (Also, check out Hoja Blanca, a pop up inside T&T.)
Eight4Nine — Brandini Toffee s’mores fondue, paired with Unshackled by Prisoner cabernet.
Copley’s — Toffee and date English sticky pudding with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, paired with the chocolate martini.
Jake’s — The three-layer citrus cake (not online, but it’s there and it’s ZOMG), paired with an Aperol Spritz or a sauvignon blanc.
Cocktails, wine, and bites
Clandestino — The vibe, the drinks, the view.
Canopy Wine Lounge — Christopher Kennedy design. It’s sexy and upscale. The bites.
V Wine Lounge — Creative eats, drinks, and mocktails. Decor is divine. Friday nights have live music with local singer/entertainer Siobhan. She’s funny and a little bit (maybe a lot) naughty.
Something sultry
Sensuality: A Store for Her — It might be you. Might not.
Fame Cigars & Wine — Not an experience for everyone, but cigars are pure unadulterated tobacco. Not a single leaf is chemically treated or artificially altered for taste. At least that’s what the internet said. And as was the tradition with Native Americans, a treat just for special occasions.
Blue Wave Hookah Lounge — 120 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Next to the Plaza Theatre.
Brandini Toffee — Named Best Candy Store in California by Yelp
The Tailor Shop — It’s a tiny bar next to Tonga Hut. It’s like the library where men from the 1800s went after dinner to drink and smoke cigars (none of those here). But smaller. It’s a bit of a secret, but out enough that reservations are required.
Seymour’s — No bites, but you’ll feel like you’re in on something. Limited seating, like space for 10. Located behind Mr. Lyon’s (or through the hidden door).
Hike Tahquitz Canyon to the waterfall, and cool off in pool beneath it.
Talk of the town
The latest restaurants in Palm Springs are:
Alice B — In Living Out (new 55+ LGBTQ community). Open to the public.
Crudo Cevecheria — The Corridor, Uptown.
Sonny’s Bar & Grill — Arenas District.
Cipolline’s Osteria — Coming Feb. 17. You can yell FIRST when you walk in. South end of East Palm Canyon.
Hands on a hard body
A massage is about to start at Whisper’s Spa. Photo courtesy of La Serena Villas
Hotels with spa services:
Andreas Hotel & Spa — Everything. Steps to Cheeky’s, and so, so cozy.
La Serena Villas — Home of Whisper’s Spa, Sugar High Bar, Azucar restaurant. The view.
Korakia Pensione — Forbes Traveler named it one of the sexiest hotels in America.
L’Horizon — Historic estate, So•Pa Restaurant, it feels like you’re in a romantic film at your millionaire lover’s estate.
Check these out, too:
Séc-he Spa — OMFG!
Beautiful Spa Massage — Couples massages, five-star rating.
Fall Spa Massage — North end of Palm Springs, past Uptown.
Bow chicka bow wow
All World’s Resort — Playground for gay men.
Have fun satisfying those indulgences. Bring a special friend, or meet one here. Palm Springs DOES NOT disappoint. Unless you’re a straight cis-woman looking for a straight single man, then that’s quite disappointing. But hey, I’m happy. Hope you are too. If not, pop on out to Palm Springs. We can fix that.
