For my birthday this year, my husband surprised me with a weekend trip to Palm Springs, Calif. We stayed at Korakia Pensione, the most low-key-luxurious place I know. John knows me well, because I love the desert and prefer my getaways relaxed and romantic.
Talk about feeling transported. I felt like I was in a different world, even though we were just a short walk to the downtown scene. It’s what I imagine Morocco might feel like, down to the afternoon mint tea served with orange slices and pine nuts.
Dress: All Saints (long ago), Jacket: ASOS, Bag: Mercado Global, Scarf: Ella Moss
This is probably my favorite thing I wore in Palm Springs, because it’s perfect for the weather (low 80s this time of year) and just felt right for the setting. I think airy cotton and a jean jacket are essentials for any southwestern adventure. I’m wearing a white bathing suit underneath.
It’s inspiring to be in a place with so much natural beauty. Evenings are especially gorgeous in Palm Springs, as the sun sets behind the San Jacinto Mountains. We swam under the stars in one of the heated pools. Afterward, we warmed up by the fire and sipped a glass of wine—is this real life? I’ll never forget this perfect night.
While chatting with my husband about the passage of time (since it was my birthday) we started taking about what different places mean to you over the course of your life. We’ve been to Palm Springs before, but this is the first time we’ve visited since we became parents and life subsequently became MUCH busier—we therefore relaxed that much more. I think traveling is replenishing and helps nourish the spirit.
Travel Tips for Palm Springs:
- If you’re ever in town, I recommend Matchbox Pizza for good eats and tasty cocktails. I also love Cheeky’s for brunch.
- When we’re traveling, we like stop at a grocery store to pick up a few essentials (wine, cheese, snacks, etc.) We loved Jensen’s Foods, which was about a 5-minute drive from downtown.
- Other things that make this place worth visiting: museums, quirky shops, trails and hiking.
- Check the weather forecast and pack layers. For nights out, I brought a light jacket and I’m glad I did. I’ve also been to Palm Springs in summer and it’s hot all day and night. I love it though!
- While there are plenty of places for lowkey hanging out, there’s also chic lounges and fine dining restaurants if you’re in the mood for that.
- There’s an aerial tram that goes up the mountain–especially gorgeous at sunset.
Palm Springs, you’re beautiful!
p.s. As much as I love a getaway with my husband, I’m excited to plan a family road trip that is parent and toddler friendly. If such a place exists, I will find it! Have a suggestion? Tell me in the comments.
I love family trips, we started when my son was a baby and he’s 5 1/2 now and a great traveler (we went to SE Asia to visit family when he was 3, everything else seems so easy). But he’s not good at long periods in the carseat, so instead we tend to choose locations that can be flown to nonstop (we’re on the west coast).
Some favorites have been Seattle, Pacific Grove/Monterey, SF proper and Portland. We are contemplating branching farther afield but for now sticking to the west coast has been great. The trick we’ve found is balancing indoor time with plenty of outside time where there are less rules about behavior, and having a good mix of things we do for him (I would never in a million years want to visit the Boeing Flight Museum) and things we do for us.
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom on traveling with a child. You make a great point about travel time. I can see how it might be easier for her to handle a one-hour flight to SF than a three-hour drive to San Diego. I had that same that same intuition about choosing destinations that have something kid-friendly and something we’d enjoy.
You definitely sound adventurous to me—that trip to SE Asia merits you all the mama accolades out there. This gives me valuable perspective though, thanks again!
LOVE that dress! So flirty! where did you get it?
Thank you! It’s from “All Saints,” a UK shop, but I got it a few years ago. It’s my favorite dress!
Your trip sounds amazing! Love the photos, too. Happy belated birthday! ❤️
Thank you Denise! Location was beautiful, I feel like this place is your style too!
I have an 11-month old and like the previous commenter, we try to keep the traveling close by. By plane, we look for locations not more than 2-3 hrs non-stop from where we live. That gives you limited options but you know your child won’t be uncomfortable. I’ve been to Key West, FL and St. Petersburgh Florida with my son and it’s been a good choice. A lot of relaxing, family time and I usually look for hotels that have kid-friendly pools and activities to do nearby (like a zoo or Legoland). Hope that helps. Palm Springs looks beautiful! Happy Belated bday!
OMG I miss the Desert!! I was a Marine wife and my first daughter was born in 29 palms. The military wives always went to Palms springs for a day trip or evening out with our hubbys!! It’s SO NICE there I miss it MAJORLY!!!
Great PIX!! LOVE your outfit !!
xoxo Sugar