By Jennifer O’Neill

After undergoing extensive renovations, the Colony Palms Hotel has re-invented itself as a colonial Moroccan-inspired 4 star boutique property. Designed by Los Angeles based Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, no detail was overlooked. As soon as you enter the property you immediately feel as if you’ve entered an enchanted garden. The view of the pool and the legendary Purple Palms Restaurant with its outdoor dining is the first thing that strikes you. You can sense immediately that you are in for a good time. Whether you fancy laying poolside with a cocktail while you listen to the dj-spun tunes, or, whether you’d like to dress up a bit and enjoy the menu of the 5-star restaurant, you needn’t leave the property to feel as though you are living the good life.

I was booked into one of the eight prestigious Casitas, which are hidden away in the garden section of the property. Not only was the increased privacy an added bonus, in addition, the beautifully appointed room came with a fully equipped large private patio. This sunny lanai area was replete with a lounge sofa, oversized canopy umbrella, as well as a two-person hot tub, a perfect setting to enjoy a romantic moonlight glass of champagne.

The most unique aspect of the room from a design point of view was the majestic Moroccan headboard, which in my opinion was the piece de resistance. It was ornately embellished with vibrant hues of red, gold and deep browns in a starfish-like pattern. The bed itself was otherworldly. It was all I could do to drag myself out of it in the morning. The sheets were as soft as silk and the down-filled pillows were plump yet comfortable. I had meant to ask the hotel manager what type of linens were used as they were that memorable. The glass walled shower was immense and was stocked with Essential Elements products, all of which were sampled and thoroughly enjoyed. Although I didn’t partake in the mini bar, I was happy to see that it was filled with top shelf liquors and snacks. There was even an “intimacy kit” from famed lingerie store Kiki de Montparnasse that contained “grown up” treats for two.

I was determined to get a dinner reservation at the much-hyped Purple Palm restaurant. I had heard reports that it was the hottest ticket in town and that it was next to impossible to get a table, so I was pleasantly surprised that my dinner companion and I were practically the only two people in the restaurant. Granted it was an early reservation on a Tuesday night, but I wasn’t complaining, the extra attention from the staff only enhanced the experience. The best part of the meal was the soup du jour, tomato basil bisque, topped with a soufflé-like pastry that could be cut into pieces and dipped into the soup. The rest of the meal was a delectable blur of cous cous, grilled pacific prawns, amazing wine and fantastic conversation.

In the theme of a luxury weekend, I indulged in a 50 minute Swedish massage at the hotel spa. My masseuse Shauna, knew all of my trigger points and gave me what I believe was quite possibly one of the best massages I’ve ever had. She expertly manipulated all my tired muscles after an intense workout in the small but well-equipped gym. I walked out of there in a blissful daze, determined to book another session on my next stay.

My experience at the Colony Palms was everything I had hoped for and more. If you dare to venture outside of the walls of this luxurious oasis, you will be pleasantly surprised by its central location to the downtown area. I highly recommend a stay here on your next visit to Palm Springs.

572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 800.557.2187