By Diana Elizabeth Steffen
I discovered one of the most Instagrammable spots in Palm Springs.
The Palm Springs International Airport serves as a hub for welcoming people from all over the world, and visitors arriving in our open-air terminal marvel at the fact they can remove their jackets and immediately start breathing in the fresh desert air.
The first thing on the agenda is either getting through security or heading to the baggage claim area, both of which can be done effortlessly and efficiently at the streamlined facility. This modernist airport has kept up with the times, introducing the latest technology to make arrivals and departures seamless, and it’s also filled with several art installations. As these can be easy to miss amid the hustle and bustle, here’s a guide to several must-see pieces:
In the glass area by security:
“Tang,” aluminum with epoxy paint, by Tom Holland. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Tom Holland is considered one of California’s most important contemporary artists. He grew up in San Mateo and started his studies at Willamette University while also working for Oregon Gov. Mark Hatfield. While waiting for Hatfield between political events, Holland started painting in the car. When he transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, Holland’s work turned from watercolors to oil on canvas and was labeled “funky.” He went on to experiment with aluminum and fiberglass, as it is light and didn’t need to be framed. By adding epoxy paint, Holland was able to have his sculptures reflect light and shadows.
Immediately outside the door of the main building:
“Caprice de Luberon,” French limestone, by Yasuo Mizui. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Yasuo Mizui served as a technician during World War II doing casting. After the war, he enrolled at Tokyo University, where he wrote his thesis “Art – Casting Daibutsu.” Mizui received a scholarship from the French government, which resulted in him working in monumental stone art and participating in the International Sculpture Symposium. “I am for unification,” Mizui said. “The stone sculpture becomes my act, and my act becomes stone sculpture.”
In the courtyard near the escalator:
“Mai Chan IV,” lacquered steel, by Michael Todd. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Born in Omaha, Michael Todd graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of fine art degree from Notre Dame. He was awarded both a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and Fulbright Fellowship, and when offered a teaching job at the University of California, San Diego, he accepted and began working with steel (wood had been his previous material of choice). The steel from the shipbuilding industry activated his artistic design sense, and he started the compositions in space and the cosmos. Today he lives and creates in Encinitas, California.
On the walkway to the Regional Terminal (Regional Terminal Concourse):
“Model for Meditation,” mandala sundial in bronze, by Paul Jenkins. Photo credit: Nadine Conger.
Paul Jenkins was considered an abstract expressionist and exhibited with artists like Jackson Pollack. His abstract work was created by dripping, pouring, bleeding, and pooling acrylic paint directly on a bare canvas, then scattering it with an ivory knife. “I try to paint like a crapshooter, throwing dice and utilizing my experience and knowledge of the odds,” Jenkins once said. “It’s a big gamble, and this is why I love it.” In the 1970s, Jenkins finished his first drawing of “Meditation Mandala,” and in the 1980s took that same concept and poured it into bronze.
Outside the Regional Terminal:
“Big Horn Springs” by Joe Wertheimer, sculptor, and Mark Junge, painter. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Joe Wertheimer spent 15 years in London as a conceptual and design artist for films and television productions created by American companies. After a highly successful career, he realized his true passion was creating sculptures. Today, his sculptures are found throughout the world in restaurants, hotels, and private residences. Wertheimer lives in Agoura Hills, California, where he said he continues to “take things off the page and put them into three dimensions.”
Mark Junge, a native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, spent most of his life in California and now lives in Yucca Valley. He earned degrees in microbiology as well as fine arts, which worked together to help him develop his classical and traditional realism style. Junge specializes in Southwest desert and western landscapes.
Inside the Regional Terminal:
“A Tale of Survival in the Face of Crushing Inertia,” a collaboration between Debi Grupe and Linda Maxson. Photo credit: Nadine Conger
Scenes at the U.S.-Mexico border triggered a conversation between Debi Grupe and Linda Maxon. Grupe felt the heaviness of the situation and felt powerlessness; Maxon thought of the opposing forces at work and wanted to illustrate the restorative power of creating through color, symbols, and movement. Thus, they made a massive floor to ceiling art installation, unveiled at the Maxson Art Gallery in Rancho Mirage.
Russel Pritchard of the Palm Springs Arts Commission approached the artists about creating a similar piece for the Palm Springs International Airport. Today, a four-piece similar art installation hangs in the ceiling of the Regional Terminal waiting area.
The ambiance of the Palm Springs International Airport would be hard to match any place in the world — couple that with excellent boutique hotels and beautiful weather, and travelers can’t go wrong. Now is the time to book a flight, make a reservation at a boutique hotel, and explore everything Palm Springs has to offer.
By Susan Montgomery
I have often dreamed of living in a lovely hotel for a while. I can just envision the heavenly experience now — sipping coffee by the pool each morning with a good book, enjoying a delicious breakfast in my own little kitchenette, taking leisurely strolls around the nearby shops, dipping in and out of a refreshing pool during the day, relaxing in the evening with a glass of wine on my own delightful patio as I watch a glorious Palm Springs sunset over the mountains, and then snuggling peacefully each night on a comfy bed with luxurious linens.
It’s always good to get away from the day-to-day frenzy of at-home obligations where myriad household and work tasks always beckon. Fortunately, there are quite a few boutique hotels, all part of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels group, that cater to my dream by encouraging long stays (two weeks or more).
Below are some hotels where you could live out this dream. All these hotels offer swimming pools, coffee pots, refrigerators, and kitchenettes, which are essential for long stays. Many offer other amenities such as furnished patios and barbecue grills for guests. Some cater to adults and some even welcome pets.
At the Wescott, you can enjoy a relaxing cocktail hour each evening on the patio around the soothing fresh water pool.
This historic hotel (opened in the 1930s), caters to adults and offers a Hollywood ambiance and art deco design with recently updated rooms. Since the Wescott is located in the trendy Uptown Design District, lots of shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. A complimentary breakfast is offered each morning and there is a relaxing cocktail hour each evening around the soothing fresh water pool.
Ideally located near downtown Palm Springs, this charming, nicely furnished hotel is conveniently located right across from the Stein Mart Plaza Shopping Center. This quiet oasis features swaying palm trees and beautiful landscaping, making it a true getaway. Every room features a striking view of the San Jacinto Mountains and everything you need for an extended stay visit, such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
The Canyon Club Hotel has an exceptionally spectacular pool.
This 32-room, clothing optional, gay men’s resort is within easy walking distance from Palm Canyon Drive where there are lots of shops and restaurants. Eight rooms have private patios and there is a beautiful 50-foot diving pool plus a gym, spa, sauna, steam room, and a large park in the back that even has a fun maze. And you can bring your furry friends.
This relaxing getaway is an adults-only property that offers nine different kinds of suites, all but one with king-sized beds and four with private patios. These suites are like modern apartments and several have full kitchens. The courtyard is beautifully landscaped and the inviting saltwater pool is heated. Avance is very private but centrally located, only about a mile from downtown Palm Springs. Views from all the suites are spectacular. Complimentary bicycles are available.
At the Desert Hills Resort Hotel you can enjoy a flower-filled courtyard with a beautiful pool.
Ideally located at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains in the historic Tennis Club District, this adults-only, mid-century modern hotel is serene and very private. There is a barbecue grill and ice machine for guests. One and two-bedroom suites have beautiful patios that overlook a lovely flower-filled courtyard with a beautiful pool and spa. Many rooms have complete kitchens and all the linens are luxurious cashmere. This is a serene getaway for those who want a quiet, peaceful retreat.
Designed in a classic California mission style, with Spanish touches, this lushly landscaped hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and 14 beautifully furnished rooms around a glistening pool with refreshing cool misters. There are grills for guests to barbecue and even a private outdoor cigar lounge. This is a romantic getaway with a rustic ambiance. Loyal guests come back here year after year, in part because of the impeccable friendly service.
Andalusian Court is a Spanish Revival Hotel that exudes romance and charm.
This charming Spanish Revival hotel exudes romance and is ideally located in the historic Tennis Club District. The grounds are nicely landscaped and highlighted by flowing water features. Each of the seven villas has a full kitchen, bedroom, luxurious bathroom, dining room, and living room. This is a true getaway and perfect for a serene extended stay. No wonder Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz often stayed here.
This quiet hotel caters to adults and features eight spacious, modern rooms, each with fully equipped kitchens and two furnished patios. A beautiful salt-water pool is surrounded by lots of lawn chairs for the utmost in relaxation as you listen to the magical sounds of tinkling waterfalls. This “little paradise” is located about a mile from downtown Palm Springs, and there are also some nice restaurants within easy walking distance.
Named after the 60s French rock ‘n roll hit by Jacques Dutronic, this historic hotel has been lovingly updated with stylish décor. A mix of one-bedroom suites and studios make this a perfect place for a long stay. Amenities include a massage room, a hot tub, a hammock garden, and a glorious rooftop deck — an ideal home away from home that may even be nicer than home.
Tuscany Manor features an enchanting courtyard and a newly refurbished pool.
Clothing is optional at this peaceful retreat, which caters to single women and couples. The 24 apartment-like suites, with one or two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and living and dining areas, are perfect for long stays. A plus for many guests is that the property is entirely smoke-free. A spacious, enchanting courtyard features a newly refurbished pool, spa, and barbecue area. While the intimate setting is very private, the hotel is only a short walk from downtown Palm Springs.
There are other PSPSH hotels that may meet your needs for extended stays, so check out the PSPSH website. And don’t worry about the summer heat during your extended stay in Palm Springs. All these hotels are air-conditioned, of course, and you can dip in and out of a refreshing pool all day.
The Villa Royale has long been a desert hideaway, and now, it’s more stunning than ever.
The 38-room property, built in 1947, reopened in the fall of 2018 with a fresh, modern look. Co-owner and co-designer John Janulis told the Desert Sun the property is “a true Palm Springs time capsule. We did our best to not disturb the overall feel and charm.”
There are bold patterns, bright colors, and beautiful tile work made possible by artisan pieces from Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. The 21-and-over property has three pools, all with mountain views, and is pet-friendly. The intimate Del Rey offers up libations and small plates featuring Spanish and Mediterranean flavors. Led by Chef Louis Martinez, the Del Rey has a beautiful 12-seat oak and marble bar, as well as booths and an outdoor patio with firepit.
The Villa Royale is home to more than 50 original pieces of artwork, commissioned exclusively for the hotel. Prior to the property’s reopening, artists Sara Radovanovich, Lou Kregal, and Juan Casas lived at the Villa Royale while creating their oil paintings of everything from pop culture icons to desert scenes.
The art’s not just inside. Muralist and tattoo artist Sagent Staygold spray painted the “Welcome to Your Paradise” piece that guests see when they arrive, and Radovanovich made the geometric “El Viaje” mural that stands guard poolside.
Tamanrasset is an installation of large-scale abstract paintings and light by Vivian Suter. Photo Lance Gerber.
There are plenty of us who love getting out to see the desert close up and personal. Especially this time of year, the cacti are starting to bloom, and wild desert flowers are peeking their fragile heads out of the desert soil. Breathing the fresh desert air is sure to revive a tired soul. Now, there is another way to explore and appreciate the desert… by exploring Desert X, which is happening now through May 16, 2021. Book a romantic getaway with your sweetheart or take the kids to a family-friendly small hotel. Either way, prepare yourself for the creative desert adventure known as Desert X .
What is Desert X?
Desert X is an exhibition of 13 contemporary artwork installations, created by artists from eight countries, that are designed and built on site-specific locations through the 40 miles of Coachella Valley. The exhibition is organized by the Desert Biennial Board, a California nonprofit that selected the sites and artists.
Students and scholars worldwide come here to study and write about the art and emerging and established artists who created these often monumental edifices in unexpected places. Subject themes range from the environment, immigration, or climate change, to name a few.
However, what makes this adventure very special is that it is an activity an entire family can enjoy. Finding the locations, which are often obscure, may require one to use GPS coordinates. Get the whole family involved in the treasure hunt to find another installation often not visible from the road. The Desert X mobile app is a great tool for learning the details about the art and its artist.
Here a few examples of the sites that will be revealed as you explore.
Desert X Wishing Well by Ghana Artist Serge Attukewei Clottey
These brilliant canary yellow cubes are constructed of plastic water buckets used to carry water in Ghana. The four-inch squares are connected with wire on four corners. The artist wanted to bring attention to the Coachella Valley’s future and its continuing dependency on water.
Desert X What Lies Behind the Walls by Saudi Arabia Artist Zahrah Alghamdi
This wall is about a quarter-mile hike up a slightly elevated path. It is made out of insulation dipped in glue and then rolled in the earth surrounding the area. Metal rods in the interior hold it in place. Thus, it displays the different colors of the soil and forces one to think about people’s diverse cultures and experiences throughout the world.
Desert X ParaPivot by Poland Artist Alicja Kwade
This art installation is placed on top of a hill with a path that quickly gains elevation. More than one person has stood at the bottom of the trail and decided it is too much of a challenge to tackle on a warm Palm Springs day. Representing glaciers, balanced in precarious positions, one walks through it and contemplates the what-ifs surrounding our everyday life.
Note: IF you have a disability placard, please let the volunteers know, and they will facilitate a way to see the art.
So make your reservations to come to Palm Springs. Pack your suntan lotion and your hats, and head out to explore this unusual way to see our valley.
Next up in our series of articles on the most Instagram-worthy small hotels in Palm Springs is Villa Royale. This beautiful property reopened in 2018 after an extensive renovation by its new owners, turning the property into a very popular destination that is full of photo ops.
Villa Royale was originally built in 1947 and was one of the first small hotels in south Palm Springs. It was frequented by Hollywood celebrities as a getaway that met the “two-hour rule” implemented by Hollywood studios at that time, which required that actors under studio contracts could not be farther than two hours from set.
The redesigned Villa Royale retains the charm of its past roots, while adding unique contemporary design details, such as custom murals and artwork throughout the property. A large mural welcomes guests to the property, entitled “Welcome to Your Paradise,” by Sagent Staygold.
A series of geometric murals by Los Angeles-based artist Sara Radovanovitch are located around the property, as well as her travel-inspired “El Viaje” painting in the poolside lanai, and portraits of Hollywood stars in some of the guest rooms. Additional paintings by Juan Casas and Lou Kregal were painted on site at the hotel, featuring desert landscapes, classic cars and movie and music icons.
Villa Royale is a pet-friendly property, so you can enjoy this beautiful hotel with your four-legged friends!
There are three pools on the property, all with gorgeous mountain views that make them the perfect spot for enjoying the scenery with a cocktail in hand. And speaking of cocktails: the team at Del Rey, the hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar, are known for their excellent drinks, as well as a delicious Mediterranean-inspired tapas menu.
Other Instagram-able details we love include the intricately patterned tiles around the property, the bikes available for guest use during your stay, and the vintage 1960 Oldsmobile 88 parked out front by the hotel’s entrance.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore other great Instagram-friendly small hotels in Palm Springs in this series of blog posts coming out each month!
Images via Instagram and courtesy of Villa Royale.
Amin Casa dates back to the 1930s, when actress Gloria Swanson purchased the spectacular property and used it as a desert retreat, a place to go where she could escape the bright lights of Hollywood.
Once the getaway for a major Hollywood star, Amin Casa (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/amin-casa) is still as glamorous as it was when Gloria Swanson called the place home.
Long before Ramon Bautista and Nelson Cooley purchased the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood property in 2015, it was owned by actress Gloria Swanson, who used it as a vacation house. She bought it from Pearl McCallum McManus, one of the earliest settlers of Palm Springs, who ultimately became one of its most prominent developers.
While renovated, the residence and bungalow both retain the 1930s charm that drew Gloria Swanson in so many years ago.
Swanson had a prolific career — she was among the nominees for the first-ever Best Actress Academy Award, was a box office draw during the silent and sound film eras, and her turn as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard cemented her status as a Hollywood icon.
Her name lives on at Amin Casa, where guests can rent the Grand Residence of Gloria Swanson with two bedrooms or the Signature Bungalow of Gloria Swanson with one bedroom. The Grand Residence has its own separate entrance with patio seating, a stone fireplace in the living room, a dining area, two bathrooms, and the largest kitchen on the property, with a range, refrigerator, and ice maker. While renovated, the residence and bungalow both retain the 1930s charm that drew Swanson in so many years ago.
Centrally located in the Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs, the historic 1930’s property has been refreshed under the direction of up-and-coming LA-based hotelier/designer Matthew Kurtz in partnership with local hoteliers Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock. Together they strive to deliver a new, whimsical boutique hotel with minimalistic yet chic design and approachable service – all at an affordable price point.
Decorating The Monkey Tree Hotel (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/monkey-tree-hotel) has been a blast for Kathy Friedle.
Before Kathy and her husband, Gary, purchased the Albert Frey-designed property in 2015, she worked in New York City at the world’s largest architectural firm, overseeing her own studio. Kathy has “a fantastic eye,” Gary says, and has picked up mid-century modern treasures from antique stores and boutiques across Palm Springs. The Monkey Tree Hotel feels like a step back in time to the swinging ’60s, when everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Bob Hope stopped by for the night.
There are standard and deluxe rooms, all of them spacious and equipped with snacks and water upon arrival. Two standouts are the 725-square-foot Presidential Suite, boasting a large private backyard, kitchenette, and two rooms and bathrooms, and The Jungle Room. With its original leopard wallpaper and monkey sculptures, there’s nothing like this 465 square foot room anywhere else in Palm Springs.
The Jungle Room is the wildest part of The Monkey Tree Hotel
The Jungle Room has a California king bed, living room area, and the original bathroom, with a full walk-in glass shower that doubles as a sunken tub and two sinks. There is a huge window, which offers a lovely view of the private 550-square-foot outdoor patio, with a sitting area, tropical landscaping, and orange trees. The Jungle Room was just refreshed, with Kathy adding more vintage finds like orange lava glaze lamps and macrame owls, plus a custom headboard. Eric Clapton was a repeat guest of the Monkey Tree Hotel in its earlier days, and this was his favorite room.
John Janulis is not the first guy from the Pacific Northwest to fall in love with Palm Springs (nor will he be the last) but he is the latest and greatest, making a splash with the sleek and seductive renovation of an old Hollywood haunt tucked away on the south end of town.
