The Korakia Pensione

You probably wouldn’t expect to stumble upon a Moroccan and Mediterranean wonderland while walking through the heart of Palm Springs, but that’s exactly what the Korakia Pensione offers to its guests. Located just a few blocks away from the Palm Canyon Drive and within minutes of bustling streets filled with restaurants and shops, the retreat is a calm oasis providing a quiet respite from the fast-paced modern lifestyle. The buildings are all architecture gems: the Mediterranean Villa was built in the 1930s, the Orchard House is a rare example of 1918 Californian architecture, while the Moroccan Villa was built in 1924.

The beautifully restored historic villas have 28 rooms, each with their individual personality and gorgeous décor that includes traditional handmade furniture and stunning antique items. There are no televisions in the rooms, but guests can watch classic and foreign films in the evening on a large screen located near the pool. During the day you can walk in the gardens among olive and citrus trees, date palms and oleander bushes and admire the fountains and stone waterfall; in the afternoon, enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea and ginger cookies; at night, immerse yourself in a magical ambience created by the glowing lanterns and fire pits. Guests who manage to peel themselves away from this serene oasis can explore downtown Palm Spring on one of the resort’s complimentary bikes. You can book a room on the resort’s website and take a journey to an exotic oasis without even leaving California. Photography by Marie-Eve Rose.