Ideas of contemporary Palm Springs are those of a glorious desert oasis, with entertainment, great shopping, brand-name resorts, colorful desert flora and fauna, fountains and lakes almost everywhere, all with perfect views of the pink and purple San Jacinto mountains. However, in all of this modern glamour, remains one small, Moroccan-inspired pensione named Korakia, now also called an Experiential Resort.
The original Korakia, first named Del Marroc, was built in 1924 and comprises two historic villas. Scottish painter Gordon Coutts built the original Moroccan villa and screen star J. Carroll Nash owned the Mediterranean Villa. Both gentlemen passed away , one in the late 30’s, and the others in the early ‘70s, and the property fell into a kind of slow entropic disrepair. However, both villas were brought back to life, beginning in 1989 by leading California architectural preservationist, Doug Smith. Restoration and further renovation was completed by the newest owners, Makar Properties, in 2007. All of the renovation, restoration, and preservation has been aimed at maintenance of the original artist/artisan spirit of Korakia – a place where the original owners’ friends — artists, writers, and film people gathered to enjoy life, and eventually discuss the latest in books, movies and painting. But Korakia’s existence suggests more than a historic backstory to guests who visit here: it is a living reminder of the magic of the desert, defining the unique sense of sanctuary, peace, and wellness this environment naturally provides.
Today, the 28 guest rooms — bungalows, guest houses, suites, and studios, all housed in the two historic villas, rest on 1.5 acres of citrus trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, Madagascar jasmine, olive and Date palm. Fresh grapefruit lemons and oranges can be picked from the trees. There are two heated pools on the property, and in each room and suite there are no telephones, TVs or clocks. Each room is decorated differently, many with original wood burning fireplaces, gauzy white muslin drapes and white-washed walls, both reflecting and refracting the bright desert morning light. In each room, are antiques, paintings and furniture of the period, but all with a certain non-angled softness of Morocco and the Mediterranean — so that the sense of being there is never far away.
Korakia provides substantial homemade breakfasts and lunches, but no dinners. Dinners from various restaurants close by can be ordered in and eaten around the original firepits, all lighted in the cool Mojave desert evenings As regards the sense of wellness at this Experiential Resort, there are two heated pools, complimentary weekend Yoga, an indoor-outdoor Spa lodge, and a full massage treatment menu.
www.korakia.com
1-760-864-6411
