Bespoke Banter / Catherine M. Austin Interior Design: PINING FOR THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS

All of this snowy weather has me longing for warmer destinations, lounging by the pool, and soaking up the sun. My all time favorite hotel is The Parker Palm Springs designed by the incredibly creative and talented Jonathan Adler. Mr. Adler's sense of humor is evident is every detail of the design and branding of the hotel. He created the hotel as the estate of the fictional "Mrs. Parker", a chic, eccentric globe-trotting collector and lady of leisure. The modern mix of bohemian decor reflects Mrs. Parker's wanderlust and items collected on her travels around the world.

There is a surprise around every corner at The Parker. The estate has been configured as a series of outdoor rooms with pathways hidden among tall hedges. You never know what you will find at the end of each path....it could be a gorgeous pool set against the backdrop of the mountains and palms, a croquet lawn, the colorful PSYC Spa, or the delightful Lemonade Stand seen in the image below (complete with mist to fight off the desert heat).

The architecture and interiors blend together seamlessly. From the entrance through the infamous orange doors, pops of orange connect the eye through the lounge areas and onto the terrace where Norma's restaurant is located.

The chic and cleverly named Mini-Bar off of the main hotel lobby...

In addition to the spa and various villas, guests will discover clay tennis courts, two saline swimming pools, petanque, fire pits, hammocks, croquet, and charming lounge areas nestled into the grounds of the estate.

Each villa is decorated in typical "Mrs. Parker" style with furnishings and accessories from Jonathan Adler along with vintage mid century furnishings and art.

The Palm Springs Yacht Club (cheekily known as PSYC) features world class treatments set in a colorful nautical theme. The spa also has an indoor pool, fitness center and outdoor garden and dining. Click here to see a hilarious video of the amenities at the spa.

PSYC MANIFESTO

We believe in the American country club experience: mixed doubles, a long steam, and a stiff cocktail.
We believe in inner beauty. But, do what you can on the outside.
We believe in old-world etiquette and new age simplicity.
We believe you can swim right after you eat.
We believe we should trust those seeking enlightenment and doubt those who claim to have found it.
We believe the earth is three-quarters water, and your body is three-quarters water, and... this is purely coincidence.
We believe in good sport as well as fitness: Pétanque and Pastis, Pimms Cup and Croquet, Snooker and single malt whiskey.
We believe you are only young once... but you can be immature forever.
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My fun-loving travel partners...accessory designer turned stylist Jodianne Johnson and artist extraordinaire Windy O'Connor. A special thank you also goes out to Trina Turk for getting this trip donated as an auction item for the Mint Museum Auxiliary.