Tranquility in the desert

Korakia Pensione, nestled at the base of the beautiful San Jacinto mountains and only blocks away from historic downtown Palm Springs, offers a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to escape their daily routine.

I found this beautiful resort while searching for a quiet location to decompress after a taxing midterm season. Upon first glance at the website, it was clear that was where I needed to be. The photos of the rooms, beautiful pools, stunning courtyards, and blissful ambiance captivated me. I knew I had to experience this for myself, so I booked a room, packed a bag, and went on an adventure.

After a swift drive through the California desert (and a little trouble finding the resort) I had arrived.

My first steps towards the entrance were guided by a friendly fountain that stood in front of the keyhole entrance to the remodeled Moroccan inspired villa. The decor was simple yet elegant with a welcoming vibe that made me feel as though I was thousands of miles from home, although in reality, I had barely traveled an hour.

After checking in with the friendly staff, I was walked to my room which was located on the Mediterranean inspired half of the resort.

I settled for a smaller room since I was only staying for one night, but the room was even more breathtaking than the photos I had seen. Everything from the wooden sleigh style bed and vaulted ceiling to the lack of a television put me in a state of absolute ease.

After refreshing myself in the stone laid open waterfall shower, I enjoyed a nice meal at nearby restaurant, Sammy G’s Tuscan Bistro. As delicious as my meal was, I could not wait to get back to Korakia.

As I returned to the resort, I was in awe. It had transformed. Hundreds of candles and beautifully crafted Morrocan lamps had been hand lit and placed throughout the entire property. The aura had dramatically shifted from blissful to romantic. Since the mood and the evening were just right, I decided to pick up a glass of Moroccan brewed tea from the lobby and stroll around the restored Mediterranean villa.

As I meandered through the property I noticed dozens of chaise lounges and canopies which provided a soothing setting for conversation, reading (daylight or reading light permitted), meditation, or even a nap. Although the plethora of olive trees, citrus blossoms, and cascading bougainvillea vines were splendid, my attention was overwhelmed by the Mediterranean pool. The handcrafted heated saltwater pool was garnered by three roaring fire pits, numerous chaise lounges, cozy canopies and a beautiful view of the courtyard. It was breathtaking.

Once my tour of the property had concluded, I retired to my room for an energizing slumber.

Waking up at Korakia was an experience in itself – the calming sounds of nearby fountains and local wildlife was the perfect wake up call. Shortly after I awoke, I headed to back to the gorgeous Mediterranean pool to partake in a sun salutation hosted by the resort’s yoga instructor. With the sound of the nearby fountains and local wildlife still in the air, this wonderfully guided activity proved to be the perfect space to alleviate all the stress and tension I had accumulated.

After refreshing in my room and having a delicious breakfast catered by the staff, unfortunately, it was time for me to leave this paradise. I look forward to my next experience at this tranquil retreat.