Palm Springs, CaliforniaHistoric Tennis Club
Korakia Pensione
Moorish desert villa
Historic Tennis Club Palm Springs, California
Opened
1989
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage WellnessOutside the door
Moorish desert villa
The property runs as an unplugged desert compound, with afternoon mint tea by the fire pits and nightly courtyard film screenings.
“With its Morocco meets Cali-desert aesthetic and tucked-away location, it’s no wonder it’s been a guarded address of in-the-know travelers for a century.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Whitewashed adobe villas open onto lantern-lit stone courtyards and carved Moroccan antiques.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the rooms and suites are exquisitely private, hidden away in the corners of the old villas and surrounded by gardens and courtyards
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Historic Tennis Club neighborhood sits beneath the San Jacinto Mountains, just ten minutes on foot from downtown Palm Canyon Drive.
The rooms
Rooms skip televisions and phones in favor of vintage turntables. Select quarters add wood-burning fireplaces and carved stone baths.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pools and spa
Two heated saltwater pools remain open day and night, and outdoor cabanas host argan oil body rituals.
At the table
Made-to-order breakfasts arrive in the courtyard beneath citrus trees. Later, cocktails are delivered right to your poolside daybed.
How it began
Douglas Smith restored the compound in 1989, renaming it Korakia, the Greek word for crows, after living on Spetses.
Palm Springs
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.