That dry desert heat and bare land on the 10 East, two hours from Los Angeles. The windmills turning around and around, just then nostalgia hit me. I’m going to be honest, I’ve never loved Palm Springs. I grew up in a small town of San Jacinto, California and Palm Springs was just a 30-minute drive. Coming to Palm Springs as a kid, I was never impressed. It’s hot, there doesn’t seem like much to do, not when you’re ten anyway.
As I grew into adulthood, I found people flocking to pool parties and yet there I was, still craving something different. Something charming, more elegant and upscale; private. For as long as I’d hoped, I didn’t think that spark would happen. The tall, sprawling San Jacinto mountains were my backdrop for years and as romantic as that seemed, it felt like Palm Springs and I were just not meant to be.
After so many attempts of appreciating the desert oasis, I’d given up. As far as I was concerned, I’d broken up with Palm Springs forever. But just maybe, like a long term relationship, I just needed to freshen the spark. I had no idea then but I would begin a love affair with the Monkey Tree Hotel. One that would actually last.
A Second Chance at Love
I pulled up to The Monkey Tree Hotel in Palm Springs and got that feeling-you know the one, when an ex reaches out because they “want to talk” and you feel like it’s about to get so awkward but you want to hear them out so you stick around.
I walked toward the tall, white double doors and entered. The desert breeze hit my face as the door opened and though the smell of the desert felt immediately familiar, it looked oh so different. Behind the front door, a private sanctuary. A mid-century modern dreamscape with a glistening pool and lounge chairs lined up. Frank Sinatra was playing on the loudspeakers and suddenly I realized I wasn’t in the same place I’d been all of those years ago. The city felt new and grown-up. That spark was ignited in a way I’d never felt before. And just like that, I felt butterflies.
Flirtation
The incredibly friendly staff at the Monkey Tree Hotel greeted me shortly after my entrance, checked me in, and walked me to my room. Who even does that any more? That chivalrous level of hospitality is unheard of these days. You usually just get a key and get sent on your way. Just like dating these days, where it seems to be more about quantity than quality, here they want to make you feel like you’re the most important guest they’re having. That says a lot coming from a boutique hotel that once hosted the likes of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Eric Clapton, Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder, all of the Beatles (except for Paul), Bob Hope, Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn, and even a JFK and Marilyn visit (guarded at the private entrance of their suite by the secret service). Sure there were stars here before me, but the service here made me feel quickly like I was the star, and like that relationship we dream of where even in a crowded room his eyes would only be fixated on you, there I was gazed upon.
Courtship
I walked into my spacious Deluxe King Room with Kitchenette and was swept off of my feet. This was my kind of room. It had everything I needed and could want.-comfortable and cozy ambiance yet upscale and adult. A romantic and gentleman-like gesture, there was even an option to pick my own pillows. It was such a treat, I was looking forward to picking the pillows that would suit my comfort level in the evening after some much-needed pool time.
Enchantment
As I’ve grown older, I find if I can have a pool to myself, I am in heaven. With the Monkey Tree only having 16 Rooms, the chances are high you’ll have the pool to yourself, or at the very least not have a fist-pumping pool party happening outside of your door. Nothing against those who love that but as I’ve grown in my solo travels, I’ve learned I prefer small, secluded and private. The Monkey Tree definitely gives an air of exclusivity.
As I floated on that new love high, I also floated on Lloyd, the pink flamingo exclusive to The Monkey Tree Hotel for hours in the sun enjoying the privacy. And other than the wonderfully timed-themed playlist playing in the background, I enjoyed the stillness.
I also finally got it. This was the first time I understood why the Hollywood elite flocked here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the business. This was the California chill I’ve longed for and felt like this gem of a hideaway was created just for me. The whole “It’s not you, it’s me” rang so true at that moment. Palm Springs was always charming, elegant. I just wasn’t mature enough to appreciate it. And those mountains, they looked different all of a sudden. Beautiful, majestic. This was the adult relationship with Palm Springs I craved and finally, I was adult-enough to see it there before me.
The Monkey Tree Hotel is such a great representation of the beauty of this growth I needed to see. It was fun, exciting, yet intimate. It knew exactly how to treat a girl right.
Love
As I climbed into the most comfortable, sprawling king bed with the pillows that I personally picked, I was happily surprised. It felt like I was looking at Palm Springs through new eyes and my love affair with the desert oasis I had once written off as immature began anew. I was in love.
The Monkey Tree Hotel got this new, romantic onset from Gary and Kathy Friedle, the owners who have done the restoration of this boutique hideaway justice. But they didn’t stop there. They’ve gone above and beyond to make their guests feel like home. Even their breakfast spreads are homemade and I still think about them often. That salty-sweet mix of the homemade cashew butter and hazelnut spread on toasted bread is quite a sensation to the tongue and frankly underappreciated as Gary is modest about the process. The love poured into every detail of the hotel and the amenities are why anyone coming here would fall in love with the boutique beauty and the city of Palm Springs.
I’ll never stay at a big chain hotel ever again while visiting Palm Springs. Luxury solo travel at the Monkey Tree Hotel truly showed me what it’s supposed to feel like when you visit here: loved and treated like a queen -two terms any woman wants in their relationship.
I highly recommend a visit to The Monkey Tree to relax and recharge just as the Hollywood elite did when they flocked here and where the smart luxury solo travelers flock to now. I bet you’ll find you’ll fall in love, over and over.
Listen to the Podcast Interview with Gary and Kathy here.
Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by the tourism board for Palm Springs, The Monkey Tree Hotel and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels . All opinions are my own
