La Serena Villas, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel.

Tucked into a sprawling acre of downtown Palm Springs, this historic 1933 property underwent a full redevelopment in 2016 to blend its Spanish Colonial roots with contemporary desert luxury. The hotel operates as an intimate, adults-only retreat consisting of 18 private villas, each featuring a secluded patio equipped with a romantic clawfoot tub and a fire pit. Inside, the aesthetic leans into bohemian-chic with vibrant textiles and the occasional vintage kitchenette. The social heart of the property is Azucar, which serves Mediterranean-influenced California cuisine, while the Sugar High Rooftop Bar provides a rare elevated vantage point for cocktails overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. Between the full-service Whispers Spa and the quiet pool area, the atmosphere remains decidedly tranquil, aided by the hotel’s strictly kid-free policy.