Old Hollywood-Style charm is personified at a new luxury boutique hotel located in Old Las Palmas, Palm Springs.
Last week I was part of an open house amongst photographers from magazines like “homeand garden” and “food and wine;” on site to check out the nine room, glamour-themed suites with names like Playmate, Ricardo and Rat Packto name a few – at The Velvet Rope.
I was blown away by the attention to detail in each room. Owner/Designer David Rios is a visionary. The “Lavender” suite pays homage to Elizabeth Taylor and in fact Rios told me that the room was modeled after her real bedroom (the bed and dresser at least) when she had a home in Palm Springs. “Candelabra” honours none other than renowned showman Liberace (he also had an over-the-top home here which I had the pleasure of visiting during Modernism open-house years ago). The “Legendary” suite shows the glitz and glamour of the iconic Studio 54 phase. And more…
I’ll let the photos speak for themselves
Presidential Suite
Liz Taylor bed. Check out the ceiling!
Did I mention how much I love the bathrooms?
Better than the other way around, right?
A little bit hidden away in a corner of the premises is a door that opens up to a dazzling speakeasy which they’ve named “Club Valerie.” It’s named after an Amy Winehouse song and the cocktails will each be named after one of her songs (“Me & Mrs. Jones?” – I will be intrigued to try whatever is in that one). I wonder if they’ll do a “rehab” and how much alcohol will be in it, if so?
Bar Valerie in the afternoon open for viewing. Sequin pillows, old Hollywood movies played on a big screen, dance floor and Burlesque shows to come.
Pictures are worth a thousand words. This one only needs four – all starting with “R” First 4 pics taken from website.
In the true spirit of theTommy Bahamapersona, which is an Island state of mind; I followed that mantra (except for the repeat, to follow), along with two friends right before Christmas. My Christmas present to myself was an 80-minute full body massage at Spa Rosa (on the premises), which included a scalp massage (because hairdressers never do it long enough). It was made to order. It was a luxurious spa treat and the appies that followed were really delish.
The appies that followed: fish tacos were amazing as was the homemade chips/salsa/guacamole & flatbread. Photo: d. king
My friend Miranda (who resides in Seattle when she’s not in Vero Beach, Fla.) was in town to visit her friend Barb who lives in Indian Wells. Miranda and I go way back because she and her hubby Dave were neighbors with me and my late husband Don when we all lived in Toronto (they’re originally from Connecticut). When Don and I moved back to Vancouver, shortly after, she and Dave moved to Seattle. So we were still fairly close in proximity and visited each other and managed to stay in touch throughout the years.
with Miranda (R)Barb
I was so happy when she texted that she’d be in the Palm Springs area and asked if I’d be able to join her and Barb for a spa day at the new Miramonte (Tommy Bahama) resort. Hell, yeah! Because like I always say “it’s great to meet new friends, but getting together with old friends who knew you when is even better.” And doing it at a spa; the best. It was great to re-connect so we’re going to make an effort to make this a more regular occurrence. I sure hope so.
The grounds here are very picturesque as you step into the trademark Tommy Bahama Island lifestyle featuring huge palm tree prints and colourful casual wear with the true essence of relaxation. The boutique reflects the brand perfectly. The restaurant “Grapefruit Basil” is inspired by local, on-property ingredients. We had a sampling after our spa session and everything was excellent. We thought the guac was the best ever.
Chiki Palm is the fun new poolside bar offering poolside service of savory small bites and a paradise of cocktails.
Chiki Palm. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingIn the boutique looking out. Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingIs it 5 o’clock yet? Doesn’t matter – happy hour is anytime here. Tommy Bahama T-shirt & shorts I already happened to have – pulled them out for the visit.
Spa Rosa (taken from the website):
Photo: d. king
Using methods and rituals inspired by the healing powers of the surrounding desert and beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the expert team will transport you to an instant state of bliss. With rejuvenating treatments like a massage tailored to your needs to an island state of mind body treatment or our inviting outdoor soaking pools, Spa Rosa presents everything essential for a day of tropical relaxation in the heart of island living.
Many people say it’s going to be an amazing year. I’m not sure how they know this, but it’s always better to be optimistic. I only hope that it’s better than the one we left behind.
Indian Canyons Golf Course (I don’t golf but I love walking around here). Photo: d. king
I ended the last year dancing away to an amazing live band called “Raincross Drive” at our clubhouse here – along with a surprise visit from an old friend from Vancouver who happened to be in the area. Even though he popped the champagne cork which hit the ceiling and brought down a lighting fixture which fell on the head of a woman who runs the clubhouse, (just a little bump and hopefully only temporary amnesia) we all survived the year. These things happen.
I’m trying to think of significant things that happened for me personally in 2023 and I honestly can’t say what they were. Aside from getting Adele (Layla’s litter mate 7 years later) it was mostly business as usual. I’m making an effort to clear up clutter in my home, my closet, my office space again; boooring!. Ended up buying a few things at the vintage market. New Year: out with the old, in with the old.
I spent a very quiet Christmas in Palm Springs which I’m surprisingly pleased turned out to be quite pleasant considering it was minus a tree, presents and people. A first. I managed to make a restaurant worthy dinner for one (and two canines) and realized I can do without all the trappings and over commercialization of Christmas. Having said that, I’m not sure I want to make this a regular yearly event. It’s only one day after all, but it’s a day where everyone tends to celebrate with family and/or friends so it was unusual. But I have to say; it turned out to be pretty okay. I was invited to a friend’s home in Los Angeles but didn’t want to deal with driving in holiday traffic. Now on to 2024:
It’s been a wonderful year so far.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has begun and so far I’ve seen an excellent documentary “MERCHANT/IVORY.”
Director Stephen Soucy (L) for a Q&A afterwards. Unfortunately I don’t remember the interviewers name. Photo: d. king
It’s about legendary Director/Producer duo James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, who made Oscar winning movies like “ROOM WITH A VIEW” and “HOWARDS END” (which many will want to re-visit; but so many other films that you may have not heard of, or maybe forgot about) – all shot in India or America. Fascinating story, footage and interviews with people like Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and others. Their collaborative relationship in both life and business lasted more than 40 years. During that time they made 44 films together. (23 of them were scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from 1927–2013 in some capacity). Real life stories are my favourite and this one was full of brilliance.
After that, a yummy cocktail at a very new and very fabulous speakeasy in an Old Hollywood designed boutique hotel. Located in Old Las Palmas.
Photo: d. king
The Velvet Rope is owned and designed by David Rios, a local whom I met earlier that day. More about this in a separate post (I took tons of photos as all the rooms were themed and so much fun to visit). Glamour all the way!
Kevin (the bartender) at Club Valerie; an elegant Hollywood Regency style speakeasy.This cocktail was really yummy but doesn’t have a name because this place is so new that the menus are in the process of being printed.
Last night I was invited to a gorgeous private home for viewing the Golden Globe Awards along with a small group of people. The food was delicious and the company; an interesting and creative bunch. Really enjoyed it. What I learned is that there’s really only two degrees of separation, and, if you think you’ve seen all the latest films + TV series on all the various screening platforms; you haven’t! I was shocked at how many I’ve missed or never even heard of. I’m mostly a Netflix/Prime/Crave devotee so, if they’ve been on Apple or Hulu or god knows where else, chances are I haven’t seen it. But I made note of a bunch and might have to add a few more channels. They sure know how to get you!
Cheers to a bright new year! Photo by Kevin the bartendar.
Starting the second week of the month with a few new places to check out. If there’s anything of relevance (of course there will be) I’ll share it here – after I get caught up with a couple other things I have yet to share.
I hope this year brings you Peace, Good Health, Good Fortune, Good Food, Good Friends, Good Viewing, Good Reading, Love and Happiness. XO
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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