Located in Downtown Palm Springs, Korakia is a quaint, rustic, romantic get-a-way that truly encompasses the words get-a-way! 

It is known as one of the most romantic places to vacation and that is saying a lot from critics such as The New York Times and Times of London.

Spending time at Korakia is more than a vacation, it is a destination. A place to hide and escape into the beauty, floral and citrus scents that tickle your nose.

This is an organic retreat, one that you do not want to be removed from. I planned 24 hours of paradise to write for a publication. I wanted readers to know that when they have no time to get a way that they actually could make 24 hours for a true holiday from our microwave multi-tasking moments we now call days. Time seems to be going faster and faster. I hear this happens when you become older, but I think it feels that way to my young nieces and nephews too. For this reason it is so important that we take time for spouse, our partner, and ourselves or with good friends.

Korakia is a place where one gets in touch with peacefulness and the space of blue sky and purple petals draped along the pathways. There are no televisions, computers, phones or clocks. It is the ultimate in timelessness.

Breakfast is served every morning and is included with your stay. We had homemade pancakes with fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh strawberries. Don’t forget the great coffee or tea that is delivered to your table. Then you just get up and take a morning hike which is picture perfect one block or so a way. There is a yoga class every Sunday. They have a menu for lunch. Dinner is not served, but there are several restaurants close by. Within walking distance is CITRON at the Viceroy Hotel. I highly recommend it. The sizes are huge and the organic quality is only matched by the intense flavors and the variety of culinary selections. Chef Stacy Hawkins sees to every detail and Don Devine is the Guest Services and Public Relations Manager. The staff is exceptional. Eating by the pool is great fun or hang out for a drink at the very active bar. Now for the food…

The Parmesan Truffle fries are hot and delicious. The beet salad scored high points and the Catfish was mouthwatering. Speaking of, no matter how full you may feel, get a to go container and eat dessert. The French Beignets with Banana Curd and Coconut Gelato melt in your mouth and are true to the New Orleans fame to claim. Do not miss out on this dream filled dessert. Korakia has a full kitchen, so you can also stay in and cook dinner or purchase something and bring it back and eat by fireside. So many wonderful options to choose from!

The Moroccan villa was built as a hide-a-way and has done its job! Bungalows, suites and two houses provide enough space for quaintness between couples and alone time. Korakia has bicycles that you can use for free and ride into town. Hiking is a great opportunity being that you can view the San Jacinto Mountains from your balcony or poolside! After hiking, I highly recommend a massage. This is honestly one of the best massages I have had. I compare it to when I was in Hong Kong and she walked on my back. This time it is not walking on your back, but Nyoka is in tune with your body, what you need and exactly pin points each area in depth with Gazelle like hands, you will leave that table a new person. There are a variety of massages to choose from. Her daughter Splendor is also known to be a true massage artist. The entire staff at Korakia tends to each guests needs seamlessly. They smile and take care of you as though you are a guest in their own home.

The lush surroundings have a Mediterranean feel to it and abundance of architectural elements that can be viewed for hours. Internationally reviewed as one of the best small hotels in the world by the Times of London compliments the retreats intimate charm.

During the day the Sun shines upon the lush green, purple flowers and fresh fruit, inviting you into a heated pool and day beds. It is serenity at its finest. At nightfall Korakia is transformed into decadent romance. Lit by candlelight throughout the villa, the view is breathtaking. The hotel is on two sides of the street. Each side has a pool. One pool is regular temperature and the other is heated as mentioned. At night they show a movie on the wall.  In the evenings fireplaces are lit from the ground. One side has three separate fires by the pool and the other side has a fire blazing with the waterfall behind it and a half circle sofa so that you can lounge and linger until you decide to disappear into one of the beautiful suites.

A couple got engaged that night and the staff put flower pedals and candles inside their suite all the way to the bedroom where he proposed. Weddings, private parties are available. This is a beautiful experience and one that will not escape you after you’ve had it.

My point of view for the article was to show that when you think you can’t get away, you actually can take 24 hours and escape into another world at Korakia. It truly works, but next time, I am going to take an extra 24 hours!

Rooms start at $159. Suites are $359. They have two houses priced at $499 and $699.

Ask for Paulette or Jennifer.

Korakia Pensione 257 S. Patencio Road Palm Springs, CA 92262  (760) 864-6411