In the Palm of His Hand
Steve Hermann’s Desert Hideaways
Hermann Bungalows
The zero-edge pool at Hermann Bungalows boasts serene mountain views.
A visit to the desert is all about escape—relief from the mundane. Tucked away in a hidden corner of L’Horizon Resort and Spa’s manicured grounds, HERMANN BUNGALOWS offer the kind of decadence that eclipses ordinary life. Proprietor and Montecito resident Steve Hermann has continued his vision for indoor/outdoor living in this new venture. A pathway leads to his hotel’s incredibly private, completely enclosed mini resort. Inside the property, an 85-foot, zero-edge wading pool lined with deep blue tiles lends a tropical aura to the whole area. Situated in the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains, the enclave has been landscaped with romantic olive trees and equipped with crisp white lounge chairs, along with a private bar available only to guests. The 24 bungalows arranged around the glistening water feature comprise studio suites, junior suites, and a presidential suite that includes a living area, bedroom, and private hot tub on a large enclosed patio. Custom dark wood and magnificent tile round out each bungalow’s luxe desert feel, while Venetian terrazzo floors, gold fixtures, and even TOTO smart toilets add to the sense of opulence in every room. Each bungalow is slightly different from the others, but they all include private outdoor spaces and plush furniture. A select few boast soaking tubs and outdoor showers. An ideal desert oasis, Hermann Bungalows ups the ante for L’Horizon’s guests, doubling down on its already celebrated hospitality. From $1,000/night. 1050 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-323-1858, hermannbungalows.com.
“I wanted to design a luxurious, modern hotel that felt like a fine curated home”
L’Horizon Palm Springs
Montecito-based designer Steve Hermann and his wife, Talina (known for her namesake women’s wear line), recently refurbished the midcentury bungalow resort hotel L’Horizon Palm Springs. An adults-only, architectural buff's retreat, the luxury property features 25 private guest suites, a spa, and a lobby boutique Le Shop that exclusively sells Talina’s latest resort wear line among other fashionable items.
Originally designed in 1952, L'Horizon Palm Springs evokes a bygone era
When you're done lounging at the pool cabanas, it's a short walk to SO•PA restaurant, the alfresco dining grotto on the property, where global flavors influence dishes such as poached Hudson Valley foie gras or roasted Spanish octopus with crushed potatoes, parsley pesto, and roasted baby tomatoes. "I am very excited about adding our signature restaurant SO•PA to L’Horizon Resort and Spa," says Steve. "We have created a world-class hotel, and we needed a world-class restaurant to accompany it." Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Giacomo Pettinari, who honed his craft at the legendary elBulli, the dramatic and intimate space is finished with firepits, Lindsey Adelman chandeliers, and a family-style 26-foot live-edge walnut communal table. "I designed the interior courtyard to be intimate and romantic, with a little bit of an edge," says Steve. "The mix of soft lighting from the chandeliers and the firelight provide a special experience that transports you. This in conjunction with Pettinari’s unparalleled cuisine has created a dining experience that is unparalleled." Rates: From $485. 1050 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-323-1858. lhorizonpalmsprings.com
Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Views of the 65-foot saltwater pool at The Colony Club.
The desert beckons as autumn in Palm Springs promises warm days and cooler nights. Special events highlight the signature style and sports of the area, including Modernism Week’s Fall Preview (October 14-17) and the BNP Paribas Open (October 4-17). Of course, you can always simply laze at the pool.
Retro-inspired details abound throughout the 3-acre property.
Hotelier, design guru, and Montecito resident Steve Hermann has completely renovated the venerable Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows into a stylish 57-room getaway with bold patterns and a fresh new look. Built by Purple Gang member Al Wertheimer in the 1930s, the hotel was a longtime favorite of L.A. celebs. Today it’s a luxe adults-only oasis with lush gardens, an inviting spa, and the sleek Colony Club restaurant. Says Hermann, “We looked to old Hollywood as well as the French and Italian Riviera of the 1930s and ’40s for inspiration.”
Photography by So•Pa, Dre Naylor, Jim Bartsch, Oliver Barth/La Food Photography
