At the time of writing this, we were into month six of COVID in Los Angeles and I was taking inventory of all the love I had experienced in my life. It was therapeutic to both mourn and celebrate this former relationship when putting pen to paper. Little did I know a few months later that I would meet someone who would show me every rare prism of love that I could imagine and more. I’m grateful to those who came before because they got me to where I’m at now.

When I think of Korakia Pensione I am filled with love. It’s a memory that lives insides me that is uniquely different than most I have. If could extract this feeling and turn it into a powder, I would cook it up and inject it into my veins. Korakia is for lovers. I can only imagine myself there with someone who is very close to my heart. My first time at this property made such an impression that my eyes fill with tears as I write this. What a magical place to share with someone you love.

It was June of 2019 and Ramadan had just come to an end. Having spent thirty days honoring the yearly Muslim tradition alongside my boyfriend Rama, a first for me, I was feeling like a new woman and thought a trip to the desert would be a beautiful way to celebrate our next chapter. I had wanted to check out Korakia for years but it never quite worked out. Every time I would see photos of the property I felt strong couples’ energy and I rarely found myself in that blissed-out state. Now I was completely in love and it was a moment I wanted us to share together.

I spotted the hotel on my favorite travel app Hotel Tonight. They had a Moroccan room available and I did not hesitate to snag it. When I realized how small the room was that I booked I called the property to inquire about an upgrade. They were happy to oblige and we moved on up to the Tangier Studio directly across from the pool. The hotel is unique in that the property encompasses two entities separated by the street outside. On one side you have a Moroccan-inspired hotel and on the other are the Mediterranean Villas. I find it important to point out that Morocco is in fact also a Mediterranean country but in Palm Springs and Los Angeles, California, and the USA, many people are unfamiliar with geography and are erroneously designating and excluding countries that belong to the Mediterranean nations. It is a real problem with hotels, restaurants, and fashion. See a full list of Mediterranean countries here.

The Mediterranean countries are those that surround the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty sovereign countries in Southern Europe, the Levant and North Africa regions border the sea itself, in addition to two island nations completely located in it (Malta and Cyprus).

I would happily stay on either side of the property. Moroccan feels earthy and whimsical while the Mediterranean is aesthetically chicer. Choosing the right room is important to your stay.

There is so much about this hotel that feels like a lover’s retreat. Bouganvilla and other beautiful fauna are sprawling across the grounds. At times, I thought there were birds that were singing songs just for us. There are little nooks scattered across the courtyard for lounging and intimate moments. The sounds of fountains trickling can be heard while relaxing in a hammock. Every morning they serve a charming breakfast alongside some quaint flowers. You can dine at the tables on the property or have breakfast in bed. It feels like an old-world paradise in the desert.

I anticipated that my hunch about the romance of Korakia would not fail me so I went ahead and booked a surprise couples massage for my boyfriend and me. He was hyped when we arrived and I shared the good news with him. We were issued robes and slippers so that when our massage therapists came knocking at our door we were ready to go. They escorted us to the Mediterranean area where their spa services are offered. We stepped into a quiet room and enjoyed total relaxation for the next hour. Candles lit, aromatherapy activated and some tranquil music set the scene for our couples massage. When we were done, we hugged and kissed, and I felt closer to him than ever.

Making our way back to the room we stopped in the lobby to experience Korakia’s daily Moroccan tea service. With glassware laid out for guests, you’re encouraged to pour yourself a tumbler of sweet Moroccan tea. This is my preferred tea of choice, so I was delighted. Accompanying the tea were modest trays of sliced oranges and dried fruit with nuts. Simple pleasures always leave an impression on me.

When I think of Korakia I have fond memories. When they wash over me my heart feels full. I’m glad I could experience that feeling at least once in my life so that I know it’s real and that I can have it again. If you’re looking to add another beautiful moment to your love story, take a trip with your partner to Korakia Pensione. Lounging by the pool and drinking tea was perfect. And, they have Le Labo products in the rooms!

Location

Korakia Pensione
257 S Patencio Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262-6336
Phone:+1 760 864 6411