Descending into the Mecca of Modernism
Inaugurating my dream role as HAP Head of Brand, I was presented with the opportunity to visit one of our HAP Star Award 2025 Winners, Parker Palm Springs. Following a few days under the stewardship of such virtuosic hoteliers and restauranteurs, I am left wondering if my first trip will forever be the finest.
As I descend into the desert oasis, dusty brown topographies are met with a firm green line in the sand, filled with perfectly manicured lawns and sparkling blue pools. Before the wheels touch the pavement, I receive the most wondrous of messages:
"Brandon, welcome to Palm Springs. You'll find us at the front door in the Panamera GTS."
The Sport of First Impressions, Mastered
Charcoal exterior, burgundy interior, suede pillows, and panoramic roof. Within 10-minutes of landing, I was swept away by a cocoon of rich tones, lush textures, and smiling faces. Given the sky-high return rate of their guests, the Estate car rotates monthly to maintain an element of surprise—most recently a Bentley and Lamborghini.
You know that you've arrived once you're completely enveloped by 23-foot hedges, opening up to an oversized terra cotta fountain, retro-classic breeze block façade, and orange double doors with golden handles the size of my torso. Never have I felt more like Alice in Wonderland—right on time for a very important date.
Singing Along to Six Decades of Heritage
Now, before we step inside, where are my manners? You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall the most famous Singing Cowboy of all?
Gene Autry was the original steward of then-Melody Ranch dating back to 1961, who so brilliantly composed American classics such as: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, You Are My Sunshine, and Smokey the Bear.
Originally a safe haven to the LA Angels baseball team, this five-star masterpiece was later emboldened by renowned designer, Jonathan Adler, in 2003 and 2017 under the name Parker Palm Springs.
Lucky for HAP Insiders, Managing Director Brandon McCurley approved our announcement that further renovations break ground next year, including a fish-shaped, painted-bottom pool with a hot tub inside the fin.
Lost in the Stomping Grounds of Hollywood’s Finest
Stepping into the lobby, filled with artistic curiosities and retro-maximalist vignettes, I was greeted by the Estate leadership, who flattered me with knowledge of my past writings. Expressing gratitude for their HAP Star Award 2025, I was presented with their finest one-bedroom villa on the 13-acre Estate, once home to one-of-21 EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winners in history.
With a knowing smirk, they pointed in the direction of my villa, encouraging me to “get lost” amongst endless hedges thrice my height, 220+ palms, and 50+ citrus trees along the way. Every few steps, "Green Rooms" reveal themselves through garden openings and oversized doors sourced from around the world. Within, one might discover a lemonade stand, amphitheater, hammocks, croquet, bocce, fire pits, fountains, pools—even an oversized bronze statue of a banana by the ever-eccentric Jonathan Adler.
Melting Into the Kaleidoscope of Accommodations
In an out-of-body moment, my keycard opens the door. My eyes have never felt so full of light, color, pattern, texture, and fragrance—lemon, sage, and lavender. Fine rosé, artisanal chocolates, exotic fruits and nuts, and a handwritten note inspire a deep breath and trust fall into the king-sized bed. I could feel the universe smiling down on me—the sun reaching in with a warm hug from the private terrace. Each time I returned, a thoughtful gift and handwritten note welcomed me home.
Bathing in Bvlgari, Hermès, and Le Labo beauty products inspired a reintroduction to myself in the mirror—a glimmering version of myself whom I encounter once every Blue Moon and hope to meet more frequently as I continue traveling with HAP.
Pinkies-Up for Endless, Decadent Feasts
Dining in the greatest of company, we were pampered by their Executive Chef Pedro Baroso. Outlandishly carved fruit platters and corned beef hash at Norma’s, off-menu lamb chops and eye-closing wild mushroom soup at Mister Parkers, and fascinating banter with Counter Reformation’s sommeliers—offering bottles which can only be accessed at the Estate within city limits.
Most notable was our private dinner at Gene Autry House, the stately two-bedroom villa filled with cultural artifacts, Jonathan Adler’s most psychedelic musings, secret movie room, and proper mid-century atrium in the center of the home. Countless courses of culinary triumphs were adorned by caviar, 24-carat gold flakes, smiles and laughter.
The Truest Luxury is Exclusive Access
Never have I ever waltzed through a cultural institution like Palm Springs Art Museum while its doors were closed to the public. Golf carting through the Annenberg’s sprawling Sunnylands retreat where Heads of State gather to shape our world. Frolicking about padel courts, coached by the encouraging founder of WynPadel. Glowing up at the tongue-in-cheek Yacht Club, a nautical palace of beauty and wellness rituals with cucumber vodka shots upon arrival—the secret hideaway of celebrities and socialites to be born anew.
The highest height during my week amongst the stars was scaling San Jacinto Mountain for a final champagne toast at Frey House II by Albert Frey, contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. During our excursion, the Estate team learned that they had just become the exclusive partner to the museum for private gatherings.
It was an evening of earthen perspective with larger-than-life boulders protruding through glass walls, the pool’s glimmering waters reflecting upon the foundational thesis of mid-century modern architectural and interior design, and unobstructed views of Hollywood’s Desert Playground.
Manifesting My Inevitable Return Home
I can only hope that decades from now, I will call Parker Palm Springs my permanent residence. Until then, I will make it my personal mission to weasel my way back in, one way or another.
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Palm Springs, California, United States
