Eat Stay Play: Palm Springs

This year marks my third holiday season at Katie Kime, and from the start, we knew it would look a little different. We wanted the collection to capture our unique take on the holidays—bright and bold, playful yet sophisticated. The timing happened to coincide with Katie selling her home of ten years and diving into the renovation of a new one, which sparked an idea: why not take our annual holiday campaign on the road? Palm Springs, with its mid-century charm and colorful aesthetic, was the perfect backdrop. Here’s what we loved most about our time in the desert.

EAT

Start your day at Coffeeism— just look for the striped red awnings! The menu is delightful and they take both their espresso and matcha drinks very seriously. If you’re craving a heartier breakfast, stop by Cheeky’s, a local favorite known for its inventive takes on classics (and the famous bacon flight).

For lunch, head to The Lunchspot for crisp salads, stacked sandwiches, and a menu that feels equal parts light and satisfying—best enjoyed under the shaded patio with a cold drink in hand. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, Workshop Kitchen + Bar offers design-forward dining with seasonal California fare in a stunning concrete-and-brass setting.

Come evening, Melvyn’s is Palm Springs at its most iconic. Once frequented by Sinatra himself, this storied restaurant inside the Ingleside Inn serves timeless dishes with old-school charm. Slip into a seat at the bar for a solo dinner—martini in hand, piano softly playing—and feel the nostalgia of a bygone era come to life. For a more modern scene, Birba is a go-to for wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and lively outdoor dining under the palms.

STAY

Tucked at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, Ingleside Palm Springs blends old Hollywood allure with effortless desert elegance. The white stucco walls, lush gardens, and striped loungers feel straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Spend lazy afternoons by the pool, borrow a cruiser bike for a ride around town, and don’t miss cocktails on the terrace as the mountains turn gold at sunset. It’s the kind of place that makes doing nothing feel like an art form.

For a dose of retro glam, The Parker Palm Springs is a desert classic. Designed by Jonathan Adler, it’s a playful mix of bold color, vintage charm, and polished eccentricity. Wander the manicured grounds, lounge by one of its three pools, and order brunch at Norma’s—the perfect blend of indulgence and leisure.

If you prefer something a bit more intimate, check into Korakia Pensione. This Mediterranean-inspired hideaway feels worlds away, with candlelit courtyards, trickling fountains, and serene desert views. Mornings begin with a complimentary breakfast served in the Moroccan courtyard, and afternoons call for lounging under the bougainvillea or napping poolside with a book.

Spend a morning wandering North Palm Canyon Drive, where mid-century furniture shops, curated thrift stores, and retro boutiques line the street. Iconic Atomic, Modern Way, and Flow Modern are favorites for authentic finds that nod to another time.

Architecture buffs can take a self-guided driving tour through neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms, where butterfly roofs, breeze blocks, and turquoise doors reign supreme. 

When it’s time to unwind, book a treatment or day pass at The Spa at Sec-he, an oasis built around ancient healing waters. The mineral pools, steam rooms, and mountain views make it a truly rejuvenating experience— one that feels deeply tied to the desert itself.

Whether you’re here for the design, the sunshine, or simply the escape, Palm Springs is the kind of place that reminds you how good it feels to slow down and stay awhile.