The Parker Palm Springs

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Purchased in 1961 by Western movie star Gene Autry, The Parker Palm Springs has long reigned as the desert’s coolest address, having served as the stomping grounds of Frank Sinatra and Rat Pack, and other glitterati. Today, after 20 years, the sprawling estate—now owned by Jack Parker Corporation—is just as known for its throwback glamor as its whimsical, exuberant style courtesy of designer Jonathan Adler. Despite being a 10-minute drive from Downtown Park Springs, the Parker feels like a lush desert oasis, with 13 acres of quiet, winding gardens and palm-tree studded grounds, plus a series of pools, tennis courts, and petanque and croquet lawns.

It’s also one of the Coachella Valley’s hottest culinary destinations: opt for all-day breakfast at the sunshine-filled Norma’s; an upscale menu and classic cocktails at the speakeasy-like mister parker’s; wines by the glass and small plates at Counter Reformation; and inventive sips at the jewel box-like Mini Bar.

The nautical-inspired spa is the desert’s only yacht club. The 15 treatment rooms are named after America’s Cup champions, and the indoor pool with blue and white teak loungers resembles the deck of a chic 1930’s cruise ship.

Opened in 2004; 144 rooms, including 12 villas; 150 works of art on property, 60 of which are in the mister parker’s restaurant; three pools, four red-clay tennis courts, and 1 Palm Springs Yacht Club; 246 palm trees and 6 fountains on property; 10 lemonade flavors served poolside (all lemons sourced from the property) ; 1 hidden movie theater inside the 2,200-foot Gene Autry Residence; 8 full-time gardeners tend to the estate’s 13 acres (designed by Judy Kameon, who created residential gardens for the likes of Sofia Coppola); two real church confessional booths in the irreverent Counter Reformation wine bar