Hermann Bungalows

The newest and most exclusive of Steve Hermann’s three Coachella Valley properties, his 24 bungalows are wrapped inside the legendary L’Horizon resort and hidden behind a privet hedge in South Palm Springs. With their richly appointed rooms set around a cobalt pool, the bungalows are an idyll for couples wanting to hide from work-a-day reality and be left alone to shimmer in the sun.

• The four 100-year-old olive trees 
• The outdoor showers (available in 12 of the 24 bungalows)
• The pool’s 10 submerged concrete lounge chairs

Designer Steve Hermann has revised the Joni Mitchell canon: The eponymous hotelier has bulldozed a parking lot and put up a paradise for anyone desiring a few days' escape from the stress of their screens or kids (the latter are not allowed here).

Constructed on a plot of L’Horizon asphalt off East Palm Canyon Road, the bungalows consist of 20 Junior Suites, two studio suites, and two one-bedroom suites clustered around an 85-foot-long, zero-edge pool the color of cobalt. Even sexier: the four twisted 100-year-old olive trees that guard each of the pool’s corners. The centurions were lifted in place by crane to anchor the space, giving it a Greek island feel. So does the sun. It’s Aegean-level bright, which the olive trees can shade only so much, so a phalanx of white umbrellas hang over the pool to shelter swimmers. Another retreat: the outdoor bar. It features expansive views of both the pool and the mountains, rising majestically above everything.

The hot glare vanishes upon entering the soothing suites furnished with custom upholstered seating, Venetian marble floors, walls of fluted Italian walnut or hand-chipped stone and 18 linear feet of floor-to-ceiling glass. The effect is an airy, 70s-era playfulness—call it Bianca-and-Mick modern. Some suites sport private patios. Services are provided through L’Horizon and Hermann guests will also enjoy access to meals from SOPA, the larger resort’s signature and lauded alfresco restaurant helmed by Chef Michael Hung.

Couples and solo travelers who want to retreat from reality in style.