Getaway Spot: Korakia Pensione

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Like pretty much everyone else, vacation time is my favorite moment of the year. The excitement, the planning, the desire to discover new places for the first time… Nothing comes close to the feeling I get when I’m ready to leave.

And of course, comes the moment when you have to go back home and you don’t want to leave yet. We all know what it is. Saying I didn’t want to leave the Korakia Pensione after five days is an understatement. I was feeling so blue, even if I was heading to San Diego for the first time on that same day.

I was trying to cheer myself up by saying I would finally escape the crazy heat of the desert (this year was particularly brutal, I find) and I had no choice but to leave the place with all my new memories.

Now, I’ve never been to Europe, but if I think of all the pictures I’ve seen of Greece and Morocco, the Korakia Pensione will trick you into thinking you’re vacationing along the Mediterranean coast. The property is actually a restored 1920s villa that kept its authenticity while being modern just the same. The Moroccan Villa was built in 1924 by Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. Having spent many years in Tangiers, Coutts decided to use his inspiration in Palm Springs. You can expect thick whitewashed walls, bougainvilleas, and the view of the San Jacinto Mountains is the cherry on top.

“It is a true oasis, like some magical place in the desert”

The rooms are eclectic and tastefully decorated and they all have their own theme. I stayed in the Naish House (on the Mediterranean property) which is huge and located right in front of the pool. The property is divided into two sections; the Morocco side and the Mediterranean side. I walked around the premises every single day and each time, I would notice something new.

If you are looking for a quiet, soothing and inspiring place, the Korakia Pensione is just what you are looking for. The staff will make you feel like you’re at home right away and they are going out of their way to do the best they can to help, without being intrusive. Keep in mind that the property is like a “retreat,” which means you’re not going to find a television or a radio in your room and you’re not going to have crazy pool parties at night. These things are what makes the Korakia so special and unique.

Moroccan tea and ginger cookies are served in late afternoon, while the staff slowly begins to light all the candles and lanterns outside. At night, fire pits are glowing around the two pools of the property, setting the mood for a relaxing evening. You could also decide to sit down outside on pillows and watch an old movie projected on a wall.

The Korakia Pensione is the place to reconnect with yourself, to rejuvenate. It is a true oasis, like some magical place in the desert. You can only wish you could stay there indefinitely.

Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione

Check-in: Korakia Pensione
Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione Check-in: Korakia Pensione


Book it:

Website | Map

Restaurant or bar: Breakfast is included, lunch service from Le Vallauris, no bar
Number of rooms: 28

 

Photography & words by Marie-Eve Rose