Divine Sands

Pura Vida- outdoor dining

Swimming pool

All suites feature king beds

Room detail- king spa room

Spa tub detail- king spa room

Travertine countertops...Molton Brown amenities!

Walk-in shower

While Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley are still missing a five-star, five-diamond resort like Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, the latest addition to the hotel scene here in the gay men's resort category is worthy of both top accolades.

Pura Vida is an eight room hideaway located in the Warm Sands neighborhood of central Palm Springs.  The rooms are large, ranging in size from 325 to 525 square feet, and all include flatscreen TV's, iPod docking stations, fireplaces, large walk-in showers, desert-tone travertine floors and bathrooms and private outdoor spaces.  Two suites also have large spa tubs and the largest suite even has a patio with a spa pool.

The communal pool and spa area includes an outdoor dining area and fire pit.  Room rates are inclusive of daily breakfast, evening cocktail hour and beverages from a 24-hour self service kitchen.

What's strikingly different about Pura Vida is the attention to detail in design and amenities- each being worthy of those found in the best of hotels and the finest private rental homes in Las Palmas or south Palm Springs.  It's also not a clothing optional resort, so everyone can feel comfortable around the pool - a novel idea, especially for a resort in this neighborhood.

Who will Pura Vida appeal to?  This resort should do very well with single gay professionals and couples who  like the quality and privacy of a home rental, but don't wish to pay for an entire house.  It should also do well with visitors who have rented private homes here but appreciate the services offered by a hotel, like daily housekeeping, cooking, and poolside cocktail service.  Think buy outs for birthday parties, special occasions, and corporate retreats.

Pura Vida is a breath of fresh air for Palm Springs and sets a high standard for small luxury hotel rooms in the area.  It's a resort that's not to be missed.

Pura Vida
Reservations & rates:  (877) 786 0519