You’ve seen it on your feed. That specific shade of dusty rose against a backdrop of jagged desert mountains and towering palms. It’s the kind of aesthetic that makes people pull over and take a photo before they’ve even checked in. Honestly, the trend of the pink hotel in palm springs isn't just a flash in the pan; it’s a full-blown architectural movement that defines the modern desert getaway. But if you’re looking for the crown jewel of this rosy-hued obsession, you’re looking for the Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells.
It's pink. Very pink.
But it’s not that neon, bubblegum pink that hurts your eyes after ten minutes in the sun. It’s sophisticated. Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard—the guy who does homes for the Kardashians and Cher—basically took a Moroccan riad, dipped it in a Californian sunset, and added a splash of mid-century glamour. It works. It shouldn't, maybe, but it does. When you walk through those gates, you aren't just at a hotel. You're in a curated mood.
The Design Logic Behind the Blush
Why pink? Why here? If you look at the history of Palm Springs, color has always been a weapon against the beige monotony of the sand. In the 1950s, it was turquoise and orange. Now, it’s all about the "Millennial Pink" that refuses to die, though at the Sands, they call it something much more elevated. The exterior is a custom-blended shade that shifts from a soft peach in the morning to a deep, moody terracotta as the sun dips behind the San Jacinto Mountains.
It’s tactile. You want to touch the walls.
The pink hotel in palm springs phenomenon isn't just about the paint, though. It’s about the contrast. Bullard used deep emerald greens in the lush desert landscaping to make the pink pop. He used black and white tiled floors to ground the space so it doesn’t feel like a dollhouse. It feels like a movie set where you’re the lead. Most people think "pink" means "feminine," but the Sands is actually quite edgy. There are brass accents everywhere. There’s a lot of dark wood. It’s sexy.
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Moroccan Soul in the Coachella Valley
The interior design is where things get really interesting. You aren't seeing generic IKEA furniture here. Bullard sourced authentic Moroccan elements—hand-carved mirrors, intricate lanterns, and textiles that feel heavy and expensive. The Pink Cabana, the hotel's signature restaurant, is probably the most photographed room in the entire Coachella Valley.
It’s a vibe.
The walls are lined with bespoke botanical wallpaper and framed vintage tennis rackets. It’s a nod to the 1950s social clubs that used to dot this desert. You’re sitting there, eating Tagine or a really incredible steak frites, and you realize that every single inch of the room was designed to look good on a smartphone. That’s not an accident. In the hospitality world of 2026, if it isn't "grammable," it basically doesn't exist. The Sands leaned into that reality harder than almost anyone else.
Beyond the Aesthetic: What It’s Actually Like to Stay There
Let’s be real for a second. A pretty hotel can be a nightmare if the service is bad or the beds feel like plywood. Fortunately, the Sands holds up. It’s an adult-only property (mostly), which means you aren't going to be splashed by a stray cannonball while you’re trying to sip a Paloma by the pool.
The rooms are huge.
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Each one has a different layout, but they all share that signature Bullard flair. You’ve got full-sized Smeg refrigerators in the mini-bars—usually stocked with actually decent snacks, not just dusty peanuts. The bathrooms feature Vivienne Westwood amenities. It’s those little details that justify the price tag, which, let’s be honest, can be a bit eye-watering during festival season.
The Spa Situation
If you’re staying at a pink hotel in palm springs, you’re probably there to relax. The spa at the Sands is small but mighty. They use Moroccan ingredients—think rhassoul clay and argan oil. It’s not one of those clinical, white-walled spas that feels like a dentist’s office. It’s dim, scented with orange blossom, and incredibly private. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time and forget that the outside world is currently 110 degrees.
The Competition: Other Rosy Rivals
While the Sands is currently the "it" spot, it’s not the only pink game in town. Palm Springs has a long-standing love affair with this palette.
- The Trixie Motel: This is the opposite of the Sands. Owned by drag superstar Trixie Mattel, this place is loud, proud, and unapologetically neon. It’s a fever dream of pink flamingoes and glitter. If the Sands is a glass of rosé, the Trixie Motel is a strawberry margarita with an extra shot.
- The Saguaro: While it’s a rainbow of colors, the pink sections of the Saguaro are legendary. It’s the high-energy, party-heavy alternative. It’s where you go for pool parties and loud music.
- The Colony Palms: Not strictly "pink" in the same way, but it uses those blush tones in its tiled roofs and courtyard walls to create a classic, old-Hollywood feel.
Each of these spots caters to a different crowd. The Sands is for the couple on an anniversary or the group of friends who want to dress up for dinner. The Trixie is for the fans and the fun-seekers. The Saguaro is for the 22-year-olds who don't plan on sleeping.
Navigating the Palm Springs Heat
Living or vacationing here requires a strategy. You don't just "go for a walk" at 2:00 PM in July. You’ll melt. The beauty of the Sands is that it’s designed for the "staycation" model. You arrive, you park, and you don't really need to leave.
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The pool culture here is serious.
Waitstaff are attentive without being hovering. They know when you need another bottle of sparkling water. The cabanas are draped in—you guessed it—pink fabric, providing just enough shade to keep you from turning into a lobster while you read your book. It’s a slow-motion kind of luxury.
Why Indian Wells?
Some people get annoyed that the Sands isn't in downtown Palm Springs. It’s about a 20-minute drive away in Indian Wells. Honestly? That’s a benefit. Downtown can get crowded, noisy, and a bit frantic. Indian Wells feels more secluded. It’s closer to the high-end shopping in El Paseo (the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert") and it feels a bit more exclusive. You’re trading the walkability of the main strip for a sense of actual peace.
The Verdict on the Pink Trend
Is it a gimmick? Sorta. But it’s a gimmick that works because it taps into the psychology of vacationing. We want to go somewhere that doesn't look like our house. we want fantasy.
The pink hotel in palm springs trend is essentially the architectural version of a filter. It softens the harsh desert light. It makes everyone’s skin tone look just a little bit better. It feels optimistic. In a world that can feel pretty gray, spending forty-eight hours wrapped in a blush-colored cocoon is a valid form of therapy.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book a stay at the Sands or any of the iconic pink properties, keep these points in mind:
- Book the Pink Cabana for dinner weeks in advance. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, this is the toughest table to get in the area. The Moroccan-inspired menu is legit, especially the lamb.
- Timing is everything. If you go in August, it’s cheap but punishingly hot. If you go in April during Coachella, expect to pay triple. The "sweet spot" is usually November or February.
- Check the age policy. Many of these boutique hotels are 18+ or 21+. Don't show up with a toddler and expect a warm welcome at a property designed for quiet cocktails and spa treatments.
- Drive or Uber? If you plan on hitting the breweries or the cocktail bars downtown, just Uber. The desert police do not play around, and the roads are dark at night.
- Pack the outfit. Seriously. You will feel out of place at the Sands if you're in gym clothes. Bring the linen, the big sunglasses, and the wide-brimmed hat.
The Sands Hotel and Spa isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a piece of art that you happen to be allowed to stay in. Whether you're there for the design, the food, or just that one perfect photo for the grid, it delivers a specific kind of desert magic that’s hard to find anywhere else. Just remember to wear sunscreen—the pink walls reflect the sun more than you’d think.