If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through travel photography on Instagram, you’ve seen it. That specific, dusty-rose hue that seems to define the California desert lately. It’s everywhere. But honestly, most people looking for a Palm Springs pink hotel are actually looking for one very specific spot in Indian Wells: The Sands Hotel & Spa. It’s the kind of place that looks like a Wes Anderson film set dropped into the middle of the Mojave, and while it might seem like just another "pretty" destination, there’s a lot more going on behind that pink Moroccan-inspired facade than just a good photo op.
I’ve seen plenty of desert boutiques try to lean into the retro-pink aesthetic. Most fail. They end up looking like a dated nursery or a kitschy Barbie dream house that hasn't been dusted since 1994. The Sands is different. Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard—who, if you didn't know, is the interior designer for people like the Kardashians and Tommy Hilfiger—it manages to feel expensive and lived-in at the same time. It’s not just "pink." It’s a mix of emerald greens, deep blacks, and brass accents that keep the rose tones from feeling saccharine.
The Design Obsession: Why Everyone Calls it the Palm Springs Pink Hotel
People get confused. Technically, The Sands is in Indian Wells, which is about twenty minutes away from downtown Palm Springs. But in the desert, boundaries are fluid. When people search for a Palm Springs pink hotel, they’re rarely looking for a Hilton. They want the vibe. They want the arched doorways and the Pink Cabana—the hotel's flagship restaurant that has basically become a pilgrimage site for design nerds.
The pink here isn't an accident. Bullard used it to bridge the gap between mid-century modernism and Moroccan riad style. It works. You walk through these towering, keyhole-shaped doors and suddenly the heat of the desert feels manageable. It’s cooling. The palette is intentionally chosen to contrast with the stark, tan San Jacinto Mountains in the background.
It’s small, too. Only 46 rooms. This matters because "pink hotels" in the area can sometimes feel like high-traffic tourist traps. Think of the Saguaro—another famous colorful spot nearby. The Saguaro is loud. It’s a party. It’s neon. The Sands is the sophisticated older sister who drinks chilled rosé and actually reads the books she brings to the pool.
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The Pink Cabana: Not Just a Pretty Face
The restaurant, the Pink Cabana, is the heart of the property. It’s arguably the reason the hotel went viral in the first place. Imagine a room with custom botanical wallpaper, pink tiled walls, and a ceiling that looks like it belongs in a 1950s racquet club. It’s high-key gorgeous.
But here is the thing: the food is actually good. Usually, at "Instagram hotels," the food is an afterthought. You get a soggy $24 avocado toast and move on. Here, Executive Chef Jason Niederkorn leans into Mediterranean and Moroccan flavors. You’re looking at things like Harissa-roasted chicken or tagines. It’s sophisticated. It’s also one of the few places in the valley where you’ll see locals eating next to tourists, which is always the true test of whether a place is legit or just a facade.
What Most People Get Wrong About Desert Stays
There’s a misconception that you have to stay in the heart of the Palm Springs "strip" to have the real experience. Wrong. If you stay right on Palm Canyon Drive, you’re dealing with traffic, noise, and a lot of concrete. By heading a few miles south to this Palm Springs pink hotel, you get a different version of the desert. It’s quieter. The stars are actually visible at night.
Also, can we talk about the "pink" thing? Some people think it’s going to be overwhelming. Like walking into a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. It isn't. The Sands uses "pink" as a neutral. It’s a soft, terracotta-adjacent shade that feels earthy.
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The Spa: A Moroccan Escape
The onsite spa is tiny, but it’s one of the most well-designed spaces on the property. It focuses on Moroccan ingredients—think Argan oil, neroli, and orange blossom. It’s not your standard "Swedish massage in a white room" setup. The treatment rooms carry that same deep color palette. It’s moody. It feels private. If you’re staying there, you have to do the Moroccan Clay wrap. It’s messy, but your skin will thank you after the desert air has sucked every ounce of moisture out of your pores.
Reality Check: The Downsides
Let’s be real for a second. No hotel is perfect. Because The Sands is so popular for its aesthetic, the pool area can get crowded with people doing "content." If you’re looking for a place where no one has a camera, this isn't it. However, because it’s an adults-only property (18+), you don't have to worry about kids splashing in the pool while you’re trying to enjoy a cocktail. That’s a massive plus for most people looking for a getaway.
Another thing: it’s not cheap. You’re paying for the brand and the design. During peak season (January through April), prices can spike significantly. If you want the experience without the $600-a-night price tag, look at staying on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the shoulder season. The heat is higher, but the vibe is way more chill.
Navigating the Local Scene
If you do stay at this Palm Springs pink hotel, don’t just stay on the property. You’re a short drive from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is actually incredible if you like desert flora and fauna. You’re also close to El Paseo in Palm Desert—basically the Rodeo Drive of the desert.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to the Sands Hotel and Spa or any similar boutique spot in the area, here is how you actually do it right:
- Book your Pink Cabana reservation early. Don’t wait until you check in. This place fills up with people who aren't even staying at the hotel. If you want a booth—which are the best seats in the house—mention it in your booking notes.
- Timing is everything. If you want the pool to yourself for that iconic shot, get there at 8:00 AM. By noon, the "scene" has arrived.
- Hydrate like it’s your job. The desert is deceptive. You don't feel yourself sweating because it evaporates instantly. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, especially if you’re hitting the cocktails at the bar.
- Room Choice. Try to get a room on the second floor. They usually have better views of the mountains and feel a bit more private than the ground-floor rooms that open right onto the walkway.
- The "Secret" Spots. There are several fire pit areas tucked away that people often overlook because they’re so focused on the pool. Use them in the evening; the desert gets surprisingly cold once the sun drops.
Staying at a Palm Springs pink hotel like The Sands isn't just about the color of the walls. It’s about a specific type of California escapism. It’s about leaning into the glamour of the 1950s but with modern amenities and food that actually tastes like something. Whether you're there for the design, the spa, or just to say you went, it delivers a level of curation that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Coachella Valley.
Just remember to pack a swimsuit that clashes well with pink—or one that matches perfectly. In a place like this, everyone else definitely did.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit, download the OpenTable app to secure your Pink Cabana dining times at least three weeks in advance. If you're driving from LA, plan to arrive via Highway 111 instead of the I-10 for a more scenic entry into the valley that takes you through the heart of the mid-century neighborhoods. Finally, check the Modernism Week schedule if you're traveling in February; even if you aren't staying downtown, the architectural tours are easily accessible from Indian Wells and provide the perfect context for the hotel's design.