Santa Monica, California
Sensei Porcupine Creek
Desert Star
What it is
A new 230-acre wellness retreat with 22 rooms; an outpost of Nobu; on-staff experts on nutrition, yoga, and fitness; a garden spa; private golf course; and a lagoon pool.
What it isn't
For kids. Guests must be 16 and older, which translates to a truly serene environment.
What we think
Palm Springs became a star-studded getaway decades ago for good reason: the town enacted a law that would prohibit paparazzi from taking images without consent. And while that serene feeling has faded from the thronged town itself, pure and peaceful bliss can be found at the new Sensei Porcupine Creek—thanks to lush manicured gardens and a landscape that seems to stretch all the way to the San Jacinto mountains. Each and every guest room feels hush-hush and private, from the 300 to 400 square-foot Estate Rooms—which have soaring open beam ceilings and a color palette of blonde woods and whites—to the Villas, which are enormous (with 2,700-4,500 square foot floor plans) and tricked out with gas fireplaces, patios, and tech-forward kitchens. Either way, expect luxe touches ranging from Dyson Supersonic hair dryers to linen bathrobes ideal for raiding the honor bar.
You're here because
You’re obsessed with Nobu, but hate waiting for a reservation at the Malibu location. Here, dishes are as nutrient-dense as possible but just as delicious, including spinach dry miso salad and rock shrimp tempura in butter ponzu.
The Moment
After a round of golf, you’re spent…and headed directly to the spa. Listening to the birds chirp in your airy treatment room is arguably just as relaxing as your Table Thai massage itself.
Restaurants & Bars
Sensei by Nobu - The ever-changing dining menu includes Sensei’s nutritional philosophy and classic dishes by Nobu.
Location
An enormous plot abutting the foothills in tony Rancho Mirage, about a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs proper. Be sure to book in advance to visit Sunnylands, the stunning 1966 winter estate of the Annenberg family—publishers of everything from TV Guide to Seventeen.