Story & Photos by Barbara Beckley
Looking for health and wellness with your next vacay? Head to the Azure Sky Hotel in Palm Springs!
General manager Angie Bettinelli has realized her deep devotion to personal wellbeing paired with ultra-stylish mid-century modern architecture. A true oasis of personal pampering. Designed for relaxing, recharging, improving our mind, body, and spirit – and enjoying ourselves – on a DIY getaway or organized wellness retreat.
It’s one of the newest luxury kids on the block. Built in 1959 as the Azure Sky Hotel, the 14-room stunner reopened in June 2022 for adults-only (ages 18+), following a two-year, floor-to-rafters redo. “We kept the name,” Bettinelli explained, “as both a nod to the past and perfect description of our beautiful blue desert skies.”
The Azure Sky “Living Room”
Stepping inside the lobby “Living Room,” I was blown away – in a good way – by the out-of-the-box interior design. Mirrors set between the beams of the classic mid-mod ceiling provided an unexpected and never-before-seen element, at least to me. Reflecting the mid-century furnishings and sunshine pouring through the clear story and floor-to-ceiling windows, the mirrors heightened the room’s welcoming ambiance. A dazzling precursor of the unique delights to come. Such as the luxurious custom health products and books arranged on a lobby credenza. A sampling of the mind, body, and aromatherapy goodies for sale at the hotel’s Wellness Station. Think three-piece Hydrating (24K) Gold Mask Sheets for face, under eyes and lips ($15); and Calm Relaxing Pillow Spray ($19) blend of lavender, chamomile, clary sage, radish root and geranium from Soulistic Root.
“Supersized Shower Aromatherapy”
And amazing Azure Sky “Wellness Swag Bag” ($110). A treasure trove of DIY selfcare to begin your wellness journey here and continue when your return home: including hydrating face mask and eye mask sheets; Calm essential oil roller (I love – the scent calms immediately); Intentions notebook to write down your thoughts, shower steamers in lavender, citrus, and peppermint; assorted herbal and caffeinated Rishi Tea and Botanicals sachets; and the best ever – a Eucalyptus branch to put on the showerhead for super-sized aromatherapy!! You’re not going to find this anywhere else!
From the Living Room, I walked outside into The Courtyard, where a lawn and cheery firepit are framed by larger-than-life views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Ideal for relaxation with friends and partners. A landscaped path led to a second courtyard with a hot tub and pool. Again, not just any pool. This one has two shallow ends. Ideal for poolside comradery and cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails…the Azure Sky has you covered. With – and without – alcohol. Arriving guests choose a welcome drink from two daily recipes of “our famous bespoke slushie iced drinks, similar to a frozen margarita,” Bettinelli told me, as I checked in. “One is always zero proof,” she added.
GM Angie Bettinelli welcomes author Barbara with a Coconut Latte Slushie
“I’ll take mine ‘with,’’’ I smiled, opting for that day’s “Coconut Latte Welcome Slushie,” made with locally roasted and brewed Titos Coffee Trail coffee, Cream of Coconut, Espresso, and Vodka, topped with Titos coffee beans. “Delicious!”
Drinks are available throughout the day. Order from the “Wellness Bar” for delicious, healthy, custom concoctions unique to this hotel. Bettinelli’s attention to detail is so intense each drink is made using small batch elixirs and tonics of wildcrafted, plant-based, bio-regionally sourced, handmade, organic beverage concentrates from The MerTails. Each designed to evoke a desired mood.
“Exhalation Tonic”
“Relaxation Tonic”
Perhaps an “Exhalation Tonic” (aka Exhalation Mertito), cooling and invigorating for healthy lungs. “A breath of fresh air,” said Bettinelli, using ingredients sourced from the California Sierra Foothills including Inner leaf aloe, lime juice, may chang, hydrosols of rosemary and juniper, alfalfa, GMO free vegetable glycerin, Celtic sea salt, and soda water. Maybe a “Stimulation Tonic” (Stimulation MerKola), a quasi-traditional kola with small batch ingredients from the Caribbean including Yerba Mate, Kola Nut, Cardamom and Bay Rum leaves. Or “Relaxation Tonic” (Relaxation MerGarita) folk remedy inspired by the Appalachian Mountains. “An adaptogenic and nervine-rich oxymel to ease daily stressors and seasonal allergies,” explained Bettinelli, infusing lime juice, wildflower honey, apple cider vinegar, butterfly pea flower, wild stinging nettle, hydrosols of lemongrass and lemon balm, oat straw, Celtic sea salt, and soda water.
Order from the Lobby Bar cocktails from classics to sophisticated specialties like the Azure Sky “Shaken Not Stirred” Vesper Martini, and “Azure 75,” with sparkling brut, gin, lavender syrup, and lemon; wines and champagnes from California, France, and Spain; and craft beers. Plus, spritzes, aperitifs, Hard Kombucha + CBD. Also, Tito’s Coffee Trail, brewed hot or cold, and healthy Grab & Go snacks like organic raw cashews, dried fruits.
Author Barbara’s Room # 102
Opening the door to my room, No. 102, a spacious “Olive” category suite on The Courtyard, a few steps from the Living Room, its natural woods evoked a sense of calm, enhanced by some 440-square-feet of creature comforts including a floating king bed, fully equipped kitchenette, floor-to-ceiling-tiled bath, and private patio with a hammock. No TV, however. On purpose. “We’re designed to unplug and enjoy being your best self,” Bettinelli explained. Fine with me! All the better to make the Azure Sky an idyllic hideaway for personal improvement. Or home-away-from-home to explore Palm Springs. While the hotel is on a quiet residential street, it’s easy walking distance to many of Palm Springs’ favorite bars, restaurants and attractions including sought-after Bar Cecil, The Reef tiki bar, and landmark Moorten Botanical Gardens. Loaner bikes from the lobby make for even more sightseeing fun.
Sinking into one of the two lounge chairs outside my suite, I finished my slushie and watched the sun set over the mountains. “Ahhh…”
Daily “Rituals” – Another Unique Azure Sky Offering
Bettinelli is a keen believer in daily rituals. “Rituals are key to starting and ending your day on the right foot. For establishing a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and enjoyment.” So… you’ll find “The Azure Sky Morning Ritual” and “The Azure Sky Evening Ritual” in your room. Each six easy steps to enjoy ensuite. Plus, a list of seven “Simple DIY Daily Rituals” to begin during your stay and continue at home.
Before turning in, I followed Evening Ritual No. 1: “Cozy up in an Azure Sky bathrobe, grab a glass of fruit-infused spa water from the Lobby and walk over to the Pool Terrace to enjoy a luxurious soak in the hot tub.” Perfecto! Back in my room, I spritzed my pillow with the “Calm” pillow spray and ahhh…I slept like a baby.
In the morning, I enjoyed Morning Ritual No. 5. “Eat a nutritious breakfast.” Easy to do by having the hotel’s “Rise & Shine” breakfast of yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and muffins from Aspen Mills Bakery delivered to my room. Available daily, simply hang the request on your doorknob the night before.
Exercise was next. A hotel guided hike into The Mesa, a posh foothill neighborhood (home to Barry Manilow and other stars) a few blocks away. Followed by yoga with Henny Stamper of Yoga Yantra on The Courtyard lawn beneath that incredible mountain view.
In just one night I felt relaxed, recharged, and renewed. Think of all the good a longer stay will do! And one of the scheduled “Desert Wellness Retreats,” with yoga, sound bath, a gourmet vegan dinner and cooking lessons by Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, elixir tasting, Wellness Sway Bag, and more. A healthy vacay for sure!
Author Barbara looks forward to her next Azure Sky stay
