Yesterday we drove to the desert with Renée and ducked into Two Bunch Palms. I have visited the place before but you might have missed it so let me tell you a little bit about the joint. Two Bunch was an oasis originally leased from the Southern Pacific Railroad, built in the 1920's as the west coast fortress of Al Capone.
Mobsters and Hollywood starlets would mingle in the fortress, situated in the quaint little town of Desert Hot Springs. Capone built an incredible hideaway resort, complete with brothel and casino and had a reported tunnel system, a turret built for security and the good sense to hang out an an outrageously relaxing spot. Capone's actress friend Gladys Walton lived there. His bar and safe and a lot of great period pieces are still on premises. Outrageous Hurrell photographs of starlets.
No kids, cell phones or loud talking, Two Bunch is located in the now not so quaint northern burg of Desert Hot Springs. There is no entry sign. You drive up to an anonymous gatehouse and are signed in. We drove to the office. A three hundred thousand dollar Bentley sat in the parking lot. Two Bunch has long been a retreat for actors and writers. Robert Altman's movie "The Player" was filmed at Two Bunch. You feel totally isolated and blissed out soaking in the warm pools.
We have been going for years and through a couple owners. It is currently owned by the bank. Many of my friends have been going for several decades. Great rooms, especially the newer ones, we got a two bedroom suite with our friend for about $350.00.
As I said, it is in receivership and things have changed a bit. They no longer have the outrageous pastries in the morning. Some of the lighting at the grotto pools is either no longer on or operational. Place is a touch colder. But still a great and relaxing time.
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| Turtle Staredown© robert sommers |
There was a large lake by our room filled with fish, ducks and turtles. The ducks loved this lady.
Our room was huge, separate dining room, large living room, huge bedrooms. I think that the rooms were designed by an old architect friend of mine, Ron Wylie. The girls made duck confit tacos again, this time with truffle butter, a generous squeeze of lime and creme fraiche instead of crema. I liked these the best. We are on a taco thing lately. Leslie's friends Wes and Robin shot a boar and gave us wild boar round last week which may have made the greatest taco I have ever eaten. Outrageously rich and succulent.
We all did the mud baths. The girls got wraps and rubdowns with oils and scents. Leslie did Watsu, Renée a special massage. The spa treatments aren't exactly cheap, might want to dig around your suite for some of Capone's loot. I hung out at the pool and tried to finish my Houdini book. Nice overnight recharge, great guests, good breakfast. I recommend Two Bunch most heartily for a quick chillout at the base of San Jacinto Peak.
We scooted back. Our companion is just tops, she drove and she knows the lyrics to all the Arthur Lee and Love songs.
