1920-2017

A Rich History

Rooted in the Coachella Valley’s history as both an agricultural hub and resort destination, The Paloma Resort property has evolved along with the region over nearly 100 years and embodies many of the influences that shaped ‘the Valley’. Fun facts:

  • Owned by two pioneering women in the 1920s and 1930s, Mary T. Bernardin and Laura K. Carey respectively, the property is bounded by two streets that now bear their names. The Adobe, which now houses Sol y Sombra Restaurant, dates back to this era.
  • One of the valley’s pioneering families planted a 48-acre date palm grove, which once encompassed the property. A portion of this grove exists to this day and provides beautiful views from many of the resort’s patios and windows.
  • The property first became a hotel in the 1950s and was owned by the Elizabeth Arden Corporation, which developed it as a ‘beauty’ retreat — the first in the Valley!
  • As The Villa Resort, the property was one of the areas most beloved gay-friendly travel destination for several decades, before it closed in 2017.