The O'Donnell House and The Willows Historic Inn 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way • Palm Springs • CA 92262

Imagine: You arrive at your private mountainside hideaway, where you have exclusive use of a distinctive venue that radiates Old World charm. This is the O'Donnell House, poised on a plateau above The Willows Historic Inn under the shade of towering palms. A scenic shuttle ride ascends past trailing magenta bougainvillea, picturesque rocks, and cactus to the enchanting villa itself. The estate's wrought-iron gates open, admitting only you and your privileged guests. The gates bear the sign "Ojo del Desierto"—Eye of the Desert. Surveying the sweeping valley vistas from on high, everyone certainly has a sense that all the desert's delights are theirs to command.

A spacious cliffside stone terrace seems to float above the world, making receptions here both dramatic and exhilarating. It's an ideal vantage from which to survey the transformation from technicolor sunset to star-filled sky. The house itself is a two-story Spanish Revival hacienda that boasts a red-tile roof and a long balcony, a perfect spot for the bouquet toss. Behind the home, rock archways lead to a lawn dotted with colorful native blooms, a supremely romantic milieu for wedding ceremonies. Meanwhile, guests are free to explore the interior of this elite haven, and mingle amongst the Mediterranean-style furnishings and rooms. Whether sealing your vows with a kiss in this dramatic mountainside setting or dancing cheek to cheek on the terrace, you'll savor being close to nature and yet so very pampered.

Speaking of pampering: Newlyweds and their families can splurge on a buyout of the 17 stunning guest rooms at the Willows Historic Inn down the hill. Not only will you be treated to elegant accommodations, but you'll also have the Inn's other living spaces all to yourselves. The Great Room, with its high, open-beam ceiling, grand piano and antiques, evokes an air of refined luxury. Cozy up by the fireplace, and you'll begin to sense what it was like back when The Willows hosted movie stars, powerful politicos, world-class intellectuals … and now, you. The adjacent Dining Room features a magnificent frescoed ceiling, and glass doors open onto a patio where a waterfall cascades into a tranquil garden pool. Enjoy this dreamy vision over breakfast, and take a few photos while you're at it.

The Willows' seductive guest rooms each have their own character: The Italianate Marion Davies Room is tempting, with sumptuous pearl-white bedding, and a satin chaise lounge alongside a clawfoot tub big enough for two. A balcony overlooks the pool, and loveseats beckon by the fireplace. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent part of their honeymoon in the Library, which boasts rich mahogany furniture, an elaborate coffered ceiling, and French doors opening to a private garden courtyard. Or cuddle up to the Loft's serene mountain views, and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waterfall …

Originally built in 1925, The O'Donnell House and The Willows have been lovingly restored to their former magnificence and have received numerous awards and raves. Steeped in vintage glamour, these unique venues pay homage to a storied past and inspire couples to create lasting memories of their own.