Escape to Palm Springs:
- Erin Gore
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
A Soulful Book Club Retreat with Cozy Stays, Delicious Eats & Desert Vibes
Last weekend, I had the chance to escape the routine and head to the desert with the incredible women of Her Traveling Book Club—and it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Palm Springs delivered sunshine, soul-filling moments, and bookish bliss at every turn. From cozy conversations over coffee to poolside reading time and the most unforgettable dinner, this girls' weekend was a perfect reset.
A Cozy Stay with Vacation Escapes
We stayed at Desert Breezes Resort, hosted by Vacation Escapes, and it was the perfect home base for our reading retreat.
Our two-bedroom suite gave us plenty of space to unwind, with a full kitchen, living room, and peaceful balcony views of the lake. The gated community was quiet and beautifully maintained, with access to pools, jacuzzis, and even a private hot tub.
It had all the comforts of home but felt like a boutique resort—ideal for a book club getaway, a girls’ weekend, or even a solo trip when you need space to slow down and breathe.
If you're looking to plan a restorative stay in Southern California, Vacation Escapes has thoughtfully curated properties that really make a difference in how you experience the desert.
Book Club Meets Brunch at Café La Jefa
One of the most memorable parts of our weekend was brunch at Café La Jefa in Palm Springs. This café feels like something straight out of a dream—laid-back, stylish, and filled with natural light. It was the perfect backdrop for a surprise Zoom chat with Sarah Morgan, the author of The Summer Seekers, which we read before the trip.
Between the warm breeze on the patio, strong coffee, and incredible food—chicken sandwiches, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and yogurt parfaits—it became one of those meals you never want to end. It’s a place where you can sit with your journal or favorite book, sip your drink slowly, and feel completely content.
If you’re planning a visit to Palm Springs, add Café La Jefa to your itinerary. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to slow down and savor the moment.
Bookish Bliss in the Desert
We couldn’t leave Palm Springs without a visit to The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs—and yes, that’s actually the name. This little literary gem is a dream for book lovers. Inside, we found cozy reading corners, curated collections, and that nostalgic bookstore scent that somehow always feels like home.
They have a great mix of new releases, indie titles, and rare finds, and the atmosphere is just as welcoming as the staff. It was the perfect place to browse for our next reads and reflect on the stories we’d shared throughout the weekend.
Moments like these—wandering the aisles of a well-loved bookstore with fellow book lovers—are what make Her Traveling Book Club such a special community. It’s not just about reading books; it’s about building bonds through story and shared experience.
A Perfect Send-Off at The Hideout Kitchen + Bar
On our last night, we wrapped up the weekend with dinner at The Hideout Kitchen + Bar, tucked inside The Gardens on El Paseo. The setting was intimate, the conversation was lively, and the food was phenomenal. We feasted on smash burgers, roasted beet and caprese salads, juicy New York steak, chicken parm, and four different desserts—including tiramisu, cheesecake, and bread pudding.
It was cozy, full of flavor, and felt like the perfect bookend to a weekend of connection and joy. If you’re looking for a dinner spot that hits all the right notes, The Hideout Kitchen + Bar is one I’ll be recommending to anyone headed to Palm Springs.
Why These Moments Matter
Life gets busy. Between work, parenting, and everything else that fills our calendars, it’s easy to forget how important it is to take time to recharge. This trip reminded me of the power of meaningful conversations, the joy of being surrounded by women who get it, and the magic that happens when you make space for rest.
If you’ve been craving a break—one that’s equal parts fun, peaceful, and inspiring—I can’t recommend a book retreat like this enough. With the right setting, the right people, and the right book, a weekend can become so much more than just time away. It can be a reset for the mind, body, and soul.
Planning Your Own Palm Springs Retreat?Here are the highlights to bookmark:
Brunch: Café La Jefa
Bookstore: The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs
Dinner: The Hideout Kitchen + Bar
Hosted by: Her Traveling Book Club
I’m already dreaming of our next retreat. Let me know in the comments or by email—what’s your favorite place to unwind and feel recharged?
With love, light, and boundless gratitude,
Erin 🌟✨
🏖️ Follow my daily adventures on Instagram 🌊
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps support the content I create. Thank you for supporting my blog and the sustainable brands I believe in!
#PalmSpringsRetreat #BookClubWeekend #GirlsTripPalmSprings #ReadingRetreat #VacationEscapes #PalmSpringsTravelGuide #BestBookstorePalmSprings #CaféLaJefa #TheHideoutPalmSprings #HerTravelingBookClub #BookishGetaway #DesertRetreat #BookClubRetreat #PalmSpringsEats #BoutiqueTravel #SoCalWeekend #LiteraryTravel #WellnessAndBooks #CozySuitesPalmSprings #CaliforniaGetaways
Palm Springs girls weekend | Best brunch in Palm Springs | Where to stay in Palm Desert
Unique book club travel ideas | Palm Springs travel blog | Book retreat for women
Weekend getaway California | Palm Springs hidden gems | Curated travel for book lovers
Reading retreats for adults
Comments