Walking in Albert Einstein's Steps

The historic Willows Inn has a security gate. Not that this area really needs security, its more for the resorts exclusivity.

After a brief tour of the estate, I was handed the keys to the Albert Einstein guest room. Photos of the famous German-born physicist who developed the theory of relativity, were resting on various pieces of antique furniture. I opened a door leading out to a private patio garden with two lounge chairs, a table and chairs. Nearby was a 50 ft. waterfall splashing over rocks into a small pond.

Since the temperature was teetering at 104 degrees during Mother's Day weekend, a dip in the private pool was a brilliant idea. I grabbed a book and walked down various steps to find the pool all to myself. The other guests were dressing for the evening’s wine and hor d'oeuvrers.

The water in the serene pool was warm and inviting. I found on a comfy lounge chair surrounded by Palm trees, Vinca flowers and desert flora. My routine was to read for about fifteen minutes, dunk in the pool for a lap of two and read again.

The beauty of the Palm Springs air is that the atmosphere is dry. One doesn’t sit wet for long after exiting a pool. Plush yellow towels help you dry too. I sat and wondered if Einstein ever swam here?

While lounging by the pool, the house caretaker arrived with a tray of gourmet appetizers and a generous pour of a California Pinot Noir in a plastic wine glass.

The owners are two physicians who purchased the estate years ago. They spiffed up the luxury estate for the public to enjoy just as Clark Gable & Carole Lombard, Joseph P. Kennedy, Marion Davies and Dr. Albert Einstein did years ago.

For the next two hours, I enjoyed watching the sun set and the desert temperature drop. The caretaker appeared just when my wine glass was close to empty and filled it with more from the Morgan Winery bottle. He exchanged my empty plate with another filled with canapés. This would be my dinner, dining poolside tonight.

Each room is completely unique and all rooms have beautiful hand-selected antique furniture. They offer evening turn-down service, bottled water and snacks. Some rooms feature fireplaces and private patios or balconies.

The Albert Einstein is a spacious guest room featuring Art Deco mahogany furniture with a king-size bed. The bathroom features a claw foot slipper tub resting atop a travertine stone floor and separate tumbled stone shower. There is a sitting area and refrigerator.

The Marion Davies Room has a lounge and spacious bathroom with a two-person claw foot tub, pedestal sink, silver chandelier, chaise lounge, and separate marble-floored shower with a stone floor. The room has a balcony overlooking the pool and desert gardens.

There is also a Waterfall Room, Library Room, Acanthus Room, Palm Room and Rock Room.

After a restful night, I woke up and sipped coffee on my patio. Later, I walked into the stunning dining room and appreciated the hand painted ceiling. My server shared the elegant three-course breakfast menu. I started with a house made fruit scone and half of a grapefruit drizzled with honey. The entree delivered to my table was a scrumptious eggs Benedict dish.

After breakfast, I packed my bags and took one last glance at the beautiful Einstein room. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, I bid farewell to other guests and staff members and promised to be back.

The property does close during the summer when temperatures reach 120 degrees. It opens to guests after Labor Day.