Out of the fog and into the sun! When Amy and Tim Brinkman’s kids were young, they would often pack up the bikes and car, and vacation in a Palm Springs rented house. Drawn to the desert for warmth and outdoor adventure, they developed a nuanced notion of what a visitor wants from a Palm Springs getaway. Now, with an expanding boutique hotel empire, they split their time between the Desert and San Francisco. Ultimately, they loved the Coachella Valley so much, they purchased a second home and their desert roots grew deeper, as their hotelier odyssey evolved to include multiple properties in the area.
Amy, originally from Ohio and a sun chaser with strong design sensibilities, sat down with us; ironically in the lobby of a small San Francisco Boutique Hotel. When our designated interview spot at a cafe nearby was closed, it seemed like kismet. Surrounded by pungent potpourri, she told the story of their evolving love affair with the Palm Springs area.
Together for 20 plus years, they met in NYC and moved out west together as the 20th was morphing into the 21st century. Residents in San Francisco since 2000, Amy was a handbag designer and the owner of the SF version of the matchmaking and dating firm ‘It’s Just Lunch,’—touted as a service for busy professionals—she parlayed her entrepreneurial successes into desert fulfillment. Her husband, Tim Brinkman, is a tech investor with real estate interests. Together—in some cases with other investors—they own Limón, The Twist, Paloma and, in Idyllwild, The Grand Idyllwild Lodge and The Creekstone Inn as well as a few other real estate investments. They look for the ‘good bones‘ of a property and then seek to renovate, working their magic to modernize and feature new amenities.
The Paloma, opening in Palm Springs in April, is a full resort with 66 rooms. Back in the day, it was a gay resort and then became a retirement community. The property has an indoor/outdoor, poolside Spanish tapas style restaurant and a Speakeasy called “Pequeño Sombre.” The Speakeasy is cozy—only 14 x 14—and tequila and mezcal drinks are the specialty, whipped up by a “drinks craftsman.” Amy says most studios and 1BR’s have kitchenettes and their redesign added pizzazz and made it fresh and modern. They adore the Desert aesthetic and try to incorporate a style that accentuates the bright sunny skies and the festive vibe. Amy handles much of the design side, while Tim—having a background in finance—runs much of the business details. With two teenage daughters, they are a busy power couple.
The Twist, located in the flourishing Palm Springs Uptown Design District, consists of 35 apartments, 18 with long-term tenants and 17 as furnished vacation rentals. A $5.5 million renovation and the tagline “where lux mod lives on” is on display. Modern, colorfully designed rooms—with large living areas—include stylish kitchens and bathrooms, with private outdoor areas to enjoy the sunshine and views of the stunning mountains. Most accommodations come with a patio/balcony, access to pool/ hot tub and fire pit. Prices are in the $300-$500 range per night depending on size and season.
Limón, featured in Modernism tours, is a self described “all-steel midcentury modern boutique hotel” available for bachelorette, bachelor, wedding parties, golf trips, family reunions, or to rent with family friends and colleagues. The property—including seven en suite bedrooms—books as one unit and can accommodate up to 14 guests. The hotel comes with state-of-the-art communal kitchen, stocked pantry and can include a private chef. Palm Springs’ favorite design team, H3K Home + Design (and often partnering on the Brinkman’s projects), took their inspiration from the buoyant era and design style of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to transform this historic property into the new and captivating boutique hotel it is today. It can be a home away from home surrounded by desert.
Tim used to visit Idyllwild as a child and had fond memories of holidays amongst the Christmas trees. He was anxious to share his memory with Amy, and on a trip there together a few years ago, they agreed the spot needed an upscale accommodation option. Today, they own two properties in Idyllwild: The Grand Idyllwild Lodge and the Creekstone Inn. They were bought and renovated amidst fires, floods and Covid. Less than an hour from much of the Valley, it can be a lovely day or weekend trip. The area draws outdoor enthusiasts, snow seekers from SoCal in the winter, as well as visitors to the Idyllwild Arts Boarding School. Epic world class rock climbing, access to the Pacific Crest Trail for hiking, snow play and really good restaurants are some of the draws; these properties are also idyllic for romantic getaways, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and when it’s really hot in the valley it’s still quite pleasant amongst the trees. The Creekstone is a chic mountain escape with nine rooms, seven with electric fireplaces, and true to the Brinkmans’ brand, the cool modern redesign elevates the vintage gem. Rooms are around $250-$300/night and you’ll sleep well nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. At 5,600 ft. elevation near Pine Cove, The Grand Idyllwild—with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains—is a Bed and Breakfast boutique hotel. The Craftsman-Style lodge boasts ten suites and a luxurious two bedroom villa. Respecting the original intricate detail, it was thoughtfully designed to complement the mountain locale, featuring the natural elements of stone, wood and water; rustic and luxurious at the same time. A little more stately than the Creekstone, room rates are a bit higher.
Other projects include The Float, a residential apartment complex and the Black Desert House in Yucca Valley. Featured in Architectural Digest, the Oller & Pejic iconic architectural gem—the Black Desert House—is perched in the secluded high desert landscape overlooking a 440 acre private ranch. The scenery rivals the nearby Sessuian Joshua Tree vistas, and the luxe style is perfectly woven into the wild desert terrain. Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic desert views, a disappearing-edge pool & hot tub and outdoor shower make you feel like you are a part of the elemental beauty of the desert in comfort and style. The two bedroom, two bathroom homestead lodged amidst high desert boulders averages $2,400/night for four adults.
Finally, as if this collection wasn’t eye popping enough, Amy and Tim purchased Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs compound in 2015. In Little Tuscany, set on multiple acres, the King owned this property along with Graceland until the day he died. In need of repair, the ongoing project is still in the works … a musical theme is part of the grand plans, so stay tuned.
Amy and Tim are just getting started, and with the portfolio of properties offering a variety of styles and experiences, you can look for their footprint of mid-to high end unique getaway spots to grow.
