Historic Desert Hot Springs resort slated for major renovation

Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa, one of the region’s oldest mineral water spas, was bought by a show biz consortium for nearly $10 million.

Hollywood producers Steve Markoff, Donald Kushner and Elie Samaha bought the rambling 52-room resort in Desert Hot Springs with Westside real estate developer Gidi Cohen. The new owners said they will immediately begin an upgrade of the 270-acre property.

“We are laying the groundwork for major renovations throughout the resort, including a joint venture with a widely successful spa operator and expansion to include stand-alone 3,000-square-foot villas, senior housing and a private postoperative surgery rehab facility,” Cohen said.

Two Bunch Palms dates to the 1920s. Chicago mobster Al Capone allegedly built and used the sprawling complex as his West Coast hide-out. Capone’s personal bungalow is believed to include underground escape tunnels and a sentry tower for armed bodyguards.

The new owners are also planning to market a line of spa products and beverages made with the spa’s lithium-rich spring water, Cohen said.

His company, Cohen & Associates, will manage the resort and oversee improvements.

ALSO:

Vail Resorts to buy Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort

Luxury extended-stay hotel coming to Beverly Hills

Demolition of Glendale hotel begins to make way for Nordstrom