With the hectic holidays coming up, taking a vacation closer to home just might prove more relaxing. Whether you take the 15 to the 10 or wind through the mountains to the valley on the other side, Palm Springs and its nearby sister cities form an inviting escape only two hours from home. As a popular resort destination, the desert offers a plethora of places to stay, but on a recent trip I found some locations that go the extra mile for their guests.
Recently revitalized in a $35 million renovation, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa offers a warm welcome in Rancho Mirage. The hotel, managed by the same company that runs the Hotel Del Coronado and the La Costa Resort and Spa, sits on 240 acres with nearly 500 guest rooms in Spanish-style two-story buildings. The guestrooms emanate an elegant hacienda feel with cream-colored walls framed by dark chocolate wood, and French doors that open onto private patios.
Kids can run (or rather walk) free in the expansive Splashtopia pool complex. A lazy river encircles two 100-foot waterslides and a “cliffside” Jacuzzi. A kid zone offers a play area for tiny tots, complete with sandy beach for castle building. A large pool finishes off the area, along with Splash Grill, the poolside bar and restaurant. The grounds also offer an adults-only pool for a quieter escape. The resort boasts the largest tennis center in the desert with 25 courts (3 clay), and a 27-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson.
I visited the spacious 20,000-square-foot Spa Las Palmas which offers an extensive selection of rejuvenating treatments that combine desert botanicals with classic wellness techniques. Opt for an incredibly relaxing Oasis Swedish Massage, or try one of the spa’s signature treatments, like the Mirage Stone Massage with heated stones penetrating warmth deeply into your muscles. The spa also offers myriad facials and body therapies, like the Restorative Desert Cactus Wrap, a vitamin-rich formula that heals dry and sensitive skin. After your treatment, enjoy the private spa pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna, or visit celebrity stylist Billy Yamaguchi’s salon that specializes in feng shui hairstyling.
The resort’s new restaurant, BluEmber, offers first-class California cuisine with the freshest ingredients from local ranchers and organic farmers, and a focus on California wines. I adore BluEmber’s Signature Mac & Cheese, a sinfully delicious combination of rich duck confit and sweet creamy cheese sauce over orecchiette with bits of port wine onions and wild mushrooms. The Seared Mahi Mahi with green beans and fingerling potatoes in a tangy chili Thai sauce has a juicy buttery flavor with a peppery finish. And it’s hard to go wrong with the Grilled Angus Filet Mignon with bourbon sauce and organic veggies. Other menu highlights include seared sea scallops, an organic heirloom tomato salad, and Brandt Beef natural New York and rib eye steaks.
Dessert is not often my favorite part of the meal, but the restaurant has some amazing fare to offer. First came the decadent balsamic marinated Coachella Valley fresh strawberries topped with sour cream gelato, followed by an enormous macadamia nut banana cupcake with banana cream filling — both satisfying a sweet tooth I didn’t quite know I had. (760/568-2727, www.rancholaspalmas.com)
For a different kind of vacation experience, I stopped by the Viceroy Palm Springs. As I toured the peaceful and private grounds, I found myself at an exquisite boutique hotel that offers all the amenities of a luxury resort. The very knowledgeable and passionate staff offers a special personal touch.
The Viceroy’s entrance is so discreet you might almost miss it upon arrival. Walking through the front entryway past a waterfall under shady trees to grand yellow doors that welcome you, it’s hard not to feel instantly at home. As I stepped into the high-ceilinged lobby boasting stylish modern décor, I had no hint of the sprawling property that lies behind the modest entrance. The hotel rooms, bungalows, and one- and two-bedroom villas are decked in bold black and white furniture, fabrics, fixtures, and wallpaper that emanate a chic, luxurious feel. Splashes of bright yellow here and there truly give the hotel a Hollywood regency feel, hinting to its movie-star roots in the 1930s.
The Regency Courtyard provides the perfect setting for any gathering, whether lounging underneath the cabana for a picnic or a private spa treatment, or holding a wedding ceremony with a charming view of the San Jacinto Mountains in the distance. White gravel paths lead to three different pools and lovely outdoor areas.
The spa, named Estrella after the resort’s original title, offers a range of wellness therapies including massages, facials, body scrubs, and salon care. The signature Lava Shell Massage that began at Estrella uses smooth shells heated from the inside with a blend of minerals, sea kelp, algae, and salt water, to create a synergy of warmth and relaxation. Private instructors are available for yoga and workouts at the 24-hour gym. The Viceroy also offers free bicycles for rent.
The Viceroy Palm Springs’ restaurant and bar, Citron, continues the hotel’s design with sleek white tables and chairs, and glamorous mirror-covered walls. The lunch and dinner menu boasts an excellent Grilled Prawn Caesar Salad accented with the perfect combo of Parmesan Reggiano and spring garlic. Also recommended are the Carne Asada Tacos with avocado, and the Prime Beef Burger with white cheddar and a secret sauce. Breakfast offerings include the Fried Egg Sandwich and lemon-scented hot cakes with blueberry compote. A selection of snacks, like Parmesan fries, fruit skewers, and smoothies, are also served poolside. (760/320-4117, www.viceroypalmsprings.com)
If a more permanent travel option piques your interest, consider Quintess’ mission-style villas, located in La Quinta, with gourmet kitchens, heated swimming pools, and panoramic views of the Greg Norman golf course. When you purchase a membership to Quintess, you also gain access to beautiful homes around the world. (800/550-0324, www.quintess.com)
Keep in mind that the best weather in California’s desert locales falls between mid-November and January, when temperatures stay around 70 degrees. So grab your sunscreen, pack a bag, and head over to Palm Springs for a luxurious home away from home that isn’t too far away. RINA VAN ORDEN
