Desert Treasure

Desert Treasure

Posted on April 1, 2018

April is the perfect time to head to Palm Springs and nearby communities in the Coachella Valley. The weather is warm, but not too hot for golf and tennis, wildflowers are blooming, and major music festivals are scheduled throughout the month.

The desert is also a good place to simply kick back and relax. I can feel myself de-stressing as soon as I pull in the drive at La Quinta Resort and see its colorful gardens and towering palm trees. I love the historic adobe architecture, some of which dates from 1926, and the panoramic mountain views. Even though the resort has almost 800 casitas, suites, and villas, it feels authentic and intimate because lodging is arranged like villages around 40+ pools and 53 spa pools.

In addition to lots of lodging, La Quinta’s 45 acres offer nine golf courses, 23 tennis courts, a superb fitness center, and a beautiful spa. Long known for its golf and tennis facilities, the resort recently added an extensive menu of wellness programming. These complimentary classes include a variety of yoga disciplines as well as indoor and outdoor meditation. I also really like the three-mile fitness walk along the back nine of the Mountain Golf Course because of the stunning panoramic view of the Coachella Valley from the 16th hole. Other active activities include a guided bike ride along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and a yoga hike that combines the fitness walk with yoga, also on #16.

Signature spa treatments include the HydraFacial and the Babor treatments for children and young adults. My favorite area of the spa is the outdoor relaxation space, where I lounge near a fireplace and enjoy the sounds of a nearby waterfall. Wellness experiences at Spa La Quinta include the two-hour Find Your Zen Ritual, which starts with soaking in a truffle-infused bath followed by dry brushing of the skin and a hydrating massage.

Lodging & Dining Options

La Quinta offers a wide range of lodging (all pet-friendly, by the way), and it’s important to be specific about your preferences when booking. Many suites and casitas have private courtyards and fireplaces. Some suites come with kitchenettes, some have private spas, and some have private pools and spas. Traveling en famille? Spa Villa Suites have up to three bedrooms, full kitchens, and laundry facilities.

For dinner, try Adobe Grill, the resort’s colorful Mexican restaurant. The specialties here are the outstanding tamales and hand-made tortillas, served up with mariachi music and a choice of more than a dozen signature margaritas.

Also on-site, the more upmarket Morgan’s in the Desert offers contemporary American cuisine featuring Coachella Valley produce. I enjoy the lobster salad with baby romaine, Greek yogurt, and a coulis of Meyer lemons. The small plate of artisan cheeses features Medjool dates — fitting in a valley known for its date production.

Too Toasty for Your Taste?

April temps in the desert are in the mid-80s, which might be too hot for midday tennis, but morning or late afternoon temps are perfect for outdoor sports and walks around the property. As I perambulate, I find myself making lots of pet pals and watching guests harvesting low-hanging fruit from the plethora of citrus trees throughout the resort. In the heat of the day, I am grateful that all pools are cooled to 82 degrees, and for La Quinta’s “Chill Experience:” complimentary cold towels and popsicles served poolside.

If it’s time to chill out, it’s time to head to the desert. Elizabeth Hansen

Know Before You Go

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will take place April 13-15 and April 20-22. This year’s lineup includes Beyoncé and Eminem, as well as dozens of other popular artists. Concerts will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Coachella nearly always sells out months in advance, but check the Forum on the website for last-minute tickets. coachella.com/forum 

From April 27-29, Stagecoach Country Music Festival will have its own lineup of stars on stage at the Empire Polo Club. These will include Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Gordon Lightfoot, Dwight Yoakam, and Kenny Rogers. stagecoachfestival.com

La Quinta Resort is 19 miles from Palm Springs, but less than five miles from Indio.

EV owners can take advantage of the resort’s charging stations.

Photography courtesy of La Quinta Resort