Plug back into nature at the luxurious, reimagined Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

With a few days of much-needed rain attempting to quench our San Diego region over spring break in early April, my 9-year-old daughter, Isabella, and I jetted off for a quick girls’ getaway to Palm Springs for a mix of rest, relaxation, and indulgence.

Our destination: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, which recently completed a two-year, multimillion-dollar remastering that blends the resort’s luxury experience with the beauty of its desert surroundings. Light earth tones inspired by the sandy dunes and rugged terrain blend with mid-century features that incorporate organic textures and natural materials, from stone-clad walls to handcrafted wood accents. Sweeping views of the mountains and the valley are framed by expansive glass windows, inviting outdoor firepits, and serene patios — I especially loved drawing open the curtains each morning to take in the serenity.

Upon arrival, we dined at The Edge Steakhouse and were welcomed with a sample of the “Edge Old Fashioned” cocktail presented in a crafthouse smoking cloche (a non-alcoholic spritzer was concocted for Isabella). I enjoyed the Elk Carpaccio and Watermelon Caprese, but the menu’s stars include sought-after cuts of beef including American Mishima Wagyu Reserve, a Black Opal Australian Wagyu Tomahawk, and a 45-day Dry-Aged C.A.B. Pride Ribeye. 

The resort’s other signature restaurant is State Fare Bar & Kitchen, a tribute to California’s bounty featuring local wineries and small-batch distilleries alongside dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. State Fare offers all-day dining from sunrise breakfast service to dinner with specialties that draw from locally-sourced partners to include the Green Heritage Farm Achiote Roast Chicken and Pomegranate Glazed Steelhead Trout. 

The next morning, we leisurely made our way to our cabana reservation at the family-friendly Air Pool; the resort also has the Vista adults-only pool overlooking the valley floor. Cabanas include couches and lounge chairs, a TV, ceiling fan, mini-fridge, and private attendant. Amenities aside, Isabella spent the larger part of the day in the pool, while I alternated between joining her and sunning on my “office lounge chair.” Through May 31, La Grande Dame Lounge and Solaire Terrasse Vista Pool Experience are offered in collaboration with Veuve Clicquot. La Grande Dame Lounge is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays featuring bottle service with champagne sabering; the Terrasse Vista Pool Experience includes a champagne cart, Veuve-themed cabanas (reservations required), and lawn games.

Guests can also upgrade their visit to Ritz-Carlton Club Level, granting access to The Club Lounge, an exclusive sanctuary within the resort. Isabella was a literal kid in a candy store upon walking in, her eyes opening wide at the sight of jars of confections and freshly-baked cookies. The Club Lounge offers complimentary continuous culinary presentations — breakfast, lunch, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials — that tell the destination’s story through locally sourced ingredients, iconic dishes, and signature drinks. Club Level guests also have access to curated experiences and receive preferred tee times at select local golf courses. 

With everything you could possibly desire readily available, there’s no need to leave The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. But my animal lover wanted to check out The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, so we made the quick 6-mile drive over to the zoo and botanical garden, which represents the desert environments of North America, Australia, and Africa with more than 150 species, 1,200 protected acres, and miles of hiking trails. 

With happy hearts, we departed the desert, our batteries recharged. ritzcarlton.com/ranchomirage, livingdesert.org