Greater Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
The nine ‘desert cities’ of Greater Palm Springs, southwestern United States, offer a remarkably diverse travel experience. From the vintage Rat Pack glamour of Palm Springs; the golf and spa resorts of Palm Desert; to the awe-inspiring nature of Joshua Tree National Park.
STAY:
Mid-century Modern Masterpiece – Palm Springs
One way to be immersed in the history of the region is to stay in one of Palm Spring’s iconic mid-century homes. Many are available for rent on platforms like HomeAway and AIRBNB. You could be staying in mini architectural masterpiece!
The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort, Spa & Villas – Rancho Mirage
This relaxed, good-value family resort includes a hotel with concierge service; a full spa: championship golf courses; restaurants; and adjacent self-catering villa apartments. Expect heated pools, water slide, whirlpools as well as tennis courts and a basketball court. For adults there is also an adults-only pool area, spa, sauna, as well as activities like horse riding and cycling. Dining options include the contemporary Italian Pinzimini restaurant with golf course view terrace.
The Westin Desert Willow Villas – Palm Desert
I just loved this resort from the moment I arrived; maybe because there were frozen margaritas and a cheese board with crackers at check-in! The setting is beautiful, with spectacular views over the championship golf courses to the Santa Rosa Mountains. The villas are well-appointed, with private terraces or balconies. The king size beds have Heavenly signature bedding; the contemporary kitchens are ideal for a self-catering holiday; and the stylish bathrooms come with Heavenly bath robes & amenities. The team, led by GM Jim Moran really knows how to make guests feel welcome. The poolside atmosphere is great. There are BBQ grilling areas where you can prepare meals outside; but also a pool bar, coffee shop and restaurant if you don’t want to step foot in the kitchen.
EAT:
The Purple Room
Billed as the ‘Desert’s Premier Supper Club’, The Purple Room was undeniably popular with the Rat Pack in the 60s. Today Michael Holmes’ Purple Room endeavours to capture the glamour and fun of that era with nightly live entertainment, drinks, dinner and dancing.
PurpleRoomPalmSprings.com
Azúcar – Palm Springs
This new farm-to-table restaurant in the charming La Serena boutique hotel offers dishes with Spanish and Mediterranean influences.
LaSerenaVillas.com/Azucar-Restaurant-and-Bar
Agave Grill & Bar
Executive Chef Carlos Mares at The Westin Desert Willow Villas Resort heads a kitchen that is adept at creating family-friendly holiday, All-American favourites like gourmet burgers or tasty nachos as well as more sophisticated dishes such as sea bass with herb crust or fresh kale from his kitchen garden lightly fried in olive oil with salt, pepper and parmesan. It’s a great place for cocktails too.
Morgan’s in the Desert – La Quinta
This hacienda-style restaurant continues the tradition of when Hollywood celebrities would escape to the desert for the simplicity of ‘good food, good drink, and good friends’. Choose from the vintage cocktail menu before ordering a classic caesar salad and the short ribs from the grill.
MorgansInTheDesert.com
DO:
Joshua Tree National Park
This is where two deserts meet; the high Mojave and the low Colorado. Discover a surreal landscape of vast boulders, unique Joshua trees, and beautiful cactus. Day trips by car are easy from any of the nine desert cities – or you can plan ahead and book a camp site, enjoy the hiking trails or rock-climbing. Entry is 25 US dollars for a 7-day vehicle permit; camping, climbing permits and guides are extra.
Village Fest – Palm Springs
This Thursday evening street fair brings together arts, crafts, food, and entertainment.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Three locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The flagship gallery and theatre is surrounded by a sculpture garden. Admission is free.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world’s largest rotating cable cars take you on a ten-minute journey to the wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. If you don’t fancy discovering the hiking trails, enjoy the restaurants and the view from the observation deck.
PSTramway.com
Golf – Palm Desert
There are said to be around 100 golf courses amongst the desert cities. For example, guests at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort can enjoy two PGA championship courses; the Pete Dye course and the Gary Player Signature Course.
The Spa at Mission Hills – Palm Desert
This spa & wellness centre specialises in signature honey treatments, such as massages and scrubs, using honey from the resorts own desert hives.
SpaAtMissionHills.com
The Shops on El Paseo – Palm Desert
Imagine Bond Street or Rodeo Drive in the desert, and that’s El Paseo – plenty of high-end brands in an upscale setting. There’s even a Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar, for a stylish family meal.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets – Cabazon
Just off the motorway, west of Palm Springs you’ll find the perfect excuse to stop before heading back to the airport – find plenty of international brands at outlet prices.
