INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
By Julie Stankowski
Need to get away for the weekend? Consider Palm Springs.
For those who have not visited this desert oasis recently, you may have the image of a retirement community where everybody dines at 4pm to catch the early-bird special. Not so. Regarding this misconception, a New York Times’ columnist said it best, “Pomegranate margaritas are replacing gin martinis. And Hollywood script readers are pushing out AARP subscribers.”
You will be shocked not only by the emergence of new resorts and boutique-style hotels and spas, but also by the array of activities, the upscale shopping, and the fine dining establishments, with top-notch chefs rivaling those in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Of course, this is all in addition to the world-class golf and tennis facilities that made Palm Springs
Famous in the first place.
Where to Stay and Get Pampered
Sleek and sexy, the Viceroy Palm Springs began as a small bungalow hotel in 1933, but has been meticulously renovated to reflect a modern regency design reminiscent of the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. The 65 guest rooms feature a modern décor amidst a black, white, and lemon yellow palette. Also at the Viceroy is the highly regarded Estrella Spa offering private, luxurious treatments in a serene indoor-outdoor setting. The Viceroy houses one of the most revered restaurants in Palm Springs, Citron, offering an eclectic menu of progressive California creations. Final bonus at the Viceroy – four-legged friends are welcome and even receive a personalized take-home dish. www.viceroypalmsprings.com
Another great option is the ultra-chic Parker Palm Springs. The property is now one of Palm Springs’ swankiest resorts drawing an ultra-cool crowd. Upon arriving, you will be escorted to your room by pink-jacketed men and subsequently served Moroccan tea as a welcoming gesture. The Parkers’ spa, PSYC (Palm Springs’ Yacht Club), was rated a world-class spa by Conde Nast Traveler.
www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
If you are traveling with kids, consider the J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa. A large deluxe resort, the J.W. will please parents and kids alike. You can take a gondola ride through the hotel’s waterways, choose from five different pools, eat sushi in the happening lobby bar, check out the exotic birds, and even play lawn croquet. The hotel has a designated “Kids Klub,” two golf courses, 20 tennis courts, and an enormous spa.
www.desertspringsresort.com
Where to Play
Palm Springs is a mecca for modernist architecture. Take a driving tour of 66 historic buildings. A map for this tour is available at the Palm Springs Visitor Center.
www.palm-springs.org
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is also fun. The ten-minute cable-car ride takes you 8,800 feet up Mt. San Jacinto where you’ll find alpine snowfields, a 30-degree temperature drop, and two restaurants from which to enjoy the views. www.pstramway.com
Shop on El Paseo, the desert’s Rodeo Drive, a posh stretch of nearly 300 upscale boutiques, galleries, and cafes. And don’t miss the design district along Palm Canyon Drive between Tamarsk Road and Tachevah Drive where you will find beautiful furniture and quirky home-accessories.
Golf at one of the desert’s 100+ championship courses. Southland Golf Magazine describes the Classic Club (designed by Arnold Palmer) as one of the most memorable and aesthetically pleasing courses in the desert. www.classicclubgolf.com. Also recommended is the Stadium Course at PGA West in La Quinta, the Gary Player Signature Course at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, and the Firecliff at Desert Willow, recently selected by Golf Digest as one of “The Places to Play.” www.desertwillow.com
Where to Eat
Palm Springs has many great restaurants. Among the very popular are Citron at the Viceroy, Melvyn’s, Ristorante Mama Gina, LG’s Prime Steakhouse (pictured at left), and Las Casuelas Terraza, where there’s always a party atmosphere. To find in-depth reviews on these and other area restaurants and attractions, visit
www.restaurantspalmsprings.com
And if you are feeling lucky, Palm Springs now has two Las Vegas-style casinos, the Spa Resort Casino and
Agua Caliente. www.hotwatercasino.com
So give Palm Springs a new look and happy travels!
