Palm Springs And The Desert Cities
When I think of Palm Springs, I think of vintage Hollywood glamour. Even though the desert cities and Palm Springs have grown up, modernized and changed – that vibe still exists. It is fun to experience the best of the old with the new. I love the retro influences in all things design these days – Palm Springs and the desert cities certainly fell into this fabulous category. It offers the best of modern luxury but still has that kitschy feel. Even better yet, it honors its history with reminders in the names of the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians that have forever inhabited the area as well as its ties to old Hollywood.
An example of swanky luxury is the four diamond award-winning Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, with its modern fabulousness. It has all the amenities you could wish for in a casino property. Obviously, there's the casino aspect but it also has lounges, pool parties, a state-of-the-art theater, multiple restaurants, a posh spa – I could go on! Right up the Lola Approved alley.
Then there's its sister property, Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, which fits perfectly into the retro category. The Spa at Spa Resort Casino was first opened in 1960 – talk about vintage cool! And I enjoyed the award-winning Spa Resort Casino's historic "Taking of the Waters" spa experience. In my opinion, this is not to be missed. Talk about a unique, one-of-a-kind experience to Palm Springs. The Spa has the last standing bath house where the area's famous hot springs are pumped in to have this five-step signature spa treatment. The treatment includes steam, sauna, eucalyptus inhalation, a 10-minute soak in a private tub of the famous therapeutic mineral waters and finally, the tranquility room where you can relax and awaken your spirit. This is my favorite memory of my visit to Palm Springs!
Another thing i think of when it comes to Palm Springs is cocktails. You know, like the forever classic martini. It just so happened that while I was visiting the Desert Cities it was Restaurant Week – a very progressive event happening around the US these days. It's where many "see & be seen" posh restaurants participate with a prix fix menu and feature some of their best menu items. Talk about getting a fab value. Saving money on dinner enabled me to sample some of the best cocktails too!! Lola was a happy girl! See my travelin' partner in crime – Leah Travels mouth-watering write-up on the food!
I don't know about you but, when I envision Palm Springs, besides the desert of the Coachella Valley, I also think of the gorgeous views of the mountains all around. Another wonderful discovery I made and got to partake in on my quick visit was the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; such a spectacular way to get a real sense of the valley and Desert Cities. An absolutely stunning 10 minute, 2.5 mile ride up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto at an elevation of 8,500 feet and bam – incredible vista! Another must-do in my book!
Other things I indulged in while in Palm Springs: some sunning by the pool, some good laughs with great friends and a little fun with a big Marilyn Monroe, of course. Things I missed out on: shopping the Rodeo Drive of the desert – El Paseo. All the finest shops are here including my favorite, a J. Crew concept store. see my hostess with the mostess – Mrs. O Around the World's tantalizing write-up on the shopping and more! I would have liked to have taken a drive through Joshua Tree National Park as well. Ah, there's never enough time to do it all. I guess another visit to Palm Springs and the desert cities may be in order!
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